Observations Upon the Old Testament

II. Kings.

T HE second Book of Kings, [or fourth rather] contains the History of 321 years; to the lifting up of the head of Jehoiachim: In the reigns of

• 16 Kings of Judah, counting in Athaliah.
• 12 King of Israel.

So that the number of Kings; from the first division of the Kingdoms, to the extirpation of them both, were twenty in each: Though the Kingdom of Israel did expire in Hoshea by Shalmanasar, before the Kingdom of Judah, did expire in Zedekiah by Nebuchadnezzar, the space of one hundred thirty and three years; not one hundred thirty and five

The twenty of Judah were all of David's line, excepting Athaliah the Queen. The twenty of Israel were of ten several stocks.

Ahaziah, Joash, Amatziah, Kings of Judah, and Athaliah the Queen, all succeeding one another, were all slain. Amon likewise, and his son Josiah both slain.

And ten Kings of Israel, the half of all their number, were likewise slain.

For the times of the reigns of Ahab, Ahaziah, Jehoram, Kings of Israel; and of Jehoshaphat, Jehoram, Ahaziah, Kings of Judah, take this as followeth;

Ahab reigned twenty two, years, 1 King. XVI. 31.

Ahazia the son of Ahab began to reign in the seventeenth year of Jehoshaphat King of Judah; and reigned two years.

Jehoram the other son of Ahab, begins to reign in the second year of Jehoram, the son of Jehoshaphat, 2 Kings I. 17. and in the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat; and reigned twelve years, 2 Kings III. 1.

Jehoshaphat began to reign in the fourth year of Ahab, 1 Kings XXII. 41. and reigned twenty five years, 2 Chron. XX. 31.

Jehoram the son of Jehoshaphat began to reign in his fathers lifetime; and in the fifth year of Jehoram of Ahab; and reigned eight years, 2 Kings VIII. 16, 17.

Ahaziah Kings of Judah, and son of Jehoram King of Judah, began to reign in the twelfth year of Jehoram of Ahab, 2 Kings VIII. 25. in his eleventh year, chap. IX. 29. Ahaziah himself being then twenty two years old, 2 Kings VIII. 26. or forty two years old, 2 Chron. XXII. 2. And he reigned one year, 2 Kings VIII. 26. 2 Chron. XXII. 2.

All the doubts arising from the Premises are fairly cleared, as followeth: viz. Jehoshaphat King of Judah, beginning to reign in the fourth year of Ahab King of Israel; And Jehoram King of Israel, and Ahaziah King of Judah, being both slain by Jehu, in one year; Therefore between their deaths, And the first of Jehoshaphat, or fourth of Ahab, there must be one and the same distance and period of time. Which agrees well thus; In the line of Israel, eighteen years remaining of Ahab's twenty two 1 Kings XVI. 29. Two of Ahaziah, but one of them in his fathers life-time; and twelve of Jehoram: in all 31.

And so in the line of Judah; twenty five of Jehoshaphat; and eight of Jehoram, whereof two at least in his fathers life-time; and Ahaziah but a piece of a year; in all thirty one.

Now Ahaziah of Israel beginning to reign in the seventeenth of Jehoshaphat, shows that Ahab had made him Viceroy the year before his death; for Ahab died in the eighteenth of Jehoshaphat: And so this Ahaziah reigned but one year himself alone.

And Jehoram the other son of Ahab beginning to reign in the second year of Jehoram the son of Jehoshaphat, shows, That Jehoshaphat had made his son Jehoram his Viceroy, the same year that Ahab had done the like; viz. the year before their going to battle to Ramoth-Gilead; which battle was in the last of Ahab, and eighteenth of Jehoshaphat.

And Jehoram the son of Jehoshaphat beginning to reign in the fifth year of Jehoram of Ahab; and that being in the time of Jehoshaphat's own reigning, and Jehoram reigning from that time eight years; shows that Jehoshaphat made his son, of Voiceroy, King joint with himself, in the twenty third year of his reign, two years before his death. And so this Jehoram reigned as King two years in his father Jehoshaphat's life-time, and six years after his death: Not four years in his life-time, and four years after his death, as is usually averred.

And Ahaziah of Judah, upon the premises, begins to reign, upon the twelfth year beginning, or eleventh year ending, of Jehoram of Israel.

And Jehoram the father of this Ahaziah beginning to reign in the thirty two year of his age, and reigning eight years, and dying at forty, 2 Kings VIII. 17, 24; This Ahaziah cannot possibly be forty two, but twenty two, when he began to reign; his father being married to Athaliah, his mother, in the eighth year of, Jehoshaphat's reign. And those forty two years must needs relate to another time then Ahaziah's age; and do justly agree with the number of years of the continuance of Omri his race in the royal Throne, from whom this Ahaziah descended by his mother Athaliah and in whom, and Omries grandchild Jehoram it ended: Thus, Omri alone, after the death of Tibni, six or seven years, 1 Kings XVI. 23, 29. Ahab, twenty two; Ahaziah alone; one, Jehoram twelve: in all forty two. And the Hebrew expression in 2 Chron. XXII. 2. is this, A son of forty two years was Ahaziah inhis reigning; which may have a relation to a continuance in a stock. And a passage and computation, not unlike to this, is that, 2 Chron. XV. 19. and chap. XVI. 1. from the beginning of the division of the two Kingdoms of Judah and Israel. This Ahaziah of Judah is otherwise called Azariah, 2 Chron. XXII. 6. and Jehoahaz, chap. XXI. 17. and Joahaz, 2 Chron. XXV. 23.

For the times of the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, Kings of judah; And of Zuchariah, Shallum, Menachem, Pekiah, Pekah, Hoshea, Kings of Israel, take this, as followeth;

Uzziah being smitten with Leprosy, in his old age, for attempting to offer Incense, on the Altar of Incense, his son Jotham was over the Kings house, judging the people of the Land, 2 Chron. XXVI. 21. This seems to be four years before his father Uzziah's death: And so may seem to extend, after a sort, the number of the years of Jotham’s reign to twenty, 2 Kings XV. 30. whereas Jotham reigned only sixteen years after the death of his father Uzziah, 2 Kings XV. 33.

Jotham begins his sixteen in the second of Pekah's twenty, 2 Kings XV. 32. In Jotham's days Pekah, and Rezin begin to trouble Judah, 2 Kings XV. 37.

Ahaz begins his six • een in the seventeenth of Pekah's twenty, 2 Kings XVI. 1. Then doth the danger by Pekah and Rezin increase. He is spoiled by them; and by the Edomites; and the Philistines, 2 Chron. XXVIII. And by the Assyrian, partly helped; and partly distressed.

Hezekiah begins his twenty nine in the third of Hoshea, 2 Kings XVIII. 1, 2. that is, the third after his first nine, 2 Kings XVII. 1. which ninth falls in with the ending of the twelftth of Ahaz; and that third after it, falls in with the beginning of the sixteenth and last of Ahaz.

2 King. XV. 8, 13.
• Zachariah begins in the thirty eight of Uzziah.
• Shallum begins in the thirty nine of Uzziah

Menachem begins his ten in the thirty nine of Uzziah, 2 King. XV. 17. Then Pul King of Assyria made an attempt upon Menachem, ver. 18, 19, 20.

Pekahiah begins his two in the fiftieth of Uzziah, 2 King. XV. 23.

Pekah begins his twenty in the fifty two of Uzziah, 2 King. XV. 27. And so Pekah's first, and Uzziah's last, are in one year. In Pekah's days Tiglath-Pelezer captived Galilee and Naphtali into Assyria, 2 King. XV. 29.

Hoshea rules and reigns eighteen years. For thirty eight years are from the first of Jotham, to the sixth of Hezekiah: And so many must be from the first of Pekah, to the end and last of Hoshea: And Pekah reigning twenty, the remain for Hoshea must needs be eighteen.

Hoshea begins in the twentieth of Jotham 2 King. XV. 30. that is, from the beginning of his reign, from the beginning of his sixteenth. For Jotham’s fourth, in his father Uzziah's time, did precede his sixteen. And his sixteen ended in the seventeenth of Pekah, when Jotham’s son Ahaz began to reign, 2 King. XVI. 1. So that Hoshea truly began in the fourth of Ahaz; which was the twentieth from the time that Jotham began to reign; not that Jotham reigned twenty years, till Hoshea began. And Hoshea had reigned nine years in the twelfth of Ahaz. And these first nine years, the Sacred story passeth over in silence: He having done nothing remarkable or memorable in them. His later nine years are storied ont thus; That the first of them begins in the twelfth of Ahaz, 2 King. XVII. 1. That in the third of them, which was the last of Ahaz, Hezekiah began to reign, 2 King. XVIII. 1. That in the seventh of them, and fourth of Hezekiah, Shalmanezar came and besieged Samaria, 2 King. XVIII. 9. That in the ninth and last of them, and sixth of Hezekiah, Shalmanesar took Samaria, and carried all captives into Assyria, and finaly extinguished that Kingdom of Israel, 2 King. XVIII. 10, 11.

The Names then, and the Numbers of the years of the Reignes of the Kings of Judah, and of Israel, in this II. Book of Kings, are as followeth, viz. of

Judah.	years.
Jehoram, as viceroy—4	In all—12. Imperfect.
Joynt King with his father Jehoshaphat —2
Sole King after his fathers death,—6
Ahaziah	1 imperfect.
Athaliah	6
Joash	40
Amatziah	17
Uzziah	52
Jotham	15
Ahaz	14
Hezekiah	29
Manasseh	55
Amon	2
Josiah	31
Iehoachaz
Jehoiakim	11
Iehoachin
Zedekiah	11
Thence to Iehoiachins advancement.	26

Kings of Israel.	years.
Ahaziah	1
Jehoram	11
Jehu	28
Jehoahaz	15
Joash or Jehoash	16
Jeroboam	41
Zechariah
Shallum
Menachem	10
Pekahiah	2
Pekah	20
Hoshea	18

See my Annotations on Hos. I. 1.

If thou see me ] [chapter II] [verse 10] This sign was of God's appointment. And the thing done on the East-side of Jordan.

a Minstrel ] To quiet, [chapter III] [verse 15] quicken, and compose his spirit.

his eldest son ] The King of Edom's eldest son, [verse 27] taken by the King of Moab in this eruption. See Amos II. 1. and the Annotations there.

Shunem ] A City in the Tribe of Issachar, [chapter IV] [verse 8] Josh. XIX. 18. And hath, in the same Tribe standing from it, Jezreel towards the South; Mount Gilboa towards the South-East; The river Kishon on the East; and Mount Tabor towards the North-North-East, in the Confines of the Tribe of Zebulon. In Shunem the Philistines pitched against Saul in Gilboa, 1 Sam. XXVIII 4. Here was borne Abishag that fair Virgin, that lay in David's bosom to cherish him, as a wife-nurse, in his decreped age: And was afterwards sought for in marriage by Adonijah; but to the loss of his life, in the State-wisdom of Solomon, 1 King. I. and II. chapters. And here dwelt this great and good woman that made these accommodations for the Prophet Elishah: and upon his Prophetical promise obtained a son: and had him miraculously raised from death of life again by Elishah coming from Mount Carmel hither; as is in this IV. Chapter. And further, upon this accompt, after her seven years absence, on the Prophets direction, by reason of the Famine to ensue during that time, she returning out of the Land of the Philistines, had her house, lands, and profits of her estate restored to her, by Jehoram King of Israel, 2 King. VIII.

Gilgal ] Of this see the Annotations on Hos. IV. 15. [verse 38]

twenty loaves of barley ] This was more then the bread of his first fruits came to. [verse 42]

King of Syria ] This was Benhadad the son of Benhadad; [chapter V] both Kings of Syria, [verse 5] 1 Kings XV. 18, 19, 20. and XX. 1. 34. 2 King. VI. 24. and VIII. 7. 2. Chron. XVI. 2. The father was the son of Tabrimon, the son of Hezion King of Syria, 1 King. XV. 18. This the son slew Ahab at Ramoth-Gilead, 1 King. XXII. 35, 37. Who contrary to God's command had saved him, 1 King. XX. 42. And besieging Samaria, he brought it to that extreme famine, 2 King. VI. 24, 25. And after at Ramoth-Gilead, he wounded Jehoram, the son of Ahab, 2 King. VIII. 28, 29. Whence returning to Jezreel to be healed of his wounds, he was slain by Jehu, 2 King. IX. 24. And this son died, 2 King. VIII. 15.

A third Benhadad King of Syria was the son of Hazael, 2 King. XIII. 3, 24.

Benhadad signifies the son of Hadad. And Hadad was a name very common among the Kings of Edom, or Idumea, Gen. XXXVI. 35. 1 Chron. I. 50. 1 King. XI. 14 but afterwards grew more common with the Kings of Syria; insomuch as Benhadad may seem a name common to the Kings of Syria. See Jer. XLIX. 27. Amos I. 4.

