whom he married when he was threescore years old and she bare him Segub.

22 And Segub begat Jair, who had three and twenty cities in the land of Gilead.

23 And he took Geshur, and Aram, with the towns of Jair, from them, with Kenath, and the towns thereof, even threescore cities. All these belonged to the sons of Machir, the father of Gilead.

24 And after that Hezron was dead in Calebephratah, then Abiah, Hezron's wife, bare him Ashur the father of Tekoa.

25 And the sons of Jerahmeel, the first-born of Hezron, were, Ram the first-born, and Bunan, and Oren, and Ozem, and Ahijah.

26 Jerahmeel had also another wife, whose name was Atarah; she was the mother of Onam. 27 And the sons of Ram, the first-born of Jerahmeel, were, Maaz, and Jamin, and Eker. 28 And the sons of Onam were, Shammai, and Jada. And the sons of Shammai; Nadab, and Abishur.

29 And the name of the wife of Abishur was Abihail, and she bare him Ahban, and Molid. 30 And the sons of Nadab; Seled, and Appaim: but Seled died without children. 31 And the sons of Appaim; Ishi. And the sons of Ishi; Sheshan. And the children of Sheshan; Ahlai.

32 And the sons of Jada the brother of Shammai; Jether, and Jonathan: and Jether died without children.

was the father of Ziph; and the sons of Mareshah, the father of Hebron.

43 And the sons of Hebron; Korah, and Tappuah, and Rekem, and Shema.

44 And Shema begat Raham, the father of Jorkoam; and Rekem begat Shammai. 45 And the son of Shammai was Maon: and Maon was the father of Beth-zur.

46 And Ephah, Caleb's concubine, bare Haran, and Moza, and Gazez: and Haran begat Gazez.

47 And the sons of Jahdai; Regem, and Jotham, and Gesham, and Pelet, and Ephah, and Shaaph.

48 Maachah, Caleb's concubine, bare Sheber, and Tirhanah.

49 She bare also Shaaph the father of Madmannah, Sheva the father of Machbenah, and the father of Gibea: and the daughter of Caleb was "Achsah.

V

50 1 These were the sons of Caleb the son of Hur, the first-born of Ephratah; Shobal the father of Kirjath-jearim,

51 Salma the father of Beth-lehem, Hareph the father of Beth-gader.

W

52 And Shobal the father of Kirjath-jearim had sons; Haroeh, and half of the Manahethites.

53 And the families of Kirjath-jearim; the Ithrites, and the Puhites, and the Shumathites, and the Mishraites; of them came the Zareathites, and the Eshtaulites.

35 And Sheshan gave his daughter to Jarha his servant to wife; and she bare him Attai. 36 And Attai begat Nathan, and Nathan begat Zabad.

37 And Zabad begat Ephial, and Ephlal begat Obed,

Azariah,

38 And Obed begat Jehu, and Jehu begat 39 And Azariah begat Helez, and Helez begat Eleasah,

40 And Eleasah begat Sisamai, and Sisamai begat Shallum,

41 And Shallum begat Jekamiah, and Jekamiah begat Elishama.

42 Now the sons of Caleb the brother of Jerahmeel were, Mesha his first-born, which

pHeb. took--q Numb. 32. 41. Dent. 3 14. Josh. 13 30.-r Ch. 4. 5.-8 See Ver. 34, 35-t Ch. 11. 41-u Joh. 15. 17.- Or, Ephrath, Ver. 19.-w Or, Reaiar, Ch. 4. 2.

Verse 34. Whose name was Jarha.] And he gave him his liberty, and gave him Sheshan his daughter to wife.-T. Verse 42. Now the sons of Caleb] This was not Caleb the son of Jephunneh, but Caleb the son of Hezron, ver. 18. and 50. But some think that Caleb the son of Hezron was the grandson of Caleb, son of Jephunneh; but this is probably fanciful.

The father of Ziph] The prince of the Ziphites.-T. Verse 52. Shobal-had sons] Disciples and priests, to whom belonged the half of the oblations.-T.

Verse 53. The families of Kirjath-jearim] These were the children of Moses, which Zipporah bare to him; viz. the Jethrites, the Shumathites, and the Mishraites: of these came the disciples of the prophets Zarah and Eshtaol.-T.

Verse 54. The sons of Salma] The righteous Bethlehemites, who had a good name, as the Netophatites, who removed the guards which Jeroboam had placed in the way lest the people should carry the first-fruits to Jerusalem; for the sons of Salma carried baskets full of firstfruits privately to Jerusalem; and having cloven wood, they made ladders, and brought them to Jerusalem to be laid up in Beth-mokad for oblations. These came from the lineage of Joab, the son of Zeruiah; and some of them were priests, and they divided the residue of the sacrifices with the sons of the prophets who were in Zorah.-T.

