Observations Upon the Old Testament

Judges.

T HE Book of JUDGES contains an History, not of four hundred and ten years; but of two hundred ninety and nine years. So, Counting the years of the VI. Oppressors within the years and times of the Judges; as I have shown they necessarily must, upon Rahab's marriage with Prince Salmon▪ Josh. II. And so Expounding the Texts following, according to the truth of the times, thus; That the Land had Rest by Othniel, in the fortieth year after it was first settled in Rest by Joshua at his Death, Judge. III. 11. not after the Death of Moses. And again had Rest by Ehud in the eightieth year, after the former Rest by Othniel, Ch. III. 30. And again had Rest by Deborah in the fortieth year, after the former Rest by Ehud, Ch. V. 31. And again had Rest by Gideon, in the fortieth year, after the former Rest by Deborah, Ch. VIII. 28. These make up two hundred years. And then follow three of Abimelech; twenty three of Tolah; twenty two of Jair; six of Jephthah; seven of Ibzan; ten of Elon; eight of Abdon; twenty of Sampson, which make np the other ninety nine years; in all two hunded, ninety nine. The text, Judge. IV. 3, 4. seems to accord with rhis reckoning: and to accompt Jabins Oppression within the years of Deborah. But yet counting, beside these, the times of the VI. Oppressors distinctly over and above, which amount to one hundred and eleven years; and is according to the seeming letter of the texts; And then forty years of Eli being added thereunto, the sum ariseth to those 450. years mentioned by Paul, Acts XIII. 20. But reading the words of Saint Paul, as in order they stand there in the Original; and after these things about four hundred and fifty years; he gave them Judges until Samuel the Prophet; we may rather conceive the four hundred and fifty years to comprehend all the time, from the choosing of the Fathers, till the Division of the Land by Joshua; it being four hundred fifty two from the Birth of Isaac, and four hundred forty seven from the Rejection of Ishmael; both ways about four hundred and fifty, wherein those things mentioned, ver. 18, 19, 20. were done and accomplished. And after that time he gave them Judges until Samuel the Prophet: And after that time, He gave them Kings. And thus the most learned Primate of all Ireland hath it in his learned Annals.

This Book seems written of, and concerning the Judges, (as the Book of Ruth concerning Ruth;) And long after their times; As may seem to be gathered by those phrases, remain unto this day, and the like, Ch. I. 21, 26. and VI. 24. and X. 4. and XV. 19. And Ch. XVIII. 30. must needs have relation at soonest to the captivity of the Ark in the days of Samuel, 1 Sam. IV. 17. Psal. LXXVIII. 60, 61.

Asked ] They asked the Lord; [chapter I] [verse 1] by Phineas the High Priest; who by Urim and Thummim makes answer, Num. XXVII. 21. Both which were on or in the Breastplate; and the Breastplate was annexed to the Ephod, Exod. XXVIII. 28, 30. and XXXIX. 21. which made David call for the Ephod, and High Priest, thereby to inquire of the Lord, 1 Sam. XXIII. 9, 10, 11, 12. and Ch. XXVIII. 6. So Ezra II. 63. See more on 1 Sam. XXIII. 9.

Bezek] Bezek a City in the tribe of Judah; [verse 4] not far from Jerusalem, lying from it South-West; and midway between 〈◊〉 and Bethlehem.

Adoni-Bezek ] [verse 5] Of him see on Josh. X. 1.

Said, [verse 7] seventy Kings ] His seventy Kings subdued, and mangled by him, must needs be very petty Kings of Provinces, or Cities; if not such Princes as are now in Germany, where all the brethren of a Prince are called Princes likewise. And these seventy were such, as in the time of all his reign and tyranny Adoni-bezek had subdued. He was brought from Bezek to Jerusalem to be made a public example there.

Jerusalem ] Judah had taken Jerusalem, [verse 8] slain the inhabitants, and burnt the City, i. e. that part of it which belonged to Judah, Josh. XV. 8. yet so as the Jebusite still dwelt therein with the children of Judah, ver. 63. even till David's time, 2 Sam. V. 6, 7, 8. And Benjamin did the like, and no more, with their part of Jerusalem, Judge. I. 21. yet both had little hold in it in that Levites time, Judge. XIX. 10, 11, 12. or haply at that time had never got any hold in it at all.

Hebron ] Of this City see the Observations on 2 Sam. [verse 10] II. 1.

Caleb ] Of Caleb see the Observations on Josh. [verse 12] XV. 16.

A South-Land] Or dry Land. [verse 15]

Kenite ] and Ch. IV. 11. and Ch. V. 24. See 1 Chron. II. 55. [verse 16] As also Gen. XV. 19. Num. XXIV. 21. 1 Sam. XV. 6. And see my Observations on Num. X. 29.

Palme Trees] Jericho. Of this see the Observations on Ch. III. 13.

Gaza ] Judah took Gaza, [verse 18] and Askelon, and Ekron: And lost them soon afterwards, Ch. III. 3.

Bethel ] Of this see the Observations on 1 King. [verse 22] XII. 29. and XXXII.

Beths • an ] And the rest in this verse, were Cities in that half Tribe of Manasseh that lay West of Jordan. [verse 27]

Angel ] The Angel here seems to be no created Angel: [chapter II] [verse 1] But that Angel of the Covenant, Mal. III. 1. that appeared to Moses in the Bush, Exod. III. 2. called Jehovah, ver. 4. and to Joshua, Josh. V. 14. And to Gideon, Judge. VI. 16. And to Manoah, and his wife, Ch. XIII. Of whom Jacob spake, Gen. XLVIII. 24. And of whom God spake unto Moses, Exod. XXIII. 21, 22, 23. termed both Jehovah, Exod. XIII. 21. XIV. 10, 24. and his face, or presence, Exod. XXXIII. 14, 15. and an Angel, Exod. XXXIII. 2. the Messias, Acts VII. 38. the Son of God, Heb. I. 3. See on Judge. XIII. 3. But whether this History fell out in the life-time of Joshua, or after his death, is somewhat more uncertain.

all the days of Joshua ] Therefore the Angel's coming to Bochim, [verse 7] though premised, was after the death of Joshua, and those Elders.

Mount of Ephraim ] Of this see the Observations on Joshua XXIV. [verse 9] 1.

Baal and Ashtaroth ] Of these see the Observations on Ch. [verse 13. 16.] VIII. 33.

Judges ] This Chapter seems to be a summary of the bulk of this Book.

Left those Nations ] Ver. [verse 23] 22. and Ch. III. 1, 2, 4. See the Observations on Deut. VII 1. and 2.

King of Mesopotamia ] Heb. [chapter III] [verse 8] Aram-Naharaim, i. e. of Syria between the two rivers, Tigris and Euphrates: Naharaim being of the Dual number.

Fourty years ] See the Observations on the beginning of this Book. [verse 11]

Palme-trees] Jericho, the City of Palme-trees, Deut. XXXIV. 3. [verse 13] 2 Chron. XXVIII. 15. This was nigh Jordan on the West-side of it; and Gilgal in the East border of Jericho, where Rahab entertained and hid the two Spies: And from the Plaines of Moab, Pisga and Shirtim, which were over against Jericho, on the East-side of Jordan the Israelites passed over. Here the Israelites kept the Passover: and the Captain of the Lord's Hoast appeared to Joshua This was burnt, Josh. VI. 24. And the Re-builder of it cursed, ver. 26. And the same verified in Hiel, in the days of Ahab, 1 King. XVI. 34. So that the Kenites being in it; and Eglons possessing of it mentioned here; And that of David's ill-entreated messengers residing here, 2 Sam. X. 5. must be meant of some mean buildings, or Forts only in it, or rather by it. It fell by Lot to the Tribe of Benjamin, Josh. XVIII. 21. Here was a College of the sons of the Prophets in the times of Elias; and Eliseus: and the waters healed by Eliseus, Hither were sent back courteously the many Jews captived by Pekah in the days of Ahaz, 2 Chron. XXVIII. And in the Plaines here was Zedekiah taken by Nebuchadnezzar's forces. And in the days of our Savior, he did herein, or hard by, give sight to blind men; and converted Zacchaeus.

And he arose ] Reverence to God and his Word, [verse 20] Num. XXIII. 18. 2 King. XX III. 2. 2 Chron. XXXIV. 31. Neh. VIII. 6.

Ox-goad ] Miraculous are the victories of Shamgar, [verse 31] slaying six hundred Philistines with an Ox-goad; and of Sampson slaying one thousand of them with the jaw-bone of an Ass, Ch. XV. 15, 16.

Jabin ] This Jabin successor to that Jabin slain by Joshua, [chapter IV] [verse 2] and his City Hazor burnt, Josh. XI 1, 10, 11, 13. Yet this successor or son, reinforceth himself, and twenty years oppressed Israel; and was destroyed at last by Deborah and Barak, ver. 24.

Hazor ] A City in Naphtali, and upper Galilee, East from Rehob in Asher: and in former times head of the neighbouring Kingdoms, I • sh. XI. 10. There was another Hazor, or two, in the Tribe of Judah, Josh. XV. 23, 25.

Haresheth of the Gentiles] Ver. 16. In Naphtali, about thirty miles East from Hazor; near the South-bottom of the waters of Merom. Here he dwells, because Joshua had burnt Hazor, Josh. XI. 11, 13.

Charets of iron ] Much use of these in war; [verse 3] not by the Jews, but by their enemies. See the Observations on Ch. XX. 2. and on 2 Sam. VIII. 5.

A Prophetess ] See the Observations on Zeph. [verse 4] III. 4. and on 1 Sam. XVIII. 10.

at that time ] Even when, and while Jabin oppressed them. So that those twenty years, v. 3. are within those forty years of Deborah, V. 31.

Ramah ] See the Annotations on Hos. [verse 5] V. 8. There were divers Cities of this name in divers Tribes; See Josh. XVIII. 25. and XIX. 29, 36. 1 Sam. I. 1. Those in Benjamin, Ephraim, and Judah, were the chief Places, famous by Deborah, Samuel, Saul, and David; as the sacred Histories do record.

Barak ] This Barak, [verse 6] as also Rahab, Gideon, Jephthah, Sampson, commended for their Faith, Heb. XI. 31, 32. though weak in Faith; and not without their many failings.

Tabor ] In the South-part of Zebulon; not far from the river Kishon, as it runs into the South-bottom of the Sea of Galilee. Of Tabor see more in the Annotations on Hos. V. 1.

Of a Woman] Deborah, [verse 9] and Jael.

Zaanaim] Zaanaim by Kedesh in Naphtali, [verse 11] where Barak dwelled.

Not a man left] Not a man left in the field to make any resistance, [verse 16] Psal. XIV. 3. and LIII. 3. Rom. III. 12.

Shamgar ] Of him, [chapter V] [verse 4] Ch. III. 31. And of Jael, Ch. IV. 18.

Was there a spear] 1 Sam. XIII. 19. [verse 8]

From the noise ] They could not fetch water without danger from the enemy. [verse 11]

Out of ] Hence to the end of the Song, [verse 14] and Chapter, Deborah relates how the several Tribes behaved themselves in this Expedition; with their praise, or dispraise. And here Reuben, Gilead, and Dan, and Asher are blamed; and Meroz cursed: and Jael the wife of Heber is blessed.

Roote ] Most likely, understood of Deborah of Mount Ephraim, the firstrise and mover of this Expedition; though some extend it to Joshua; and others understand it of the Tribes of Judah and Simeon.

Amalek] Amalek joined here with the Canaanites, in this battle against the Israelites.

After thee Benjamin ] After Ephraim came Benjamin, to assist in this war.

Out of Machir ] That half Tribe of Manasseh that dwelt within Canaan. For though the one half of the children of Machir had their inheritance in Gilead, Josh. XIII. 31. which is here blamed, ver. 17. yet the other half of Machirs children had their inheritance within Canaan; West of Jordan, Josh. XVII. 1, 2. who are here commended.

Barak ] Not of Issachar: [verse 15] but of Naphtali, dwelling in Kedesh of Naphtali. Ch. IV. 6.

Divisions of Reuben ] Divided among themselves touching this war; or divided from the other Tribes, and deserting them in it.

Megiddo] Megiddo an eminent City which Manasseh had in Issachar, [verse 19] Josh. XVII. 11. not far from Jezreel, and the river Kishon. Joshua slew the King of it, Josh. XII. 21. And Josiah was slain, or had his deaths wound, in the valley of it, 2 King. XXIII. 29, 30. 2 Chron. XXXV. 34.

Taanach] Taanach a royal City, near Megiddo, Josh. XII. 21.

Took no gain ] Took none of Jabin; nor got any gain by this fight with Israel.

The Sta • s] The Stars in their stations; [verse 20] by extraordinary influences, at God's appointment, raising stormy Meteors, did help to ruin them. As it was in Joshua's time, Josh. X. and in Samuel's time, 1 Sam. VII. Or frighting them with dreadful noises, as in Jehoram's time, 2 King. VII. 6.

Rest forty years ] from that eightieth year mentioned, [verse 31] Ch. III. 30. See the Annotations on Ch. III. 11. and the Observations on the beginning of this Book.

Midian ] See the Annotations on Hab. [chapter VI] [verse 1. 11. 14.] III. 7.

Angel ] Christ the Angel of the Covenant. ver. 14, 15, 16, 22, 23.

Thy might ] Which I now give thee; with my promise to assist thee; as ver. 16.

My Present ] Not Sacrifice, [verse 18] or meat-offering; but for thy food and repast. As Abraham entertained the Angels, Gen. XVIII. and Manoab, Judge. XIII. 15.

Fire ] Here fire comes out of a rock: [verse 2. 25.] as water did, Exod. XVII. 7.