And take here a Catalogue of the Kings of Syria, as we find them in Scripture; thus; Omitting Chushan-Rishathaim, who was King of Aram-Naharaim. or Syria between the two rivers, that is Tigris, and Euphrates; or of Mesopotamia, Judge. III. 10. We find these Kings of Syria, properly so called, whereof Damascus was the chief City, viz.

Hadadezer, or Hadarezer, in David's time, 2 Sam. VIII. 5, 6, 13. and X. 6, 8, 16.

Rezon, in the days of Solomon, 1 King. XI. 23, 24, 25.

Benhadad, the son of Tabrimon, the son of Hezion, in the days of Asa, 1 King. XV. 18, 19, 20.

Benhadad the son of Benhadad, in the days of Ahab, and of Elias, and Eliseus; And Nahaman was the Captain of his host, 1 King. XX. 1, 20, 26, 32, 34. and XXII. 3. and 2 King. V. 1, 2, 6, 7. and chap. VI. 8, 12, 23, 24. and chap VII. 4. 16.

Hazael, in the days of Joram, Jehu, Jehoahaz, 1 King. XIX. 15. 2 King. VIII. 7, 8, 13. and X. 32. and XII. 17. and XIII. 3, 22.

Benhadad, the son of Hazael, in the days of Jehoash, • King. XIII. 24, 25.

Rezin, in the days of Pekah, and of Ahaz, 2 King. XVI. 5. Isaiah VII. 1. 16. and VIII. 4.

Talents ] See my Observations on Exod. XXXVIII. 24.

Go in peace ] A fare-well phrase, [verse 19] a friendly dismission; with little or no relation to what Nahaman had said; as little minding it, and of small concernment to the greater engagements that then lay upon him: which kind of Answers are not unusual.

The Leprosy ] Yet King Jehoram holds conference with Gehazi afterwards, [verse 27] 2 King. VIII. 4. as upon sundry grounds, and occasions incident, in a right manner well he might.

are come down ] [chapter VI] [verse 9] Here the holy Penman useth a word of the Syrian language.

Dothan ] In the Tribe of Ephraim: [verse 13] about mid-way between Samaria and Shechem. Here Joseph finds his brethren feeding their flocks, Gen. XXXVII. 13, 17.

This is not the way ] No, [verse 19] nor the place or City, whereby, and wherein, to effect your purpose.

came no more ] Not these Bands; [verse 23] nor in this manner, making inroads, or laying ambushes; nor any at all of a long time after, till Benhadad came with all his host, ver. 24.

a Cab ] Is a Hebrew measure. [verse 25] Of this see my Observations on Gen. XVIII. 6.

of Doves dung ] Or of the corn found in the crop, she flying into the City out of the Country.

five pieces of silver ] Or five silverings. See these Observations on Exod. XXXVIII. 24.

said ] Said to the Elders, [chapter VII] [verse 1] to the Messinger, and to the King Jehoram the son of Ahab, ver. 17. 18.

a measure ] See my Observations on Gen XVIII 6.

twilight ] In the evening, [verse 5] ver. 9, 12.

Edom] Edom revolts from Judah, [chapter VIII] [verse 20] 1 King. XXII, 47. As Moab had done from Israel, 2 King. III. 5.

Libna ] A City; [verse 22] which with the King thereof was destroyed by Joshua, Josh. X. 29. and XII. 15. After fell by lot to the Tribe of Judah; And given to the Priests, Josh. XXI. 13. 1 Chron. VI. 57. It rebelled [wonder it should] against Judah, in the days of wicked Jehoram, the son of good Jehoshaphat, 2 Chron. XXI. 10. Sennacherib did war against it, in the days of Hezekiah, 2 King. XIX. 8. Isaiah XXXVII. 8. And there likely had his army, or a great part of it slain by the Angel of the Lord. There was another place called Libna, the seventeenth Station of the Israelites, mentioned Num. XXXIII. 20, 21.

Son-in-law ] His father was so. [verse 27] And himself might be to that House.

Ramoth-Gilead ] A City of Refuge; [verse 28] in the Tribe of Gad; given to the Merarites; Deut. IV. 43. Josh. XIII. 26. and chap. XXI. 38. This was taken by the King of Syria; And Ahab, with the joint forces of Jehoshaphat, seeking to recover it, yet failed of his purpose, and was there slain by Benhadad, whose life he had unjustly spared; 1 King. XX. 30, 42. and XXII. 3, 35. And Jehoram the son of Ahab, with the joint forces of Ahaziah King of Judah, actualy recovered it, from Hazael King of Syria, But was wounded there. And Jehu being left there, as a Captain under Jehoram, to keep it, was anointed there, by command and direction of the Prophet Elisha, to be King of Israel; who thereupon soon slew both Jehoram, and Ahaziah; 2 King. VIII. 28, 29. and chap. IX.

his sons] [chapter IX] [verse 26] Naboth's sons slain with him.

a draught-house ] Here the Masorets put a more cleanly word, [chapter X] [verse 27] in their Keri, in the margin, to be read, then is the Cetib, written in the Text; as if they would prompt to the Holy Ghost a more mannerly speech. And so Deut. XXVIII. 30. Jer. III. 2. Less marvel then if they deal so with the words of Rabshakeh, Isaiah XXXVI. 12. And in Zechariah speaking of Jerusalem's destruction, and women's usage by soldiers, gross to speak, the Text telleth the term to be seen, the margin what they would have read. And in Jer. XXXI. 38. they leave a blank in the Text with the vowel points underneath, and place the head letters in the margin of a word which they suppose to be wanting. Some various Readings seem to be in the Hebrew Text. See the learned Annotations on Jer. IX. 8. and on chap. XVII. 13. And some learned seem to grant some superfluous insertions, as Jer. LI. 3 in the word bending; and Jer. LII. 19. in the word Cauldrons. See the Annotations on those places. Yet some other learned men assert the sacred Text to be absolutely entire and perfect without the least default or defect; without altering a syllable, letter, or situation of a letter; holding the margin-reading to be given with equal authority, as the other which is in the Text; and serving to expound it. And the vowels, and accents to have been ab origin in the Text, and so of equal authority with it. Insisting upon the Jews care for preservation of the Text, in numbering the letters in every Book, and naming the middle letter in it, and the middle letter in the Law, or Books of Moses. And this done not only by the Masorets that lived five hundred years or more after Christ; but also by those ancient Masorets that are called the men of the Great Synagogue, and succeeded next to the last Prophets of the Old Testament, of whom the Jews make Ezra to be one. And that in his time the whole number of the letters were reckoned, in all the Law to be 600045. in the Prophets 815280. See more in my Observations on Eccles. IX. 4. and on Ier. XXXII. 12.

Jehoiadah ] This Jehoiadah was a Priest and prime man, [chapter XI] [verse 4] 2 Chron. XXIII. 1, 11, 16, 18, 19, 20. and chap. XXIV. 6. seems not to be the High Priest: for he is nowhere so called in Scripture; except he be understood in that place, 2 Chron. XXIV. 11. where yet he is not called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 neither is there any of his name in that Catalogue of the High Priests, 1 Chron. III. 6,—15. And yet this Priest Jehoiada marries King Jehoram's daughter, and King Ahaziah's sister, 2 Chron. XXII. 11. And gives, wives to King Joash, 2 Chron. XXIV. 3. And was buried among the Kings, ver. 16.

Elisha ] or Elisha prophesied in the reigns of six Kings of Israel; [chapter XIII] [verse 14] viz. Ahab, Ahaziah, Jehoram, Jehu, Jehoahaz, and Joash, 1 King. XIX. 16, 19. 2 King. XIII. ver. 14. with

Lachish ] See the Annotations on Micah. I. [chapter XIV. XV.] [verse 1] 13.

Azariah ] Called also Uzziah, [verse 19] and Ozias, Matth. I, 8, 9. reigned in the times of six Kings of Israel; viz. Jeroboam the second, Zachariah, Shallum, Menahem Pekahiah, Pekah, 2 King. XV. 1. 27 In which time the Kingdom of Israel was changed into four several stocks or families.

Pul] Pul or Phul, [verse 19] 1 Chron. V. 26. This Catalogue of the Assyrian Monarchs we find in Scripture; viz. Passing by Nimrod, and Ashur in the ancientest times, Gen. X. We meet with this Pul in the days of Menahem King of Israel.

Tiglath-Peleser, or Tilgath-Pilneser, in the days of Pekah King of Israel, and of Ahaz King of Judah: who carried away captives the Reubenites; and the Gadites, and the half Tribe of Manasseh, into Assyria, 1 Chron. V. 26. And, both helped, and afflicted Ahaz, 2 King. 16. with

Shalmanesar, or Shalman, Hos. X. 14. or Enemessar, Tobit I. 2. 15. in the days of Hoshea King of Israel; who subdued Hoshea, besieged and took Samaria; carried Israel captive into Assyria; and extirpated that Kingdom of Israel, 2 King. XVII. 4, 5, 6. and XVIII. 9, 10. with

Sargon, mentioned, Isaiah XX. 1. If he be not the same with Sennacherib. with

Sennacherib, in the days of Hezekiah, 2 King. XVIII. 13. whose host was slain by the Angel of the Lord; and himself by his own sons, 2 King. 19. with

Esarhaddon, or Esar-Haddon, who seems to be called Asnapper, Ezra IV. 10. and Sarchedonus, Tobit 1. 21. with

Another King of Assyria, not named, but living in the days of Josiah; in whose behalf Josiah fighting against Pharaoh Necho King of Egypt, at Megiddo, was slain there 2 King. XXIII. See this same, with some little variations, in my Observations on 1 Chron. V. 26.

Kir ] This is Cyrene, [chapter XVI] [verse 9] mentioned, Acts II. 10. Of this see the Annotations on Amos I. 5. and IX. 7. If rather be not meant hereby that part of Media: which from this deportation seems to be called Syromedia, For Media belonged to the Kingdom of Assyria, 2 King. XVII. 6. But Cyrene never, being very far distant from it.

Of the Altar ] Of Urijahs new Altar made by the command of King Ahaz, [verse 14] by the pattern of the Altar of Damascus.

Urijah the Priest ] This might be that Uriah, [verse 15] Isaiah VIII. 2 unfaithful to God, a fawning parasite to the wicked King; but no ways appears to be the High Priest.

Covert for the Sabbath ] A Covert for the Priests (and Porters likely) on the Sabbath; [verse 18] or a retiring place covered over to keep from wind and rain, 2 Chron. XXVIII. 24.

in the City of David ] But not in the Sepulchers of the Kings, [verse 20] 2 Chron. XXVIII. 27.

but not as] Hoshea was the best of the Kings of Israel: [chapter XVII] [verse 2] And yet with him, and in him that Kingdom was extirpated.

Carried Israel away into Assyria] See the Observations on chap. [verse 6] XV. 19.

They feared the Lord ] The same Idolaters are said to Fear the Lord, [verse 32, & 34] And not to Fear the Lord, 2 King. XVII. 32, 33, 34.

Their folly is derided, Ier. X. 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 14, 15.

Hezekiah ] Godly Hezekiah the son of most wicked Ahaz, [chapter XVIII] [verse 1] 2 Chron. XXVIII. 22. And father of a like wicked Manasseh, 2 King. XXIV. 3. 2 Chron. XXXIII. And godly Josiah not much unlike.

He is a Type of Christ, Isaiah XXXII. 1.

twenty five years old ] And therefore was borne in the eleventh year of his father Ahaz; [verse 2] because Ahaz was twenty years old when he began to reign, and reigned sixteen years, 2 King. XVI. 2. In all, thirty six when he died. Out of which take the foresaid twenty five; and so Hezekiah must be borne in the eleventh aforesaid. A thing not impossible. But to make Ahaz to be twenty, not when himself, but his father Jotham began to reign, as it wresteth the Text, so it implies an utter impossibility, because Jotham was but twenty five years old when he himself began to reign, 2 King. XV. 33. which thing was not well considered by the excellent Tremellius when he asserted that opinion; nor is it much favored, though noted by our Annotators on 2 King. XVI. 2.

In the fourteenth year] Sennacherib comes up against Hezekiah; [verse 13] and partly prevails against him. See the causes of this his war, in the learned Annotations on Isaiah XXXVI. 1. And in the later end of that year Hezekiah fell sick: for he had 15. years added to his life, 2 King. XX. 6. which make up the twenty nine of his reign. And in this time of his sickness, he had no some; because Manasseh his eldest son was borne three years after this sickness, being but twelve years old when his father Hezekiah died, 2 King. XXI. 1.

a Sign ] The present plenty, [chapter XIX] [verse 29] notwithstanding the Sabbatical year, and the enemies abode, and waste made in the Land, should be a Sign to them for confirmation of the truth of God's Promise, for the overthrow of Sennacherib, and their deliverance. Of Signs see these Observations on Exod. III. 12. and on 2 King. XX. 9.

