NOTES ON The First Book of KINGS
The two books of Samuel are an introduction to the two books of Kings, as they relate
the original of the royal government in Saul, and of the royal family in David. These two
books give us an account of David's successor, Solomon, the division of his kingdom, and
the several kings of Israel and Judah, down to the captivity. And in these special regard
is had to the house of David, from which Christ came. Some of his sons trod in his steps,
and their reigns were usually long, whereas those of the wicked kings were usually short:
so that the state of Judah (in Israel all the kings were wicked) was not so bad as it
would otherwise have been. In this first book we have, The death of David, chap. 1, 2. The
glorious reign of Solomon, chap. 3 - 10. His defection, chap. 11. The division of the
kingdom between Rehoboam and Jeroboam, chap. 12 - 14. The reigns of Abijah and Asa over
Judah, of Basha and Omni over Israel, chap. 15, 16. The history of Elijah, chap. 17 - 19.
Ahab's success, wickedness, and death, chap. 20 - 22.
Chapter I
David declines in health, ver. 1 - 4. Adonijah aspires to the kingdom, ver. 5 - 10.
Nathan and Bathsheba procure an order for the succession of Solomon, ver. 11 - 31. The
anointing of Solomon, and the peoples joy, ver. 32 - 40. The dispersion of Adonijah's
party, ver. 41 - 49. Solomon dismisses Adonijah, ver. 50 - 53.
| 1 |
Old - Being in the end of his seventieth year. No heat - Which is not strange in a
person who had been exercised with so many hardships in war, and with such tormenting
cares, and fears, and sorrows, for his own sins (as divers of his Psalms witness) and for
the sins and miseries of his children and people. Besides, this might be from the nature
of his bodily distemper. |
| 2 |
Servants - His physicians. Virgin - Whose natural heat is fresh and wholesome, and not
impaired with bearing or breeding of children. The same counsel doth Galen give for the
cure of some cold and dry distempers. Stand - That is, minister unto him, or wait upon
him, in his sickness, as occasion requires. Lie in his bosom - As his wife: for that she
was so, may appear by divers arguments. First, otherwise this had been a wicked course;
which therefore neither his servants durst have prescribed, nor would David have used,
especially being now in a dying condition. Secondly, it appears from this phrase of lying
in his bosom, which is everywhere in scripture mentioned as the privilege of a wife.
Thirdly, this made Adonijah's crime in desiring her to wife, so heinous in Solomon's
account, because he saw, that by marrying the king's wife he designed to revive his
pretence to the kingdom. |
| 4 |
Knew her not - Which is mentioned to note the continuance and progress of the king's
malady. |
| 5 |
Then - Upon notice of the desperateness of the king's disease, and the approach of his
death. Exalted - Entertained high thoughts and designs. I will - As the right of the
kingdom is mine, ver.6, so I will now take possession of it. Prepared - As
Absalom had done upon the like occasion, 2Sam 15:1. |
| 6 |
Displeased him - This is noted as David's great error, and the occasion of Adonijah's
presumption. Saying - He neither restrained him from, nor reproved him for his
miscarriages: which David well knew was a great sin. Goodly man - This was a second ground
of his confidence, because his great comeliness made him amiable in the peoples eyes. |
| 7 |
They helped - Either because they thought the right of the crown was his: or to secure
and advance their own interest. It seems God left them to themselves, to correct them for
former miscarriages, with a rod of their own making. |
| 10 |
Called not - Because he knew they favoured Solomon his competitor. |
| 11 |
Nathan spake - Being prompted to it both by his piety in fulfilling the will of God
declared to him, concerning Solomon's succession, 2Sam 7:13, and by his
prudence, knowing that Adonijah hated him for being the principal instrument of Solomon's
advancement. Bathsheba - Who being retired and private in her apartment, was ignorant of
what was done abroad: and, who was likely to be most zealous in the cause, and most
prevalent with David. |
| 26 |
But me - Whom he knew to be acquainted with thy mind, and with the mind of God in this
matter: and therefore his neglect of me herein gives me cause to suspect that this is done
without thy privity. |
| 27 |
Shewed thy servant - Who, having been an instrument in delivering God's message to
thee concerning thy successor, might reasonably expect that if the king had changed his
mind, thou wouldest have acquainted me with it, as being both a prophet os the Lord, and