Of seven years old ] The same age that the tyranny and oppression of the Midianites had arrived to.

And build an Altar] Gideon had God's warrant and command for all, [verse 26] for his building the Altar; and for his sacrificing upon it. And this is that Altar mentioned, ver. 24.

That he may die ] Their idolatrous zeal. [verse 30. 32.]

Ierubbaal] Gideon so called by his father; not in way of reproach, but of honor rather. In 2 Sam. XI. 21. he is called Ierubbosheth. And so Eshbaal, and Meribbaal, the son, and grandchild of Saul, 1 Chron. VIII. 33, 34. are called Ishbosheth, and Mephibosheth, 2 Sam. II. 8. and IV. 4.

Jezreel ] As here in Jezreel the Midianites pitched; [verse 33] so did both the Philistines, and Israelites in Saul's time, 1 Sam. XXIX. 1, 11. And hence came the news of Saul's death, 2 Sam. IV. 4. who was slain in Mount Gilboa on the North-side of Jezreel. This Jezreel was not that in the Tribe of Judah, Josh. XV. 56. But in Manasseh; towards Issachar; about twelve miles Northward from Samaria. Ahab from Carmel rode hither, and Elijah did run before his Chariot, 1 King. XVIII. 45, 46. Here Ahab gets Naboth's Vineyard, and came from Samaria in the Tribe of Ephraim hither to take possession, 1 King. XXI. 18. having his habitations and Palaces in both Cities. And besides God's judgment upon Ahab himself, ver. 19. both Joram, and Jezebel, the son, and wife of Ahab, were slain here by Jehu; and also all that belonged to Ahab in Jezreel: And the heads of Ahab's seventy sons were brought from Samaria to Jezreel, 2 King. IX. and X Chapters.

Messengers ] The Tribes here named were the next to Gideon, [verse 35] and to Jabin.

Fleece of wool ] Herein is God's great condescension to Gideon, [verse 37] working a miracle forward and backward, as it were; yea, many miracles for the strengthening of his faith, in his vocation, and in God's promise.

From Mount Gilead ] Or towards Mount Gilead. [chapter VII] [verse 3] Haply to be there in a readiness against the enemies flight that way.

The people ] The three hundred lappers, [verse 8] took the trumpets of them that were dismissed.

Fled ] The places named here were in that half Manasseh where the overthrow was given. [verse 22] And Abelmeholah was the habitation of the Prophet Elizaeus in after-ages, 1 King. XIX. 19.

Succoth ] And so of Penuel, [chapter VIII] [verse 5] ver. 8. See Gen. XXXIII. 17. and XXXII. 30. They, and Karker were in the tribe of Gad.

Ishmaelites ] Midianites and Ishmaelites seem confounded together: [verse 24] as being intermingled one with another. So Gen. XXXVII. 25, 27, 28.

Golden ear-rings ] The weight and multitude of them. [verse 26] And chains about their Camels necks. Of ear-rings, see Exod. XXXII. 2. and XXXV. 22.

Ephod ] See the Observations on 1 Sam. [verse 27] XXIII. 9. and on Hos. III. 4.

Ophrah ] In the East border of this Western half Manasseh, near Jordan.

Baalim ] Baalim in the Plural number, [verse 33] signifying Lord's, seems to be a very common name to their He-gods, and Idols, among the Moabitts, Ammonites, Canaanites, Philistines, Sidonians, Phoenicians, and other neighbouring Nations, and the idolatrous Israelites themselves: as Ashtaroth of the plural number, and feminine gender, seems to be so to their She-goddesses, Judge. II. 13. and X. 6. And there are sundry specifications of Baal; As Berith, and Baal-Berith here, and Ch. IX. 4, 46. the God of the Shechemites. Peor and Baal-Peor, the idol-god of the Moabites and Midianites, Num. XXV. 3, 17, 18. Baal-Zebub, called also Beelzebub, or Beelzebul, the god of Ekron, 2 King. I. 2. And from Baal, were names imposed, both upon persons, and places: as we read of Ethbaal, the King of Sidon, Iezebels father, 1 King. XVI. 31. of Esh-baal, 1 Chron. VIII. 32. of Baal-hanan, Gen. XXXVI. 38. of Jerubbaal, Judge. VI. 32. of Merib-baal, the other name of Mephibosheth, 1 Chron. VIII. 34. As also of Baal-Zephon, Exod. XIV. 2. and Baal-Meon, Josh. XVII. 17. And from other particular Idols, specially among the Babylonians, were like denominations take • . Whether Bel be a contraction, or in a diverse dialect, the same with Baal, is not so certain. God himself also was called Baal; But refused after to be so styled, because the name had been so commonly given to Idols, Hos. II. 16. Of Bel, see the Annotations on Isaiah XLVI. 1. Ashteroth or Ashtoreth or Ashtaroth is more specificaly the goddess of the Sidonians, 1 King XI. 5, 33. 2 King. XXIII. 13. and of the Philistines, 1 Sam. XXXI. 10. Take also these other names of Idol-gods in Scripture;

These Idols are called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 quasi 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 not gods, 1 Cor. VIII. 4. Ier. 2. 11. and V. 7. and Ch. XVI. 20. or nothing worth, Ier. XI. 13. Vanities; They are called Shames, Abominations, 1 King. XI. 5. Dungie, or Dunghil-gods, Deut. XXIX. 17. Devils, Deut. XXXII. 17. 2 Chron. XI. 15. 1 Cor. X. 20, 21. Apoc. IX. 20. Psal. CVI. 37. 2 King. XX. 1.

Shechem ] See the Observations on Josh. [chapter IX] [verse 1. 2.] XXIV. 1.

Threescore and ten persons ] So ver. 18, 24, 56. and Ch. VIII. 30. The whole number designed to slaughter, though the youngest of them Jotham escaped; and Abimelech himself was the murderer. And this is a thing usual in the Scripture. As Gen. XLII. 13. Num. XIV. 32, 33. 1 Cor. XV. 5.

Gerizim] Near Shechem. [verse 7. 20.]

Millo] See the Observations on 1 Sam. V. 9.

Jair ] Not that Jair, [chapter X] [verse 3] Num. XXXII. 41. Deut. III. 14. But of his posterity, and name.

Thirty Cities ] That former Jair in the days of Moses, [verse 4] had but twenty three Cities, 1 Chron. II. 22. though the sons of Machir, the son of Manasseh, and the father of Gilead, and grandfather of this Jair, had among them sixty Cities, in the days of Moses, Josh. XIII. 30, 31, 32. But here this Jair, the Judge, had thirty sons and they had thirty Cities, seven more then the former Jair had, all which they called by the same name of Havoth-Jair, as their progenitor had called his twenty three.

Philistines ] In this time of their oppressing Israel, [verse 7] which was the sixth oppression; Sampson lived, and was a Judge, and began to deliver them, Ch. XIII. 5.

Ammon ] This was the fifth oppression; And Jephthah was the Judge and deliverer.

And that year ] The last of the eighteen of their oppressing the Israelites. [verse 8]

Eighteen years ] Which years of oppression fell upon the two Tribes and a half beyond Jordan in Iairs time.

Passed over Jordan ] In this eighteenth year the Ammonites proceeded [verse 9] further to invade the Tribes on this side Jordan. And then Jephthah doth vanquish them; and begin his six years of judging Israel. And all this stands well with the Chronology of the times, viz: of two hundred ninety nine years in the Book of the Judges; and of the four hundred and eighty mentioned, 1 King VI. 1.

The Sidonians ] Divers of these Deliverances are not expressed in the holy History. [verse 12]

Grieved ] God's compassion to his people. [verse 16]

Mizpah ] There is mention of the Land of Mizpah, [verse 17] under Hermon, Josh. XI. 3. But most commonly there were Citiet of that name; And those built on hills or high places, as the word signifies, fit to set wath-towers upon, as our Beacons. We read of divers such in Scripture. One Mizpah in Moab, 1 Sam. XXII. 3. Another in Mount Gilead, in Manasseh, beyond Jordan, not far from the Tribe of Gad, Josh. XIII. 26. Here Laban overtook Jacob, Gen. XXXI. 49. And here the Israelites encamped against the Midianites, in this text, Judge. X. 17. And Jephthah their Judge and General had his house here, Judge. XI. 11, 29, 34. Another Mizpah was in Judah, Josh. XV. 38. Likely that re-built by Asa, 1 King. XV. 22. 2 Chron. XVI. 6. But the most famous Mizpah was that in Benjamin upon the border of it, Josh. XVIII. 26. which was near the middle of the Land; and not far from Shiloh, which stood East from it. This was a Place and City fit for general meetings and Assemblies of the Land. Thither all Israel assembled against the Benjamites, Judge. XX. 1, 3. and XXI. 1. There Samuel brought all Israel to public Repentance, 1 Sam. VII. 5, 6. And thither likewise, as to Bethel and Gilgal, he came in c • rcuit from year to year; to judge Israel, ver. 16. There Saul was found out, and made King, 1 Sam. X. 17, 21. And there Gedaliah was Governor; so made by Nebuchanezzar; and there slain by Ishmael, 2 King. XXV. [verse 3] 23, 25.

Tob ] Some thirty miles East from the waters of Merom. [chapter XI]

My Land. ] No. It was the Land of the Moabites; after of Sihon; and from him conquered by the Israelites, by God's command and donation, ver. 21, 22.

Three hundred years ] And four of five over, which are omitted for the roundness of the number. As Ch. XX. 46. 2 Sam. V. 5. See the Observations on Ch XX. 46.

A Vow ] Of Vowes, [verse 30. 31.] see the Annotations on Jonah. I. 16.

And I will offer it ] These words of Jephthah 's Vow do fairly admit a Disjunctive acceptation of the letter Vau to be interpreted and rendered Or, and not and. As it is likewise used in Gen. XXVI. 11. Exod. I. 10, and XXI. 15, 17. Deut. XVII. 9, 12. and XIX. 17. Judge. XV. 18. 1 Sam. VI. 3. Jer. VI. 20. and IX. 12. and XIII. 23. and XVI. 2, 7. and XXI. 9. and in very many other places.

Bewaile my Virginity ] Much more her death, [verse 37] if she had been vowed to be a burnt-offering; but that she doth not mention.

And she knew no man ] But lived a Virgin, [verse 39] as her father had vowed, and she consented.

To lament ] Or talk with her, [verse 40] and comfort her, being cut off from all hope of having posterity to uphold her fathers house, ver. 34.

Smote Ephraim ] In a Wood, [chapter XII] [verse 4] whence that place seems to be called the Wood of Ephraim, from that slaughter of the Ephraimites. Where afterwards Absalom was slain, and his army, 2 Sam. XVII. 6. Ephraim having in truth no Wood, or Land, or portion of inheritance on that side of Jordan East-ward.

Because they said ] The Ephraimites said; the Gileadites are fugitives, mungrels, the refuse of both Tribes. Or, the Gileadites being got between the Ephraimites and Manassites; said to the Ephraimites, ye are but the fugitives of Ephraim.

Took the Passages ] As the Ephraimites were to return back from Gilead, [verse 5] West-ward.

Shibboleth ] Which signifies the stream of a river, [verse 6] or foard; a proper word for the present place and purpose.

Fourty years ] These forty years of Oppression by the Philistines fall in with the times of Sampson and Eli, [chapter XIII] [verse 1] and are a part thereof.

Angel ] The Angel of the Lord, [verse 3] is called by Manoah, Elohim, God, ver. 22. And by his wife, Jehovah, ver. 23. He whose Name is Wonderful, ver. 18, 19. Isaiah IX. 6.

Nazarite ] Of Nazarites, [verse 5] see the Observations on Num. VI. 2.

Begin] Sampson did but begin only. For the Philistines prevailed, and Lorded it over Israel, all the days of Sampson, Ch. XIV. 4. of Eli, of Samuel partly, 1. Sam. VII. 8. 13▪ and of Saul; slain by them. This deliverance was not perfected till David's days.

Drink no Wine ] The mother is thus forbidden, [verse 7] ver. 14. Likely because the infant was to receive hutriment and suck from her.

If the Lord] A good plea, and comfort, [verse 23] And a good example for our imitation to comfort us in sundry cases and conditions.

Sampson] Sampson 's Birth hath relation to that, [verse 24] Ch. X. 7. where the Philistines are mentioned before the Ammonites. And he began to deliver Israel being young; and died about forty.

To move him ] Inspire him with magnanimous, [verse 25] heroical thoughts, and indow him with miraculous strength.

Timnath ] In the Tribe of Dan: [chapter XIV] [verse 1] East from Ekron of the Philistines▪ Here Sampson intended to have his first wife. And Judah had his sheep-shearing, Gen. XXXVIII. 12. This City was given to the Tribe of Judah, Josh. XV. 57. And after, out of that Tribe to Dan, Josh. XIX. 43. But the Philistines most what possessed it. And in the days of wicked Ahaz, we read that they took it from him, 2 Chron▪ XXVIII. 18. Some make this in Dan, and that in Judah to be divers Cities.

Sampson] Sampson by extraordinary motion of the Lord, the lawful Dispenser with his own Law, seeks a marriage, though a Nazarite, with a Philistine: had thirty of the Philistines brought as companions to be with him at the nuptial feast, to honor him in show; but more in jealousy and fear of him, seeing and noting some things extraordinary in his person. His wife weeping before him the seven days while the Feast lasted, but more after the third day, and most upon the seventh and last day, he expounds his Riddle to her; and she to the companions. He performs what he had promised thereupon: And in anger; for their fraud, and her treachery, he went away; leaving them; and her too behind him.