Verse 55. The families] "The famiiles of the Rechabites, the sons of Eliezer, the son of Misco, the disciple of Jabez; he was Othniel, the son of Kenaz. And he was called Jabez; because, in his counsel, he instituted a

55 And the families of the scribes which dwelt at Jabez; the Tirathites, the Shimeathites, and Suchathites. These are the Kenites that came of Hemath, the father of the house of a Rechab.

x Or, half of the Menuchites, or, Hatsi-hammenuchoth-y Or, Asarites, or, crowns of the house of Joab.-z Judg. 1. 16-a Jer. 35. 2-b 2 Sam. 3. 2.- Josh 15. 56.- Or Chileab, 2 Sam. 3. 3-e 2 Sam. 3. 5.

school of disciples: they were called Terathim, because in their hymns their voice was like trumpets; and Shimathim, because in hearing they lifted up their faces, i. c. in prayer: and Sucathim, because they were overshadowed by the spirit of prophecy. These Salmæi were the children of Zipporah, who were numbered among the Levites, who came from the stock of Moses, the master of Israel, whose righteousness profited them more than chariots and horses."-T. See on chap. iv. 9, 10.

In the above explanation of Terathites, Shimeathites, and Suchathites, the Targumist refers to the import of the Hebrew roots, whence these names are derived: see chap. iv. 10. In this chapter many names of cities are given as the names of men.

NOTES ON CHAPTER III. Verse 1. The second, Daniel] In 2 Sam. iii. 3. this person is called Chileab; he probably had two names. The Targum says, "The second, Daniel, who was also called Cileab, because he was in every respect like to his father." The Targumist refers here to the import of the word 2 ke-le-ab, like to the father. Jarchi says the two names were given to this person, because David, having taken Abigail immediately after the death of Nabal, it could not be ascertained whether this child were the son of David, or of Nabal, therefore David called him Daniel,

God is my Judge, and No Chileab, he who is like to his father; probably from the striking resemblance he bore to David, his reputed father. "God is my judge, I have not fathered another man's child; this is entirely like unto myself."

14 Amon his son, Josiah his son.

W

15 And the sons of Josiah were, the first-born Johanan, the second Jehoiakim, the third Zedekiah, the fourth Shallum.

16 And the sons of Jehoiakim; his son, Zedekiah his son.

Jeconiah

b

17 And the sons of Jeconiah; Assir, Salathiel his son,

18 Malchiram also, and Pedaiah, and Shenazar, Jecamiah, Hoshama, and Nedabiah.

19 And the sons of Pedaiah were, Zerubbabel, and Shimei: and the sons of Zerubbabel; Meshullam, and Hananiah, and Shelomith their sister:

f28am. 2. 11.-g 28am. 5. 5-h 2 Sam. 5. 14. Ch. 14. 4.--i Or, Shammua, 2 Sam. 5. 14.-k 2 Sam. 12 24.-1 Or, Bath-sheba, 2 Sam. 11.3-m Or, Eliam, 2 Sam. 11.3. n Or, Elishua, 2 Sam. 5. 15-0 Or, Beelinda, Ch. 14. 7.-p See 2 Sam. 5. 14, 15, 16.--q 2 Sam. 13. 1.- 1 Kings 11. 43. & 15. 6.-s Or, Abijam, 1 Kings 15. 1.-t Or, Azariah, 2 Chr. 22. 6, or, Jehonhaz, 2 Chr. 21. 17.---u Or, Uzziah, 2 Kings 15. 30.

Verse 3. By Eglah his wife] The Targum, Jarchi, and others, maintain that this was Michal, the daughter of Saul but this does not well agree with 2 Sam. vi. 23. Michal had no child to the day of her death. Yet she might have had a child before the time that is mentioned above,

בת-שוע

Verse 5 Shimea, and Shobab] Solomon is mentioned last, though he was the eldest of these four sons, because the genealogy was to be continued from him. Bath-shua, the same as Bath-sheba yawn; the vau being put by mistake in the former, for a beth, in the latter. Verse 6. Elishama, and Eliphelet] In this and the eighth verse these two names occur twice; some think this is a mistake, but others suppose that two persons of these names died young, and that the next born received the name of the deceased. See Jarchi.

