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6 All these were under the hands of their father for song in the house of the LORD, with cymbals, psalteries, and harps, for the service of the house of God, according to the king's order to Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman.

7 So the number of them, with their brethren that were instructed in the songs of the LORD, even all that were cunning, was two hundred fourscore and eight.

30 The three and twentieth to Mahazioth, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve: 31 The four and twentieth to Romamtiezer, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve.

CHAPTER XXVI.

The divisions of the porters, 1-12 The gates assigned to them, 13-19. Those who were over the treasures, 20-28. Different otheers, 9-32

476.

81 And they cast lots, ward against ward, CONCERNING the divisions of Aa Ero!. le the porters: Of the Korhites was Anno ante Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of the 10p. 28 sons of Asaph.

as well the small as the great, the teacher as the scholar.

9 Now the first lot came forth for Asaph to Joseph: the second to Gedaliah, who with his brethren and sons were twelve;

10 The third to m Zaccur, he, his sons, his brethren, were twelve:

and

11 The fourth to Izri, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:

12 The fifth to Nethaniah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:

13 The sixth to Bukkiah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:

14 The seventh to Jesharelah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:

15 The eighth to Jeshaiah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:

16 The ninth to Mattaniah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:

17 The tenth to Shimei, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:

18 The eleventh to Azareel, he, his sons, and his brethren were twelve:

19 The twelfth to Hashabiah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:

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20 The thirteenth to " Shubael, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:

21 The fourteenth to Mattithiah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:

22 The fifteenth to Jeremoth, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:

23 The sixteenth to Hananiah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:

24 The seventeenth to Joshbekashah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:

25 The eighteenth to Hanani, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:

26 The nineteenth to Mallothi, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:

27 The twentieth to Eliathah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:

28 The one and twentieth to Hothir, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve.

29 The two and twentieth to Giddalti, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:

i Ver. 2-k Heb. by the hands of the king-1 2 Chr. 23. 13.-m Ver. 2.-n Or, Shebuel, Ver. 4-0 Ver. 4.--a Or, Shelemiah, Ver. 14-b Or, Ebiasaph, Ch. 6.

b

2 And the sons of Meshelemiah were Zechariah the first-born, Jediael the second, Zebadiah the third, Jathniel the fourth.

3 Elam the fifth, Jehohanan the sixth, Elioenai the seventh.

4 Moreover, the sons of Obed-edom were Shemaiah the first-born, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, and Sacar the fourth, and Nethaneel the fifth,

5 Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh, Peulthai the eighth; for God blessed him.

6 Also unto Shemaiah his son were sons born, that ruled throughout the house of their father; for they were mighty men of valour.

7 The sons of Shemaiah; Othni, and Rephael, and Obed, Elzabad, whose brethren were strong men, Elihu, and Semachiah.

8 All these of the sons of Obed-edom: they, and their sons, and their brethren, able men for strength for the service, were threescore and two of Obed-edom.

9 And Meshelemiah had sons and brethren, strong men, eighteen.

10 Also Hosah, of the children of Merari, had sons; Simri the chief, (for though he was not the first-born, yet his father made him the chief;)

11 Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth: all the sons and brethren of Hosah were thirteen.

12 Among these were the divisions of the porters, even among the chief men, haring wards one against another, to minister in the house of the LORD.

13 And they cast lots, as well the small as the great, according to the house of their fathers, for every gate.

14 And the lot eastward fell to Shelemiah. Then for Zechariah his son, a wise counsellor, they cast lots; and his lot came out northward.

15 To Obed-edom southward; and to his sons the house of 8 Asuppim.

37. & 9. 19.--c That is, Obed-edom, as Ch. 13. 14.-d Ch. 16. 38.- Or, as well for the small as for the great. Called Meshelemiah, Ver. L-g Heb. gatherings.

it is said, they were under the hands of their father Jedu-four gates of the temple, which opened to the four cardinal thun, who prophesied with the harp, &c.

Verse 5. To lift up the horn] "The horn of prophecy," Bays Jarchi; "to sound with the trumpet in the words of prophecy before the Lord." Targum.

Three daughters.] These also were employed among the singers.

Verse 7. Two hundred fourscore and eight.] That is, twelve classes of twenty-four Levites each; for two hundred and eighty-eight divided by twelve quotes twentyfour.