Foxes ] The Lan • was full of them. [chapter XV] [verse 4] And besides his own art and industry by sundry means to take them▪ he was not debarred the help of others; and above all God's providence eoncurring therein.

Hip] Sampson hip and thigh, [verse 8] pell-mell, haply with his leg, and foot only, slew the Philistines with a great slaughter. And afterwards slaying one thousand of them with Lehi, that is, the jaw-bone▪ of an Ass, upon that occasion he called the place jaw-bone, or Lehi: And at his prayer, had a Well of water, which he therefore calls Enhakkore, springing in that place of Lehi, to revive his spiri, being near dead with thirst.

Rock Etam ] We read of a City of that name▪ 1 Chron. IV. 32. Called also Ethar. Josh▪ XIX. 7. in the Tribe of Simeon; as it joins to the Tribe of Dan and Judah; in the North-East corner of Simeon; and not very far from Zorah in the South-East corner of Dan, where Sampson was borne, ver. 2. not meaning that Dan, or that so far distinct portion of Dan, that lay in the North-bounds of the Land of Canaan.

Of Judah] Judah joining to Dan, [verse 11] on the East-side of it.

Twenty years ] These twenty years, [verse 20] in the just computation of the times, do fall in with the former half of Eli his forty, 1 Sam. IV. 18.

Gaza ] See the Annotations on Amos I. [chapter XVI] 6.

Harlot] Samson's sin; yet upon repentance pardoned; and he registered among those Worthies, Heb. XI. 32.

Took the doors ] His strength came up to a miracle. [verse 3]

Before Hebron ] Not so far as Hebron. Of Hebron, see the Observations on Gen. XXIII. 2.

Sorek ] The river or torrent of this name divides Dan, [verse 4] and Simeon.

Delilah ] The chief Passages of this part of the History are these; That Delilah had a very great sum paid in hand for betraying of Sampson, ver. 5, 18. whose strength yet lay not in his hair, in the having of it; or in the growing of it again; the hair being but a ceremonial sign of it; But in God's presence with him: And so his weakness, not in the losing of his hair; which here he lost unwittingly, and unwillingly; But in the Lord's departing from him, for his sins, ver. 20. The shaver might easily have cut his throat, being asleep: But God's Providence was in and over all. And blind Sampson coming at last to see his sins, and repent; And being brought into the magnificent house and Idol-temple, containing about three thousand persons spectators upon the roof of it, verily a wondrous building is moved by an extraordinary instinct of God's Spirit, in his last act, not to murder himself, but to undervalue his own life, so as he might therewithal, as a Judge, and public person execute God's mighty vengeance upon his own, and God's people's enemies and oppressors, ver. 30. wherein many make him a Type of Christ's victorious conquest over our spiritual enemies, at and by his death: Or at least do take an occasion, to use an Allusion from the one to the other.

Dagon ] Dagon ] seems to have his name from Dag, [verse 23] signifying a Fish in Hebrew: And was portraied in the likeness of a Fish from the middle downward, and of a man from the middle upward, 1 Sam. V. 4. A sea-Idol, worshipped by them of Gaza, and the Philistines that dwelt on the sea-coast; as the Heathens did their Neptune or Triton. And the Idolaters do here ascribe it to this Idol their god, that he delivered Sampson into their hand; and therefore offer a great sacrifice to him. In his most stately Temple they fastened the head of King Saul, 1 Chron. X. 10. And at Ashdod, by Dagon in the house of Dagon (for he had many Temples) they placed the Ark of God, 1 Sam. V. 2. Of this again you may see more in the Observations upon that text, 1 Sam. V. 2.

These five last Chapters of Judges contain Histories of things done, soon after the death of Joshua, [chapter XVII] and those Elders that out-lived him, [chapter XVIII] Judge. [chapter XIX. XX. XXI.] II. 7. soon after the Idolatry and Apostasy of the People mentioned, Ch. II. 11, 12 in the times, if not before the times, of all the Judges, whose times and Histories are recorded, Ch. III. and along to the XVII. Chapter, without any interruption. And this appears by very many Passages in these five last Chapters.

Cursedst ] So Prov. [chapter XVII] [verse 2] XXIX. 24. That is, didst adjure, with an execration; if an answer were not made in truth and fidelity. Thus, 1 King. VIII. 31. Levite. V. 1. Num. V. 21. And so it is expounded, 1 Thes. V. 27. And so put to our Savior, Matth. XXVI. 63. And so used, 1 Sam. XIV. 24. 2 Chron. XVIII. 15. Neh. XIII. 25.

The Lord] Micah 's mother dedicated this silver to the Lord Jehovah; [verse 3] to make both a graven, and a moulten Image, Ch. XVIII. 18. to worship Jehovah in and by them; and not any false god. For in this point of the Object or Thing worshipped, the Idolatries of the Jews, and of the Heathens most what differed. See Exod. XXXII. 4, 5. 2 Chron. XXXIII. 17. Hos. II. 16. The other nine hundred Shekels, it is like, she bestowed on house, vestments, and other necessaries for that Idolatrous service.

An house of gods ] So great was the Idolatry of the Jews at this time. And their zeal great in their Idolatry, Ch. XVIII. 24.

Ephod ] This Ephod, mentioned again, [verse 5] Ch. XVIII. 14. As likewise that of Gideon, Ch. VIII. 27. were not like those Linnen Ephods, Exod. XXVIII. 40. 1 Sam. II. 18. and Ch. XXII. 18. But like Aaron's rich and glorious Ephod, Exod. XXVIII. 6,—34. See the Annotations on Hos. III. 4. and the Observations on 1 Sam. XXIII. 9.

Teraphim ] Or Theraphim, a word of the plural number; and still so used in Scripture; signifies Images, or Idols; Hos. III. 4. 1 Sam. XV. 23. But of what kind or fashion, it is uncertain; some conceive them to be made like men; because Michal put one of them in David's bed, thereby to deceive her father Saul's messengers, 1 Sam. XIX. 13. Some take them to be household-gods; and as such in Laban's house and family, Gen. XXXI. 19, 34. Some to be such as they used to consult with as Oracles; as in the case of the Danites here, and Ch. XVIII. 14, 17, 18, 20. and of Nebuchadnezzar, Ezek. XXI. 21. and in Zecharies time, Zech. X. 2. Answers likely being given by the subtlety of the Devil, or forgery of their Priests. And to workers with familiar spirits, and Wizards, They are joined in Josiah 's Reformation, 2 King. XXIII. 24. See the Annotations on Hos. III. 4.

Consecrated ] And ver. 12. The gross abuse of Consecration. As in Jeroboams time, 1 King. XIII. 33.

No King ] King here is taken, [verse 6] not properly for a King, but for a Judge; such as the thirteen Judges in this Book: for King properly there was none till Saul's reign.

A Levite] A Levite borne or▪ [verse 7] bred in Bethlehem. Judah, or sojourning there as a stranger.

Where I may find a place ] The necessitous state of the Levites, [verse 9] in those Idolatrous times, ver. 10, 11.

Danites sought ] Their inheritance by lot is set down, [chapter XVIII] [verse 1] Josh. XIX. 40. But they got it not all; through their own sin and default, Judge. I. 34. And their tribe being numerous, they sought out larger bounds, and more commodious habitations, Josh. XIX. 47. And this, though mentioned in that text of Ishua, yet fell out after his death, and the death of those Elders that out-lived him; likely soon after, but surely before the days of Sampson.

Mount Ephraim ] See the Observations on Josh. 2. XXIV. 1.

Ask counsel ] These Danites, [verse 5] being superstitious Idolaters, ascribe thus much to this Levite, and to his Idolatrous Ephod, and Teraphim, and graven and molten Images, ver. 14, 17.

Laish] Laish very far off from the body of the Tribe of Dan; [verse 7] that lying next to Simeon, and Judah, in the South-parts of the Land of Canaan, and this under Mount Libanon, by Asher, and Naphtali, in the North-bounds. This City first burnt, and after rebuilt by these Danites, they then called Dan; which is taken as the North-bound of the Land of Canaan, as Ch. XX. 1. 1 Sam. III. 20. 2 Sam. III. 10. and elsewhere. And here Jeroboam did set up one of his golden Calves, 1 King. XII. 29.

Jonathan ] A Levite the great grandchild of Moses, [verse 30] though borne in Bethlehem-Judah; and so, as of the family of Judah, Ch. XVII. 7. And though a Levite, yet taken and used as a Priest; and consecrated thereunto by Micah an Ephraimitie, ver. 1, 12. Who likewise had consecrated one of his own sons to become his Priest, ver. 5. And this Jonathan forced to seek and shift for his maintenance and livelihood; and to accept of one so poor and base, ver. 10. All this bespeaks the sad and lamentable condition and coufusion of those times wherein they lived.

Captivity of the Land ] This Idolatry of the Danites, in this City Dan, continued until the day of the Captivity of the Land; that is, as it is explained, ver. 31. all the time that the house of God was in Shiloh, till the Philistines took the Ark, 1 Sam. IV. Psalm LXXVIII. 60, 61. which was at the death of Eli.

A Concubine ] Or a wife a Concubine. [chapter XIX] The word for Concubine in Hebrew is etymologized wittily by some from two other words of that language, which put together, [verse 1] signify that which the Greeks call 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , some old Latin Inscriptions, Viro-conjux, an half-wife, or secondary wife. We read in Scripture of Concubines, and Wives, variously: Of many wives to one man, in the Old Testament. And this, not only in profane and evil men, as in Lamech, Gen. IV. and Esau, and other; but also in good and godly men, as in Jacob, David, and others. And among these many wives, we sometimes find a kind of distinction of them into two sorts; One sort, the First, and principal, and absolutely lawful wife, and Mistress; The other sort, but in a secondary and inferior degree. And such as had no Dowries; nor solemn Rites of reception; nor Rule in the family; nor their children had any Inheritance, but Gifts and Portions, For that of Jacob's sons by Bilhah, and Zilpah, was a case extraordinary. And thus we find with Abraham, Sarah of the first sort; and Hagar, and Keturah of the second: with Jacob, Rachel, and Leah, of the first; Bilhah, and Zilpah of the second. And those of the second sort, are sometimes called wives, and sometimes Concubines; as we see in Keturah, Gen. XXV. 1, 6. 1 Chron. I. 32. And in Bilhah, Gen. XXX. 4. and XXXV. 22. and Ch. XXXVII. 2. And David's ten Concubines, 2 Sam. XV. 16. and Ch. XVI. 22. and Ch. XX. 3. are called his wives, 2 Sam. XII. 11. And thus Concubines are of two sorts, some are wives, or half-wives; others plain Whores and Harlots. But this Concubine of the Levite was his wife, and he her Lord, as appears, ver. 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 26, 27. and Ch. XX. 4.

Gibeah ] Distinct from Gibeah in the tribe of Judah, [chapter XIX] [verse 12] Josh. XV. 57. And from Gibeon in the Tribe of Benjamin, Josh. XVIII. 25. This was either that which afterwards was called Gibeah of Saul in the Tribe of Benjamin, 1 Sam. XI. 4. or else very near it, in the same Tribe, and not far from Jerusalem, and Ramah, ver. 13, 14, 16.

House of the Lord ] In Shilo. [verse 18] And so Ch. XX. 18. This was near Mount Ephraim; where he sojourned. And thither the whole Campe came, Ch. XXI. 12.

Know him ] So Gen. [verse 22] XIX. 5. monstrous impudent wickedness: a modest intimation of a most immodest meaning.

My brethren ] Men in nature, [verse 23] though worse then beasts in their lusts.

Behold my daughter ] Sinful this; [verse 24] to use unlawful means, though to a good end. We may not do evil that good may come thereof, Rom. III. 8.

Not hearken ] Yet did in the next words. [verse 25] And she sinning by lust. ver. 2. was plagued by lust.

Divided her ] An act barbarous in itself and inhumane: [verse 29] though he did it to a good end; to bring these sons of Belial to deserved punishment; that such pests might not be suffered to live, and poi • on the air with their breath, and so pollute the Land, and go unpunished. The unbowelling, and enbalming of dead bodies, and anatomizing of them by Physicians and Surgeons, to good uses, is a case different in divers points,

Mizpah ] See the Observations on Ch. [chapter XX] [verse 1] X. 17.

Footmen ] Footmen four hundred thousand. [verse 2] We read not of Horsemen among the Israelites, in all, or any of their battles. Only we find them prepared iu Solomon's time, 1 King. IV. 26. and IX. 19. and Ch. X. 26. 2 Chron. I. 14. and Ch. VIII. 9. and Ch. IX. 25. where the four thousand stalls of horses for his Chariots, 2 Chron. IX. 25. agree well with the forty thousand in 1 King. IV. 26. counting ten single stalls or divisions in every stable: yet we find no express mention of the use of any horsemen in any battle afterwards. And to this the command and care for the houghing of the enemi es horses▪ and the burning of their Char • o • s, may have relation, Josh, XI. 6, 9. 2 Sam. VIII. 4. 1 Chron. XVIII. 4. yet we read of many horses and Chariots in war; with the Canaan • tes, Josh. XI. 4. Judge. IV. 3▪ 13. And many among the Israelites; Isaiah II. 7. Trust in them is forbidden, D • u • . XVII. 16, 17. Psal. XX. 7. & XXXIII. 16, 17. Prov. XXI. 31.