one whom thou hast always found faithful to thee. |
| 28 |
Call Bathsheba - Who, upon Nathan's approach to the king had modestly withdrawn. |
| 29 |
Out of all distress - The words contain a grateful acknowledgement of the goodness of
God to him, in bringing him safe through the many difficulties, which had lain in his way,
and which he now mentions to the glory of God, (as Jacob when he lay a dying) thus setting
to his seal, from his own experience that the Lord redeemeth the souls of his servants. |
| 31 |
Live for ever - Though I desire thy oath may be kept, and the right of succession
confirmed to my son, yet I am far from thirsting after thy death, and would rather
rejoice, if it were possible for thee to live and enjoy the crown for ever. |
| 33 |
My mule - As a token that the royal dignity is transferred upon Solomon, and that by
my consent. Gihon - A river near Jerusalem, on the west side. Adonijah was inaugurated on
the east side. This place David chose, either, as remote from Adonijah and his company,
that so the people might be there without fear of tumults or bloodshed; or, to shew that
Solomon was chosen king in opposition to Adonijah: or, because this was a place of great
resort, and fit to receive and display that numerous company, which he knew would follow
Solomon thither. |
| 34 |
Anoint - As they used to do where there was any thing new or extraordinary in the
succession. And this unction signified both the designation of the persons to the office,
and the gifts and graces which were necessary for their office, and which, they, seeking
them sincerely from God, might expect to receive. |
| 35 |
My stead - My deputy and vice - king whilst I live, and absolutely king when I die.
And Judah - This is added, lest the men of Judah, who were in a special manner invited by
Adonijah, ver.9, might think themselves exempted from his jurisdiction. |
| 47 |
Bowed himself - Adoring God for this great mercy, and thereby declaring his hearty
consent to this action. |
| 48 |
Blessed, &c. - It is a great satisfaction to good men, when they are going out of
the world, to see their children rising up in their stead, to serve God and their
generation: and especially to see peace upon Israel, and the establishment of it. |
| 51 |
His servants - He owns Solomon as his king, and himself as his servant and subject;
and being sensible of his guilt, and of the jealousy which kings have of their
competitors, could not be satisfied without Solomon's oath. |
| 53 |
Go to thine house - Lead a private life, without noise and numerous attendants, and
meddle not with the affairs of the kingdom. |
Chapter II
David's charge to Solomon ver. 1 - 9. His death and burial, with the beginning of
Solomon's reign, ver. 10 - 12. He puts Adonijah to death, ver. 13 - 25. Deposes Abiathar
from the high - priesthood, ver. 26, 27. Puts Joab to death, ver. 28 - 35. Confines
Shimei, to Jerusalem, ver. 36 - 38. Puts him to death, ver. 39 - 46.
| 2 |
I go the way, &c. - Even the sons and heirs of heaven, must go the way of all the
earth, of all who dwell thereon. But they walk with pleasure in this way, thro' the valley
of the shadow of death. Prophets, yea kings must go this way to brighter light and honour
than prophecy or sovereignty. Be strong - For, to govern his people according to the law
of God, requires great fortitude, or strength of mind. And a man - In manly wisdom, and
courage, and constancy, though thou art but young in years. |
| 3 |
The law - Which the prince was enjoined to transcribe and read, Deut 17:11,
that be might govern his own and his peoples actions by it. Mayest profit - Or, behave
thyself prudently. Hereby he intimates, that religion is the truest reason of state, and
that all true wisdom and good success depend upon piety. |
| 4 |
Confirm his word - Fulfil his promise, the condition upon which it was suspended,
being performed. |
| 5 |
To me - That is, against me; in what he did against Abner and Amasa: whose death was a
great injury to David, as it was a breach of his laws and peace; a contempt of his person
and government; a pernicious example to his subjects, and a great scandal to him, as if
Joab had been only David's instrument, to affect what he secretly designed. And shed - He
slew them as if they had been in the state of war, when there was not only a cessation of
arms, but also a treaty of peace. Put the blood - This is added to note his impenitency,
that although by his perfidious manner of killing them when he pretended to embrace them,
he stained his own garments with their blood, yet he was not ashamed of it, but gloried in
it, and marched boldly along with the army, with the same girdle and shoes which were