Verse 9. For Asaph to Joseph] His first-born. The second to Gedaliah] The first-born of Jeduthun. Verse 10. The third to Zaccur] The first-born of Asaph. Verse 11. The fourth to Izri] The second son of Jeduthun.

Verse 12. The fifth to Nethaniah] The third son of Asaph. Thus we find the lot did not run in any particular kind of order.

Verse 14. Jesharelah] Supposed to be the same with Uzziel, son of Hemamon.

Verse 31. Romamti-czer] Both these names belong to the same person. He is mentioned also ver. 4. WITH this immense parade of noise and show, David's own invention, Christianity has nothing to do.

NOTES ON CHAPTER XXVI. Verse 1. The divisions of the porters] There were of these four classes, each of which belonged to one of the

points of heaven. The eastern gate fell to Shelemiah; the northern, to Zechariah, ver. 14; the southern, to Obededom, ver. 15; the western, to Shuppim and Hosah, ver. 16. These several persons were captains of these porter bands, or door-keepers, at the different gates. There were probably a thousand men under each of these captains; as we find, from chap. xxiii. 5. that there were four thousand in all.

Verse 5. For God blessed him] That is, Obed-edam; because of the ark of the Lord which was in his house: and to him was given the honour that he should see his children and grand children, even four score and twe, masters of the Levites.-Targum. In ver. 8. we have only sixty-two mentioned.

Verse 6. They were mighty men of valour] They were not only porters, or door-keepers, in the ordinary sense of the word, but they were a military guard for the gates and perhaps, in this sense alone we are to understand their office.

Verse 12. The rest of this chapter, with the whole of the xxviiith is wanting both in the Syriac and Arabic

Verse 13. They cast lots-for every gate] None of these captains, or their companies, was permitted to choose which gate they would guard; but each took his appointment by lot.

Verse 15. The house of Asuppim] The house of the collections; the place where either the supplies of the per

16 To Shuppim and Hosah the lot came forth westward, with the gate Shallecheth, by the causeway of the going up, ward against ward. 17 Eastward were six Levites, northward four a day, southward four a day, and toward Asuppim two and two.

18 At Parbar westward, four at the causeway, and two at Parbar.

19 These are the divisions of the porters among the sons of Kore, and among the sons of Merari. 20 And of the Levites, Ahijah was over the treasures of the house of God, and over the treasures of the dedicated things.

21 As concerning the sons of Laadan; the sons of the Gershonite Laadan, chief fathers, even of Laadan the Gershonite, were, Jehieli. 22 The sons of Jehieli; Zetham, and Joel his brother, which were over the treasures of the house of the LORD.

23 Of the Amramites, and the Izharites, the Hebronites, and the Uzzielites:

24 And Shebuel the son of Gershom, the son of Moses, was ruler of the treasures.

25 And his brethren by Eliezer; Rehabiah his son, and Jeshaiah his son, and Joram his son, and Zichri bis son, and Shelomith his son:

over all tice treasures of the dedicated things, which David the king, and the chief fathers, the captains over thousands and hundreds, and the captains of the host, had dedicated.

26 Which Shelomith and his brethren were

27 P Out of the spoils won in battles did they dedicate to maintain the house of the LORD.

28 And all that Samuel the seer, and Saul the son of Kish, and Abner the son of Ner, and Joab the son of Zeruiah, had dedicated, and whosoever had dedicated any thing, it was under the hand of Shelomith, and of his brethren.

h See 1 Kings 10. 15. 2 Chron. 9. 4.-i Ch. 28. 12 Mal. 3. 10-k Heb. holy things. Or, Libni, Ch. 6. 17.—m Or, Jehiel, Ch. 23. 8. & 29. 8.—n Chap. 23. 16. o Ch. 3. 18.

ters, or the offerings made for the use of the priests and Levites, were laid up.

Verse 16. The gate Shallecheth] The gate of the projections; probably that through which all the offal of the temple was carried out.

Verse 17. Eastward were six Levites] It is supposed that there were more guards set at this eastern gate, because it was more frequented than the others. At each of the other gates were only four: at this six.

Verse 20. The treasures of the house of God] Where the money was kept, which was to be expended in oblations for the temple.-Jarchi.

Verse 24. Shebuel the son of Gershom] "Shebuel, that is, Jonathan, the son of Gershom, the son of Moses, who returned to God, [ Shebuel.] And David seeing him expert in money matters, constituted him chief treasurer. "Targum.