Asked Counsel ] The eleven Tribes presume here more upon their own strength▪ [verse 18] and the justness of their Cause, then upon God; and consult him at first only about the precedency in the war, and who shall have the honor of the day. And upon their first overthrow, they weep; but more for their shame, and smart, then for their sin; And they ask counsel of God, whether they shall fight again; but neither crave his assistance, nor inquire of the success, being still so confident in themselves of their own strength, and still putting their trust in the arm of flesh and blood. But upon the second overthrow, they seek God in a right manner; they more seriously mourn, and Fast, and repent of their sins; Offering Burnt-offerings for the expiation of them; and Peace offerings, to make their peace with God, and testify their Faith in him: And gaining a Promise of success, yet they carefully use the means, and stratagems, which formerly they slighted, and presumptuously neglected. And by this stratagem they seem to divide their army into three parts; some to lie in wait; some to fight, and seemingly flee: And the body of their Army, as a strong reserve to fall on and gain the victory, upon an appointed sign, when the Benjamites were brought to an amazed stand, and come within the reach of it.

Phineas] Phineas here living, [verse 28] yet died long before Sampson was borne; which showeth this History preceded Sampson a long time. As the like might have been observed, to a like end, of many other Passages in these five last Chapters, as hath been formerly said.

All which fell ] The odd hundred men mentioned, ver. 35 are here omitted; [verse 46] as well known out of the foresaid former verse; The sacred Author here contenting himself with the round number of 25000. As the like is in the number of the time of David's reign, 2 Sam. V. 5. and Ch. II. 11. And of the time of Solomon's building the Temple, 1 King. VI. 1, 38. And the like is in Jephthahs accompt of the 300. years, Judge. XI. 26. And likely here in the number of the remain of the Benjamites that were slain after the three battles.

Turned again ] This done in heat of war, [verse 48] and rage of blood; though after a sort it may be said to be done in cold blood, and after the fierce brunt of war was over▪ And of this, they repented afterwards, as of a barborous and bloody act, as well they might. This slaughter lessened the number of the Benjamites in very many generations after. See that in Jehoshaphat 's time, comparing the number of Benjamin with Judah, 2 Chron. XVII. 14,—18.

Had sworn ] This Oath, [chapter XXI] [verse 1] and Curse, ver. 18. was made in rashness, and rage, out of a blind zeal, and superstitious ignorance; And by God's Law might and ought to have been broken; And was unlawful to be kept; and much less to have fraud, and violent rape, without consent, either of parties, or parents, used, for the keeping of it. Which yet they did, thinking to silence thereby the cry of a superstitious conscience in themselves; and to provide also for the like in those parents of the 200 Virgins, ver. 22.

Women ] The women, and children, [verse 10] here are unjustly and outrageously slaughtered. Here again rash zeal out-runs right reason.

Ruth.

T HE Book and History of Ruth falls in with the time of Deborah, or Gideou; as may be gatherd by comparing Matth. 1. 5. with the end of this History: and what formerly hath been said upon Rahab's marriage. And the History serves mainly to continue and declare the Genealogy of our Savior Jesus Christ, Chap. IV. 18,—22.

Famine ] In the time of the Oppression of Jabin, [chapter I] [verse 1] or the Midianites.

Ephrathites] Ch. IV. 11. Bethlehem was called Ephrath, [verse 2] Gen. XXXV. 19. Micah V. 2. Matth. II. 6.

Of Bethlehem Judah] To distinguish it from Bethlehem in the Tribe of Zebulun, Josh. XIX. 15. And these persons from those of the Tribe of Ephraim, who were likewise called Ephrathites, 1 King. XI 26.

Ruth ] The subject matter; not the Author of this Book. [verse 4]

Mothers house ] I am but your Mother-in-Law. [verse 8]

Moe sons in my womb ] See Deut. XXV. [verse 11] 5, 6.

And unto her gods] Orpha's idolatrous inclination. [verse 15]

Return thou] As, Josh. XXIV. 19.

Testified against me ] As a witness of his just displeasure, [verse 21] and my sin.

Barley-harvest] Part of our March and April, Lev. XXIII. 10, [verse 22] 15, 16.

Let me glean ] Her modesty; notwithstanding the Law, [chapter II] [verse 7] Lev. XIX. 9, 10. and XXIII. 22.

An 20. Ephah ] See the Observations on Exod. XVI. 36.

One of our next kinsmen ] Who hath right to redeem, [verse 17] &c. And ought also to marry the Widow of his Kinsman, [verse 20] being dead without issue, Levite. XXV. 25, 26. Deut. XXV. 5, 6, 7. Mar. XII. 19.

Uncover his feet] Naomi well knew the piety and chastity of Boaz, [chapter III] [verse 4] and of Ruth; and confidently trusted therein.

Spread therefore thy skirt ] Receive me into thy protection, by taking me to be thy wife, [verse 9] according to the Law.

Lie down until the morning] Boaz not offended with this manner of her approach, [verse 13. 14.] and motion.

Not be known] Boaz then did lie alone, in a room by himself; and is careful to avoid scandal.

Six ] See the Observations on Gen. XVIII. 6. [verse 15]

Gate ] Gates of Cities were the ordinary places of audience, [chapter IV] [verse 1] and judicature, Deut. XVII. 2, 8. 2 Sam. XIX. 8. Prov. XXXI. 23. Jer. XXXVIII. 7. Lam. V. 13. And the usual manner of Prophets was to publish their Prophecies in the Gates, either of the Temple, or of the City of Jerusalem, Jer. VII. 2. and XIX. 2. and XXVI. 10. and sometimes of the Kings house; as places of greatest concourse of people, Jer. XVII. 19. and XXII. 1, 2.

Lest I mar mine own inheritance ] Want an heir, [verse 6] if I shall have but one child by her: or having many, she being young, and poor, weaken mine own inheritance, in dividing it among so many, specially if he were now a widower, and had children by his former wife.

A man plucked off his shoe ] These Ceremonies then used in buying, [verse 7] and bargaining of land, in reedeeming, and changing, had some resemblance to that Law, Deut. XXV. 8, 9. But with diverse differences. See, Psal. LX. 8. The Ceremonies that respected the person of Ruth, are here not mentioned, but may seem either omitted, or else transacted with much alteration from the first institution▪ as those times now were.

THe two Books of Samuel are thought to be written by Samuel, Nathan and Gad, one after another, 1 Chron. XXIX. 29. Yet some passages in them may seem to intimate the writing of them to have been of a later time. As, 1 Sam. V. 5. and XXVII. 6. and XXX. 25. 2. Sam. VI. 8, and XVIII. 8.

They may better be called, The I. and II. Book of Kings: The I. containing all the History of King Saul; Samuel dying, 1 Sam. XXV. And the II. the History of King Ishbosheth shortly; and of King David at large. And so do the LXX. and many other style them.

I. Samuel.

T His first Book contains an History of eighty years: viz: forty in the time of Heli, Ch. IV, 18. in the four first Chapters. And forty in the times of Samuel, and King Saul, in the rest. If Samuel's time be reckoned in with that of Saul. Or rather thus; forty to Eli, whereof the former half runs up in the times of the Judges, in the twenty years of Sampson: And the later half, or twenty begins with this Book; after the death of Sampson, and the end of the Book of the Judges. And then follow twenty years of Samuel's Government alone. And after that, forty years of King Saul, Acts XIII. 21. In the former part whereof Samuel also lived, and partly judged with him, as appears in the XIII. XV. & XVI. & XIX. Chaters of this Book: though he withdrew from Saul in his last days, 1 Sam. XV. 35. And died, ch. XXV. And in regard whereof they are named as joint partners in the administration of the Government. 1 Sam. XI. 7. Still in the whole eighty years.

An Ephrathite ] As the Jews are called Cretes, [chapter I] [verse 1] and Arabians, Parthians, Medes, Elamites, &c. because borne and bred up in those, Countries, Acts II. 9, 10, 11. For though borne, or at least dwelling in Mount Ephraim in Ramah; yet was Elkanah, and so Samuel his son, of the posterity of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, 1 Chron. VI. 33,—38.

Eli] Eli or Heli, [verse 3] was by unknown descents of the posterity, not of Eleazar, the elder; but of Ithamar, the younger son of Aaron, the son of Amram, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi. Eli was extraordinarily both High Priest; and Judge; And a good and famous man; though faulty, and infamous in his children. And therefore more grievously punished for their flagitious wickedness, then Samuel for his sons lesser faults. See the sins of the sons of the High Priest Joshua, Ezra X. 18. From Eli descended Phinehas, his son; Ahitub, his son, 1 Sam. IV. 19, 21. compared with chap. XIV. 3. Ahimelech, his son, slain by Saul, [his brother was Ahijah ] 1 Sam. XIV. 3. and XXII. 9, 11. Abiathar, his son, in David's time, 1 Sam. XXII. 20. 1 King. I. 7. This Abiathar is named High Priest by our Savior, Mark II. 26. when David did eat the Shew-bread; because Abiathar then was with his Father Ahimelech joined in that action of giving the bread to David instantly succeeded in his Fathers room and Priesthood; was therein more eminent then his Father; and continued therein, with David in his persecution by Saul, and in all the time of his reign afterward. And thus have we no need in that whole History of Ahimelech and Abiathar, Father, and son, to make them Binomii, to be both known by both those names, and both indifferently called by either; yet see the great Annotations on 1 Chron. XVIII. 16. This Abiather was thrust out of the High Priesthood by Solomon, 1 King. II. 26, 27. And the sons of Abiathar were Ahimelech, and Jonathan, 2 Sam. VIII. 17. and XV. 27. This Ahimelech, and not his Grandfather, of the same name, is he that is usually joined with Zadok in David's reign. And both then are named Priests, 2 Sam. VIII. 17. 1. Chron. XXIV. 31. i. e. Priests of the second rank, or next the High Priest, who then was Abiathar. Such a second Priest we read of, 2 King. XXV. 18. Jer. LII. 24. who upon any extraordinary occurrent, restraining or disabling the High Priest; was to supply his place. This Jonathan the son of Abiathar was employed with Ahimaaz the son of Zadok, as news-bearer to David in his flight from Absalom, 2 Sam. XV. 27, 28. and XVII. 17.

Of Zadok, See 2 Sam. VIII. 17.

Temple ] So is the Tabernacle here called. [verse 9] And so, chap. III. 3. 2 Sam. XXII. 7. Psal. XXVII. 6. And so again, The Temple is called a Tabernacle, Lam. II. 6.

Samuel ] We read not that he was High Priest, [verse 20] or ever so called; But an extraordinary Prophet and Judge, a Nazarite, ver. 11. a Sacrificer; though a Levite only, and most likely of the posterity of that Korah, Num. XVI. 32. and of the race of Izhar the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, as was formerly said, 1 Chron. VI. A rare and worthy person.

The doors of the house of the Lord ] The Hangings of the Gate of the Court, [chapter III] [verse 15] Exod XXVII. 16.

Ark ] The Ark so precious in the eyes of God, [chapter IV] [verse 3] and of the Israelites, and that worthily, Psal LXXVIII. 61. and CXXXII. 8. 1. Sam. IV. 20. Was carried about the walls of Jericho, and then returned into the Tabernacle, Being in the Tabernacle in Shiloh, it was taken thence (and never came into the Tabernacle again), and was carried to Eben-Ezer (a place ominous then, but a monument of God's help soon after) into the Camp, 1 Sam. IV. 1, 3, 4, 5. and V. 1. that it might save them out of the hand of their enemies, the Philistines. (As we read, the Philistines themselves, in the days of David, brought their Images into their Camp, 2 Sam V. 21. 1 Chron. XIV. 12.) The Ark being taken there by the Philistines, they carried it about to Ashdod, into the house of Dagon: Thence to Gath: Thence to Ekron. And after they had kept it seven months, they carried it to Beth-Shemesh, a City in the Tribe of Judah, given to the Priests, 1 Chron. VI. 57, 59. Josh. XXI. 16. And it was fetched thence to Kiriath-jearim, a City of Judah, likewise, 1 Chron. XIII. 6. and Judge. XVIII. 12. So called, it may be, from Kiriath-jearim, the son of Shebal, grandchild of Caleb, the son of Hur, 1 Chron. II. 50, 52, 53. If Kiriath-jearim be there to be understood of the name of a man, and not of the City. Or thus called from its seat in a Wood, or woody Country, as the name signifieth; See ou Psal. CXXXII. 6. It was called also Kiriath-Baal, Josh. XVIII. 14, 15. And Baalah, Josh. XV. 9, 10. 1 Chron. XIII. 6. And Baale of Judah, 2 Sam. VI. 2. It was brought thither into the house of Abinadab, a Levite; built in the hill, or Gibeah there, 1 Sam. VII. 1. 2 Sam. VI. 3, 4. It abode there twenty years, till the time of the Repentance and Reformation wrought by Samuel, 1 Sam. VII. 2,—6. And after in the times of Saul, it seems to be fetched thence to Giglal, 1 Sam. X. 8. and Ch. XI. 15. and ch. XII. 3. and chap. XIII. 8, 9. And after to Gibeah of Benjamin; compare together 1 Sam. XIII. 6. and chap. XIV. 2, 18. It may seem to be thus fetched into extraordinary Assemblies, upon extraordinary occasions both in War, and Peace. But being returned to Kiriath-jearim, and the honse of Abinadab, it was fetched thence by David, 1 Chron. XIII. 5. sixty seven years after it was first brought thither; And was brought by him to the house of Obed-Edom, 2 Sam. VI. 10. a Levite, and Porter on the South-side of the Temple, 1 Chron. XV. 18, 24. and chap. XVI. 38. and chap. XXVI. 4,—8, 15. if not a Singer also, 1 Chron. XV. 21. and chap XVI. 5. And one of his race and name was treasurer in the Temple, in the days of King Amatziah, 2 Chron. XXV. 24. He is called a Gittite, likely because borne at Gath-Rimmon, a City of the Kohathites Levites, Josh. XXI. 24, 25. situated near Gath of the Philistines. The Ark was there three months, 2 Sam. VI. 11. 1 Chron. XIII. 13, 14. And then, and thence, fetched by David, with great solemnity, into the Tent which he prepared for it, in the City of David, in Jerusalem, 1 Chron. XV. 1,—29. and XVI. 1. 2 Chron. I. 4. And thence seems to be carried into Joab's Camp before Rabbah, 2 Sam. XI. 11. And begun to be carried with David in his flight from Absalom, 2 Sam. XV. 24, 25. And being returned to David's Tent for it in Jerusalem, Solomon, as soon as he had built the Temple, brings it thence with great solemnity, and placeth it in the Holy Oracle, 2 Chron. V. 2,—14. and chap. XXXV. 3. about one hundred and twelve years after it first left Shiloh. And last of all was burned with the Temple by Nebuchadnezzar. And no more to be minded, or remembered in the days of the Messiah, Jer. III. 16.