Verse 8. Nine] There are thirteen if we count the four sons of Bath-sheba, and nine without them; and in the second book of Samuel there are eleven, reckoning the above four; and without them only seven. In the book of Samuel probably only those who were alive were reckoned; while the author of the Chronicles comprises those also which were dead in his enumeration. Jarchi supposes that the duplicate Elishama and Eliphelet, are those which increase the regular number seven to nine; and that the dead without posterity, as well as the living, are mentioned to increase the number of David's descendants: for, says he, the whole book is written for the honour of David and his seed,

Verse 9. And Tamar their sister] This is the only daughter of David whose name is on record; and yet he is said to have had both sons and DAUGHTERS, 2 Sam, chap. v. 13.

Verse 15. Jehoiakim] For the difference of several names in these lists see the marginal readings and references.

Shallum] So called because the kingdom departed from the house of David in his days.-T.`

Verse 16. Zedekiah his son] If this be the same who was the last king of Judah, before the captivity, the word son must be taken here to signify successor; for it is certain that Zedekiah was the successor of Jeconiah, and that Zedekiah was the son of Josiah, and not of Jehoiakim. Verse 17. The sons of Jeconiah] Jeremiah has said, chap. xxii. 30. that Jeconiah, or, as he calls him, Coniah,

20 And Hashubah, and Ohel, and Berechiah, and Hasadiah, Jushab-hesed, five.

21 And the sons of Hananiah; Pelatiah, and Jesaiah: the sons of Rephaiah, the sons of Arnan, the sons of Obadiah, the sons of Shechaniah.

22 And the sons of Shechaniah; Shemaiah: and the sons of Shemaiah; Hattush, and Igeal, and Bariah, and Neariah, and Shaphat,

SIX.

23 And the sons of Neariah; Elioenai, and Hezekiah, and Azrikam, three.

24 And the sons of Elioenai were, Hodaiah, and Eliashib, and Pelaiah, and Akkub, and Johanan, and Dalaiah, and Anani, seven.

CHAPTER IV.

A second genealogy of Judah, 1–23. The account of Jabez, 9, 10. The genealogy of Simeon, 24-27. Their cities, 28-31. Their villages; and where situated, 33. The heads of families, 34-38 Where they settled; and what was their o cupation, 39-13.

B. C. 1300, &c.

THE sons of Judah: Pharez, Hez- A. M., 2 Shobal.

ron, and Carmi, and Hur, and Post Daram,

1048, &c.

2 And Reaiah the son of Shobal begat Jahath; and Jahath begat Ahumai, and Lahad. These are the families of the Zorathites.

3 And these were of the father of Etam; Jezreel, and Ishma, and Idbash: and the name of their sister was Hazelelponi:

4 And Penuel the father of Gedor, and Ezer the father of Hushah. These are the sons of i Hur, the first-born of Ephratah, the father of Beth-lehem.

5 And Ashur, the father of Tekoa, had two wives, Helah and Naarah.

6 And Naarah bare him Ahuzam, and Hepher, and Temeni, and Haahashtari. These were the sons of Naarah.

Or, Jehoahaz, 2 Kings 23. 30. Or, Eliakim, 2 Kings 23 34.-3 Or, Mulaniah, 2 Kings 24. 17.-y Matt. 1. 11. Or, Jehoiachin, 2 Kings 2 5 or, Coniah, Jer. 22. 24-a 2 Kings A. 17, being his uncle-b Heb. Sheltiel-c Math 1. 12- Ezra 8 2-e Heb. Hiskijahu - Gen. 38. 29 & 46 12–g Or, Chelubri Ch. 29, or, Caleb, Chap. 2. 18-h Or, Haroch, Ch. 2. 52-iCh. 2. 30. — Ch. 2 A

should be childless; but this must refer to his posterity being deprived of the throne, and indeed thus the prophet interprets it himself: for no man of his seed shall prosper, sitting upon the throne of David, and ruling any more in Judah.

Assir] Salathiel was not the son of Assir, but of Jeconiah, Matt. i. 12. Who then was Assir? Possibly nobody; for, as the Hebrew on asir, signifies a prisoner, it may be considered as an epithet of Jeconiah, who we know was a very long time prisoner in Babylon. See 2 Kings xxiv. 15. and Calmet.

Verse 18. Malchiram also] Calmet supposes we should read here, And the sons of Salathiel were Malchiram. and Pedaiah, &c.

Verse 19. The sons of Pedaiah] Houbigant thinks these words should be omitted. Pedaiah is wanting in the Arabic and Syriac. If this be omitted, Zerubbabel will appear to be the son of Shealtiel, according to Matt. i. 12. and not the son of Pedaiah, as here stated.