En. iii. v. 222.

Verse 27. The spoils won in battles did they dedicate] It seems these were intended for its repairs. This custom prevailed among almost all the people of the earth. All who acknowledged any supreme being, believed that victory could only come through him; and, therefore, thought it quite rational to give him a share of the spoils. Proofs of this exist in all ancient histories: thus Virgil— Inruimus forro, et divos, ipsumque vocamus, In partem prædamque Jocem. "With weapons we the welcome prey invade; Then call the gols for partners of our feast, And Jove himself the chief invited guest." Dryden. On this passage, Servius observes-Ipsum vocamus. Ipsum, regem deorum-cui de præda debetur aliquid: nam Romanis moris fuit, ut bella gestari, de parte prædæ aliquid numinibus pollicerentur: adeo ut Romæ fuerit unum templum Jovis PREDATORIS; non quod præda præest, sed quod ei, ex prædâ aliquid debeatur. Jupiter himself, the king of the gods, to whom a portion of the prey was due: for it was a custom among the Romans, when entering on a war, to promise some part of the prey to their deities. And there was a temple at Rome, dedicated to Jupiter PREDATOR; not because he presided over the prey, but because a part of the prey was due to him."

Verse 29. Outward business] Work done without the city, cutting of timber, hewing stones, ploughing the fields belonging to the sanctuary.-Jarchi.

29 Of the Izharites, Chenaniah and his sons were for the outward business over Israel, for officers and judges.

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30 And of the Hebronites, Hashabiah and his brethren, men of valour, a thousand and seven hundred, were officers among them of Israel on this side Jordan westward, in all the business of the LORD, and in the service of the king. 31 Among the Hebronites was Jerijah the chief, even among the Hebronites, according to the generations of his fathers. In the fortieth year of the reign of David they were sought for, and there were found among then mighty men of valour at Jazer of Gilead.

32 And his brethren, men of valour, were two thousand and seven hundred chief fathers, whom King David made rulers over the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh, for every matter pertaining to God, and affairs of the king.

CHAPTER XXVII.

An account of the twelve captains who were over the monthly course of twenty-four thousand men; each captain serving one month in turn, I. The names of the twelve, and the months in which they served, 2-15. The names of the rulers of the twelve tribes, 16-22 The reasons why the whole number of Israel and Judab had not been taken, 23, 24. The persons who were over the king's property, treasures, fields, flocks, &c., 25-31. His officers of state, 32-34.

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Israel after An Exod. lar.

476.

Now the children of it, the chief Andante fathers and captains of thousands and 1. Olymp. 29. hundreds, and their officers that served the king in any matter of the courses, which came in and went out month by month throughout all the months of the year, of every course were twenty and four thousand.

a

2 Over the first course for the first month was Jashobeam the son of Zabdiel: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

3 Of the children of Perez was the chief of all the captains of the host for the first month.

p Heb. Out of the battles and spoils.-r 1 Sam. 9. 9-8 Ch. 23. 4.—t Heb. over the charge-u Ch. 23. 19-v See Josh. 21. 39-w Heb. thing.--x 2 Chron. 19. 11. a 2 8am. 23. 8. Ch. 11. 11.

Verse 30. In all the business of the LORD] Every thing that concerned ecclesiastical matters.

In the service of the king.] Every thing that concerned civil affairs: see also ver. 32.

THUS Courts of ecclesiastical and civil judicature were established in the land; and due care taken to preserve and ensure the peace of the church, and the safety of the state; without which the public welfare could neither be secured nor promoted. Whatever affects religion in any country, must affect the state, or government of that country: true religion alone can dispose men to civil obedience. Therefore it is the interest of every state to protect and encourage religion. It would certainly be ruinous to true religion, to make the state dependent on the church; nor should the church be dependent on the state. Let them mutually support each other; and let the state rule by the laws, and the church live by the Bible.