The hand of God ] The hand of God in Punishments upon the Philistines, [chapter V. VI.] for detaining the Ark, were Mice marring the Land, chap. VI. 5. And in their bodies Emerods; and some other disease or plague, whereof most died, chap. V. 12.

The house of Dagon ] This Dagon was the Idol or God of the Philistines, [chapter V] Judge. [verse 2] XVI. 22. They lived on the coast of the midland-Sea, on the East-end of it from us. This Dagon seems to be a kind of Sea-god, having his name from Dag, which signifies a Fish; and is thought to be portraied like a Fish from the middle downward; and his upper part like a man, if not a maid, 1 Sam. V. 4. Such Idols other Heathens worshipped, as the gods of the Sea; as Neptune, Triton. This House or Temple of Dagon was a marvelous House, Judge. XVI. 27. Hither the Philistines brought Sampson to make them sport; and he brought down the House upon them, Judge. XVI. 30. Hither they brought the Ark of God, as a captive in triumph, to the honor of their Idol; And Dagon fell down before the Ark, broken in pieces, 1 Sam. V. 3, 4. And here they fastened the head of Saul, whom they slew in Gilboa, 1 Chron. X. 10.

Bethshemesh] Bethshemesh a City of the Priests, [chapter VI] [verse 9] in the Tribe of Judah, on the North-border of it, Josh. II. 16. and XV. 10. 1. Chron. VI. 59. Here Amaziah of Judah fighting against Jehoash of Israel was vanquished and taken, 2 King. XIV. 2 Chron. XXV. There was another Bethshemesh a fenced City of Naphtali, Josh XIX. 38. Judge. I. 33. Another Bethshemesh, a prime City in Egypt, Ier. XLIII. 13. called anciently On, in later times Damieta. Bethshemesh signifies the house of the Sun; and the Cities so called, from the Temples of the Sun built therein, and the idol-worship of the Sun by the ancient inhabitants practiced there.

Fifty thousand and seventy men ] These were not all of the City Bethshemesh, [verse 19] but of the people also of neighbouring towns and places, that came rejoicing ro see the Ark returned; but over-boldly gazing on it bare and uncovered, by the Philistines, or by themselves, contrary to the Law, Num. IV. 5, 20. If not prying presumptuously into it, out of an impious curiosity, or a pretence to see whether the Philistines had taken ought out of it, or put anything into it.

Kiriath-jearim ] A City, [chapter VII] [verse 1] not of the Levites, or Priests, and seated in the Tribe of Judah, Josh. XV. 9, formerly called Kiriath-Baal, ver. 60. and XVIII. 14. Of this City see more in the Observations on Ch. IV. 3. and on Psal. CXXXII. 6. These Citizens fetched the Ark, but borne and carried by the Priests of Bethshemesh.

Twenty years ] Till this time of lamentation and repentance, [verse 2] and a long time after, see the Observations on Josh. VI. 6.

Thundered ] By thunder here: by hailstones, [verse 10] Josh. X. 10, 11.

Now make us a King ] The danger by Nahash, [chapter VIII] [verse 5] as well as the wickedness of Samuel's sons, made the Israelites ask a King, 1 Sam. XII. 12. which they might have done warrantably, if they had waited patiently and faithfully, as well for the time when, as the person whom God should choose: But not tumultuously, and distrustfully, as they did now, 1 Sam. VIII. 5, &c. and Ch. XII. 19. Hos. VIII. 4.

This will be the manner ] This manner of a King speaks in many things more then what is the lawful power, [verse 11] and duty of a good King; more what he will do, then what he ought to do.

The fourth part of a Shekel] Samuel, [chapter IX] [verse 8] and God in him, condescends to answer touching Saul 's Asses: As Ahijah did touching the sickness of Jeroboams child, 1 King. XIV. And Elias did also, of Ahaziah, 2. King. 1. And Samuel, in humility, seems to accept of a trifle, they having then no better; not for a reward of Divining; but as a free testimony of their due respect and thankfulness: As Ahijah did the like from Jeroboams wife, 1 King. XIV. 3. And Elisha also the like, 2 King. IV. 42. And as God accepts from the poor widow two mites.

a Seer ] And so ver. [verse 9] 19. 2 Sam. XXIV. 11. and Isaiah XXX. 10. Prophets called Seers by reason of the Visions and Prophecies which they saw from God; He, and they, being seen of them in Visions and Dreams, Num. XII. 6. And that as clearly, and as certainly as if they had seen them with their eyes, 1 Pet. I. 12. 1 Cor. II. 10. 2. Cor. IV. 18. and V. 1. Heb. XI. 27.

to Gilgal ] Not as soon as he parted from Samuel: [chapter X] [verse 8] nor yet seems this to be understood of that being at Gilgal after his vanquishing of the Ammonites before Jabesh Gilead, Ch. XI. 4, 5, 11, 14, 15. when, and where, they made, or confirmed him King; though chosen before by Lot at Mizpah, Ch. X. 17, 24. But this seems to relate to a second time of being at Gilgal, after that former, and above a year after this parting from Samuel, Ch. XIII. 1. when he was to be there upon that weighty preparation of the war against the Philistines, Ch. XIII. 7, 8.

one year and he reigned tmo years] i. [chapter XIII] [verse 1] e. one year from his Election at Mizpah, to his Coronation at Gilgal. And another year after that, which make two years, Then he began to take upon him the Royal state of a King, and chose his Guard and Army. Or thus, He reigned two years lawfully before he was rejected by God, upon his sparing of Agag, King of the Amalekites, Ch. XV. Or rather, two years quietly, before he was oppressed, and in a manner outed from his Kingdom by the Philistines, 1 Sam. XIII. 6, 19, 22. Upon whose overthrow Saul is said to take the Kingdom again, 1 Sam. XIV. 47.

If they say to us ] The like is, [chapter XIV] [verse 9] Gen. XXIV. 14. and Judge. VI. 36, —40. These done by some special divine instinct; and so not Patterns for our imitation without like warrant.

a very great trembling ] The Hebrew phrase is, [verse 15] a trembling of God. And so, asleep of God, 1 Sam. XXVI. 12. Mountains of God, Psal. XXXVI. 6. Cedars of God, Psal. LXXX. 10. and CIV. 16. an Hoast of God, 1 Chron. XII. 22. Garden of God, Ezek. XXVIII. 13. The wrestlings of God, Gen. XXX. 8. A City of God, Jon. III. 3. Visions of God, Ezek. XL. 2. And so may we understand, Sinners of God, or unto God, Gen. XIII. 13. that is, exceeding sinners against God, Jer. L. 29. And so fair to God, Acts VII. 20. that is, exceeding fair. And so the flame of God, Cant. VIII. 6. A most vehement flame. A Seed of God, Mal. II. 15. A most holy seed. See my Observations on Jonah III. 3.

Vtterly destroyed all the people ] Not all the Amalekites slain notwithstanding this, [chapter XV] [verse 8] and ver. 3. and Exod. XVII. 14, 16. For David fights them, 1 Sam. XXVII. 8. and they spoil Ziklag, 1 Sam. XXX.

The youngest] David young, [chapter XVI] [verse 11] when anointed by Samuel, likely about two and twenty years old, young when he killed the Lion and the Bear; when he slew Goliath; when, after these, he slew his ten thousands (in Saul's sundry services); when afterwards he endured so long persecution by Sa • l; was with the King of Moab; and twice with Achish King of Gath, abiding at one time an year there, and four months: And yet was but thirty years old, when, after Saul's death, he was made King at Hebron, 2 Sam. V. 4. neither seems he to have any child, till he was a King; And then had six in Hebron of fix wives; four in Jerusalem of Bathshua or Bathsheba, the daughter of Ammiel, or Eliam; and nine more; in all nineteen, besides the sons of his Concubines 1 Chron. III. 1,—9.

Anointed] David thrice anointed. [verse 13]

Doubtful whether David slew Goliath before his first coming to Saul, [chapter XVII] mentioned Ch. XVI. 18,—23. Or after, that time: There are fair probabilities on either side; no undoubted certainty.

And he prophesied ] Besides the signification of the word for foretelling things to come, [verse 10] and some other miraculous operations. It is also taken for Interpreting of Scripture, or Preaching, 1 Cor. XIV. 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 22, 24, 29, 31, 32. And for singing and praising God, 1 Sam X. 5. 1. Chron. XXV. 1. 1 Cor. XI. 5. And more generally for declaring the will of God to any by Revelation, or Mission from him. And so Christ is the great Prophet, Luke XXIV. 19. And so Enoch, Abraham, Moses, are called Prophets: and after Moses in this rank none was greater then he, Deut. XXXIV. 10. And after his time Samuel, David, Gad, Nathan, Elias, Elisha, the four great Prophets, the twelve small Prophets inspired Pen-men of Holy Scripture, and others many, were such, and so called. And as these Extraordinary Prophets; so there were multitudes of Ordinary Prophets among the people: And Colleges of Prophets, and the sons of Prophets at Bethel, Jericho, Gilgal, Ramah, Naioth, in the times of the Old Testament. And in the New Testament, Zacharias the father, and John the Baptist the son, Barnabas and Paul, Judas and Silas, Agabus, and many others, are called Prophets; some Extraordinary, others Ordinary Prophets, Matth. XXIII. 34. Acts XI. 27. and XIII. 1. and XV. 32. Rom. XII. 6. 1. Cor. XII. 10. and chap. XIV. 6, 9, 22, 24, 29, 31. Ephes. IV. 11. Apoc. XI. 10. And in both Testaments there were as men-Prophets; so women-Prophetesses: And in both Sexes, both True ones, and False. In the female sex we read of good and True, Miriam, Deborah, Huldah, Anna, Philip's four daughters virgins: of bad and False, Noadiah, Jezebel, and others, Ezek. XIII. 17,—23. Yea, among the Heathen some Poets pretending to, or reputed to be Declarers of God's will, or Divine truths, are in a like sense termed Prophets, Tit. I. 12. Prophets in their esteem. And the mode and manner of the expressions of their minds, Oracles, and Prophecies among these Heathen Enthusiasticks was most-what in a wild, raving and raging sort, with strange motions and agitations of the body, thereby the more to pretend their divine raptures; as in the Sybils, and others. And not unlike thereunto is this of Saul's prophesying here; In this his rage he casting a jaylin at Davi • , ver. 11. yet in what sense properly he is said here to Prophesy, is well guessed in the great Annotations upon this text, though it be not altogether sure and certain. As neither that of Eldad and Medad, and the rest of the LXX. Num. XIII. 26, 27. Only this is unquestioned in the LXX. That it was some extraordinary Act and Testimony, That the Spirit of God rested upon them in some extraordinary manner, and as such was discernible to all, and so fit to authorize them in the eyes of others, as by a miracle, and to declare to all That they were gifted and assumed to that their present Office and employment.

Naked] i. [chapter XIX] [verse 24] e. Stript of his upper garment or military habit. So Peter, John XXI. 7. and Micah, chap. I. 8. Isaiah, chap. XX. 2, 4. And those Acts XIX. 16.

Slew] [chapter XXII] [verse 18] Saul's most horrid and bloody Act.

Ephod ] The Ephod here is that of the High Priests; [chapter XXIII] [verse 9] wherein were the Urim and Thummim, Exod. XXVIII. 30. which Urim and Thummim were not the twelve precious stones of the Breast-plate; mentioned, v. 17-21. Or the words of Vrim and Thummim, engraven in the midst of those twelve precious stones on the Breast-plate; Or things committed into the hands of the workmen to make them: But rather given by God to Moses, to put them not on, but into the Breast-plate; which haply to this end and purpose was doubled, ver. 16. so to have them hid there. And accordingly, Levite. VIII. 8. Moses is said to put in the Breast-plate the Urim and the Thummim. Yet what things, or what kind of things they were, appears not. Only we know the names signify Lights, and Perfections; haply intimating Knowledge of Doctrine, and Integrity of Life and Conversation: And that by these the High Priests extraordinarily did ask Counsels of the Lord, and did receive Answers, as Oracles from him. So we see the Precept for it, Num. XXVII. 21. Joshua shall stand before Eleazar the Priest, who shall ask Counsel for him, after the judgment of Urim before the Lord: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he ( i. e. Joshua ) and all the children of Israel with him. And the Practice of it we find, expected earnestly by Saul, 1 Sam. XXVIII. 6. though the same, it may seem, lighty slighted by him, 1 Sam. XIV. 18, 19. And here acted by Abiathar the High Priest, for David; David hereunto adjoining his Request unto the Lord, for the Answer, ver. 10, 11, 12. And again, 1 Sam. XXX. 7. And not unlike but David's enquiring of the Lord, 2 Sam. II. 1. and chap. V. 19, 23. and XXI. 1. And possibly that, Judge. XX. 18, 23, 27, 28. was by the same means, upon the same ground. And if it were burnt, or lost at the ruin of the Temple, and all, by Nebuchadnezzar, yet the Tirshatha entertains an expectation of the restoring of it, Ezra II. 63. Neh. VII. 65.

a Messinger ] God's providence for the preservation of his. [verse 27]

unto Achish ] This second time, [chapter XXVII] [verse 2] upon better security, beforehand given, then formerly was had.

in Shunem] In Shunem and Aphek, [chapter XXVIII] [verse 4] 1 Sam. XXIX. 1. the Philistines pitched: And the Israelites in Gilboa, by a Fountain which is in Jezreel. All in the Tribe of Issachar, Josh XIX. 18.