Verse 22. The sons of Shemaiah-six] FIVE only are found in the text; and the versions give us no assistance: neither do the MSS. correct the place. If the father be not here included with his sons, some name must be lost out of the text.

Verse 24. And Anani] "This is the King Messiah who is to be revealed."-T. Jarchi says the same, and refers to Dan. vii. 13. Behold one like the son of man came with the clouds (y anani,) of heaven. For this application of the word he gives a fanciful reason, not worthy to be repeated. The Syriac and Arabic omit several names in this table; and make only twenty-three verses in the chapter: but such differences are frequent in the books of Chronicles.

NOTES ON CHAPTER IV. Verse 1. The sons of Judah] A genealogy of this tribe has already been given in chapter the second. It is here introduced again, with some variations; probably there were different copies in the public registers; and the writer of this book, finding that this second one contained some remarkable particulars, thought proper to insert it in this place; and no reader will regret the insertion, when he carefully considers the matter.

Verse 3. These were of the father of Etam]" And these are the rabbins, (doctors,) living at Etam, Jezreel, Ishma, and Idbash."-T.

7 And the sons of Helah were, Zereth, and Jezoar, and Ethnan.

8 And Coz begat Anub, and Zobebah, and the families of Aharhel the son of Harum.

9 And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name "Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sor

row.

n

10 And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested. 11 T And Chelub the brother of Shuah begat Mehir, which was the father of Eshton.

12 And Eshton begat Beth-rapha, and seah, and Tehinnah the father of Irnahash. These are the men of Rechah.

q

r

17 And the sons of Ezra were, Jether, and Mered, and Epher, and Jalon: and she bare Miriam, and Shammai, and Ishbah the father of Eshtemoa.

W

13 And the sons of Kenaz; Othniel, and Seraiah and the sons of Othniel; Hathath. 14 And Meonothai begat Ophrah: and Seraiah begat Joab, the father of the valley of "Charashim; for they were craftsmen.

15 And the sons of Caleb the son of Jephunneh; Iru, Elah, and Naam: and the sons of Elah, even Kenaz.

16 And the sons of Jehaleleel; Ziph, and Ziphah, Tiria, and Asareel.

1 Gen. 31. 19.- That is, sorrowful-n Heb. If thou wilt, &c.-o Heb do me. p Or, the city of Nakashq Josh. 15. 17. Judg. 1. 13. & 3. 9.- Or, Hathath, and Meonothai, who begat, &c. Neh. 11. 35.

Verse 7. And Ethnan.] After this word we should, with the Targum, read Coz, whose posterity is mentioned in the next verse. Coz was probably the same as Kenaz.

Verse 8. The son of Harum.] Jabez should be mentioned at the end of this verse; else he is as a consequent without an antecedent.

Verse 9. And Jabez was more honourable] This whole account is variously understood by some of the principal versions. I shall subjoin a translation of each. SEPTUAGINT "And Igabes was more glorious than his brethren; and his mother called his name Igabes, saying, I have brought thee forth as Gabes. And Igabes invoked the God of Israel, saying, If in blessing thou wilt bless me, and enlarge my borders, and thy hand be with me, and wilt give me understanding not to depress me: and God brought about all that he requested."

SYRIAC " And one of these was dear to his father and to his mother; and he called his name (ainai,) MY EYE. And he said to him, In blessing may the Lord bless thee, and enlarge thy boundary, and may his hand be with thee, and may he preserve thee from evil, that it may not rule over thee; and may he give to thee whatsoever thou shalt request of him!"

ARABIC "And this one (Hastahar, or Harum,) was beloved of his father and his mother; and they called his name ( aina,) MY EYE; and they said unto him, May the Lord bless thee, and multiply thy people: and may his hand be present with thee, because thou wast born in Beth-lehem."

These two latter versions seem to have copied each other; and the Vulgate is nearly, like ours, a literal rendering of the Hebrew: but the Chaldee is widely different from all the rest.

CHALDEE-" And Jabets also, he is Othniel, honourable and skilled in the law beyond his brethren; whose mother called his name Jabets, because she had borne him with sorrow. And Jabels prayed to the God of Israel, saying, O that in blessing thou wouldest bless me with children, and enlarge my borders with disciples; and that thy hand may be with me in business, that thou mayest make me like to my companions, that evil concupiscence may the less grieve me! And the Lord granted that which he prayed for."

Of this honourable person we know nothing but what is here mentioned, nor does the name occur in any other part of Scripture except in chap. ii. 55. where it appears to be the name of a place; but is understood by the Chaldee to be the name of a person, as here. Though I have noticed this particularly in the note on that place, yet I think it right to add the Chaldee here; that all that concerns this worthy person may be seen at one view.