NOTES ON CHAPTER XXVII. Verse 1. The chief fathers and captains of thousands] The patriarchs, chief generals, or generals of brigade. This enumeration is widely different from the preceding. In that, we have the orders and courses of the priests and the Levites in their ecclesiastical ministrations; in this, we have the account of the order of the civil service, what related simply to the political state of the king and the kingdom. Twenty-four persons, chosen out of David's worthies, each of whom had a second, were placed over twenty-four thousand men, who all served a month in turn, at a time; and this was the whole of their service during the year, after which they attended to their own affairs. Thus the king had always on foot a regular force of twenty-four thousand, who served without expense to him or the state, and were not oppressed by the service, which took up only a twelfth part of their time; and by this plan he could at any time, when the exigency of the state required it, bring into the field twelve times twentyfour thousand, or two hundred and eighty-eight thousand fighting men, independently of the twelve thousand officers, which made in the whole an effective force of three hundred thousand soldiers; and all these men were prepared, disciplined, and ready at a call, without the smallest expense to the state or the king. These were, properly speaking, the militia of the Israelitish kingdom. See Calmet.

Verse 2. First course for the first month] Instead of

4 And over the course of the second month was b Dodai an Ahohite, and of his course was Mikloth also the ruler: in his course were twenty and four thousand.

5 The third captain of the host for the third month was Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, a chief priest and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

6 This is that Benaiah, who was d mighty among the thirty, and above the thirty: and in his course was Ammizabad his son.

7 The fourth captain for the fourth month was Asahel the brother of Joab, and Zebadiah his son after him: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

8 The fifth captain for the fifth month was Shamhuth the Izrahite: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

9 The sixth captain for the sixth month was Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

10 The seventh captain for the seventh month was & Helez the Pelonite, of the children of Ephraim: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

11 The eighth captain for the eighth month was h Sibbecai the Hushathite, of the Zarhites: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

12 The ninth captain for the ninth month wasi Abiezer the Anetothite, of the Benjamites: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

13 The tenth captain for the tenth month was Maharai the Netophathite, of the Zarhites: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

14 The eleventh captain for the eleventh month was Benaiah the Pirathonite, of the children of Ephraim: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

15 The twelfth captain for the twelfth month was m Heldai the Netophathite, of Othniel: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

16 Furthermore, over the tribes of Israel: the ruler of the Reubenites was Eliezer the son of Zichri: of the Simeonites, Shephatiah the son of Maachah:

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17 Of the Levites, Hashabiah the son of Kemuel: of the Aaronites, Zadok : 18 Of Judah, Elihu, one of the brethren of David: of Issachar, Omri, the son of Michael:

b Or, Dodo, 2 Sam. 23. 9-c Or, principal officer, 1 Kings 4. 5.-d 2 Sam. 23. 20, 22, 23. Ch. 11. 22, &c.-e 2 Sam. 23. 24. Ch. 11. 26-f Ch. 11. 28.-g Ch. 11. 27-h 2 Sam. 21. 18. Ch. 11. 29.-i Ch. 11. 28.-k 2 Sam. 23, 28. Ch. 11. 20.1 Ch. 11. 31.-m Or, Heled, Chap. 11. 30.-n Ch. 26. 30.

mentioning first, second, third, &c. month, the Targum names them thus: first month, Nisan; second, Aiyar; third, Sivan; fourth, Tammuz; fifth, Ab; sixth, Elul; seventh, Tishri; eighth, Marchesvan; ninth, Cisleiv; tenth, Tebeth; eleventh, Sheibat; twelfth, Adar. No mention is made of a veadar, or intercalary month.

Verse 5. Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, a chief priest] Why should not this clause be read as it is in the Hebrew? "Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada the priest, a captain; and in his course," &c. Or, as the Targum has it, "The third captain of the host for the month Sivan was Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada the priest, who was constituted a chief." He is distinguished from Benaiah the Pirathonite, who was over the eleventh month. Some think that the original word ha-cohen, which generally signifies priest, should be translated here a principal officer: so the margin has it. But, in the Old Testament, in cohen, signifies both prince and priest; and translating it by the former removes the difficulty from this place, for we well know that Benaiah never was a priest.

Verse 7. Asahel the brother of Joab] This verse proves that the division and arrangement mentioned above were made before David was acknowledged king in Hebron: for Asahel, the brother of Joab, who was fourth captain, was slain by Abner, while Ishbosheth reigned over Israel, at Mahanaim, 2 Sam. ii. 19-23.