This is David's Spoile] i. [chapter XXX] [verse 20] e. all that the Amalekites had taken from others, save from them of Ziklag. This, by his right, and free consent and gift of his soldiers, he made use of to gratify his friends, and engage them to him, ver. 26,—31.

they shall part alike ] They both alike shall have their shares, [verse 24] according to God's appointment, Num. XXXI. 27,—30. Josh. XXII. 8. Though not both equal shares.

fell upon it] Saul his own bloody butcher and self-murderer. [chapter XXXI] [verse 4] The Amalakite belies himself in most of his relation to David, 2 Sam. I. 5,—10. in hope of grace and reward from David; but in issue, to the losing of his life. God in his secret justice justly takes it upon himself, that he slew him, 1 Chron. X. 14.

his head ] This they fastened in the Temple of Dagon, [verse 9] 1 Chron. X. 10. His body to the wall of Bethshan, or Bethshean. And his Armor in the house of Ashteroth, a name of their female goddesses.

II. Samuel.

T His Book contains an History of forty years; from the death of King Saul, to the death of King David, or the time immediately preceding it, 2 Sam. V. 4, 5. The time, and story of David's reign.

Crown that was upon his head ] Likely not so worn by him in the day of battle, [chapter I] [verse 10] 1 King. XXII. 30. But carried with him, or before him, by his armor-bearer, [verse 18] or some others, as an Ensign of his Kingly honor.

bow ] That they might be skillful in the right use of their arms and weapons against their enemies in this time of need. Of the Bowe in war, see ver. 22. And the Annotations on Hos. I. 5. and on Zech. X. 4.

How are the mighty fallen? ] Repeated, [verse 19] ver. 25. and 27. as the foot of this sad song and Elegy.

Tell it not in Gath ] This impossible not to be told there: But this shows David's desire, [verse 20] if it had been possible. A Pathetical expression: not much unlike, is that, ver. 21.

Unto Hebron ] Of this place, [chapter II] [verse 1] thus, once for all: Hebron was a City in the Tribe, and Mountain of Judah, Josh. XV. 54. Called also Mamre, and Kiriath-arba, the City of Arba, the father of Anak, where Anak lived, his sons, and the Anakims, a race of Giants. Here formerly dwelt the children of Heth; and Hittites. And Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, sojourned here: And they; and Sarah, and Rebekah, and Leah were buried here in the Cave of Machpelah, before Mamre, the same is Hebron, Gen. XIII. 18. and XXIII. 19. and XLIX. 31. Hence Joseph was sent to see the welfare of his brethren. Hither the Spies came that were sent from Kadesh-barnea in the Wilderness of Paran to search the Land. Hoham the King of Hebron, was one of the five Kings mured up by Joshua in a Cave; and after slain and hanged up. And soon after the City taken; and another King thereof seems then to be slain by him. And he and Caleb slew the Anakims that dwelled here. This City and Suburbs were given to the Priests, and to be a City of Refuge: The Fields, and the Villages of it to Caleb the son of Jephunne the Kenezite, that good Spie, Josh. XX. 7. and XXI. II. To the top of an hill before Hebron Sampson carried the Gate of Gaza. To them in Hebron David sent a Present of the Spoile taken from the Amalakite, 1 Sam. XXX. 31. Hither God directed him to go, in this Text. And here he was anointed King; and reigned seven years and six months: And here he had six sons born to him of six several women, his wives Here Abner was slain by Joab; and mournfully buried by David. Hither King Ishbosheths head was brought by his murderers; buried in Abner's Sepulcher; and they hanged up here. Hither came all the Tribes of Israel to make David King over all Israel, and anointed him here. And Absalom being borne here; pretended a vow to be performed here; and rebelling against his father made himself King here. This City of Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt, Num. XIII. 23. And in Rehoboams reign was fortified by him, after the revolt of the ten Tribes, 2 Chron. XI. 10.

Reigned two years ] That is, [verse 10] peaceably, before the war between Abner and Joab, ver, 12, &c. As Saul reigned two years, 1 Sam. XIII. 1. that is, Peaceably, as well as Lawfully, before his Kingdom was in a manner taken from him by the Philistines, 1 Sam. XIII. 19.

Zeruiah the sister of David had these three valiant sons, [verse 18] Joab. Abishai, Asahel. And Abigael the other sister of David had Amasa, 2 Sam. XVII. 25. 1 Chron. II. 15, 16 17.

Michal] Michal loved by both her husbands, [chapter III] [verse 13—16.] David and Phaltiel, see 1 Sam. XXV. 44.

Abner ] He, [verse 28] and Saul were brothers children, 1 Sam. XIV. 50, 51.

Millo ] This in, [chapter V] [verse 9] or adjoining to the strong hold of Zion, the City of David, taken by him, and Joab, of the Jebusites, notwithstanding their scornful brag and confidence; And David built the City round about from Millo and inward. And Joab repaired the rest of the City, 1 Chron. XI. 8. 2 Chron. XXXII. 5. This Millo Solomon built, 1 King. IX. 15, 24. and XI. 27. There was another Millo in or adjoining to the City Shechem, where Abimelech was made King, Judge. IX. 6, 20.

unto the day of her death] i. [chapter VI] [verse 23] e. Michal never had any child. Those five sons, 2 Sam. XXI. 8. were the sons of Merab, Michals sister, whom Michal brought up for Adriel, Merabs husband, 1 Sam. XVIII. 19. 2 Sam. XXI. 8. And are called Michals sons, because she did educate, if not adopt them. And in a sort not much unlike, is Obed called Naomi’s son Ruth IV. 16, 17. see Matth. I. 25. and XXVIII. 20.

I will ] The Promises are, some Peculiar to Solomon, some to Christ, some to both as the Type and Antitype.

David's Conquests. [chapter VII] [verse 12]

Hadadezer] or Hadarezer, [chapter VIII] 1 Chron. XVIII. 3. The like is in Diphath, and Riphath; in Dodanim, [verse 1-14.] and Rodanim, 1 Chron. I. 6, 7. compared with Gen. [verse 3] X. 3, 4. The Hebrew letters Daleth and Resh are like one another, and often put and used one for another; See Isaiah XLVI. 15. Jer. II. 20, & ch. XXXI. 40. which shows that the Hebrew letters had the same form and figure in those days, which they have at this day. And the same Observation may be made upon the like change of other letters, wittingly made in Scripture, and much used in proper names; and much more used in the many mistakes of Interpreters and Translators of Scriptures in many other places; and all by reason of the similitude of their Hebrew Characters; as namely of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 : of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 ; of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 ; of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 ; of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 & 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 ; All which argue still not the Samaritan Characters, which have none of these mutual Similitudes amongst themselves; but the Hebrew Characters we have now to be the same which were from the Beginning, or in Ezra his time. And farther, The Hebrew Jod is the smallest letter, as it is intimated, Matth. V. 18. whereas the Samaritan Jod is one of the largest.

a thousand ] These one thousand here are expressed to be Charets, [verse 4] 1 Chron. XVIII. 4. And the seven hundred horsemen are expounded to be seven hundted ranks of horsemen, or decurioues, ten in a rank; and so make seven thousand horsemen, in the foresaid place.

Syrians ] Hebrew, are Aram, and Aramites, for Syria, and Syrians: [verse 5] So still in the Old Testament. These came of Aram the son of Shem, Gen. X. 22. We read of Padan-Aram, wherein Haran was, the place where Terah, Bethuel, and Laban dwelt, Gen. XI. 32. and XXVIII. and XXIX. chapters. Of Aram Naharaim, Judge. III. 8. of Aram-Zobah, Ps. LX. title. Of Aram of Damascus, in this Text. The word is of a great latitude, and comprehends great Countries in it. As Mesopotamia, so called, because in the middle of two arms of Euphrates; or of the two famous rivers of Euphrates and Tigris. And to this Situation the names of Padan-Aram, and Aram-Naharaim do relate. But in later ages Aram most relates to Aram of Damascus, that Syria whereof Damascus was the chief City. And of this Syria see more in my Annotations on Amos I. 4, 5.

For the Catalogue of the Kings of Syria, see the great Annotations on Amos I. 4.

We read of four battles of David with the Syrians.

The first, here, when they came to succor Hadadezer against David. And in this, two and twenty thousand of them slain, 1 Chron. XVIII. 5.

The second. ver. 13. in the Valley of Salt. And Edomites are named there, 1 Chron, XVIII. 11, 12. and Psal. LX. in the Title of it; Because both Syrians, and Edomites joined in the battle against David's Generals, Joab, and Abishai: and therefore the victory is ascribed to each of the three: and the number flaine is twelve thousand, Ps. LX. 1. and six thousand more, either by Joab alone, before the main battle; or by both the brethren, after it in the pursuit of the victory; in all eighteen thousand, 2 Sam. VIII. 13. 1 Chron. XVIII. 12.

The third battle, 2 Sam. X. 6,—14. when the Syrians joined to help the Ammonites; and fled before Joab, 1 Chron. XIX. 6. 7, 10, 14.

The fourth battle with the Syrians, 2 Sam. X. 15,—19. wherein David slew (the men) of seven hundred Chariots, i. e. of seven hundred ranks, or troops, having ten in a rank or troop; not ten men in a Charet; in all seven thousand, 1 Chron. XIX. 18. And forty thousand horsemen, 2 Sam. X. 18. And forty thousand footmen, 1 Chron. XIX. 18. And Shobach, the Captain of their Hoast.

Zadok ] He was in David's, [verse 17] and Solomon's times, 2 Sam. VIII. 17. and XX. 25. 1 King. I. 8. He anointed Solomon King, and by him was put in the room of Abiathar, 1 King. I. 32, 34. and chap. II. 35. He was the son of another Ahitub then he that was father of Ahimelech: And he came from Eleazar, the eldest son of Aaron, and from Phineas, his son, after six descents, 1 Chron. VI. 4, 5, 6. And the High Priests of his posterity in a continued series and succession, to the Babylonish Captivity, are recorded in eleven generations, 1 Chron. VI. 9,—15. And after the Captivity, in six generations to Jaddua, who lived in the days of Alexander the Great: which is the last Historical Record of the Old Testament, Neh. XII, 10, 11. This Zadoks son was that Ahimaaz, afterwards High Priest, mentioned by David, 2 Sam. XV. 27. This Zadok, of the line of Eleazar, and Ahimelech of the line of Ithamar were the Priests, chief of those two families, with command over the rest of the Priests of those two families severally: But Abiathar the father of Abimelech was then the supreme and only High Priest.

The Cherethites, [verse 18] and the Pelethites ] Of these see the great Annotations on this Text,

Mourning was past] David marries her when she was with child, [chapter XI] [verse 27] in some hope thereby also to cover his sin.

Solomon ] The elder brother of Nathan, [chapter XII] [verse 24] by Bathsheba, or Bathshua, the daughter of Eliam or Ammiel: though Nathan be rancked before • olomon, 2 Sam. V. 14. 1 Chron. III. 5. and XIV. 4.

Crown ] The weight and worth of the King of Ammon’s Crown, [verse 30] a Crown of State, too weighty to wear. Shobi the brother of Hanun, and son of Nahash seems by David to be made King in Hanuns place, which makes him to show such kindness to David in his flight from Absalom, ch. XVII. 27. 28.

After forty years] Absalom, [chapter XV] [verse 7] whose hair weighed [not was worth] above three pounds, at sixteen ounces to the pound, when yearly poll'd, 2 Sam. XIV. 25, 26. Begins his Rebellion against David, after forty years, 2 Sam. XV. 7. not after forty since David was anointed in Hebron; but since he was anointed by Samuel, 1 Sam. XVI. 13. And he ends his Rebellion, with hanging by his hair, as his halter, or by his head rather; where he is slain first by Joab; after by Joab's armor-bearers; 2 Sam. XVIII. 14, 15 That the forty years aforesaid, did take their Beginning and commencement as aforesaid; and so fell in with the twenty second, or twenty third year of David's age; with the seventh or eighth year before he actualy began his reign at Hebron; and ended at the thirty second, or thirty third year of his real reign, and about seven years before his death; appears in this. That at this time of Absalom's rebellion, David was a strong man, 2 Sam. XV. 36. and ch XVII. 8, 10. and XVIII. 2. And afterwards also, ch. XXI. 15. whereas in the fortieth and last year of his reign and life he was bed-rid, 1 King. I. 1, 2. And after the business of this Rebellion was carried on, and ended; we read of three years of famine, 2 Sam. ch. XXI. I. And of the hanging up of ten of Saul's sons, and grand-sons, ver. 8, 9, 10. and of the gathering of the bones of them that were hanged, and the burying of them afterwards in another place, ver. 13, 14. As also, of wars yet again raised by the Philistines, and battles fought with them, at four several times; In the first of which David himself was in person, and in present danger, ver. 15,—22. And besides, near ten months were taken up in numbering the people, Ch. XXIV. 8. And upon the occasion of the Pestilence following thereupon, The Threshing-Floore of Araunah being found to be the place where the Temple was to be built, 1 Chron. XXII. 1. with 2 Chron. III. 1. David doth instruct Solomon about his duty in the building of it; and doth encourage him to do it; and chargeth the Princes to assist him therein, 1 Chron. XXII. And causing him to be suddenly anointed King, to suppress the seditious and ambitious attempt of Adonijah; And having afore ordered the Courses, and Offices of the Levites, Priests, Singers, Porters, for the Service of the Temple, 1 Chron. XXIII. XXIV. XXV. XXVI. Ch. He gives Solomon Patterns, and Materials for the Building; tells him of the Courses of the Priests, and Levites which he had Ordered, Ch. XXVIII. And himself offers of his own goods magnificently; and procures the Princes, and People to Offer willingly towards the said Building; And concludes with Thanksgiving and Prayer to God; And the People bless God, and offer Sacrifices; and make Solomon King the second time, Ch. XXIX. And lastly, on his death-bed David gives Solomon charge to serve God; as also concerning Joab, and Barzillai; and Shimei; and dieth, 1 King II. All which may well take up the seven last years of David's reign and life.