sprinkled with their blood. |
| 6 |
Do therefore - That is, what in reason and justice thou seest fit. For tho' I was
forced to forbear him, yet I never forgave him; punish him according to his demerits. |
| 7 |
For so - With such kindness. |
| 8 |
I will not, &c. - The words are, The king said unto Shimei, thou shalt not die:
and the king sware unto him, 2Sam 19:23. The oath, we see, was absolute. It
was not, I will not put thee to death now. or, I will not put thee to death with the
sword. But who can reconcile his charge to Solomon with this oath? Surely, considering the
time of that charge, this next to the matter of Uriah, is the greatest blemish in all
David's life. |
| 25 |
Benaiah - For the execution of justice was not then committed to obscure persons, as
now it is; but to persons of great honour and authority. It is far from clear, that
Solomon did right herein, or that Adonijah had any ill design in asking Abishag. |
| 26 |
Because, &c. - Thus Solomon shews respect to his sacred function. He mixes mercy
with justice, and requites Abiathar's former kindness to David; hereby teaching princes,
that they should not write injuries in marble, and benefits in sand, as they have been so
often observed to do. |
| 27 |
Which he spake - Concerning the translation of the priesthood from the house of Eli,
and of Ithamar, to that of Eleazar: which being threatened eighty years ago, is now
executed. So divine vengeance, though sometimes it be slow, is always sure. |
| 30 |
He said, Nay, &c. - For he supposed, either, that Solomon would not defile that
place with his blood, but would spare him for his respect to it, as he had done Adonijah:
or, he had a superstitious conceit, that his dying there might give his guilty and
miserable soul some advantage. |
| 31 |
Do, &c. - Kill him, though he be there; take him from that place, and then kill
him: for, Exod 21:14, doth not command the ruler to kill the murderer there,
but to remove him thence, to take him from the altar, that he may die. |
| 34 |
Wilderness - Places which have but few houses and inhabitants, are often so called in
scripture. He was buried privately, like a criminal, not pompously, like a general. |
| 36 |
Go not forth - This Solomon ordered, both for his own security; and as a penalty for
his former wickedness. |
| 37 |
Kidron - A brook nigh Jerusalem, which he particularly names, because that was the way
to Bahurim, his former habitation: but this is not all, for the restraint was general,
that he should not go forth thence any whither. Thy blood - The blame and guilt of thy
blood shall lie upon thyself only. |
| 38 |
Is good - Thy sentence is more merciful than I expected, or deserved. |
| 39 |
Achish - A king, but subject and tributary, to Solomon. Permitted to enjoy the title
and honour of a king, but not the full power; whence it was, that Achish could not keep
these servants though they had fled to him for protection; but suffered Shimei to take
them away from his royal city. |
| 40 |
To seek his servants - By seeking his servants, says Bp. Hall, he lost himself. These
earthly things either are, or should be our servants. How commonly do we see men run out
of the bounds set by God's laws, to hunt after them, till their souls incur a fearful
judgment. |
| 44 |
Thine heart - For which thine own conscience accuseth thee, and there is no need of
other witnesses. The Lord - God hath punished thee for thy former wickedness, by suffering
thee to expose thyself to thy deserved death. |
Chapter III
Solomon marries Pharaoh's daughter, ver. 1. His religion, ver. 2 - 4. His prayer
for wisdom, and the answer, ver. 5 - 15. He decides the dispute between the two harlots,
ver. 16 - 28.
| 1 |
Pharaoh - As being a powerful neighbour, whose daughter doubtless was first instructed
in, and proselyted to the Jewish religion. It seems, this was designed by God to be a type
of Christ, calling his church to himself, and to the true religion, not only out of the
Jews, but even out of the Gentile world. City of David - Into David's palace there. The
wall - Which though in some sort built by David, yet Solomon is here said to build, either
because he made it higher, and stronger, in which sense Nebuchadnezzar is said to have
built Babylon, Dan 4:30, or because he built another wall besides the former,
for after this time Jerusalem was encompassed with more walls than one. |
| 2 |
Only - This particle is used here, and ver.3, as an exception to
Solomon's integrity and as a blemish to his government, That he himself both permitted and
practised this which was expressly forbidden, Levit 17:3,4 Deut 12:13,14.