Verse 16. Over the tribes of Israel] In this enumeration there is no mention of the tribes of Asher and Gad. Probably the account of these has been lost from this re

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19 Of Zebulun, Ishmaiah the son of Obadiah: of Naphtali, Jerimoth the son of Azriel: 20 Of the children of Ephraim, Hoshea the son of Azaziah: of the half tribe of Manasseh, Joel the son of Pedaiah:

21 Of the half tribe of Manasseh in Gilead, Iddo, the son of Zechariah: of Benjamin, Jaasiel the son of Abner:

22 Of Dan, Azarecl the son of Jeroham. These were the princes of the tribes of Israel. 23 But David took not the number of them from twenty years old and under; because the LORD had said he would increase Israel like to the stars of the heavens.

AM
An Exud r.

B. C. 1017.

24 Joab the son of Zeruiah began to number, but he finished not, because there fell wrath for it against Israel; neither was the number put in the account of the chronicles of King David.

474 Anno aute

Olymp. 241

A. M. 289.
B. C. 1015.

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25 And over the king's treasures was Azmaveth the son of Adiel: and An Exod. lar. over the storehouses in the fields, in the cities, and in the villages, and in 128 the castles, was Jehonathan the son of Uzziah: 26 And over them that did the work of the field for tillage of the ground was Ezri the son of Chelub:

27 And over the vineyards was Shimei the Ramathite: over the increase of the vineyards for the wine-cellars was Zabdi the Shiphmite;

28 And over the olive trees and the sycamore trees that were in the low plains, was Baalhanan the Gederite: and over the cellars of oil was Joash:

29 And over the herds that fed in Sharon was Shitrai the Sharonite: and over the herds that were in the valleys was Shaphat the son of Adlai:

30 Over the camels also was Obil the Ishmaelite: and over the asses was Jehdeiah the Meronothite:

31 And over the flocks was Jaziz the Hagerite. All these were the rulers of the substance which was King David's.

32 Also Jonathan, David's uncle, was a counsellor, a wise man, and a "scribe: and Jehiel the son of Hachmoni was with the king's sons.

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33 And Ahithophel was the king's counsellor: and Hushai the Archite was the king's companion:

34 And after Ahithophel was Jehoiada the son of Benaiah, and Abiathar: and the general of the king's army was Joab.

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o 1 Sam. 16. 6, Eliab,--p Gen. 15. 5.-r 2 Sam. A. 15. Chap. 2.7— Heb. cended-t Heb. over that which was of the vineyards-u Or, secretary — Or, Hachmonite.- 2 Sam. 15. 12.-x 2 Sam. 15. 37. & 16. 16—7 1 Kings 1. 7-8 Ch.

11. 6.

gister. These rulers appear to have been all honorary men, without pay, like the lords lieutenants of our counties.

Verse 24. Neither was the number put in the account] Joab did not return the whole number; probably the plague began before he had finished: or, he did not choose to give it in, as he had entered on this work with extreme reluctance; and he did not choose to tell the king how numerous they were.

Verse 25-31. Over the king's treasures] We see from these verses in what the personal property of David consisted:-1. Treasures, gold, silver, &c. 2. Goods and grain in castles, cities, villages, and in the fields. 3. Vineyards, and their produce. 4. Olive trees, and their produce. 5. Neat cattle, in different districts. 6. Camels and asses; they had no horses. 7. Flocks, sheep, goats, &c.

Verse 34. And after Ahithophel] The Targum is curious: "When they went to war they asked counsel of Ahithophel; and, after the counsel of Ahithophel, they inquired by Urim and Thummim of Jehoiada, the son of Benaiah, prince of the sanhedrim, and chief of the priesthood; and from Abiathar, the high priest. And after they had inquired by Urim and Thummim, they went out to battle, well armed with bows and slings; and Joab, the general of the king's troops, led them on. It is worthy of remark, that Obil, an Ishmaelite, or Arab, was put over the camels, which is a creature of Arabia; and Jaziz, a Hagarene, (the Hagarenes were shepherds by profession,) was put over the flocks: nothing went by favour; ench was appointed to the office for which he was best qualified;

CHAPTER XXVIII.

David assembles the princes of Israel, and informs them that the temple was to be

perfect heart, and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth

buillel by Solomon; to whom God had given the most gracious promises, 1-7. He all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou

exhorts them and him to be obedient to God, that they might continue to prosper, 8--10. He gives Solomon a pattern of the work, 11, 12 Directs Idm concerning the courses of the priests and Levites, 13. Gives also gold by weight, for the different utensils of the temple as God had directed him, 14-19 Encourages Solomon to undertake the work, 20, 21. An. Exod. Ist.