In the wood of Ephraim ] Not that Ephraim had any wood or land on the East-side of Jordan: [chapter XVIII] [verse 6] But the name might seem to rise from the great defeat given there to Ephraim by Jephthah, Judge. XII. 5, 6.

Amasa] David's gentleness and courtesy to spare and honor Amasa; [chapter XIX] [verse 13] notwithstanding his chief hand in rebellion against him, 2 Sam. XVII. 25.

slew Goliath ] His brother Lahmi; [chapter XXI] [verse 19] as it is explained, 1 Chron. XX. 5. And so Michal for Michals sister, ver. 8. of this Chapter. The words brother and sister being left out by an Eclipsis not unusual, specially in the short idiom of the Hebrews, and in cases so well known.

This Psalm of Praise and Thanksgiving is the same with Psalm XVIII. [chapter XXII] The difference is very little.

Here are David's Worthies towards the end of his reign. [chapter XXIII] These in all thirty seven 2 Sam. XXIII. 39. whereof Joab one, the General and Captain of the host, 1 Chron. XI. 6. Six chief Worthies or Colonels: And of them the first three above the other three. And the first three, Adino, or Jacobeam, Eleazar, and Shammah; exceeding the other three. Abishai the chief of the second three; and Benaiah, the son of Jehoiadah; and Asahel, who was one not of the thirty, but above the thirty, for there are thirty named after him. The three first, or three chief over the thirty, ver. 13. are described, as otherwise, so by their valiant Acts, both distinctly, and jointly, 2 Sam. XXIII. 8,—17. And so the two first of the next three. And these six likely were each of them over five of the thirty following, and their Regiments. The Catalogue of David's Worchies, 1 Chron. XI. was taken when David began his reign at Jerusalem, or before; The number there is forty seven, besides the first three, and the second three. And well might the number be more at that beginning of his reign, then at the end of it; some of them dying in the mean time. And of others some might have two different names. The chief of all the Worthies slays three hundred himself, and likely in the pursuit, at the same time 500. more, by himself, or with his company; in all eight hundred. Of him see more, 1 Chron. XXVII. 2, 3. The second defies the Philistines, when the men of Israel were fled away, and in a parcel of ground full of Barley, slew the Philistines till his hand clave unto the sword, and wrought a great victory and deliverance. Of his father, see 1 Chron. XXVII. 4 The third did the like in a piece of ground full of Lentiles. Of the other three, 1. Abishai, the brother of Joab. 2. Asahel, another brother, and Captain for the fourth month, 1 Chron. XXVII. 7. slain by Abner, whiles David reigned in Hebron. 3. Benaejah, the Captain of David's guard; the Cherethites and Pelethites, 2 Sam. VIII. 18. And Captain for the third month, 1 Chron. XXVII. 5, 6. And afterwards by Solomon made General of the Hoast in the room of Joab, 1 King. II. 34, 35. Of him see more, 2 Sam. XXIII. 20, 21, 22. This Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada of Kabzeel, is called also a chief Priest or Principal Officer, 1 Chron. XXVII. 5. Another Benaiah a Pirathonite, was one of David's thirty Worthies, 2 Sam. XXIII. 30. And other Benajahs there were besides, that were Priests and Levites. And divers of the Captains for the twelve months were of the number of David's Worthies. And among the thirty were a son of Achitophel, Uriah the Hittite, and the armor-bearer of Joab likewise.

Although my house ] Rather thus interrogatively; [verse 5] And is not my house so with God?

Seven years ] Seven years of famine here propounded to David. [chapter XXIV] [verse 13] And three years, 1 Chron. XXI. 12. that is three more, to the three years of famine for the Gibeonites, 2 Sam. XXI. 1. To which three so lately past; And David's sin of numbering the people being in the fourth year, which was a Sabbatical year; A new addition of other three makes up seven years of famine. Yet the LXX. read three in 2 Sam. XXIV. 13. Of Famine, see more on Lam. I. 11. and II. 11, 12, 19, 20. and IV. 4, 5, 8, 9, 10. and V. 10. Ezek. IV. 9, 16. and V. 16.

I. Kings.

T HE Books of Kings do most pursue the History of the Kings of Israel, during the continuance of that Kingdom.

They seem to be written after their days, 1 King. IX. 13, 21, and X. 12. and XII. 19. 2 King. II. 22. and VIII. 22. and X. 27. and XIV. 7. and XVI. 6. and XVII. 23, 34, 41. 1 Chron. IV. 41 and V. 26. 2 Chron. XXXVI. 22, 23.

The first Book of Kings [or III.] contains an History of one hundred and eighteen years: viz. of Solomon: And after him,

Of
• Rehoboam, Abia, Asa, Jehoshaphat, Kings of Judah.
• Jeroboam, Nadab, Baasha, Elah, Zimri, Tibni, Omri, and Ahab, Kings of Israel.

Acts of Solomon, Rehoboam and Abijah, are written in Books of Nathan the Prophet, of Shemaiah the Prophet, of the Prophecy of Ahijah the Shilomite, of the Visions and story of Iddo the Seer, and Prophet, 2 Chron. IX. 29. and XII. 15. and XIII. 22. which are lost, and never were Canonical Scripture. Yet those of Solomon seem to some to be written by Nathan, Ahijah, and Iddo, in the beginning of the first Book of Kings, 2 Chron. I. 29.

Adonijah ] The eldest son then living, [chapter I] [verse 5] 2 Sam. III. 3, 4 Chileab or Daniel, 1 Chron. III. 1. being dead (as Absalom was eldest when he formerly sought the Crown) begins with a Courtly train and Lifeguard; as Absalom did. But gets Joab, and Abiathar to join with him, in seeking to be King; And that by a fairer way then Absalom did, 2 Sam. XV. 1 King. I.

En-Rogel ] Or the Well of Rogel. [verse 9] This was nigh Jerusalem, East and by South. See Josh. XV. 7. 2 Sam. XVII. 17.

Gihon] Gihon is a Mount, [verse 33] and a Rivolet, close on the West-side of Jerusalem. See 2 Chron. XXXII. 30. and XXXIII. 14.

Horns of the Altar ] And so, chap. II. 28. [verse 50] The Altar whereunto Adonijah, and Joab fled, seems to be not any at Jerusalem, but that with the Tabernacle at Gibeon, 2 Chron. I. 3,—6.

Fourty years ] And so the years of his life, [chapter II] [verse 11] seventy, when he dies of age. For he was thirty when he began to reign, 2 Sam. V. 4. And yet Jesse was above one hundred, when he begat him: See on Rahab, Josh. II. And we read not of any King of Judah, or Israel after David that attained to his age: Only Uzziah, and Manasseh came very near it.

I will not say thee nay ] Many Promises of God and Man, [verse 20] have their Provisoes, and are to be understood conditionally, as 1 Sam. II. 30. Ezek. XXXIII. 13. 1 Chron. XVII. 9. and chap. XXVIII. 9. 2 Chron. VI. 16. Psal. CXXXII. 12. 2 Chron. VII. 17,—22. As God's manifold promises of Long Life, and Temporal Blessings, and Deliverances. And many the like. And so for Threatenings, and Dooms, Judge. X. 13. Jonah III. 4. See my Observations on that Text of Jonah.

Abiathar] Abiathar the fourth from Eli, [verse 35] of the race of Ithamar, the younger brother, was High Priest, till Solomon put Zadok in his room, being indeed the right heir of the right line, of Eleazar, and Phineas, 1 Chron. VI. 3, &c. Num. XXV. 13.

High places] High places called so, [chapter III] [verse 2] because mostly on Mountains, Isaiah LVII. 7. whence named Bamah, Ezek. XX. 28, 29. There they built houses of the High Places, Temples, Chapels, Altars, &c. and put their Idols and Images there, and decked all with Tapistry, and garments of divers colors. They made Priests of the High places; and there they sacrificed, yea, sometimes their children; and burnt Incense, 1 King. XII. 31, 32. 2 King. XVII. 29, 32. Ezek. XVI. 16, 17, 18, 24, 25, 31. Ier. XIX. 5. The High places of Heathen Idolaters were always abominable. These High places God commands the Israelites to destroy, and quite pluck down, Num. XXXIII. 52. While the Ark, and Tabernacle were parted one from the other; and both from Shiloh; and removed from place to place, till the building of the Temple, and there fixed and settled; We read of High places lawfully resorted to, and used, by Samuel, 1 Sam. IX. 12, 13, 14, 19, 25. and by others, chap. X. 5, 12, 13. And not much unlawfully by these here, 1 King. III. 2, 3. And Gibeon itself, when the Tabernacle and Altar, were there, is called the Great High place, 1 King III. 4. But when the Temple was since built, then all other High places for God's solemneworship, and Ceremonial Services were counted abominable. And in this sin, the ten Tribes, after the division of the Kingdoms by Jeroboam, continually abounded. They made houses and Priests of High places, in Mountains, and in all the Cities of Samaria, and their Altars were as heaps in the furrows of the fields, 1 King. XIII. 32. Hos. XII. 11. Yea, and Solomon himself, afore that, in his later days, fearfully offended in this kind, 1 King. XI. 7. 8. And Judah itself fell into this sin, even in Rehoboams reign, 1 King. XIV. 23. And in after-times, They built High places to Baal, and to the Idols of neighbouring Nations, 2 Chr. XXV. 14. in Tophet, in the Valley of the son of Hinnom, on Mount Olivet, in Jerusalem, in all the Cities of Judah, and in every street of the Cities, Micah I. 5. 1 King. XIV. 23. Ier. VII. 31. and XIX. 5. and XXXII. 35. Ezek. XVI. 16, 31. And this specially in the reigns of Ahaz, Joram, and Manasseh. And in the reigns of divers good Kings of Judah, as Joash, Amatziah, Uzziah, Jotham, it is recorded as a blemish in them, That they did not take away the High places, but the people sacrificed, and burnt Incense in them. Of good Asa it is said, that he did, and he did not take them away, 1 King. XV. 14 2 Chron. XV. 17. And so of Jehoshaphat, 2 Chron XVII. 6. and XX. 33 1 King. XXII. 43 The meaning is, They took away those High places which were for Idols and strange gods, not those which were for God's worship: or they labored in the Reformation of these later also; but through the people's waywardness, could not therein fully prevail In the Reformation of Manasseh upon his Repentance, it is said That nevertheless the people did sacrifice still in the High places, yet unto the Lord their God only, 2 Chron XXXIII. 17 But zealous Hezekiah and Josiah, went through-stitch with all.

Gibeon ] The Tabernacle was never at any one of the Cities of the Levites, [verse 4] except here at Gibeon only.

Ask • God's proffer to Solomon, [verse 5] in that night after he had offered up those numerous Sacrifices at Gibeon, 2 Chron. I. 7. And his large Petition thereupon for Wisdom, 1 King. III. 6, 7, 8, 9. And God's ample Grant thereunto; and further Largesse, partly added, partly upon Condition promised, ver. 11, 12, 13, 14. were transacted all whiles Solomon was asleep, as appears by ver. 5. and 15. Though in this same History, 2 Chron. I. 7,—12. of Sleep, or Dream there is no mention made at all.

a little child ] In that sleep Solomon calls himself a little child; [verse 7] And a little before that David testifies the like of him, 1 Chron. XXII. 5. and chap. XXI. 1. with an eye had to his grear charge at that age; not unlike to that, Jer. I. 6. Yet then David calls him a Wiseman, 1 King. II. 9. even before that wonderful increase of wisdom added to him after David's death; And then Solomon, being indeed about seventeen years old, had Rehoboam, his son, as appears by the age of Rehoboam at the beginning of his reign, 1 King. XIV. 21. 2 Chron. XII. 13.

Harlots ] The King knew not likely, [verse 16] that the women were Harlots; haply open Inn-keepers, and close Harlots.

son of Nathan ] [chapter IV] [verse 5] The Prophet Nathan's two sons highly honored and advanced by Solomon.

Spake] Solomon chosen by God to be King, [verse 32] 1 Chron. XXVIII. 5. and XXIX. 1. and chap. XXII. 9, 10, spake three thousand Proverbs. And he spake of all Trees, 1 King. IV. 32, 33. Not that the Text saith, he writ them, or of them. And his Songs were one thousand and five.

Hiram] Hiram, [chapter V] [verse 1] or Hiram King of Tyre, and Sidon too, ver. 6. having Lebanon in his possession. Both father and son of that name, 2 Chron II. 3, 13. And again, Hiram the workman, father and son at the same time of the said Kings, both it seems of the same name likewise, 1 King. VII. 13, 14. 2 Chron. II. 14. and IV. 11. and both wrought to Solomon, 2 Chron. IV. 16. The sons mother was of Dan, 2 Chron. II. 14. His father, of Naphtali, though inhabiting in Tyre, 1 King. VII. 14.