Camp of the Assyrians ] Either before Libnah, [verse 35] or Jerusalem, or both, 2 Chron. XXXII. 9. See the Observations on Isaiah XXXVII. 36.

his sons ] These words have an empty place left for them in the Hebrew Tex; [verse 37] and are printed only in the margent. But they are in the Text, XXXVII. 38.

ten degrees ] This choice was given to Hezekiah about mid-day, [chapter XX] [verse 9] when the shadow of the Sun might go forward or backward ten degrees on the Dial of Ahaz, a famous Dial, haply mural, and haply visible to Hezekiah out of his bed-chamber: and so likewise in all other Dials, distinguished into half hours, as that of Ahaz was. And so ten degrees make five hours. And the Miracle was not only in the Shadow going backward, but in the Sun also going backward ten degrees: though whether in an instant, or in the set course of time, or its ordinary continual motion, is not certain, Isaiah XXXVIII. 8. Which made the Ambassadors of the Princes of Babylon to be sent unto him, to inquire of the wonder that was done in the Land, 2 Chron. XXXII. 31. See on Isaiah. XXXVIII. 8.

Altars ] Idolatrous Altars, [chapter XXI] [verse 3] and Images set up in the House of the Lord, ver. 4, 5, 7.

eighteenth year ] From this famous year, [chapter XXII] [verse 3] both those thirty years, Ezek. I. 1. And those forty days or years of the sin of Judah, chap. IV. 6. seem to take their rise and reckoning.

the Book of the Law ] The knowledge of it; [verse 8] and the Laws in it, seems a rare and strange thing, as at other times, so in the days of good Josiah, 2 King, XXII. 10, 11. 2 Chron. XXXIV. 19, 21. notwithstanding that Law Deut. XXXI. 10, 11.

in peace] Josiah died in peace, [verse 20] according to the Promise, not seeing the Evils to come; though he was slain in battle, 2 King. XXII. 20. and XXIII. 29. 2 Chron. XXXIV. 28.

Topheth ] Called Tophte, [chapter XXIII] [verse 10] Isaiah XXX. 33. The name is from Toph, signifying a Drum, Tabret, or Timbrel; such as idolatrous Priests used to beat upon in the time of their detestable sacrificing of children to Moloch, to drown their skrikes and cries, Levite. XX. 2. 2 Chron. XXVIII. 3. and XXXIII. 6. 2 King. XVI. 3. and XXI. 6. Psal. CVI. 38. This the Jews learned from the Heathen, Deut. XII. 31. This Tophet stood in a pleasant valley on the South-side of Jerusalem, Josh. XV. 8. and chap. XVIII. 16. Belonging to one Hinnom and his sons, and called therefore the valley of Hinnom, Gehinnom, or Ge-been-Hinnom, the valley of the sons of Hinnom. Whence the Greek and Latin take the word Gehenna, and use it for Hell, fitly resembled by such a Type, for the horrid acts and sufferings used therein, Matth. XVIII. 8, 9. Mar. IX. 43,—48. James III. 6. And allusion is made hereunto, Matth. V. 22. This place was defiled and destroyed by Josiah, in this Text. See the Annotations on Isaiah XXX. 33. and on Jer. VII. 31.

Jehoahaz ] Called also Joachaz, [verse 31] and Johanan, and in the opinion of the most and best, Shallum likewise; The Prophesy concerning Shallum, Jer. XXII. 10, 11, 12. best agreeing to him; And supposing that Shallum the fourth son of Josiah mentioned, 1 Chron. III. 15. to be dead before his father; yet under the name of Johanan he is called the first-borne of Jo •• h, 1 Chron. III. 15. in respect likely that he first succeeded him in his throne, 2 Chron. XXXVI. 1. Of him see Ezek. XIX. 3, 4.

Jehoiakim] Jehoiakim called also Joachim, [verse 36] and Eliakim (as Solomon was also called Jedediah and Lemuel ) was the eldest son of Josiah. Of him, and his Burial, we read Ier. XXII. 19. and XXXVI. 30. 2 Chron. XXXVI. 5, 6. Ezek. XIX. 5,—9.

Jehoiakim ] In his fourth, [chapter XXIV] [verse 1] year, or third complete, and 1. of Nebuchadnezzar, Daniel was carried captive, Dan. I. 1, 6. Ezekiel, and Mordecai, with Iehojachin, Ezek. XL. 1. Esther II. 5, 6. Of Ezekiel, see the Argument of his Book.

Iehojacin ] Called likewise Coniah, [verse 6] and Iechoniah, 1 Chron. III. 16. Ier. XXII. 28 Of his age at the beginning of his reign, See the Observations on 2 Chron. XXXVI. 9. He was carried captive into Babylon in the seventh ending, and eighth year beginning of Nebuchadnezzar's reign, ver. 12. Ier. LII. 28. And his head lifted up again in the thirty seventh year of his captivity, twelfth month, on the twenty fifth, and twenty seventh day; and first year of Evilmerodach, 2 King. XXV. 27. Ier. LII. 31.

Zedekiah rebelled] Zedekiah rebelled in his sixth year, [verse 20] Ezek. XVII. 15, 17. compared with Ezek. VIII. 1. and XX. 1.

the second Priest ] Grounded on Num. [chapter XXV] [verse 8] III. 32. And mentioned as here, So Ier. LII. 24. See 2 King. XXIII. 4. and the like, 1 Chron. V. 12. This second Priest, upon any extraordinary occasion and occurrent restraining or disabling the High Priest, seems set to supply his place.

to Riblah ] See the Observations on Num. XXXIV. 11.

THE Books of Chronicles do chiefly pursue the Histories of the Kings of Judah. And yet are more sparing in relating the sins of David, and Solomon.

These are not those Chronicles often cited in the Books of Kings; as hath been shown heretofore. But these are thought to be written by Ezra, 2 Chron. XXXVI. 22, 23. Ezra I. 1, 2, 3 And that after the return from the Babylonish captivity. Yet some things are inserted which extend beyond Ezra's time; as that 1 Chron. III. 21,—24. In these Books, as in an Abridgement, the holy Penman is sometimes short, and obscure. But in the Histories of the Kings of Judah, full and exact.

Take the periods of times from the Creation, to the year of Return from the Babylonish Captivity, And so these Books contain an History of 3458. years. The first Book, 2986. to the death of David; Thus; Genesis, 2369; Exodus, 142; Levite, Num. Deut. 39. Joshua 17. Judges, 299. 1 Sam. 80. 2 Sam. 40. In all, 2986.

The second Book 472. from the beginning of Solomon's reign, to the said year of Return; Others reckon thus; 3467. in the whole: 2990. in the first Book: 477. in the second Book. Others, and that most likely, 2986. in the first Book; And 466. in the second Book: viz. from the first of Solomon, to the seventeenth of Jehoshaphat, 118. Thance to the Captivity in the first of Nebuchadnezzar, and fourth of Jehoiakim, 278. Thence to the Return, 70. In all, 466. And so the whole in both Books will amount to 3452.

The first Book mentions occasionally some things long after David's death; as the Inhabitants of Jerusalem after the Return from Babylon, chap. IX. And Zerubbabel's posterity long after that, chap. III.

I. Chronicles.

I N the Genealogies of the first eight Chapters, the Tribes of Dan, and Zebulon, are left out.

Edom ] [chapter I] [verse 43] Eight Kings in Edom before any in Israel.

Sisters ] of David

• Zeruiah bare
• Abishai. Joab. Asahel.
• Abigail bare Amasa.
• 2 Sam. [chapter II] [verse 16, 17.] XVII. 25

Caleb ] Three Caleb's famous in Israel; first, the son of Hezron, [verse 18] in this Text called also Carmi, and Chelubai, chap. II. 9. and IV. 1. who had a son called Hur; And this Hur a son called also Caleb; chap. II. 9, 19, 50. who is the second Caleb. And the third is that famous Caleb the son of Iephunne, Num. XIII. 6. 1 Chron. IV. 15.

The sons of David] See the Observations on 1 Sam. [chapter III] [verse 1,—9.] XVI. 11. [verse 17]

Salatheil ] Hebrew, Shealtiel, said to be the son of Iechoniah. Matth. I. 12. And so here, son of Iechoniah Assir, that is, strictly bound, prisoner in Babylon. For we read not of any son called Assir that Iechoniah had: yet this Salathiel is named the son of Neri, Luke III. 27. who came by many descents, of another line, that is, of Nathan the younger brother of Solomon; from which line came our Savior; and not of Solomon's line: And though Iechoniah may seem to have seed and sons more, out of Ier. XXII. 28, 30. and 1 Chron. III. 17 18. Yet he is doomed childless, Ier. XXII. 29, 30. because neither Salathiel, if he were his son, nor any of Iechoniah's race, ( Zedekiah the last King being Uncle to Iechoniah ) did succeed him in the Regality, to sit on the throne of David, though in a kind of sovereignty; as Zerubbabel the son, or grandchild rather of Salathiel by Pedaiah, did succeed: in regard of which successions, both Salathiel, and after also Zerubbabel, may be called sons. See Ezra III. 2, 8. and V. 2. Neh. XII. 1 Hag. I. 1, 12, 14. and II. 3. 24. Of Jehoiakim the father of Iechoniah, it is likewise said, He shall have none to sit upon the throne of David that is, for any time worth speaking of; for his son Iechoniah reigned but three months and ten days; Ier. XXXVI. 30. 2 Chron. XXXVI. 9.

Sons of Zerubbabel ] Among his sons, [verse 19] Abihud, and Rhesa are not mentioned (unless under other names) nor else where found in the Old Testament: And yet from them two, the Genealogies, Matth. I. 13. and Luke III. 27. are drawn and derived; which makes some suppose, that Zerubbabel, and this here, to be different persons.

Ezra] Ezra not that learned Scribe, [chapter IV] [verse 17] Ezra VII. 1. And in the last letter of this Hebrew name there is a difference from the name of the other.

in the days of Hezekiah ] The Simeonites lying within the inheritance and lot of the Tribe of Judah, [verse 41] Josh. XIX. 9. were not carried away Captive by the Assyrians; but continuing in their estate, sought to enlarge their territories, as is here mentioned.

Amalekites ] They bordered on mount Seir. [verse 43] These the first that fought against Israel, Num. XXIV. 20. And after joined oft with other enemies against God's people. They were overthrown by Joshua, Exod. XVII. 13. Saul in his time was sent against them; destroyed many; but spared Agag their King; and for so doing lost his own Kingdom, 1 Sam. XV. and chap. XXVIII. 18. David afterwards destroyed more of them, 2 Sam, VIII. 12. And here the Simeonites in the days of Hezekiah, smote the rest of the Amalekites that were escaped. Thus the judgment denounced against them, Exod. XVII. 14, 16. Deut, XXV. 17, 18, 19. was accomplished. See the Observations on Esth. III. 1.

King of Assyria ] This Catalogue we find in Scripture of the Kings of Assyria; [chapter V] [verse 26] Pul or Phul, in the days of Menachem: so here, and 2 King. XV 19. Tiglath-Pileser, in the days of Pekah, and Achaz; so here, and 2 King. XV. 29. and XVI. 7, 10. Jareb, Hos. V. 13. and X. 16. Sargon, Isaiah XX. 1. Shalmanesar, called Shalman, Hos. X. 14. Who took Hoshea, and Samaria, 2 King. XVII. 3, 4. and XVIII. 9, 10. or Enemessar, Tobit. l. 2, 15. Sennacharib, who came against Hezekiah, 2 King. XVIII. 13. Esarhaddon, or Asnapper, Isaiah XXXVII. 38. 2 King. XIX. 37. Ezra IV. 2, 10. called also Sarchedonus, Tobit I. 22. And another King of Assyria, against whom Pharaoh-Necho King of Egypt, fights at Carchemish by Euphrates, in the last year of King Josiah, 2 King. XXIII. 29. 2 Chron. XXXV. But many leave out Iareb, as no proper name of a King; and make Sargon to be the same with Senna harib. And some place Iareb before Pul; and Sargon after Shalmanesar. And no doubt there were many Kings of Assyria, it being the first Monarchy, before Pul; though their names be not in Scripture. Though the Assyrians take the name from Ashur the son of Shem, Gen. X. 22. 1 Chron. I. 17. yet the Kingdom seems to be raised among them by the posterity of Cush, the son of Cham, Gen. X. 6,—11.

a Singer] Heman, [chapter VI] [verse 33] of Kohath, stood in the midst; Asaph, of Gershom, on the right hand; Ethan, of Merari, on the left, ver. 38, 39, 44, 47. See more of the Singers, 1 Chron. XV. ver. 16,—22.

All their Cities ] The Kohathites had twenty three Cities: [verse 60—63.] The Gershonites thirteen. The Merarites twelve. In all, forty eight Cities.

reckoned] Issachar a numerous Tribe. [chapter VII]

Ephraim ] The line from Ephraim to Joshua, [verse 5] is Num. [verse 20] I. 10. and chap. XXVI. 35 1 Chron. VII. 20, 26, 27.