476.

Anno ante

ND David assembled all the prinAND David assembled all the prin

1. Olymp. 239 tribes, and the captains of the companies that ministered to the king, by course, and the captains over the thousands, and captains over the hundreds, and the stewards over all the substance and possession of the king and of his sons, with the officers, and with the mighty men, and with all the valiant men, unto Jerusalem.

h

2 Then David the king stood up upon his feet, and said, Hear me, my brethren, and my people: As for me, I had in mine heart to build a house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and for the footstool of our God, and had made ready for the building:

3 But God said unto me, Thou shalt not build a house for my name, because thou hast been a man of war, and hast shed blood.

4 Howbeit the LORD God of Israel chose me before all the house of my father to be king over Israel for ever: for he hath chosen " Judah to be the ruler and of the house of Judah, the house of my father; and Pamong the sons of my father he liked me, to make me king over all Israel.

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5 And of all my sons, (for the LORD hath given me many sons,) he hath chosen Solomon my son to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the LORD over Israel.

6 And he said unto me, Solomon thy son, he shall build my house and my courts: for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father. 7 Moreover, I will establish his kingdom for ever, if he be constant to do my commandments, and my judgments, as at this day.

8 Now, therefore, in the sight of all Israel, the congregation of the LORD, and in the audience of our God, keep and seek for all the commandments of the LORD your God: that ye may possess this good land, and leave it for an inheritance for your children after you for ever.

9 And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a

a Ch. 27. 16.-b Ch. 27. 1, 2-c Ch. 27. 25.-d Or, cattle-e Or, and his sons. (Or, eunuchs-g Ch. 11. 18-h 2 Sam. 7. 2 Pa. 132. 3, 4, 5.—i Ps. 99. 5. & 132 7.-k 2 Sam. 7. 5, 13. 1 Kings 5. 3 Ch. 17. 4. & 22 8- Heb. bloods. m 1 Sam. 16. 7-13- Gen. 49. 8. Ch. 5. 2. Pan. 60. 7. & 78. 68-0 1 Sam. 26. 1.-p 1 Sam. 16. 12, 13- Chap. 3. 1, &c. & 23. 1.- Chap. 22. 9.- 2 Sam. 7. 13, 14. Ch. 22. 9, 10. 2 Chron. 1. 2

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seek him, he will be found of thee: but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.

10 Take heed now; " for the LORD hath chosen thee to build a house for the sanctuary: chosen thee to build

11 T Then David gave to Solomon his son the pattern of the porch, and of the houses thereof, and of the treasuries thereof, and of the upper chambers thereof, and of the inner parlours thereof, and of the place of the mercy-seat,

12 And the pattern of all that he had by the Spirit, of the courts of the house of the LORD, and of all the chambers round about, of the treasuries of the house of God, and of the treasuries of the dedicated things:

13 Also for the courses of the priests and the Levites, and for all the work of the service of the house of the LORD, and for all the vessels of service in the house of the LORD.

14 He gave of gold by weight for things of gold, for all instruments of all manner of service: silver also for all instruments of silver by weight, for all instruments of every kind of

service:

15 Even the weight for the candlesticks of gold, and for their lamps of gold, by weight for every candlestick, and for the lamps thereof: and for the candlesticks of silver by weight, both for the candlestick, and also for the lamps thereof, according to the use of every candlestick.

16 And by weight he gave gold for the tables of show-bread, for every table; and likewise silver for the tables of silver:

17 Also pure gold for the flesh-hooks, and the bowls, and the cups: and for the golden basins he gave gold by weight for every bagin; and likewise silver by weight for every basin of silver;

18 And for the altar of incense refined gold by weight; and gold for the pattern of the chariot of the cherubim, that spread out their wings, and covered the ark of the covenant of the LORD.

19 All this, said David, the LORD made me understand in writing by his hand upon me, even all the works of this pattern.

u Ch. 22. 13.-v Heb. wrong.-w Jer. 9. 24. Hos. 4. 1. John 17. 3-x 2 Kings 20. 3. Pa. 101. 2-y 1 Sam. 16. 7. 1 Kings 8. 39. Ch. 29. 17. Psa. 7. 9. & 139. 2. Prov. 17. 3. Jer. 11. M. & 17. 10. & M. 12. Rev. 2. 23.—z 2 Chron. 15. 2-a Ver. 6-b Seg Exod. 25. 40. Ver. 19-c He of all that was with him. Ch. 26. 20-e Exod. 25. 18-22. 1 Sam. 4. 4. 1 Kings 6. 23, &c.—f See Exod. 25. 40, Ver. 11, 12.

and thus men of worth were encouraged, and the public we have the word S ganj, a granary, a hidden treaservice effectually promoted.