The House of the Lord ] This House, [chapter IV] [verse 1] called the Temple, ver. 3. the Throne of God's glory, Jer. XIV. 21. a Glorious high throne, Jer. XVII. 12. our Holy and Beautiful House, where our fathers praised thee, Isaiah XLVI. 11. the Beauty of Holiness, 1 Chron XVI. 29. was built in Jerusalem, on Mount Moriah, or Zion, on the Threshing-floor of Araunah or Ornan the Jebusite, 2 Chron. III. 1. 1 Chron. XXII. 1.

Very wonderful riches acquired, and laid up, and other preparations made by David, and others, towards the building of the Temple, 2 Sam. VIII. 11, 12. 1 Chron. XXII. 14. and ch. XXIX.

And the Pattern or Platforme of it given to David by the Spirit, 1 Chron. XXVIII. 21. he set down in writing particularly, and gave it to his son, 1 Chron. XXVIII. 11,—18. This was such like an help as Moses had, Exod. XXV. 40. The Preparations for the second Temple were very small.

Huge stones, and costly, and precious stones used in Solomon's Buildings, 1 King. VII. 9,—12. and chap. X. 2, 10, 11. 1 Chron. XXIX. 2, 8. 2 Chron. III. 6.

The Brazen Altar for Sacrifice was in the Court next the Temple, in the open air.

The Lavers likewise in that Court, between the Brazen Altar, and the Temple; fixed and placed before the Temple, in the inmost Court; viz. five Bases, and Lavers upon them, on the right hand; and five on the left, as one was to go from the East into the Temple: To wash in them such things as they Offered for the Burnt-offerings and Sacrifices.

The great molten Sea, standing on twelve Oxen, or Brazen Bulls, which were by, and beside, not under the Bases and Lavers, as the word is rendered, Jer. LII 20. This Sea was placed on the right hand, or North-side, over against the South, For the Priests to wash in, 2 Chron. IV. 6, 10. In most other places in Scripture, the Right hand is taken for the South; and the Left hand for the North; as supposing a man's posture with his face towards the East.

Going on from the East towards the West; and passing by the Altar, Lavers, and Sea; Entrance was so made into the Porch of the Temple. This Porch being the entrance, and East-end of the Temple, was in length twenty Cubits; from North to South; In breadth ten Cubits, from East to West; and in height as high as the Temple, and thrice as high above it, one hundred and twenty Cubits in all, 1 King. VI. 3. 2 Chron. III 4. In the middle between the walls, not joining to the walls, stood on each side of the entrance or Porch, the two Pillars, of Jachin, on the right hand; and Boaz, on the left; eighteen sacred Cubits apiece high, 1 King. VII. 15. or thirty five common Cubits besides the Basis or Pedestal of one Cubit, 2 Chron. III. 15. Although some would have this thirty five to be the number arising from the height of both Pillars or the shafts of them. And a Chapiter on the top of each, five sacred Cubits high, 1 King. VII. 16. 2 Chron. III. 15. to a part whereof are assigned three Cubits, 2 King. XXV. 17. And they being four fingers thick of brass, and hollow within, Jer. LII. 21. a line of twelve sacred Cubits did compass either of the Pillars about, 1 King. VII. 15. Some divide the Pillars into five parts; or rather into six thus; a square Table on the bottom; a Rundle or round Basis upon that; the shaft and main body of the Pillars round; and above that a square Border upon which the Pomegranates were; a Head, or Chapiter, or Belly; and a Crown or Powel, both round. All the three parts above the Shaft are called by the name of Chapiter, and are said to be five Cubits high, 1 King. VII. 16. Jer. LII. 22. And the four Cubits; 1 King. VII. 19. is to be understood of some parts of them: And the th • ee Cubits, 2 King. XXV. 17. of the other: or the four Cubits relate to the Lily-work, and the three Cubits to the Net-work. The whole Chapiters had Nets of Checker-work, and wreaths of Chain-work, seven on either 1 King. VII. 17. And Pomegranates upon the Net-works, in two rouse, one above another, that is, twenty four on a square or side, and so ninety six in all upon the four sides of each row; which with the four corner ones make up one hundred in each row, 2 Chron. III. 16. Jer. LII. 23. And so two hundred on either Pillar, 1 King. VII. 20. and four hundred Pomegranates on both jointly.

Passing through the Porch, They entered into the Sanctuary or Body of the Temple, conjoined to the Porch; which Sanctuary or Body was forty sacred Cubits long, and twenty broad, and thirty high, 1 King. VI. 17. 2 Chron. III. 3 Overlaid within with gold, upon Palme trees, and Chaines, and Cherubims; and garnished with precious stones, 2 Chron. III. 5, 6, 7.

In this body of the Temple, were the things following; ten Candlesticks of gold, with their Lamps [Besides other of silver mentioned, 1 Chron. XXVIII. 16. for other uses, in other places, in the Courts and Chambers of the Priests and Levites.] Of which ten, there were placed five on the right hand, and five on the left 2 Chron. IV. 7. And each of them far greater then that one in the Tabernacle. Oile was used to the Lamps.

Ten Tables for Shew-bread, likely of gold; [besides other of silver in other places, for other uses, in the Priests Courts, Chambers, and Treasuries, mentioned, 1 Chron. XXVIII. 16.] Of which ten, there were five placed on the right side, and five on the left, 2 Chron. IV. 8, 19. Though one Table and one Candlestick, be named for the rest, 2 Chron. XIII. 11. 1 King. VII. 48.

Altar of Incense, of gold, placed by the Oracle, at the West-end of the Sanctuary, 1 King. VI. 20, 22. and VII. 48. On which was daily burnt the Perfume, Exod. XXX. 34,—38. and ver. 1,—10. And that not by the High Priest only; as it is in the Annotations on 2 Chron. XXVI. 16. But by other Priests; as it is in the Annotations on Exod. XXX. 7.

Thence straight forward, Through the Vail, and Door the High Priest once in the year entered into the Oracle or Most-Holy-Place; twenty sacred Cubits long; twenty broad; and twenty high; a perfect square, 1 King. VI. 20. Being the West-end of the Temple. By the Height here it seems plainly to be ten Cubits lower then the Body of the Temple; as our Chancels commonly are lower then the Bodies of our Churches. Neither seems there to be anything in the Text to induce us to be otherwise minded: Though the Great Annotations on 1 King. VI. 20. seek out ways to heighten the upmost outmost top of it to be level and even with the top of the Temple.

In the Oracle were, the Ark, called God's strength, and glory, Psal LXXVIII. 61, and CXXXII. 8. 1 Sam. IV. 20. And in it only two Tables of the Law and Covenant, or Testimony: The Propitiatory or Cover upon it; which made up the Mercy-seat: And the two Cherubims, not of massy gold, as those two lesser ones in the Tabernacle, Exod. XXXVII. 7. But of Olive-tree, covered with plates of Gold, and meeting with one of their wings upon the Mercy-seat; and the other wings stretching to the walls of the Oracle; whereupon it is called the Chariot of the Cherubims, 1 Chron. XXVIII. 19. See 1 Sam. IV. 4 Psal. LXXX. 1. and X • IX. 1. Isaiah XXXVII. 16. And their faces were inward or toward the House, 2 Chron. III. 13. These Cherubims have one pair of wings apiece. In Ezekiel's Vision two pair apiece, Ezek. I. 6. and chap. X. 21. In Isaiah’s Vision the Seraphim have three pair a piece, Isaiah VI. 2. As also those four living wights, Apoc. IV. 8. Probably on their Shoulders, Breasts, and Hips. These Cherubims were so made as the parts of them might be taken asunder, 2 Chron. III. 10. And by the side of the Ark, or before the Testimony, are conceived to be the Pot of Manna; Aaron's Rod; The Censer; and the Book of the Law, as they had formerly been in the most Holy Place of the Sanctuary. And the smaller Cherubims which Moses made out of the matter of the Mercy-seat, or Propitiatory, or Cover, if inseparably fastened to the ends of it, then they were also covered with the great Cherubims, Exod. XXV. 18, 19. & ch. XXXVII. 8. Of all which see what more hath been said upon Exod. See also 1 King. VI. and VIII. chapters. 2 Chron. III. and IV. chapters, where more is set down of the gold, and precious ornaments of this place, and the things in it. [Our Western Churches have the Chancels at the East-end; and the steeples commouly at the West-end; (otherwise then it was in Solomon's Temple) in relation likely to Judea, and Jerusalem, and that Temple, East from us. Of the second Temple in Ezra; we have little for the things in it. Of Herod's Temple, little or nothing in Scripture.

The windows narrow without, and broad within, were above the Chambers, round about both the Temple, and Oracle.

Of the Walls, and Doors, see 2 Chron. III. 5, 6, 7. and chap. IV. 22. 1 King. VI. 15, 16, 22, 29, 30, 31,—35. and VII. 50.

The Floore of the Temple, was of Fir-Plancks, 1 King. VI 15. Of the Oracle, was of Cedar, ver. 16. Both overlaid with gold, i. e. plates of gold, ver. 30.

The covering of the House was with beams, and boards of Cedar, ver. 9. ceiled or covered within with gold, 2 Chron. III. 5, 8. And in likelihood Lead upon the outside of them, to defend all against the injuries of the weather.

Gates of the Temple, and Courts of it, 2 Chron. VIII. 14. and XXIII. 4, 5, 19, 20. and XXIV. 8. and XXVII. 3. and XXXI. 14. and XXXV. 15. See the Annotations on Ezek. VIII. 3, 5, 14. and on chap. IX. 2. and on chap. XL. 3.

The Courts; of the Tabernacle was one; of Solomon's Temple at least two, 2 Chron. IV. 9. Besides the Court of the Gentiles, or intermural; the East-gate whereof was called Solomon's Porch; of Ezekiel's Visionarie Temple, at least three; besides that for the Gentiles.

The Courts were comprised under the name of the Temple, Acts XXI. 28. Joh. II. 14, 16. In the Court of the People, or Greater Court Solomon erected his Scaffold, 2 Chron. VI. 13. And Joash was anointed King, 2 Chron. XXIII. 13. And here, and in the Porch of it, were the People taught, by the Priests, and Levites; by the Prophets, and Apostles; by our Savior, who never entered further then this Court into the Temple.

The time of Building, seven years. Though there were six months more by comparing, 1 King. VI. 1, 38. 2 Chron. III. 2. Like to that of the time of David's reign, 2 Sam. V. 4, 5.

The time of Dedication of the House and Altar in the seventh month, 1 King. VIII. 2. 2 Chron. V. 3. and chap. VII. 9, 10. either the month before all the appurtenances, and ordinances of the House were fully finished; or else in the seventh month of the next year, when the Jubilee began; that so the celebrity of Bringing in the Ark, and Dedication of the Temple, and Solomon's sacrifices, and his solemn Prayer upon his brazen scaffold, might then and thereby, become the greater and more illustrious, 1 King. VIII. 1,—66. 2 Chron. V. and VI. and VII. chapters. It began the seventh or eighth day of that month: for on the fifteenth day began the Feast of Tabernacles. And in relation to these two Feasts, are those fourteen days mentioned, 1 King. VIII. 65. 2 Chron. VII. ver. 8, 9. And on the twenty third day of that month the people were dismissed, 2 Chron. VII. 10. the eighth day of the later Feast, 1 King. VIII. 66.

House of the Forest of Lebanon ] This was built in Jerusalem. [chapter VII] [verse 2] See ver. 6, 7, 8. His dwelling House and Throne not far from it; and golden shields in it, 1 King. X. 16, 17. And there seized on by the King of Egypt, 2 Chron. XII. 9, 10. It seems so called, as being a kind of abridgement of that famous Forest, afar off from Jerusalem, and containing in it, and in the Groves and Gardens about it, all the delights and pleasures of that Forest, in solitary walks, sweet smells, music of birds, and sight of wild-beasts, &c. See my Annotations on Zech. XI. 1. where conceiving this House to be built in that Forest, not in Jerusalem, upon further consideration, I think good to retract that opinion here.

Two thousand Baths ] Bath the measure of Liquid things, [verse 26] as Epha of Dry: Both of the same capacity. This Sea had ordinarily put into it two thousand Baths, or five hundred Barrels, reckoning eight gallons to the Bath and four Baths to the Barrel. But this Sea being filled up to the brim, it might contain three thousand Baths, 2 Chron. IV. 5. or seven hundred and fifty Barrels; with water drawn out of it by Cocks or other ways, the Priests washed, &c.

Ten Lavers ] But one in the Tabernacle, [verse 38] Exod. XXX. 18. Here are ten Lavers, besides the Sea. And so of the Candlesticks, and Tables, there were ten in the Temple to one in the Tabernacle, 1 King. VII. 49. 2 Chron. IV. 8. Each Laver contained forty Baths.

Bowles of pure Gold ] Of Gold belonging to the Altar of Incense, [verse 50] 1 Chron. XXVIII. 17. Some of Silver, 1 Chron. XXVIII. 16. And as those given by the twelve Princes, Num. VII. 13, 85. Some of Brasse, for the Brazen Altar, Exod. XXXVIII. 3 Num. IV. 14. 1 King. VII. 45. And for the Vessels of the Temple, See on Jer. LII. 17,—23.

Pleased him not ] King Hiram, [chapter IX] [verse 12] though displeased with the twenty Cities, given him by Solomon, in the Land of Galilee, yet pleaseth to restore them to him in love, 2 Chron. VIII. 2.