Shephuphan, [verse 5] and Hiram ] [chapter VIII] [verse 33] Either of these had three names.

Ner] Ner had Kish the father of Saul; and another son Ner the father of Abner, 1 Sam. XIV. 50, 51.

genealogies ] This Chapter, [chapter IX] [verse 1] and chap. III. 19,—24. are some parcels of the last passages for History, of the Old Testament. See more on Neh. XII. 10, 11.

David and Samuel] David and Samuel the Seer (though he died in the time of Saul's reign) ordained, and ordered the Priests, [verse 22] and Levites, Singers, and Porters, in their set Offices, and Courses; See ver. 10, 14, 22 and Chapters XXIII. XXIV. XXV. XXVI. as the Lord God of Israel had commanded him, 1 Chron. XXIV. 19. by the Spirit, and by God and Nathan; 1 Chron. XXVIII. 12, 19. 2 Chron. XXIX. 25. and VIII. 14. and XXXV. 4, 15. And Solomon did according to him, 2 Chron. XXXV. 4. Neh. XII. 45.

day and night ] [verse 33] [verse 9] The Singers employed in that work day and night.

tidings unto their Idols ] Idolaters ascribe their Victories, [chapter X] and prosperous successes to their Idols: so Judge. XVI. 23, 24. 1 King. XX. 23. 2 Chron. XXVIII. 23. Hab. I. 11. They bring their Idols to their Camps, 1 Chron. XIV. 12. As the Israelites the Ark, 1 Sam. IV. 3.

castle of Zion] David took the Castle, [chapter XI] [verse 5] or strong hold of Zion; dwelt in it; built round about it; called it the City of David. And Joab repaired the rest of the City, 2 Sam. V. 9.

came to David ] There came to David to Ziklag a great host, [chapter XII] [verse 1] like the host of God. And to Hebron to make him King over all Israel, 340822. And among them very many Priests and Levites, ver. 26, 27, 28. besides others intimated ver. 32.

Jehoiada, [verse 27] the Leader of the 3700. Aaronites that came to David to Hebron, to make him King over all Israel, 1 Chron. XII. 27.

Jehoiada, a chief Priest, 2 Chron. XXIV. 6. married Iehoshabeath or Iehosheba; the daughter of King Jehoram, and sister of King Ahaziah, 2 King. XI. 2, 3. 2 Chron. XXII. 11. He caused usurping, and murthering Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, and wife of King Jehoram, and mother of King Ahaziah, 2 Chron. XXI. 6. and XXII. 1, 2. to be murtheredher self, 2 King. XI. 16. And caused Joash, grandchild of Athaliah, and his wives nephew, and son and heir of Ahaziah, to be crowned King when he was seven years old, 2 King. XI. 11, 12, 21. 2 Chron, XXIII. 11. Of whom see more on 2 King. XI. 4.

Jehoiada, the son of Benaiah, David's Counselor, next to Ahithophel, 1 Chron. XXVII. 34.

bring again the Ark] David so soon as ever he was settled upon his throne over all Israel, [chapter XIII] [verse 3] taketh the strong Fort of Zion, from the Jebusites: brings the Ark of God with all solemnity, yet not after the due manner, from Kiriath-jearim, and the house of Abinadab; And upon the death of Uzzah, by the way, at the threshing floor of Nachon or Chidon, he carries it aside into the house of Obed-Edom, where it remained three months, 1 Chron. XIII. Hiram sends to David messengers, workmen, and materials to build him an house in Zion: And David takes more wives at Jerusalem; and obtains two victories against the Philistines, chap. XIV. And with great solemnity, in the due manner, he brings the Ark from Obed-Edom's house, and sets it in the midst of the Tabernacle or Tent which he had prepared for it, in the City of David, in Zion, chap. XV. where he offers Sacrifices; Orders a Choir, gives them a Psalm of Thanksgiving, and appoints Ministers, Porters, Priests, and Musicians to attend on the Ark continually, ch. XVI. In 2 Sam. V. David takes the strong Fort of Zion; builds, dwells in it, hath messengers sent to him from Hiram King of Tyre, with materials, workmen for his building; grows great; takes moe wives and concubines at Jerusalem; gets two victories over the Philistines in two set battles chap. V. And he brings up the Ark from Kiriath-Jearim, and carries it aside into the house of Obed-Edom; and after three months, he brings it thence, into the City of David, with great solemnity, and joy; 2 Sam. VI Now whether the things contained in 1 Chr. XIV. and 2 Sam. V. after the taking of Zion, did intervene in that three months space, while the Ark was in the house of Obed-Edom; or were acted before the Ark was removed from Kiriath-Jearim, is a matter of conjectural probabilities on either side: yet I rather incline to the later opinion.

from Shihor of Egypt ] This Shihor, [chapter XIII] [verse 5] or Shichor, or Sihor, hath a notion of blackness in it; And is not that rill or drill of water called by foreign writers Rhinocolura; but is much rather the same with Nile, otherwise not once named in Scripture, anciently by the Ethiopians called Siris, by the Greeks Melas, by the Latins Melo, from the blackness of the water, or rather of the mud and slime that it brings down with it, or the black color of the grounds and soils it passeth through. It is called by way of excellency the River, Isaiah XXIII. 3. Ezek. XXIX. 3, 9. and the river or flood of Egypt, Amos VIII. 8. and chap. IX. 5. This River rising in the South from unknown heads, runs in one entire stream Northward to the Head Delta in Egypt, where it divideth itself into two main Channels; and afterwards brancheth into seven several streams, Isaiah XI. 15. Emptying themselves into the midland Sea: And so making that lower part of Egypt to be of a triangular form with the point upward, and the basis beneath toward the Sea [v]. One of the seven streams named Pelusian hath a stream issuing from it; which first makes the Sea or Lake of Sirbonis, of a great length, and vast depth, dividing Egypt from the Edomites, and Philistines, and so justly is named one of the Limits of the Land of Promise, Num. XXXIV. 5. Josh. XIII. 3. 1 Chron. XIII. 5. as the River Euphrates is named the other, Gen. XV 18. Deut. I. 7. and chap. XI. 24. Josh. I. 4. This River Nile supplieth the place of Rain in Egypt, Zech. XIV. 18. by the overflowing of it; as is famous in Histories. The seven streams of old, are now become four.

Baal-Perazim ] By anticipation. [chapter XIV] [verse 11] See the Observations on 1 King. XIII. 32.

not after the due manner ] The manner of doing makes or mars in matters of God's worship, [chapter XV] [verse 13] Isaiah I. 11,—15. God owns not, but loathes, his own services, of his own ordaining and commanding, when by evil men, and in an evil manner performed, Jer. VI. 20. and VII. 21, 22. Psal. L. 13, 16. Prov. XV. 8. and XXI. 27. Isaiah LXI. 8. and LXVI. 3. Amos V. 21, 22. Micah VI. 7. Mal. I. 10.

seven ] Of the number of seven, [verse 26] see the Annotations on this Text.

dancing ] See 2 Sam. VI. 14. [verse 29] Usual then to express their joyful and thankful hearts to God by Dancing, Psal. CXLIX. 3. and CL. 4. and XXX. 11. See Exod. XV. 20. Judge. XI. 34. and XXI. 21.

he appointed ] High and Solemn Service, [chapter XVI] [verse 4] for, and before the Ark, appointed by David, 1 Chron. XVI. See that Particular, 2 Chron. V. 12, 13.

trumpets ] See the Observations on Num. [verse 6] X. 8. [verse 7]

delivered first ] See the Observations on Psal. CXV. 1. and on Psal. XCVI.

at Gibeon ] Hither was the Tabernacle brought after that beastly and brutish slaughter of the Priests made by bloody Saul at Nob, [verse 39] 1 Sam. XXII. Of Gibeon, see the Annotations on Hos. IX. 9.

his throne forever ] Some things here, [chapter XVII] [verse 12] and hereafter, are true in Sololomon as the Type; but more in Christ the Antitype: some things proper to the Type only; others to the Antitype only: as was said on 2 Sam. VII. 12.

Sate before the Lord ] Of this gesture in Prayer, [verse 16] see the Annotations on this Text, and Exod. XVII. 12.

Abimelech the son of Abiathar ] See the Observations on 2 Sam. [chapter XVIII] [verse 16] VIII. 17. It may appear that there is no necessity that both these persons, father and son, had both of them these two names of Abimelech and Abiathar. See the Observations on 1 Sam. I. 3.

Satan stood up ] In 2 Sam. [chapter XXI] [verse 1] XXIV. 1. The Lord moved David against Israel. See the Observations on Isaiah VI. 9, 10.

to number Israel ] Out of pride only and curiosity, and carnal confidence: Otherwise the thing in itself not simply unlawful, when done upon good grounds and to good ends: As we see it done at other times in Scripture. God commands it, Num. I. 3. and XXVI. 1, 2. And Solomon and Amaziah did it, 2 Chron. II. 17. and XXV. 5.

the sum of the number ] 1100000. [verse 5] of Israel, able men; from twenty years old, and upwards. To the 800000. in 2 Sam. XXIV. 9. seem to be added here those 288000. of David's Trained Bands, 1 Chron. XXVII. 1,—15. already enrolled, in public records. And their Colonels, Captains, Commanders, and Officers, to the number likely of 12000. which make up the said 1100000. To the 470000 of Judah are 30000. added more, in 2 Sam. XXIV. 9. which addition either might be the number of the Regiments under those thirty Worthies of David, having one thousand in each: Or rather an Addition of so many out of Jerusalem only, or out of Levi, and Benjamin also (which still joined themselves to Judah) after Joab's first return to Jerusalem, and giving up his number to the King. For he was weary of the service, it being abominable to him; and therefore he is said, not to count Levi and Benjamin; and to begin to number, but not to finish it, because there fell wrath for it against Israel; neither was the number put in the account of the Chronicles of King David, 1 Chron. XXI. 6. and XXVII. 24. In all, 1600000. neither yet took he the number from twenty years old and under, 1 Chron. XXVII. 23.

It is enough ] God in mercy shortens the three days of Pestilence, [verse 15] stops the Angel, and repents of the evil.

Ornan ] Or Araunah was the more free, [verse 23] and forward in his Offer, so to expedite the business, for the staying of the Plague: for fear whereof, and of the Angel, he and his four sons had there hid themselves.

for the Place ] For the whole place and plot of ground, [verse 25] with the Buildings, Gardens, and other things pertaining to it; which was a sufficient space and circuit of ground for the Building of the Temple upon it, with all the Courts, Chambers, Walls, &c., David gives here a great sum. Whereas he gives far less for the bare threshingfloore, Oxen, and Instruments, 2 Sam. XXIV. 24. And David might give more then the worth, out of his royal bounty; as 1 King. X. 13.

I have prepared] ver. 16. David's wonderful Preparation of gold and silver, [chapter XXII] [verse 14] for the building of the Temple; amounting to seven hundred and fifty millions of pounds. See on Exod. XXXVIII. 24, 25, 26. Whereof Dovid gave out of his own proper goods, eleven millions and 250000 pounds Serling in Gold; and two millions, and 625000. pounds in silver; In all thirteen millions and 875000. pounds Serling. And the Heads, Princes, and Rulers, gave eighteen millions, and 750000. pounds, and 3125. pounds; In all, 18. millions, and 753125. pounds in Gold; And three millions, and 750000. in Silver. The whole amounts to twenty two millions, and 503125. pounds Sterling. Adding to this David's proper Offering aforesaid, the whole amounts to thirty six millions, and 378125 pounds. See further 1 Chron. XXIX. 4, 7. and Chap. XXVI. ver. 26, 27, 28. All which yet is but a small part of that sum prepared by David, Chap. XXII. 14. See the notes on Exod. XXXVIII. 24, 25, 26. See the Offerings given in Zerubbabel's time towards the second Temple Ezra II 69; 70. And those in Nehemiah's time, Neh. VII. 70, 71, 72.

made Solomon his son King ] This verse better concludes the former Chapter. [chapter XXIII] [verse 1] For what follows to the 28. Chapter concerning the whole Ordering of the Kingdom, Church, and State, both Ecclesiastical in the Levites, chap. XXIII. and Priests, chap. XXIV. and Singers, chap. XXV. and Porters, and other Officers, chap. XXVI. And also Political or Civil, in the 12. Captains for each several month; in the Princes of the twelve Tribes; and other several Officers, chap. XXVII. were acted long before David's death, and his instructing and encouraging of Solomon to the building of the Temple, and the making of him King.

and upward ] To fifty years, [verse 3] Num. IV. 3. After fifty they were freed from the service in the Temple; and kept in their several Cities, in their several Tribes; to teach the people, and to instruct and judge in matters brought before them, as having best insight in the Judicial Laws, and the whole word of God.