Chap. ii. 55. the families of the Rechabites, the son of Eliezer, the son of Moses, the disciples of Jabets; he was Othniel, the son of Kenaz. And he was called Jabets,

22 And Jokim, and the men of Chozeba, and Joash, and Seraph, who had the dominion in Moab, and Jashubi-lehem. And these are ancient things.

23 These were the potters, and those that dwelt among plants and hedges: there they dwelt with the king for his work.

24 The sons of Simeon were, Nemuel, and Jamin, Jarib, Zerah, and Shaul:

1 Or, inhabitants of the valley. That is, craftsmen--v Or, Uknaz.-w Or, the Jewess. Or, Jehudijah, mentioned before.--y Gen. 38. 1, 5. & 46. 12-2 Or, Jemuel, Gen. 46. 10. Exol 6. 15. Numb. 26. 12-a Or, Jachin, Zohar.

pay Yabets, because in his counsel, ny beytsatey, [from ry yaats, he counselled, advised, &c.] he instituted a school for disciples. They were called Tirathim, (onyn tirâthim,) because in their hymns their voices were like trumpets, [from y râ or rang, to sound like a trumpet, see Numb. x. 9. 2 Chron. xiii. 12.] and shimathim, onyo shimâthim, because, in hearing, they lifted up their faces; i. c. in prayer, [from you shama, he heard, hearkened;] and suchathim now because they were overshadowed with the spirit of prophecy," [from 10 sach, a tabernacle, or extended covering.] For farther particulars see at the end of this chapter.

Verse 12. These are the men of Rechah.] "These are the men of the great sanhedrim."-T.

Verse 15. Caleb the son of Jephunneh] We have already met with this eminent person in Numb, xiii. 6, 30. xiv. 14. and elsewhere; and seen his courageous piety and inflexible integrity. The Targum says here, "They called him Caleb, the son of Jephunneh, because he had purged his soul from the counsel of the spies."

Verse 18. And his wife Jehudijah] The Targum considers the names in this verse as epithets of Moses: "And his wife Jehuditha educated Moses after she had drawn him out of the water; and she called his name Jered, because he caused the manna to descend upon Israel. And prince Gedor, because he restored the desolations of Israel; Heber also, because he joined Israel to their heavenly Father; and prince Socho, because he overshadowed Israel with his righteousness; and Jekuthiel, because the Israelites waited on the God of heaven in his time, forty years in the desert; and prince Zanoah, because God, on his account, had passed by the sins of Israel. These names, Bithiah, the daughter of Pharaoh, called him by the spirit of prophecy, for she became a proselyte; and Mered took her to himself to wife; he is Caleb, and was so called because he opposed the counsel of the spies."-T. A similar explanation is given by Jarchi, Verse 21. That wrought fine linen] "Of the family of those who worked in fine flax to make garments for kings and priests."-T.

Verse 22. And Joash, and Saraph] "And the prophets and scribes which sprang from the seed of Joshua, and the Gibeonites, whose office it was to serve in the house of the sanctuary, because they had lied to the princes of Israel; also Joash, who is the same as Mahlon; and Saraph, who is the same as Chilion, who took wives of the daughters of Moab and Boaz, the chief of the wise men of the college of Beth-lehem, and of those who existed in former days."-T.

Verse 23. These were the potters] "These are the disciples of the law, for whose sake the world was created; who preside in judgment, and establish the world; and they build and perfect the fallen down house of Israel: they dwelt there with the Shekinah of the King of the world, in the study of the law, and intercalation of months,

26 And the sons of Mishma; Hamuel his son, Zacchur his son, Shimei his son.

27 And Shimei had sixteen sons and six daughters; but his brethren had not many children, neither did all their family multiply like to the children of Judah.

с

b

28 And they dwelt at Beer-sheba, and Moladah, and Hazar-shual,

d

29 And at a Bilhah, and at Ezem, and at • Tolad,

30 And at Bethuel, and at Hormah, and at Ziklag,

31 And at Beth-marcaboth, and Hazarsusim, and at Beth-birei, and at Shaaraim. These were their cities unto the reign of David.

32 And their villages were, & Etam, and Ain, Rimmon, and Tochen, and Ashan, five cities: 33 And all their villages that were round about the same cities, untoh Baal. These were their habitations, and their genealogy.