High places - Which were groves, or other convenient places upon hills, in which the
patriarchs used to offer up their sacrifices to God; and from them this custom was derived
both to the Gentiles and the Jews: and in them the Gentiles sacrificed to idols, the
Hebrews to the true God. Because, &c. - Which reason was not sufficient, for there was
a tabernacle, to which they were as much confined as to the temple, Ex 40:34 -
38, &c. |
| 3 |
Yet - Although he miscarried in the matter of high places, yet in the general, his
heart was right with God. Statutes - According to the statutes or commands of God, which
are here called the statutes of David; not only because they were diligently practised by
David, but also because the observation of them was so earnestly pressed upon Solomon, and
fortified with David's authority and command. |
| 6 |
Truth - In the true worship of God, in the profession, belief, practice and defence of
the true religion. So truth here contains all duties to God, as righteousness doth his
duties to men, and uprightness the right manner of performing both sorts of duties. With
thee - That is, in thy judgment, to whom he often appealed as the witness of his
integrity. |
| 7 |
Child - So he was in years: not above twenty years old; and withal (which he
principally intends) he was raw and unexperienced, as a child, in state affairs. Go out,
&c. - To govern my people, and manage affairs. |
| 8 |
In the midst - Is set over them to rule and guide them. A metaphor from the overseer
of divers workmen, who usually is in the midst of them, that he may the better observe how
each of them discharges his office. Chosen - Thy peculiar people, whom thou takest special
care of, and therefore wilt expect a more punctual account of my government of them. |
| 9 |
An understanding heart - Whereby I may both clearly discern, and faithfully perform
all the parts of my duty: for both these are spoken of in scripture, as the effects of a
good understanding; and he that lives in the neglect of his duties, or the practice of
wickedness, is called a fool, and one void of understanding. Discern - Namely in causes
and controversies among my people; that I may not through mistake, or prejudice, or
passion, give wrong sentences, and call evil good, or good evil. Absalom, that was a fool,
wished himself a judge: Solomon, that was a wise man, trembles at the undertaking. The
more knowing and considerate men are, the more jealous they are of themselves. |
| 13 |
All thy days - Whereby he signifies that these gifts of God were not transient, as
they were in Saul, but such as should abide with him whilst he lived. |
| 14 |
And if - This caution God gives him, lest his wisdom should make him proud, careless,
or presumptuous. |
| 15 |
A dream - Not a vain dream, wherewith men are commonly deluded; but a divine dream,
assuring him of the thing: which he knew, by a divine impression after he was awakened:
and by the vast alteration which he presently found within himself in point of wisdom and
knowledge. The ark - Which was there in the city of David, 2Sam 6:17, before
which he presented himself in a way of holy adoration. Burnt offerings - Chiefly for the
expiation of his and his peoples sin, through the blood of Christ, manifestly signified in
these sacrifices. Peace offerings - Solemnly to praise God for all his mercies, and
especially for giving him quiet possession of the kingdom, and for his glorious appearance
to him in the dream, and for the promise therein made to him, and the actual
accomplishment of it. |
| 16 |
Harlots - Or, victuallers: for the Hebrew words signifies both. Yet that they are
unmarried persons, seems probable, both because there is no mention of any husbands, whose
office it was, if there were any such, to contest for their wives; and because they lived
a solitary life in one house. |
| 19 |
Overlaid it - And so smothered it: which she justly conjectures, because there were
evidences of that kind of death, but no appearance of any other cause thereof. |
| 25 |
Said - Though with a design far above the reach of the two women, or of the people
present, who probably with horror expected the execution of it. |
| 27 |
She is the mother - As is evident from her natural affection to the child, which she
had rather have given away from her, than destroyed. |
| 28 |
Wisdom of God - Divine wisdom with which God had inspired him for the government of
his people. |
Chapter IV
Solomon's ministers of state, ver. 1 - 6. The purveyors of his household, ver. 7 -
19. The number of his subjects, and extent of his kingdom, ver. 20, 21. The provision for
his table, ver. 22, 23. The peace of his subjects, ver. 24, 25. His stables, ver. 26 - 28.