David divided] Chap. [verse 6] XXV. 1 As a Prophet, and by the commandment of the Lord, by Gad the Kings Seer, and Nathan the Prophet, 2 Chron. XXIX. 25. And these Divisions and Courses his son Solomon punctually retains, 2 Chron. VIII. 14. And Jehoiada, 2 Chr. XXIII. 18. and Josiah, 2 Chron. XXXV. 4. And so after the Return from the Babylonish Captivity, Ezra III. 10. And so by God's Spirit David had all the Patterns of the Temple, which in writings he delivered to his son Solomon, 1 Chron. XXVIII. 12, 19. 2 Chron. III. 3.

of twenty years] Num. [verse 24] VIII. 24. from twenty five years old they begin to wait upon the service of the Tabernacle. Here David, by new warrant, enters them into the work for the Service of the Temple, at twenty years of age: likely more now being needful for this Service, ver. 27. 2 Chron. XXXI. 17. yet they come not to the full possession and fruition of their Place and Office, till thirty years of age, 1 Chron. XXIII. 3. Num. IV, 3, 4, 7.

And to offer ] At all offerings to fit and prepare the Sacrifices to the hands of the Priests, [verse 31] who were to offer them on the Altar.

The eighth to Abijah] Zacharias the father of John the Baptist was of this Course, [chapter XXIV] [verse 10] Luke I. 5.

according to their manner ] To come on a Sabbath day, [verse 19] and to continue their services there in the Temple, for that whole week, Ch. IX. 25. 2 King. XI. 5, 6.

over against their brethren ] That the first Course of Levites might attend on the first Course of the Priests; [verse 31] And so of the rest.

with Harps ] Much Music used in God's Service. [chapter XXV] [verse 1,—8] See 1 Chron. IX. 33. and XVI. 4, 5, 6, 41, 42. 2 Chron. V. 12, 13. and VII 6. and ch. XXIX. 30. Psal. LXVIII. 24, 25. and LXXXI. 1, 2, 3. And so in the Tabernacle, Num. X. 10. and XXIX. 1. In bringing up the Ark, 1 Chron. XIII. 8. and chap. XV. 16,—24. In going up to God's House, and coming from it, 1 Sam. X. 3, 5. Isaiah XXX. 29. This music was by skillful voice; and by various Instruments, both wind-instruments, and hand-instruments; And these, both stringed, and touched with fingers, or struck over with quill, or bow; or else shaken, or beaten with hand, or stick.

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

Of Asaph ] See 1 Chron. [verse 2] VI. 39. and chap. XV. 17, 19. and XVI. 5, 7. And see the Annotations on 1 Chron. XXV. 1, 2, 6, 9. And see the Titles of sundry Psalms.

Of Heman ] See the Annotations on 1 Chron VI. [verse 4] 33. See likewise 1 Chron. XV. 17. and chap. XVI. 41. 2 Chron. V. 12. and XXIX. 14. and Chap. XXXV. 15.

Jeduthun ] See 1 Chron. [verse 6] XVI. 41, 42. 2 Chron. VI. 12. and chap. XXIX. 14. and XXXV. 15. And the Titles of Psal. XXXIX. 62, 77.

The four and twentieth ] As many Courses and Companies of Musicians or Singers, [verse 31] as there were of Priests, chap. XXIV. 18. and of Levites attending on the Priests, chap. XXIV. 31. These, as the others, in their Weeks and courses attended.

Porters ] Of their Office, [chapter XXVI] [verse 1] see 2 Chron. XXIII. 19. and the Annotations on this text. Their number, 1 Chron. XXIII. 5.

Korhites ] Descended from that Korah, Num. XVI. 1. great grandchild of Levi; From which Korah descended likewise Elkanah, and Samuel the Prophet, and Heman the singer, 1 Chron. VI. 27. 33, 37, 38. 1 Sam. I. 1.

treasures ] Many sorts of Treasures, [verse 20] and many Treasurers, in God's Temple, ver. 20,—26. See the Annotations on this text.

All that Samuel] Samuel, [verse 28] and Saul, and Abner, and Joab, did dedicate part of the spoils won in battles, to maintain the House of the Lord.

Izbarites ] And Hebronites, [verse 29] ver. 30, 31, 32. being Levites, 1 Chr. XXIII. 12. Num. III. 27. 1 Chron. XXIV. 20,—24. were employed also for the outward business over Israel, for Officers and Judges: on this side Jordan Westward, in all business of the Lord, and in the service of the King. And some of them made Rulers over the Reubenites, and the Gadites; and the half tribe of Manasseh, for every matter pertaining to God, and affairs of the King.

month by month] David had twelve Captains for the twelve months, [chapter XXVII] [verse 1] each with their Companies in their several months and courses attending the King: And Solomon had the like, after him, 1 King. IV. Each Captain in David's time had twenty four thousand under him; which in all arise to 288000. David's 〈…〉 and Husbandry.

a chief Priest ] The word so most usually signifieth▪ 〈…〉 times it signifieth also a Prince, [verse 5] or Temporal Ruler▪ And 〈◊〉 VIII. 18. and XX. 26. and 1 King. IV. 5. and 2 King. X▪ 11. And 〈◊〉 And the fathers-in-Law, of Joseph, Gen. XLI. 45 and of Moses, Exod. III. 1. were Princes; for they would not marry the daughters of idolatrous Priests. The word came thus to be used in both sense, because the same persons at first were both Priests and Rulers; as the firtst-borne; before the Law; Moses, Psal. XCIX 6. and Eli. and Samuel, under the Law: And among the Heathen, famous is that of Anius, Rex idem Hominum, [chapter I] Phoebique Sacerdos.

over the Tribes ] These are Commanders in Peace; [verse 16.—22.] Princes, or Rulers of the tribes: where thirteen are named. Or whom one is named of the Levites, And another of the Aaronites; One, of the half tribe of Manasseh, And another of the other half. And Gad, and Asher, are left out.

stood up ] Being now well-nigh bedrid, [chapter XXVIII] immediately before or immediately after Adonijah his conspiracy. [verse 2. II.]

Candlesticks of silver ] For the use of the Courts, [verse 15] Chambers, &c.

yet young and tender ] Of Solomon's age, [chapter XXIX] [verse 1] see the Observation on 1 King. III. 7.

three thousand] See the observations on chap. [verse 4] XXII. 14.

Thine ] Like the doxology of the Lord's Prayer. [verse 11]

Keep this] David's remarkable Prayer. [verse 18]

the second time, and anointed him ] The rather because the first anointing was in a time of tumult, [verse 22] when Adonia, the next brother to Absalom sought to reign, 1 King. I. 39. But whether the later Anointing was before or after David's death. It is not clear. But sure it is that David himself was thrice anointed, once at Bethlehem by Samuel, and twice at Hebron, 1 Sam. XVI. 13. 2. Sam. II. 4. 1 Chron. XI. 3.

II. Chronicles.

T HE II. Book of Chronicles contains the History of the Kings of Judah, (not of Israel, but a little occasionally when the two Kingdoms had to do one with another) unto the last end of that Kingdom, viz. from the first of Solomon, to the Babylonish captivity. Mentioning also the Proclamation of Cyrus for the Return out of the Captivity: Containing in all till that Return, four hundred sixty six years, or upwards: some say four hundred and eighty, which number of four hundred and eighty, was exactly complete, from the coming of the children of Israel out of Egypt, till the building of Solomon's Temple, 1 King. VI. 1.

horsemen] Ver. [chapter I] [verse 14] 28. of Horsemen, and Solomon's horses, see the Observations on Judge. XX. 2. How far his multiplying of Horses, 1 King. IV. 26. and X. 36. And his multiplying of wives, 1 King. XI. 3. And his multiplying of gold and silver, 1 King. X. 21, 27. 2 Chron. I. 15. and chap. IX. 27. may square with, or swerve from, may stand, or fall, by that Law for Kings, Deut. XVII. 16, 17. is a thing to be considered, and not very hard to be determined.

threescore and ten thousand ] And ver. [chapter II] [verse 2] 17, 18. Solomon's workmen in Lebanon were 150000. viz. 70000. Bearers, and 80000. Hewers; All of strangers dwelling in the Land of Israel. And his Overseers of them were 3600. Such strangers likewise And so each of them were over forty two workmen or thereabout. And three hundred of these Overseers, which are more then those set down, 1 King. V. 16. might be extraordinary, in case any of the Ordinary should fail, by sickness, death, or any other way. And thus, the Ordinary Overseers would be one over forty five workmen or thereabout. Or rather, those three thousand three hundred, 1 King. V. 16. were Israelites & the chief of Solomon's Officers, added to the other three thousand six hundred Overseers, and set partly as with them, so over them, and partly over the whole work. And so each Overseer would be over twenty one workmen at least. Those sixteen thousand a month by course, 1 King. V. 13, 14. are by some added to the Overseers: And so there would be one Overseer to eight workmen. But they may seem rather to be the better sort of workmen of the Israelites, joined to King Hirams workmen, 1 King. V. 6. Those Officers, viz. five hundred and fifty, 1 King. 9. 23. seem to be the chief of the Officers that were over Solomon's other words, when he built his own house, and that for Pharaohs daughter, and all his other Buildings (besides the Temple) ver. 15,—19. 2 Chron. VIII. 1,—6. These bare rule over the people that wrought in those works. And the two hundred and fifty, 2 Chron. VIII. 10. seem to be chief of his Officers that bare rule over the people, i. e. over those Canaanites that Solomon had made Tributaries, ver. 7, 8. to rule them. And so iffering from the former five hundred and fifty.

of beaten wheat ] The difference of the Food and Measures of them, [verse 10] given by Solomon here, over and above that in 1 King. V. 11. may stand in this, That the former was for King Hirams Court and household; And this here for his workmen in Lebanon.

Bathes ] See the Observations on Gen. [verse 13] XVIII. 6.

of Hiram my father ] See the observations on 1 King. [verse 16] V. 1.

to Joppa ] See the Observations on Jonah, I. 3.

Solomon.] Solomon had divers elder brethren living, [chapter III] [verse 1.—9.] besides Adonijah, when he was made King; and he was the eldest son of the four, by Bathshuah or Bathsheba, though he be recorded last, 2 Sam. XII. 24. 1 Chron. III. 5. and XIV. 4 2 Sam. V. 14. And Nathan was the second, from whom Christ came, Luke III. 31.

After the first measure] See the Annotations on Ezek. [verse 3] XL. 5.

Greater house ] This was twice as big as the Oracle; [verse 5] and four times as big as the Porch, 1 King. VI. 3.

he seiled ] Or covered. This, and the next verse seems to relate to the Floore of the Temple, 1 King. VI. 15. The walls are mentioned in the seventh verse following.

Chambers] Of these see 1 King. [verse 9] VI. 5. 1 Chron. XXVIII. 11; 12. Ezek. XL. 44, 45, 46. and chap. XLI. 5,—11. and chap. XLII. 1,—13.

an Altar of brass ] That Altar in the Tabernacle was made of Shittim wood, [chapter IV] [verse 1] hallow with boards; and over-laid with brass, Exod. XXVII. 1, 2, 8. And the staves of it likewise, ver. 6. And so Exod. XXXVIII. 1, 6, 7. And again it was covered with broad Plates made of the Censers of those Sinners, Num. XVI. 38. This Altar of burnt-Offerings in the Temple, though far greater then the other, seems to be made of the same materials, Shittim wood, and brass.

Of the Altar in Ezekiel's Visionary Temple, see Ezek. XLIII. 13. —17.

Court ] Of the Courts see the Annotations on 1 King. [verse 9] VI. 36.

right side] See the Observations on 1 King. [verse 10] VII. 39.

Seventh month] See chap. [chapter V] [verse 3] VII. 8, 9, 10.

Levites ] Priests of the tribe of Levi, [verse 4] 1 King. VIII. 3. Num. IV. 15.

unto this day ] See 1 King. [verse 9] VIII. 8. 1 Chron. IV. 41. till Nebuchadnezzar, or Nebuzaradan burnt all, 2 King. XXV. 9. If Ezra writ these Books of the Chronicles after the return from the Babylonish Captivity, then this phrase must be understood as a Proverbial speech, to signify a long time. See the Observations on Deut. XV. 17.

Neither chose I any man ] As I chose David, [chapter VI] [verse 5] a special type of Christ, and in whose seed a royal succession was to continue from him to Christ.

thou didst well ] The purpose approved, [verse 8] though the act forbidden.

the fire] Of this see Levite. [chapter VII] [verse 1] IX. 24. 1 King. XVIII. 38. 1 Chron. XXI. 26.

sacrifice of 22000.] [verse 5] Ver. 7. The greatest Offering that we do read of. Those 1 Chron. XXIX. 21. 2 Chron. XV. 11. and chap. XXIX. 32. and XXX. 24. and XXXV. 7, 8, 9. come short of this.

appeared ] Formerly, [verse 12] chap. I. 7. This is the second time, 1 Kings IX. 2.

my wife shall not dwell] [chapter VIII] [verse 11] Solomon's reverend and religious respect to the Place where the Ark of God had been.

four hundred and fifty Talents ] The thirty Talents reckoned here, [verse 18] more then those, 1 King. IX. 28. seem to go for all manner of charges of the Navy and Voyage.