34 And Meshobab, and Jamlech, and Joshah the son of Amaziah,

35 And Joel, and Jehu the son of Josibiah, the son of Seraiah, the son of Asiel,

36 And Elioenai, and Jaakobah, and Jesho

b Heb. unto. Josh. 19. 2.--d Or, Balah, Josh. 19. 3.-e Or, Eltolad, Josh 19. 4. f Or, Hazar-susah, Josh. 19. 5-g Or, Ether, Josh. 19. 7.

and the determining the commencement of years and festivals: and they computed the times from heaven in the days of Ruth, the mother of kingdoms, to the days of Solomon the king."-T. I am afraid this paraphrase gives us as little light as the text itself, which speaks of potters, and those who dwelt among plants and hedges. They were probably brick-makers; perhaps potters also, who had their dwelling in low grounds, and fabricated the clay that was digged up in forming fences in the king's domains.

Verse 24. The sons of Simeon] This genealogy is very different from that given in Gen. xlvi. 10. and Numb. xxvi. 12. This may be occasioned by the same person having several names; one list taking one name, another list some other, and so on: to reconcile is impossible, to attempt it useless.

Verse 27. Neither did all their family multiply] In Numb. i. 23. the number of all the families of Simeon was fifty-nine thousand three hundred; and that of Judah was, ver. 27. not less than seventy-four thousand six hundred. When the next census was made, Numb. xxvi. the tribe of Judah amounted to seventy-six thousand five hundred, an increase of one thousand nine hundred; while the tribe of Simeon amounted only to twenty-two thousand two hundred, a decrease of thirty-seven thousand one hundred. It was at that time the smallest tribe in Israel. Verse 31. These were their cities unto the reign of David.] It appears that David took some of the cities of the Simeonites, and added them to Judah; Ziklag, for instance, 1 Sam. xxvii. 6.

As the tribe of Simeon had withdrawn their allegiance from the house of David, the kings of Judah extended their domination as far as possible into the territories of that tribe, so that they were obliged to seek pasture for their flocks at Gedor, and in the mountains of Seir, as we find ver. 39-42.

Verse 40. They of Ham had dwelt there of old.] These were probably either Philistines or Egyptians, who dwelt at Gedor, which was situated in the environs of Joppa and Samnia.

Those whom the five hundred Simeonites expelled from Seir were Amalekites, ver. 43.

Verse 43. They smote the rest of the Amalekites] Those who had escaped in the war which Saul made against them; see 1 Sam. xiv. 48. And from David, who had attacked them afterward, 2 Sam. viii. 12.

37 And Ziza the son of Shiphi, the son of Allon, the son of Jedaiah, the son of Shimri, the son of Shemaiah;

38 These mentioned by their names were princes in their families: and the house of their fathers increased greatly.

B. C. 15.

39 And they went to the entrance A. M. 229. of Gedor, even unto the east side of the valley, to seek pasture for their flocks.

40 And they found fat pasture and good, and the land was wide, and quiet, and peaceable: for they of Ham had dwelt there of old.

41 And these written by name came in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah, and emote their tents, and the habitations that were found there, and destroyed them utterly unto this day, and dwelt in their rooms: because there was pasture there for their flocks.

42 And some of them, even of the sons of Simeon, five hundred men, went to mount Seir, having for their captains Pelatiah, and Neariah, and Rephaiah, and Uzziel, the sons of Ishi.

43 And they smote the rest of the Amalekites that were escaped, and dwelt there unto this day.

h Or, Baalath-beer, Josh. 19. 8.---i Or, as they divided themselves by nations among them.-k Heb. coming.-1 2 Kings 18. 8.-m Sec 1 Sam. 15. 8. & 30. 17. & 2 Sam. 8 12

that of his mother. So much seems to be implied in, she bare him with sorrow; i. e. with peculiar sorrow and danger.

2. To perpetuate the merciful interposition of God in her own and her son's behalf, she gave him a name that must recall to her and his remembrance the danger to which both their lives were exposed, and from which they could not have been extricated but by the especial help of God. She called his name Jabez, &c.

3. He was brought up in the fear of God: he was no idolater; he worshipped the God of Israel, and he showed the sincerity of his faith by frequent and earnest prayer.

4. His prayer was at once both enlightened and pious. He had piety toward God, and therefore he trusted in him: he knew that he was the fountain of all good, and therefore he sought all necessaries both for body and soul from him. He prayed to the God of Israel.

5. Both the matter and manner of his prayer were excellent. His heart was deeply impressed with its wants, and therefore he was earnest and fervent; O that thou wouldest bless me indeed! 72 on im barek tebarkeni; "O that in blessing, thou wouldest bless me!" Let me live under thy benediction! Do thou diligently and frequently bless me!