NOTES ON CHAPTER XXVIII. Verse 1. David assembled] This refers to the persons, the names and offices of whom we have seen in the preceding chapter.

Verse 2. David-stood up upon his feet] He was now very old, and chiefly confined to his bed, see 1 Kings i. 47. and, while he was addressing his son Solomon, he continued on the bed: but, when all the principal nobles of his kingdom came before him, he received strength to arise and address them, standing on his feet.

Verse 3. Thou shalt not build a house] See 2 Sam. vii. 5, 13. and the observations at the end of that chapter. Verse 4. Over Israel for ever] The government should have no end, provided they continued to walk according to the commandments of God; see ver. 7. The government as referring to Christ, is, and will be, without end.

Verse 8. In the audience of our God] "Before the WORD of the Lord." Targum.

Verse 10. The Lord hath chosen thee] "The WORD of the Lord hath chosen thee." Targum.

Verse 11. David gave to Solomon-the pattern] He gave him an ichnograph of the building, with elevations, sections, and specifications of every part; and all this he himself received by inspiration from God himself; see ver. 12. and 19. just as Moses had received the plan of the tabernacle.

The treasuries thereof] ganzacaiv. The word ganzac, is not Hebrew, but is supposed to be Persian, the same word being found in Ezra iii. 19. In this tongue

sure, and Sgunjoor, and &

gunjineh, a treasure, treasury, or barn. Parkhurst supposes, that it is compounded of 12 ganaz, to treasure up, and i zac, pure. A treasury for the most precious things.

Verse 12. All that he had by the Spirit] "By the Spirit of prophecy that was with him." Targum.

Verse 14. Of gold by weight] The quantity of gold which was to be put in each article.

Verse 15. For the candlesticks] There was but onc chandelier in the tabernacle; there were ten in the temple. See 1 Kings vii. 49.

Verse 18. The chariot of the cherubim] "And the figure of the chariot, like to the figure of the propitiatory, where are the figures of the golden cherubim, extending their wings, and covering the ark of the covenant of the Lord." Targum.

Verse 19. Understand in writing] In some vision or ecstasy, he had seen a regularly sketched-out plan, which had made so deep an impression on his mind, that he could readily describe it to his son.

"That the architecture of the temple," says Dr. Delaney, "was of divine original I, for my part, am fully satisfied from this passage; and am confirmed in this opinion by finding by Vilalpandus, that the Roman, at least the Greek architecture is derived from this, as from its fountain: and, in my humble opinion, even an infidel may easily believe these to be of divine original, inasmuch as they are (at least the latter is) found perfect in the earliest models; nor hath the utmost reach of human wisdom, invention, and industry, been ever able to improve, or altar it, but to diaadvantage, through the course of so many ages."

I. CHRONICLES.

A. M. 2989. B. C. 1015.

Then P the chief of the fathers and princes sands and of hundreds, with the rulers of the of the tribes of Israel, and the captains of thouking's work, offered willingly,

20 And David said to Solomon his son, Be | for things of silver, and for all manner of work strong, and of good courage, and do it: fear not, to be made by the hands of artificers. And who nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my then is willing to consecrate his service this God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, day unto the LORD? nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD. 21 And, behold, the courses of the priests and the Levites, even they shall be with thee for all the service of the house of God: and there shall be with thee, for all manner of workmanship, every willing skilful man, for any manner of service: also the princes and all the people will be wholly at thy commandment.

[graphic]

10-19. The princes and people praise God, offer sacrifices and feasts before him,
make Solomon king, and do him homage, character, and death, 35-30. Solomon,
URTHERMORE, David the
king said unto all the congrega-
L Olymp. 239. tion, Solomon, my son, whom God
alone hath chosen is yet 1 young and tender, and
the work is great: for the palace is not for man,
but for the LORD God.