His wisdom, ver. 29 - 34.
| 1 |
All Israel - This is spoken with respect to his successors, who were kings only over a
part, and that the smallest part of it. |
| 2 |
Princes - That is, the chief rulers or officers. The son - Or the grand - son. The
priest - The second priest, or the priest that attended upon Solomon's person in holy
offices and administrations. |
| 3 |
Scribes - That is, secretaries of state. He chose two, whereas David had but one:
either, because he observed some inconveniences in trusting all those matters in one hand:
or, because he had now much more employment than David had, this being a time of great
peace and prosperity, and his empire enlarged. |
| 4 |
Priests - That is, the high - priests, successively, first Abiathar, and then Zadok. |
| 5 |
Officers - Over those twelve Officers, named ver.7, &c. who were all
to give up their accompts to him. Nathan - The prophet, who had been so highly
instrumental in Solomon's establishment in the throne. Principal officer - Possibly,
president of the king's council. Friend - His confident, with whom he used to communicate
his most secret counsels. |
| 6 |
Abiathar was - Steward of the king's household. Tribute - The personal tribute, or the
levy of men, as appears by comparing this with chap.5:13,14, it being very
fit that there should be some one person to whom the chief conduct of that great business
was committed. |
| 8 |
The son, &c. - This and others of them are denominated from their fathers, because
they were known and famous in their generation. |
| 10 |
Hepher - In Judah. |
| 19 |
Country of Gilead - That is, in the remaining part of that land of Gilead, which was
mentioned above. The only officer - In all Gilead, excepting the parcels mentioned before,
in all the territories of Sihon and Og; which because they were of large extent, and yet
all committed to this one man, it is here noted concerning him as his privilege above the
rest. |
| 21 |
The river - Euphrates: for so far David, having conquered the Syrians, extended his
empire, which Solomon also maintained in that extent. And so God's promise concerning the
giving the whole land, as far as Euphrates, to the Israelites, was fulfilled. And, if the
Israelites had multiplied so much that the land of Canaan would not suffice them, having
God's grant of all the land as far as Euphrates, they might have seized upon it whensoever
occasion required. The land of the Philistines - Which is to be understood inclusively;
for the Philistines were within Solomon's dominion. The border of Egypt - Unto the river
Sihor, which was the border between Egypt and Canaan. And served - By tribute, or other
ways, as he needed and required. |
| 22 |
Measures - Heb. Cors: each of which contained ten ephahs. So this provision was
sufficient for near three thousand persons. Meal - Of a coarser sort for common use. |
| 23 |
Fat - Fatted in stalls. Out of pastures - Well fleshed, tender and good, though not so
fat as the former. |
| 24 |
Tiphsah - Either that Tiphsah, 2Kings 15:16, which was in the kingdom of
Israel within Jordan; or, rather, another place of that name upon Euphrates, even that
eminent city which is mentioned by Ptolemy, and Strabo, and Pliny, called Thapsarum. And
this best agrees with the following: Azzah, which was the border of Canaan in the south
and west, as Tiphsah was in the north and east. And so his dominion is described by both
its borders. All kings - Who owned subjection, and paid tribute to him. |
| 25 |
Under his vine - Enjoying the fruit of his own labour with safety and comfort. Under
these two trees, which were most used and cultivated by the Israelites, he understands all
other fruit - bearing trees, and all other comforts. And they are brought in as fitting or
dwelling under these trees, partly for recreation or delight in the shade; and partly, for
the comfort or advantage of the fruit; and withal, to note their great security, not only
in their strong cities, but even in the country, where the vines and fig - trees grew,
which was most open to the incursions of their enemies. |
| 26 |
Forty thousand - In 2Chron 9:25, it is but four thousand. But it is not
exactly the same Hebrew word which is here and there, though we translate both stalls; and
therefore there may well be allowed some difference in the signification, the one
signifying properly stables, of which there were four thousand, the other stalls or
partitions for each horse, which were forty thousand. Chariots - Both for his military
chariots, which seem to be those fourteen hundred, chap.10:26, and for divers
other uses, as about his great and various buildings, and merchandises, and other
occasions, which might require some thousands of other chariots. Horsemen - Appointed
partly for the defence of his people in peace; and partly for attendance upon his person,
and for the splendor of his government. |
| 27 |
The officers - Named above. They lacked - Or rather, they suffered nothing to be
lacking to any man that came thither, but plentifully provided all things necessary. |
| 29 |
Largeness of heart - Vastness of understanding, a most comprehensive knowledge of all
things both Divine and human. |
| 30 |
East country - The Chaldeans, Persians, and Arabians, who all lay eastward from
Canaan, and were famous in ancient times for their wisdom and learning. Egypt - The
Egyptians, whose fame was then great for their skill in the arts and sciences, which made
them despise the Grecians as children in knowledge. |
| 31 |
All men - Either of his nation; or, of his time: or, of all times and nations, whether
of the east or any other country excepting only the first and second Adam. Ethan, &c.