Four thousand stals] See the Observations on Judge. [chapter IX] [verse 25] XX. 2.

forty years ] Being born after David war with the Ammonites at Rabbah, [verse 30] 2 Sam. XI. and XII. chapters. A little before the time that Ammon deflowered Tamar: And so aged about eighteen years when he began to reign.

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

Levites left ] Cast out by Jeroboam, [chapter XI] [verse 14] from their Cities, houses, inheritances, and all; for his own safety, 1 King. XII. 27. And to gain their possessions: making Priests of the lowest of the people, which were not of the sons of Levi, 2 Chron. XIII. 9. A practice well beseeming Rebels.

Devils ] Idols here so called. [verse 15]

in the way of David, [verse 17] and Solomon ] This charitably implies the Repentance of Solomon; as well as his Ecclesiastes doth; in his last days: though haply he could not reform all Idolatry; as neither Manasseh could after his repentance, 2 Chron. XXXIII. 7.

and dispersed] As Gen. [verse 23] XXV. 5, 6. 2 Chron. XXI. 3.

Israel] Put and meant for Judah, [chapter XII] chap. XV. 17. See the Observations on 2 Chron. XXI. 2.

against Jerusalem ] After this Jerusalem was taken about ten times. [verse 9]

one and forty ] Therefore borne in the first year of the reign of his father King Solomon. [verse 13]

four hundred thousand ] Huge are the armies of the Jews. [chapter XIII] 1200000 Jews in those armies of Abijah and Jerrboam Wherein slain on Jeroboams side five hundred thousand; [verse 3] much more then everyone his man the greatest number that ever we read slain in any battle, v. 17. In the reign of Asa, he had out of Judah, and Benjamin, an army of 500080. And he fought against an army of Zerah the Ethiopian of a thousand thousand, and three hundred Charets (likely meaning three hundred [thousand] Charets, 2 Chron. XIV. 8, 9. the greatest army that we read of. And in Jehoshapha's time, he had men of war waiting on him, 1160000. besides those whom he put in the fenced Cities, throughout all Judah, 2 Chron. XVII. 14,—19.

children of Belial] i. e. without yoke, [verse 7] or without profit, as the word signifieth, Deut. XIII. 13. Such as Judge. XIX. 22. 1 Sam. II. 12. and X. 27. and XXV. 17. 1 King. XXI. 13. This title doth Shimei give falsely to David, 2 Sam. XVI. 7. But is truly given to the Devil, 2 Cor. VI. 15.

was young ] Not in age; but in experience, and policy; being then, as was said, forty one years old.

fourteen wives ] Fourteene wives in his life-time; [verse 21] for his reign was but short, even three years, ver. 2.

ten years ] Yet likely some small skirmishes there were, [chapter XIV] [verse 1] 1 King. XV. 16, 32.

Mareshah ] A City in the North-West part of the tribe of Judah, Josh. [verse 10] XV. 44. There Michah the Prophet was borne, Michah I. 1. And here as we see, in the Valley of Zephathah at Mareshah, Asa overthrew the hugest host that ever we read of, ( Xerxes army not excepted) of Zerah the Ethiopian.

Gerar] Gerar anciently a City and Kingdom of the Philistines; [verse 13] whose Kings seem all to be called Abimelech's; where Abraham, and Isaac, a while lived; both offending in denying their wives, Gen. XX. and XXVI. Isaac leaving the City, dwelt in the valley of Gerar. Gen. XXVI. 17. a most fruitful valley, ver. 12. as it were the Granarie of Canaan, when famine was elsewhere in the Land, ver. 1. Here Isaac digged again the Wells of water, digged by Abraham, and stopped by the Philistines: And he digged others new. After Gerar fell to the tribe of Simeon. And hither, as we see, Asa pursued the Ethiopians: and smote all the Cities round about Gerar.

long season ] Thirty or thirty one years, [chapter XV] [verse 3] conceiving this to be in the eleventh year of Asa at the end of those ten years, chap. XIV. 1.

Israel ] The ten tribes, under Jeroboam, Nadab, and Baasha.

did turn ] We read not of their turning in those thirty years. [verse 4] This then may be taken by way of supposition; If they had turned, God would have been found of them. Or else Israel in the former verse may relate to all God's people; and comprehend in it also former times, even the times of the Judges themselves.

Be ye strong] Ye of Judah and Benjamin, [verse 7] ver. 2.

Oded ] See the Annotations on this verse. [verse 8] Both son, ver. 1. and father here, might prophesy.

renewed the Altar ] And likely that whole Court, whereunto that chap. XX. 5 seems to have reference.

strangers ] Those Israelites out of the ten tribes, [verse 9] that fell to Judah, are here called strangers.

third month ] Likely at the Feast of Weeks or Pentecost. [verse 10]

fifteenth year ] This may seem a second and more through Reformation, four or five years after his victory against Zerah. Or else that victory must be reduced to this fifteenth year of Asa. And till that time they had had rest, and no war; which fifteenth of Asa was the thirty five in his reign, i. e. since the Kingdom of Judah was divided from the Kingdom of Israel, ver. 19. viz. 17. of Rehoboam; three of Abijah, and these fifteen of Asa.

six and thirty ] It is clear that this well may, [chapter XVI] [verse 1] and needs must, be understood likewise of that Kingdom wherein Asa was now King. For Baasha began to reign in the third year of Asa, 1 King. XV. 28. And reigning twenty four years, ver. 33. he must needs die in the twenty seventh of Asa, or twenty six complete: And so we find it, 1 King. XVI. 8 And therefore this thirty sixth wherein Baasha waged war with Asa, must needs be meant of the Kingdom of Judah, that is, since the first division of the two Kingdoms. And so reckoning the seventeen years of Rehoboams reign, and three of Abijah, we find this thirty sixth to be the sixteenth of Asa, the next year after that full Reformation mentioned, 2 Chron. XV. 10. And to be the thirteenth year of the reign of Baasha. See a like passage, 2 Chron. XXII. 2.

Ramah] Ramah of Benjamin, bordering upon Judah, Josh. XVIII. 25. See the Annotations on Hos. V. 8.

Hanani ] The father of the Prophet Jehu, [verse 7] chap. XIX. 2. 1 King. XVI. 1.

of Syria escaped ] Which God might, and would, otherwise have delivered into his hand; as he did the Ethiopians, if Asa had not prevented the occasion and opportunity thereof by his foolish sending to and for Benhadad to aide him, and break his League with Baasha; and so showing thereby that he relied not upon the Lord, but upon Benhadad; for which he is justly reproved, and punished.

a very great burning ] Greeks and Romans of old used to burn their dead bodies; [verse 14] specially of their Great ones, with a great deal of cost, burning huge piles, and curious fabrics of timber, together with abundance of odoriferous spices, at their Funerals; gathering their ashes into an Urne; and so laid up in their Monuments. And among the Jews we read something like, viz. of Burning at the Exequies of their Kings; so here, and Jer. XXXIV. 5. of such of them at least, as lived beloved, and died desired: which was to others denied, 2 Chron. XXI. 19. Jer. XXII. 19. and XXXVI. 30. But we read not That this Burning was of their Bodies, but of sweet Odours only at and in their Sepulchers.

taught in Judah ] The Priests and Levites did so. [chapter XVII] [verse 9] The Princes by their authority, and in the Kings name, made way for them so to do, with the better courage, countenance, and success.

Philistines ] These, [verse 11] and the Arabians, subdued by Asa chap. XIV. 14, 15.

Numbers] See the Observations on chap. [verse 14] XIII. 3.

Waited ] Waited in their Courses, [verse 19] some at one time, some at another.

Jehoshaphat] Jehoshaphat marries his son Jehoram to Athaliah, [chapter XVIII] [verse 1] Ahab's daughter. And this in the eighth year of Jehoshaphat’s reign; as appears by the age of Ahaziah, succeeding his father Jehoram in the Kingdom, when he was two and twenty years old, 2 Kings VIII. 18, 26, 27. 2 Chron. XXII. 2. with chap. XXI. 5.

went down to Ahab ] In the twenty two and last year of Ahab's reign, [verse 2] and life; And in the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat.

Ramoth Gilead ] See the Observations on 2 Kings VIII. 28.

at a venture ] God's Providence. [verse 33] See the Observations on Ester V. 8. and on Ezek. I. 18.

Wrath ] Wrath deserved by him; [chapter XIX] [verse 2] and appearing on him, chapter XVIII. 31 and XX. 1.

from Beersheba to Mount Ephraim ] The South and North borders of the Kingdom of Judah. [verse 4]

set ] As Jehoshaphat’s Commission for teaching throughout the Kingdom, was chap. [verse 8.—11.] XVII. 9. So here is his High-Commission-Court at Jerusalem, 2 Chron. XIX 8,—11. following therein the Ordinance of Moses, Deut. XVII. and XIX. See the Observations on Deut. XVII. 8,—13.

Hazazon-Tamar] Gen. [chapter XX] [verse 2] XIV. 7. Called also Engedi, a City of the tribe of Judah, Josh. XV. 62.

thy friend] So Isaiah XLI. [verse 7] 8. James II. 23.

cliffe of Ziz ] And so the Wilderness of Jervel; [verse 16] both in the tribe of Judah; near Tekoah, and Berakah. ver. XX. 26.

Korhites] Korhites that descended of that Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, swallowed up of the earth, Num. XVI. 1. 32. These were singers in the Temple, and some of them Porters.

Praise the Lord] Psal. [verse 21] CXXXVI. So chap. XXIX. 27.

began to sing ] In assurance of victory. [verse 22]

three days ] A rich spoil. [verse 25]

of Jehu] See the Annotations on chap. [verse 34] XIX. 2.

in the book] 1 King. XVI. 1.

joined himself] Jehoshaphat first, [verse 36] it seems, refusing to have Ahaziah to join with him to make ships to go to Tarshish, 1 Kings XXII. 49. doth at last yield, and is reproved by Eliezer, and the ships are broken. Not that he joined first; and refused after, upon the Prophets reproof; for then the ships might well have been unbroken. But however; Here the good King falls once and again into the same fault of joining himself with wicked Ahaziah; as formerly he had done with wicked Ahab; chap. XVIII. 1, 2, 3. and chap. XIX. 2. As we see the like in Abraham, Gen. XII. 13. with chap. XX. 2.

Jehoshaphat King of Israel] Jehoshaphat here is called King of Israel; [chapter XXI] [verse 2] that being then a distinct Kingdom from his. So again, are the Princes called, ver. 4. And Ahaz likewise, 2 Chron. XXVIII. 19, 27. And Darius is called King of Assyria, Ezra VI. 22. And Artaxerxes King of Babylon, Neh. XIII. 6. As indeed the Persian Monarchs were the rightful Kings of Persia, Assyria, and Babylon, or Chaldea. Of names, see more in the Annotations on 2 Chron. XXIV. 20.

of his father ] After his father Jehoshaphat’s death; [verse 4] In his fathers life-time, Jehoram carried himself better, both as, Viceroy, and King.

slew all his brethren ] And see God's judgments upon his sons, ver. 17. and his grand-children chap. XXII. 10, 11. only Jehoahaz or Ahaziah, or Azariah, left of the one; and Joash of the other.

compelled ] By force and persecutions. [verse 11] A most wicked son of a godly father.

A writing to him from Elijah ] Written in the life-time of Elijah, [verse 12—15.] who died before Jehoshaphat, 2 Kings III. 11. Left, and directed to Jehoram or for him; who would not endure the Reproof of a living Prophet. Therein prophesying and foretelling Jehorams Sins, and Punishments, Amongst other his wickednesses He show all his brethren, the sons of Jehoshaphat, 2. Chron. XXI. 4. And his sons were all slain by the Philistines, and Arabians, but Ahaziah the youngest (called also Jehoachaz, 2 Chron. XXI. 17. and Azariah, chap. XXII. 6, 7.) 2 Chron. XXI. 17. and XXII. 1. And Ahaziah was slain by Jehu, 2 Chron. XXII. 9. when he was twenty three years old, 2 Kings VIII. 26. And the sons of Ahaziah were slain by their grand-mother Athaliah, save Joash, that was hid from her, and after crowned King; and at last slain by his own servants, 2 Chron. XXIV. 24, 25. We read that Josiah, and Cyrus, by their names, were prophesied of many ages before they were borne. But their good deeds were foretold not any evil of them; as of idolatrous bloody Jehoram here. Elisha foretells Hazael, face to face, of his bloodiness, and evil that he would do to the children of Israel, 2 King VIII. 12.