2 Now, I have prepared with all my might for the house of my God, the gold for things to be made of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and the brass for things of brass, the iron for things of iron, and wood for things of wood: monyx stones, and stones to be set, glistering stones, and of divers colours, and all manner of precious stones, and marble stones in abundance. 3 Moreover, because I have set my affections to the house of my God, I have of mine own proper good, of gold and silver, which I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house,

4 Even three thousand talents of gold, of the gold of "Ophir, and seven thousand talents of refined silver, to overlay the walls of the houses withal.

5 The gold for things of gold, and the silver

g Deut. 31. 7, 8. Josh. 1. 6, 7, 9. Ch. 22. 13-h Josh. 1. 5-1 Ch. 24. & 25. & 26. k Exod. 33. 25, 26. & 36. 1, 2-11 Kings 3. 7. Ch. 22 5. Prov. 4. 3.-m See Isai. 54. 11, 12 Rev. 21. 18, &c.-n 1 Kings 9. 28.-o Heb. to fill his hand.-p Chap. 27. 1. q Ch. 27. 25, &c.-r Ch. 26. 21.

Verse 20. The LORD God-my God, will be with thee] "The Word of the Lord my God will be thy assistant.' Targum.

Verse 21. Behold, the courses of the priests] The priests and the Levites, the cunning artificers, and the princes of the people, will be at thy command. Thus David having assigned him his work, and described the manner in which it was to be done, shows him who were to be his assistants in it; and encourages him in the great undertaking.

Here we find piety, good sense, prudence, zeal for the public welfare, and God's glory, the strongest attachment to the worship of Jehovah, and concern for the ordinances of religion, all united; and Solomon has his danger, his duty, and his interest, placed before him in the truest and most impressive light, by his pious and sensible father.

NOTES ON CHAPTER XXIX.

Verse 1. The palace is not for man] "The palace is not prepared for the name of a son of man, but for the name of the WORD of the Lord God." Targum.

Verse 2. And marble stones.] abney shaish; which the Vulgate translates marmor Parium, Parian marble. Paros was one of the Cyclade islands, and produced the whitest and finest marble; that of which most of the finest works of antiquity have been made. That the word shaish means marble is probable from the Chaldee, which has N abney marmoraiyah, marble stones. Josephus says, that the temple was built of large blocks of white marble, beautifully polished, so as to produce a most splendid appearance. Jos. De Bell. Jud. lib. v. c. 5. s. 2.

Verse 5. To consecrate his service] lemaleoth yado, to fill his hand; to bring an offering to the Lord. Verse 7. Of gold, five thousand talents] These at five thousand and seventy-five pounds, fifteen shillings and sevenpence halfpenny each, amount to twenty-five millions, three hundred and seventy-eight thousand, nine hundred and six pounds, five shillings, sterling. If, with Dr. Prideaux, we estimate the golden talent at upwards of seven thousand pounds sterling, the value of these five 922

God, of gold, five thousand talents and ten thousand drams, and of silver, ten thousand talents 7 And gave for the service of the house of and of brass, eighteen thousand talents; and one hundred thousand talents of iron.

the LORD, by the hand of Jehiel the Gershonite. 8 And they with whom precious stones were found gave them to the treasure of the house of offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the LORD: and David 9 Then the people rejoiced, for that they the king also rejoiced with great joy.

fore all the congregation: and David said, Bless101 Wherefore David blessed the LORD beed be thou, LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever.

power, and the glory, and the victory, and the 11 Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.

thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is
12 Both riches and honour come of thee, and
power and might; and in thine hand it is to
make great, and to give strength unto all.

and praise thy glorious name.
13 Now therefore, our God, we thank thee,

we should be able to offer so willingly after this
14 But who am I, and what is my people, that
own have we given thee..
sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine

sojourners, as were all our fathers: Your days
15 For we are strangers before thee, and
abiding.
on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none

s2 Cor. 9. 7-t Matt. 6. 13. 1 Tim. 1. 17. Rev. 5. 13-a Rom. IL 36- Beb retain, or obtain, strength- Heb. of thine hand-x Chap. 30. 12 Heb 11. 13 1 Pet. 2. 11.-y Job 14. 2. Paa. 90. 9. & 102. 11. & 144. 4-2 Heb. expectation.

thy presence all good comes, and of the blessings of thy
hands have we given thee." Targum.
Verse 14. Of thine own have we given thee.] "For from

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