6. He prays for the things necessary for the body as well as for the soul:-and enlarge my coasts; grant me as much territory as may support my family. Let the means of living be adequate to the demands of life: let me have the necessaries, conveniences, and, (as far as they may be safely intrusted with me,) the comforts of life! Ó that thou wouldest enlarge my coasts!

7. He is conscious that, without the continual support of God, he must fail; and, therefore, he prays to be upheld by his power. That thy hand might be with me! May I ever walk with thee, and ever feel the hand of thy power to support and cover me in all the trials, dangers, and difficulties of life: and the hand of thy providence to supply all my wants in reference to both worlds.

8. He dreads both sin and suffering, and therefore prays against both: O that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! Sin and misery are in every step of the journey of life: keep me from sin, that I grieve thee not; and keep me from sin, that I render not myself miserable! We can never offend God without injuring ourselves: he that sins must suffer. Thorns and scorpions are every where in the way to perdition; and he that walks in it must be torn and stung. He alone is happy who walks in the ways of God. Keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me.

There are several things in the account of Jabez that are very instructive :

1. He appears to have been a child brought into the world with great difficulty, at the risk of his own life and

his family was increased; the hand of God was upon him for good. He was saved from sin, and saved from the pangs and sufferings of a guilty conscience.

10. If we take up the character and conduct of Jabez in the view given by the Chaldee, we shall not only see

CHAPTER V.

The genealogies of Reuben, 1-10. Of Gad, 11-17. The exploits of Reuben, Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh, 18-22 The genealogy of the half tribe of Ma nasseh, 23, 24. The idolatry of these tribes, and their captivity by the Assyrians, 25, 26.

Post Diluvium, 1018, &c.

NOW

OW the sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel, (for he was the first-born; but, forasmuch as he defiled his father's bed, P his birthright was given unto the sons of Joseph the son of Israel: and the genealogy is not to be reckoned after the birthright.

2 For Judah prevailed above his brethren, and of him came the chief ruler; but the birthright was Joseph's:)

3 The sons, I say, of Reuben, the first-born of Israel, were, Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.

4 The sons of Joel; Shemaiah his son, Gog his son, Shimei his son,

5 Micah his son, Reaia his son, Baal his son, 6 Beerah his son, whom " Tilgath-pilneser king of Assyria carried away captive: he was prince of the Reubenites.

7 And his brethren by their families, when the genealogy of their generations was reckoned, were the chief, Jeiel, and Zechariah.

8 And Bela the son of Azaz, the son of Shema, the son of Joel, who dwelt in Aroer, even unto Nebo and Baal-meon:

X

9 And eastward he inhabited unto the entering in of the wilderness from the river Euphrates: because their cattle were multiplied in the land of Gilead.

10 And in the days of Saul with the Hagarites, who fell and they dwelt in their tents the east land of Gilead.

y

they made war by their hand: throughout all

n Geu. 29. 32. & 49. 3-0 Gen. 35. 22. & 49. 4.-p Gen. 48. 15. 22-9 Gen. 49. 8. 10. Psa. 60. 7. & 108 8.-r Mic. 5. 2 Matt. 2 6-8 Or, prince.-t Gen. 46. 9. Exod 6. 14. Numb. 26. 5.-u Or, Tiglath-pileser, 2 Kings 15. 29. & 16. 7,-y See Ver. 17.- Or, Shemaiah, Ver. 4.-x Josh 13. 15, 16.

him as a pious and careful man, deeply interested in behalf of himself and his family; but we shall see him as a benevolent man, labouring for the welfare of others; and especially for the religious instruction of youth. He founded schools, in which the young and rising generation were taught useful knowledge, and especially the knowledge of God. He had disciples, which were divided into three classes, who distinguished themselves by their fervour in the worship of God, by their docility in obediently hearing and treasuring up the advices and instructions of their teachers; and, by their deep piety to God, in bringing forth the fruits of the Spirit. The spirit of prophecy; that is, of prayer and supplication, rested upon them.

11. He did not do these things merely as a duty he owed to God and his fellows, but from the abundance of a generous and loving heart: in his counsel he erected a school of disciples. God had blessed him with temporal things; and he secures their continuance by devoting them to his service he honours God with his substance, and God honours him with his especial blessing and approbation.

12. On these accounts he was more honourable than his brethren: he was of the same stock and the same lineage; he had neither nobility of birth, nor was distinguished by earthly titles; in all these respects he was on a level with his brethren: but God tells us that he was more honourable than them all-and why? Because he prayed, because he served his Maker, and because he lived to do good among men: therefore he received the honour that Cometh from God. Reader, imitate the conduct of this worthy Israelite, that thou mayest be a partaker of his blessings.