Arabians near the Ethiopians ] See the Observations on Gen. [verse 16] II. 13. he reigned] Jehoram of Judah his Life, [verse 20] Death, Burial.

Fourty and two ] Clear it is, [chapter XXII] [verse 2] That Jehoram the father of Ahaziah was but forty years old when he died, chap. XXI. 5. And that Ahaziah himself was but twenty two years old when he began to reign, 2 Kings VIII. 26. But it was in the two and fortieth year of the continuance of the Crown in Omri and his race, from whom Ahaziah descended, by his mother Athaliah, 2 Kings VIII. 18, 26. And the Hebrew expression by the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 a son; together with a trajection of some clauses in this verse, do render this interpretation the more passable. And a like passage we find, as hath been shown, in chap. XVI. 1. And such trajections are used, 1 Sam. XX. 16. Ezra X. 17. Neh. XII. 22.

Athaliah] Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah, and wife of Jehoram the son of Jehoshaphat, and daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, and grandchild of Omri.

in Samaria ] Not in the City, [verse 9] but in the Kingdom of Samaria, 2 Kings IX 27.

Son of Jehoshaphat ] Grandchilde. So daughter for grandchild, verse 2. A phrase usual in Scripture.

seed royal ] Sons of Ahaziah, [verse 10] ver. 11. likely by other women.

of the King] Jehoram, [verse 11] and sister of Ahaziah; as is expressed in this verse.

Of the Priests, [chapter XXIII] [verse 4] and of the Levites ] They the Prime men in the deposing of Athaliah, and crowning of Joash; guarding the gates, and compassing the King round about with weapons in hand, their courses being not dismissed; and others of them gathered out of all the Cities of Judah.

gate of the foundation ] Called Shur, [verse 5] 2 Kings XI. 6. the high or higher gate, 2 Kings XV. 35. 2 Chron. XXVII. 3. Of the Gates of the Temple, and Courts, See the Annotations on Ezek. VIII. 3. See also Ezek. VIII. 5. 14. and chap. IX. 2. and chap. XL. 3. and 2 Chr. VIII. 14. and chap. XXIII, 4, 5, 19, 20. and chap. XXIV. 8. and XXVII. 3. and XXXI. 14. and XXXV. 5.

the Horse-gate ] Of the gates of Jerusalem, [verse 15] or of the walls of the City, see the Observations on Nehemy III. 1.

gather of all Israel ] [chapter XXIV] [verse 5] So much of Israel as Joash had.

from year to year ] One year would not suffice to make up this Reparation.

hastened not ] For in the twenty third year of Joash it was not done, 2 Kings XII. 6.

the Collection of Moses ] So ver. [verse 6] 9. such as Moses used, Exod. XXX. 12, 16. or Exod. XXV. But this, differing from them both: agreeing only in this; As Moses then provided for the Tabernacle, and the service of it by those Collections extraordinarily, as need then required; so were they now, by somewhat a like Collection, to provide for the repairing of the breaches of the Temple. Yet is this, because somewhat like, called the Collection of Moses; as like sins, are called by the names of the sins of Manasseh, 2 Kings XXIV. 3. of the iniquity of the fathers, Exod. XXXIV. 7. of the error of Balaam, and gain-saying of Core, Judge 11. and the sign of Jonah, Matth. XII. 39. is used in a like sense.

Sons of Athaliah ] In their father Jehoram's life-time, [verse 7] before they were taken and slain by the enemy; if sons here be taken properly.

High-priests Officer ] 2 Kings XII. [verse 11] 10. The High Priest himself did this. But that Jehoiada was this High Priest, is not expressed.

day by day] i. e. time after time, so oft as the chest was full.

in Israel ] the Kingdom of Judah, [verse 16] God's people, 2 Chr. XXIX. 24.

Princes ] Hypocritical flattering Princes. See ver. [verse 17] 23.

Zechariah] Zechariah slain, and mentioned Matth. XXIII. [verse 20] 35. seems not to be this Zechariah, But rather the Prophet Zechariah, the son of Barachiah. Zech. I. 1.

slew his son ] Cruel ingratitude. [verse 22]

host of Syria ] This might be a seconding of that invasion, [verse 23] 2 King. XII. 17, 18.

a small company ] God's visible hand in it; [verse 24] for the executing of his judgment against Joash, ver. 25.

sons ] Likely more slain then Zechariah, [verse 25] or taken indefinitely for one, as Gen. XLVI. 7.

Book of the Kings ] Most likely some civil Records. [verse 27]

Amaziah ] Of the times of the reigns of Amaziah, [chapter XXV] [verse 1] and of Uzziah; as also of Jotham, and of Ahaz, 2 Kings XV. 32. and XVI. 1. And of their Concordance with the time of the reigns of the Kings of Isreel, See my Annotations on Hosea I. 1.

But he slew not their children ] See the Annotations on this text. [verse 4]

do it ] An Ironical concession. [verse 8] See the Observations on Amos IV. 4, 5.

top of the rock] Selah, [verse 21] or Petra signifying a rock; whence the chief City in Arabia Petraea is called Petra, 2 Kings XIV. 7.

gods of the children of Seir ] Worse then that of Ahaz▪ chap. [verse 14] XXVIII. 23. Punished, chap. XXV. 20, 27.

Altar of Incense ] This the High Priest might do, [chapter XXVI] [verse 16] Exod. XXX. 7. and other Priests also, Luke I. 9 But not the King, or any else, but Priests.

the chief Priest ] Not styled the High Priest [verse 20]

was a Leper ] Yet bare the title of King to the day of his death. [verse 21]

Ophel] Ophel in Jerusalem, [chapter XXVII] [verse 3] over-against the water-gate, toward the East, where the Nethinims dwelt, 2 Chron. XXXIII. 14. Neh. III. 26. and XI. 21.

his wars ] 2 Kings XV. [verse 7] 37.

his God ] Though himself such an idolater, [chapter XXVIII] [verse 5] ver. 22. So ch. XXXVI. 5.

King of Syria] Rezin, 2 Kings XVI. 5.

slew ] Slew a great number. [verse 6]

Captive ] A greater number. [verse 8]

fierce wrath] Pekah soon slain: [verse 11] And in Hoshea's time all captivated; and the Kingdom extinguished; Isaiah VII. 16.

the first day] ver. [chapter XXIX] [verse 17] 3. Hezekiah begins Reformation on the very first day of his reign. Or rather on the first day of the year which fell out towards the later end of the first year of Hezekiah's reign.

sixteenth day ] So that Passover was past, and not kept.

seven Bullocks ] Here are seven, [verse 21] to represent the whole body of the Kingdom. And here are used all manner of Beasts fit for sacrifice.

the Priests killed them ] And so Levite. IV. 4. and chap. IX. 8, [verse 24] 15, 18. 2 Chron. XXIX. 24, 34. The Levites did flea them, 2 Chron. XXXV. 11. And in some extraordinary cases sley them also, 2 Chron. XXIX. 34. and receive the blood, 2 Chron. XXX. 16, 17. The Priests only, not the Levites, came to the Altar, to lay the wood, sprinkle the blood, and burn them, Levite. l. 7. &c. and chap. III. 2, 5. 2 Chron. XXXV. 14.

the Song] Psal CXXXVI. [verse 27] See the Annotations on Ezra III. 11.

to Ephraim, [chapter XXX] [verse 1] and Manasseh ] See ver. 5,—11, 18. Yet this was before their final captivity by Shalmaneser, 2 Kings XVII.

in the second month] ver. [verse 2] 1, 3. As in like case, Num. IX. 11.

Kings of Assyria, Pul, [verse 6] and Tiglath Pilneaser, 2 Kings XV. 19, 29. 1 Chron. V. 26. 2 Chron. XXVIII. 20.

mocked them ] But a final judgment son followed. [verse 10]

had not cleansed themselves, yet ] And, [verse 18] it seems, in Josiah's time, all did not eat at the very hour appointed, at Even, 2 Chron. XXXV. 14. yet where the heart is upright, God mercifully heals such offenders.

to keep other seven days ] The power of the Church seen herein; [verse 23] and by God approved.

Since the time of Solomon ] And the division of the two Kingdoms, [verse 26] so many out of the ten tribes came not to Jerusalem to eat & celebrate the Passover. Yet see a larger commendation of Josiah's Passover, which followed after this, chap. XXXV. 18. 2 Kings XXIII. 22, 23.

finished ] Presently after the foresaid Passover, [chapter XXXI] [verse 1] they pull down idolatry; yea in Ephraim also, and Manasseh; which belonged to Hoshea King of Israel.

third month ] Or Feast of weeks, [verse 7] of Pentecost; which is called the feast of harvest: And the seventh month is called the Feast of ingathering, Exod. XXIII. 16.

host of the King of Assyria ] Though that King Sennacherib; [chapter XXXIII] [verse 11] and his host were so slain, in the time of his father Hezekiah. chap. XXXII. 21.

a wall ] Begun by his father, chap. XXXII. 5.

yet unto the Lord ] Not to false gods; [verse 14] as was in the grosser kind of idolatrous sacrificers. [verse 17]

Amon] Amon worse then his father Manasseh.

eighth year ] Being then sixteen years old; [chapter XXXIV] [verse 20] and before that, the father of Eliakim or Jehoiakim, [verse 3] 2 Kings XXIII. 36. and chap. XXII. 1. compared together.

twelfth year ] Himself being then twenty.

cities of Manasseh ] Remanants then of the Israelites; [verse 6] for the body of the ten tribes were formerly carried away captives, and the Kingdom exterminated.

eighteenth year ] This Reformation and Covenant made, [verse 8] and Passover kept, chap. XXXV. 19. And yet from this, or rather from the twelfth year above mentioned begins that reckoning of the sin of Judah, Ezek. IV. 6. For under so good a King yet the people continued obstinately wicked; as appears in Jeremiah, who began to prophesy in the thirteenth year of Josiah's reign, Ier. I. 2. and XXV. 3. and ch. III. 6. And Josiah only caused, and made them outwardly to obey, 2 Chron. XXXIV. 32, 33.

the Houses ] The Houses of the Priests, which adjoined to the Temple; and of the Levites, which adjoined to the Courts.

Levites Scribes ] 1 Chron. [verse 13] XXIV. 6. Ezra VII. 6. 21. Neh. VIII. 9. and chap. XII. 26. and XIII. 13. See the Annotation on 1 Kings IV. 3. More fully, thus; we read in the Old Testament of several persons that were Scribes; some, Scribes of Kings, or their Secretaries; So David had one; And Solomon two, Joash one, 2 Kings XII. 10. Josiah one, 2 Kings XXII. 3. Of Jonathan David's Uncle, that he was a Counselor, a wise man, and a Scribe, 1 Chron. XXVII. 32. And of Baruch, that he was Jeremiah's Scribe. And of families of Scribes, that dwelt at Jabez in the tribe of Judah, and were of the posterity of Jethro, 1 Chron. II. 55. But why so called, or what their Office was, whether as Public Notaries, Scriveners, or Transcribers of the Law, or what else, it appears not. Here in Josiah's time we find that in his business of repairing the house of the Lord, there were appointed of the Levites Scribes. And in Nehemiah's time he made Treasurers over the Treasuries [in the Lord's House] Shelemiah the Priest, and Zadok the Scribe. And in his time also was that famous Ezra, a Priest, son of the High Priest Serajah slain by Nebuchadnezzar, and the same a ready Scribe in the Law of Moses, a Scribe of the Law of the God of Heaven, of the words of the Commandments of the Lord, and of his Statutes to Israel; and the same a public Reader, and Teacher of the Law. In the New Testament we find them much more mentioned; and to be of more esteem; and themselves affected Preeminence and precedencies, Mark. XII. 38, 39. Here they are often joined with the Chief Priests, and Elders, and often with the Pharisees. They pretended to extraordinary holiness, as the Pharisees did; whence is that, Matth. V. 20. and Acts XXIII. 9. They were of the Pharisees part against the Sadducees. Yea he that is called a Scribe, Mark XII. 28. the same is called a Pharisee, and a Lawyer, Matth. XXII. 34, 35. We read not that they were of the Sect of the Sadducees, or Essenes. But we find them to join with all the rest, to question, to pose, and oppose our Savior, to entangle and ensnare him by Questions, to charge his miracles to be done by Belzebub; Himself, with Blasphemy; to apprehend and bind him; to condemn him in the Council; to deliver him to Pilate; to accuse him before Herod; to prosecute him to death; to mock him upon the Cross. And we find that these Scribes sat in Moses -chair, Matth. XXIII. 2. and were Preachers and Teachers of the people, Mat. VII. 29. and XIII. 52. And likely were all of the tribe of Levi.

rent his clothes ] See the Annotations on 2 Kings XXII. 8. [verse 19]

Huldah the Prophetess ] See the Observations on Zeph. [verse 22] III. 4. The High Priest Hilkiah is here sent to her; she being an extraordinary Prophetess, so near at hand.

Put the holy Ark ] It might be put out of his place, [chapter XXXV] [verse 3] in the days of his wicked father, if not of his grandfather.

Passover-Offerings ] So ver. [verse 8] 9. in the Feast of Unleavened bread, for the seven days.

After all this ] Thirteen years after the foresaid Passover; [verse 20] that being in the eighteenth, and this in the thirty one, and last year of his reign.

by Euphrates ] Heb. Phrat, or Prat, or Perath, the fourth river in Eden, Gen. II. 14. usually called the River, and the great River: made one of the Boundaries of the Promised Land, Gen XV. 18. Deut. 1. 7, and chap. XI. 24. Josh. I. 4. 2. Chron. IX. 26. Cut by Cyrus into several Channels when he lay in siege before Babylon which stood upon it; and so by him much dreyned and dried, Ier. L. 38. See 1 Chron. XVIII. 3. Ier. XIII. 4. and chap. LI. 63. Apoc. IX. 14. and Chap. XVI. 12. See on Dan. IV. 30.

Megiddo ] See the Annotations on Zech. [verse 22] XII. 11.

to carry him ] But he died by the way, [chapter XXXVI] [verse 6] Jer. XXII. 18, 19.

Eight years old when he ] He was eighteen when himself began to reign, [verse 9] 2 Kings XXIV. 8. And but eight then when his father began to reign. The like relative sense may that speech admit, 2 Kings XVI. 2.

no remedy ] Desperate sinners procure implacable wrath, [verse 16] irrevocable exterminating judgments.

Kingdom of Persia ] See the Observations on the beginning of the Book of Ezra, [verse 20]

threescore and ten years ] For the beginning of these, [verse 21] see the Annotations on Dan. IX. 2. rather then those on Zech. VII. 3. yet many learned are of the later opinion.

Ezra.

T HE Book of Ezra contains an History of seventy years; viz. from the first of Cyrus, or his Proclamation, chap. I. 1. to the seventh year of Artaxerxes Longimanus; upon this Account; viz. Cyrus, seven; Cambyses, seven; Smerdis, one; Darius Hystaspes, thirty six; Xerxes, twelve; of Artaxerxes Longimanus, seven, where Ezra end. Or, premising two of Darius Medus before Cyrus, it comes to seventy two. The four last Chapters contain the History but of that one year concerning Ezra, which was in that seventh year of Artaxerxes. See chap. VII. 7, 9. and chap. VIII. 15, 21, 31, 32, 33. and chap. X. 8, 9, 16, 17. But the six first Chapters are extended by some, otherwise learned men, yet upon less probable grounds, to a far larger scope of time; even to one hundred thirty eight, or one hundred forty five years: And they end the Book with the nineteenth year of Artaxerxes Mnemon; which seems clean contrary to the Text, chap. VII. 7, 8.

For the clearer knowledge of divers things in this Book; as likewise in Nehemy, and Esther; A Catalogue of the Persian Monarchs, and of the years of their Reignes is very useful: which out of the best Authors, with very little variation, may be as followeth;

	years.
Darius Medus	2
Cyrus	7
Cambyses	7
Smerdis	1
Darius Hystaspes	36
Xerxes	12
Artaxerxes Longimanus	48
Xerxes	1
Sogdianus	1
Darius Ochus seu Nothus	19
Artazerxes Mnemon	43
Darius Ochus	23
Arsen	3
Darius Codomannus	5

And so the Persian Monarchy continued two hundred and eight years; or there about.

In this Book of Ezra there is mention made of six Persian Monarchs; first, of Cyrus, chap. I. 1. secondly, of Darius ch. IV. 5. thirdly, of Ahasuerus, chap. IV. 6. fourthly of Artaxerxes, chap. IV. 7. fifthly, of another Darius, chap. IV. 24. and chap. V. 5, 6. sixthly, of another Axtaxerxes, chap. VII. 1. Or rather thus; Of five Persian Monarchs, viz: ¹ of Cyrus; ² of Ahasuerus; ³ of Artaxerces; 4 of Darius, taking him mentioned, chap. IV. ver. ⁵ . 24. and Chap. V. 5, 6. and chap. VI. 15. to be the same man. And 5 of another Artaxerxes. And the Persons of these by sundry learned men are sundry ways understood. Some take the first Darius to be Darius Hystaspes; Ahasuerus, to be Xerxes; the first Artaxerxes to be Artaxerxes Longimanus; the second Darius, to be Darius Ochus and Nothus; the second Artaxerxes, to be Artaxerxes Mnemon or Memor. Others take Ahasuerus to be Cambyses; Artaxerxes to be Artashasta or Smyrdis Magnus; Darius not two, but one, to be Darius Hystaspes; and the second Artaxerxes, to be Artaxerxes Longimanus. This diversity is occasioned by the silence of Scripture, and uncertainties of Heathen Greek Histories: yet this later opinion I the rather embrace, for that it stands best with the ages of Ze • ubbabel, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Mordecai.

Ezra a child, when his father Serajah, the High Priest, chap. VII. 1. was slain at Riblah by Nebuchadnezzar, 2 Kings XXV. 18, 21. And his brother Jehozadak, the succeeding High Priest, was carried into Captivity, 1 Chron. VI. 14, 15. And his son Jeshua, or Joshua, or Jehoshua, the High Priest, the son of Jehozadak, or Josedech; Neh. XII. 1. Ezra III. 2, 8. and V. 2. Zech. VI. 11. came up with Zerubbabel. And this Ezra came up from Babylon, in the seventh of Artaxerxes, with a gracious Commission, Ezra VII. VIII. IX. X. chapters. And he was with Nehemiah, after the building of the Walls of Jerusalem; at that solemn Reading of the Law, and Preaching: and at that singular keeping of the Feast of Tabernacles, Neh. VIII. 1,—6, 9, 13. &c And after the Feast, chap. IX. and X. at the Dedication of the Walls, chap. XII. 26, 36. So that upon the least accompt, He must live upon one hundred and fifty years, that is fifty three or sixty before the Return from Babylon; twenty three to the Building of the Temple; sixty seven to the Dedication of the Walls of the City. But upon the larger, and more improbable accompt, he must live at least two hundred and twenty years. He was a ready Scribe in the Law of God, chap. VII. 6, 11. And is generally reputed the holy Penman likewise of the Books of Chronicles; And, as some would, of the Books of Nehemiah, and Malachi also. And is taken by many to be the restorer and orderer, after the return from the Babylonish Captivity of all the Books of the Old Testament, in that sort, and posture, and character also, wherein now we have them.

Now in the first year] Hebr. [chapter I] [verse 1] And in one year. Thus coupling his Book with the end of Chronicles. As the like is in the beginning of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Joshua, Judges, and many other Books. See moreover the Annotations on Ezek. I. 1.

One for First is an usual Scripture phrase.

And First here, is of his Conquest of Babylon, and of his reign there: For he was King of Persia, not Monarch, many years before, chap. V. 13.

Charged me] Isaiah XLIV. [verse 2] 28. and XLV. 1, 13. This prophesy might likely be shown to Cyrus, by Daniel or some other.

vessels ] Such as were not cut in pieces, [verse 7] 2 Kings XXIV. 13.

Sheshbazzar ] The Chaldee or Court-name of Zerubbabel, Ezra I. [verse 8] 8. and III. 8, 10. and V. 2, 14. As Belteshazzar was of Daniel. The same work that is ascribed to Sheshbazzar, chap. V. 16. is ascribed to Zerubbabel, Zech. IV. 9.

were five thousand four hundred ] This number ariseth out of the particular numbers formerly mentioned, [verse 11] amounting to two thousand four hundred ninety nine, and the rest that were unnumbered. Moreover are vessels given, chap. VII. 19. and chap. VIII. 25, 27, See the carrying of them away by Nebuchadnezzar, at four several times, Dan. I. 2. 2 Chron. XXXVI. 7, 10, 18.

Province] Judah no Kingdom now; [chapter II] [verse 1] but made a Province by the Conqueror. See chap. V. 8. Neh. I. 3. and chap. VII. 6. and XI. 3.

which came ] The manifold variations for Names, [verse 2,—60.] and Numbers in this Register and Catalogue, and that Nehemie VII. may arise from the diversity of names given to one man. And from this, That the one was taken at their setting out from Babylon, viz. this Ezra II. The other upon their coming to Judea and Jerusalem, Neh. VII. And so some might come to Jerusalem which had not registered their names in Babylon: and some might register their names in Babylon which yet came not up to Jerusalem, either changing their minds to stay in Babylon, or dying by the way. Or else that in Nehemie might be applied to the persons that were living and remaining in the Land of Judah in his time, or else it might be taken out of some other Register besides this in Ezra. The numbers of them that returned with Zerubbabel in this Catalogue, Ezra II. and in that Catalogue, Neh. VII. 6—62. fall far short of that total sum, both in Ezra and Nehemy, which is said to be forty two thousand three hundred and sixty, besides seven thousand three hundred thirty seven more of servants and Proselytes, Ezra II. 64, 65. Neh. VII. 66, 67. The number wanting seems to be supplied out of those Ezra II. 62. and out of the Relicts of the ten Tribes, that were both captivated, and returned with them of Judah, and are not numericaly set down, yet after the Return, continued among them, and professed their Religion, even till the coming of our Savior, and the final destruction of Jerusalem. See 2 Chron. XI. 3, 16. and XXXI. 6. Ezra II. 70. and VI 16, 17. Matt. IV. 14. Luke II. 36. Acts II. 5. and XXVI. 7. Of those which came up with Ezra, see chap. VIII. 1,—14.

Tirshatha] Tirshatha signifying Governor in their tongue seems attributed here to Zerubbabel: [verse 63] And is after to Nehemiah expressly, Neh. VIII. ver. 9. and chap. X. 1.

Urim ] See the Observations on 1 Sam. XXIII. 9.

the whole ] Many more returned, [verse 64] then those upon record that were carried into captivity.

Singing men, [verse 65] and singing women ] Most likely such as were used, not in the Temple, but elsewhere, for mirth, as 2 Sam. XIX. 35. Eccles. II. 8. Isaiah XXIII. 16. Amos VI. 5. and for mourning, as 2 Chron. XXXV. 25. Jer. IX. 17, 18. Eccles. XII. 5. Amos V. 16.

seventh month] Ver. [chapter III] [verse 1] 6. In this month, the first day, they first offered sacrifice on the new built after their return from the Babylonish captivity. And in the same month of the year was the solemn Dedication of Solomon's Temple, 1 Kings VIII. 2.

In the second year of their coming ] They prepare for the building of the Temple; [verse 8] or rather having formerly prepared, they now begin the building.

wept with a loud voice ] Many ancient men that had seen the former Temple, [verse 12] which was burnt but fifty two years before, wept at the laying of the foundation of this Temple; either at the remembrance of the wondrous glory of the former Temple so burnt and consumed; and considering the small Preparations, and Means, for the building, and furnishing of this, Ezra I. 4, 6, 68, 69. and chap. VI. 8, 9. and chap. VII. 15,—22. and chap. VIII. 25, 26, 27. 33, 34. Neh. VII. 70, 71, 72. in comparison of those for the former Temple; Hag. II. 3. In which case God comforts them, Hag. II. 7, 9. Zech. IV. 6,—10. and VIII. 6, 9. Mal. III. 1. Or else, seeing these foundation-stones not so goodly and precious, as those were known to be that were in Solomon's Temple, 1 Kings VII. 9, 10. For as for the largeness and compass of the foundation, it was not inferior to that of Solomon's, 1 Kings VI. 2. Yea far superior, if that Decree of Cyrus, and the record of it found by Darius, Ezra VI. 1, 2, 3. mistake not; and the Cubits be the same.

Esar-haddon ] The son of Sennacherib, [chapter IV] [verse 2] 2 Kings XIX. 37. and grandchild of Shalmaneser: And this seems to be the last of the Assyrian Kings; And the same with Asnapper; and to be him that carried Manasseh prisoner to Babylon, then under the Assyrian Empire, 2 Chron. XXXIII. 11. And is likely the man whom Ptolemy calls Assaradinus, and the Greeks Sardanapalus, of Sar for Esar, haddon, and Pul; Pul being much used in the names of the Assyrian, and Chaldean Kings.

Brought us up hither So that those adversaries, ver. 1. seem to be the race of those Samaritans brought in by Salmanesar, 2 Kings XVII. 6, 24. Or a second kind of plantation by his grandchild, ver. 9. which ever continued fierce enemies to the Jews, whatever they mischeivously pretend here, John IV. 9. Luke IX. 52, 53. And this makes that Answer returned to them here, ver. 3.

Darius] Hystaspes

Ahasuerus] Ahasuerus seems most probably to be the man whom Heathen Authors call Smerdis Magus, [verse 5] the son of Cyrus, and younger brother of Cambyses, [verse 6] reigning a very short time.