The things added by the Targumist, he might have received from authentic tradition.

NOTES ON CHAPTER V. Verse 1. The sons of Reuben, the first born] As Reuben was the eldest son of Jacob, why was not his genealogy reviewed first? This verse answers the question: he lost the birthright because of the transgression mentioned Gen. xxxv. 22. and xlix. 4. and the precedency was given to Judah-from him, therefore, came the chief ruler. This appears to be the meaning of the place.

Verse 2. And of him came the chief ruler] This is, by both the Syriac and Arabic, understood of Christ. From Judah the King Messiah shall proceed." The

b

11 And the children of Gad dwelt over against them, in the land of Bashan, unto Salcah:

12 Joel the chief, and Shapham the next, and Jaanai, and Shaphat in Bashan.

13 And their brethren of the house of their fathers were, Michael, and Meshullam, and Sheba, and Jorai, and Jachan, and Zia, and Heber, seven.

14 These are the children of Abihail the son of Huri, the son of Jaroah, the son of Gilead, the son of Michael, the son of Jeshishai, the son of Jahdo, the son of Buz;

15 Ahí the son of Abdiel, the son of Guni, chief of the house of their fathers.

17 All these were reckoned by genealogies in the days of Jotham king of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam king of Israel.

f

18 The sons of Reuben, and the Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh, & of valiant men, men able to bear buckler and sword, and to shoot with bow, and skilful in war, were four and forty thousand seven hundred and threescore, that went out to the war.

19 And they made war with the Hagarites, with Jetur, and Nephish, and Nodab.

20 And they were helped against them, and the Hagarites were delivered into their hand, and all that were with them: for they cried to God in the battle, and he was entreated of them; because they put their trust in him.

k

21 And they i took away their cattle; of their camels fifty thousand, and of sheep two hundred and fifty thousand, and of asses two thousand, and of men a hundred thousand.

y Josh. 22. 9.-z Gen. 25. 12.-a Heb. upon all the face of the east.-b Josh. 13. 11, 24-c Ch. 27. 29-d Heb. their goings forth.-e 2 Kings 15. 5, 32-f 2 Kings 14. 16, 28-g Heb. sons of valour.-h Gen. 25. 15. Chap. 1. 31-i See Ver. 2. k Pea 22. 4, 5.- Heb led captive.-m Heb. souls of men; as Nunb. 31. 35.

Chaldee paraphrases the verse thus: " Seeing Judah prevailed over his brethren, so the kingdom was taken from Reuben and given to Judah; and because he was strong, so was his kingdom. Levi also was godly, and did not transgress in the matter of the golden calf; therefore the high priesthood was taken away from the children of Reuben, and, on their account, from all the first-born, and given to Aaron and his sons. The custody of the sanctuary belonged to the Levites; but the birthright to Joseph."-T.

Verse 6. Beerah his son] After their separation from the house of David, the ten tribes continued to have princes of the tribes; and this continued till the time that Tiglath-pileser carried them captives into Assyria. At that time Beerah was their prince or chief; and with him this species of dominion or precedency terminated. According to the Targum, Beerah was the same as Baruch the prophet.

Verse 8. Who dwelt in Aroer] This town was situated on the river Arnon; and Nebo was both a city and a mountain in the same country. They both lay on the other side of Jordan.

Verse 10. And they dwelt in their tents] The Hagarites were tribes of Nomade, or Scenite, Arabs; people who lived in tents, without any fixed dwellings, and whose property consisted in cattle. The descendants of Reuben extirpated these Hagarites, seized on their property and their tents, and dwelt in their place.

Verse 12. Joel the chief] "Joel, prince of the sanhedrim; and Shaphan, master of the college; and Jaani, and Shaphat, judges in Mathnan."-T.

Verse 13. And their brethren] This verse is wanting both in the Syriac an in the Arabic.

Verse 16. The suburbs of Sharon] There were three places of this name: that mentioned here was a district in the country of Bashan, beyond Jordan; see Josh. xii. 19. There was another that lay between Cæsarea of Palestine and Joppa; and there was a third between mount Tabor and the sea of Tiberias. See Calmet.

Verse 19. They made war with the Hagarites] This is probably the same war that is mentioned ver. 10. Those called Hagarites in the text, are every where denominated by the Targum Hongaraai, Hongarites. Verse 20. They put their trust in him.] Or, as the Targum says, "Because they trusted be-meymria, in his WORD.'