- Israelites of eminent wisdom, probably the same mentioned, 1Chron 2:6 15:19 25:4
Psal 88:1(title,) Ps 89:1(title). Chalcol, &c. - Of whom see 1Chron
2:6. |
| 32 |
Proverbs - That is, short, and deep, and useful sentences, whereof a great part are
contained in the books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. Songs - Whereof the chief and most
divine are in the Canticles. |
| 33 |
Trees - That is, of all plants, of their nature and qualities: all which discourses
are lost, without any impeachment of the perfection of the holy scriptures; which were not
written to teach men philosophy or physick, but only to make them wise unto salvation.
From the cedar, &c. - That is, from the greatest to the least. |
| 34 |
All kings - All the neighbouring kings; a restriction grounded upon the following
words, where this is limited to such as heard of Solomon's wisdom. Let those who magnify
the modern learning above that of the ancients, produce such a treasury of learning,
anywhere in these later ages, as that was, which Solomon was master of. Yet this puts an
honour upon human learning, that Solomon is praised for it, and recommends it to the great
ones of the earth, as well worthy their diligent search. In all this Solomon was a type of
Christ, in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. |
Chapter V
Hiram congratulates Solomon on his accession, and agrees to furnish him with
workmen and timber for the temple, ver. 1 - 9. The work is well done, and the workmen
paid, ver. 10 - 18.
| 6 |
They - That is, thy servants. And this assistance which these Gentiles gave to the
building of Solomon's temple, was a type of the calling of the Gentiles, and that they
should be instrumental in building and constituting Christ's spiritual temple. Cedar -
trees - Which for their soundness, and strength, and fragrancy, and durableness, were most
proper for his design. Of these David had procured some, but not a sufficient number.
Lebanon - Which was in Solomon's jurisdiction: and therefore he doth not desire that Hiram
would give him the cedars, because they were his own already; but only that his servants
might hew them for him; which the ingenious Tyrians well understood. With thy servants -
Either to be employed therein as they shall direct; or to receive the cedars, from their
hands, and transmit them to me. Hire - Pay them for their labour and art. Sidonians - Or
Tyrians: for these places and people being near, are promiscuously used one for another. |
| 7 |
Rejoiced - Being a faithful friend to David and his house, and tho' it is not probable
he was a sincere proselyte, yet he had sufficient information concerning the nature and
excellency of the God of Israel, and had honourable thoughts of him. |
| 9 |
The sea - The mid - land sea. Floats - Or, rafts. It is thought the timber were tied
together in the water, as now is usual, and so by the help of boats or ships, conveyed to
the appointed place, which was at no great distance. Household - My family and court,
which most properly is called his house. |
| 11 |
Measures - Heb. twenty cors pure oil; but in 2Chr 2:10, it is twenty
thousand baths of oil. To which there is added twenty thousand measures of barley, and
twenty thousand baths of wine. Either therefore, first, he speaks of several things. Or,
secondly, he speaks there of what Solomon offered: for it runs thus, I will give; and here
of what Hiram accepted. Or, thirdly, the barley, and wine, and twenty thousand baths of
common oil, mentioned 2Chron 2:10, must be added to the twenty thousand
measures of wheat, and the twenty measures of pure oil here expressed, and the whole sum
is to be made up from both places; that book of Chronicles being written to supply and
compleat the histories of the books of Samuel, and of the Kings. Gave Hiram - Either,
first, for sustenance to the workmen, during the years wherein they were employed in the
cutting down and hewing of timber. Or, for the yearly support of the king's house, during
the said time. Thus by the wise disposal of providence, one country has need of another,
and is benefited by another, that there may be a mutual correspondence and dependence, to
the glory of God our common Parent. |
| 13 |
The levy - Which were to be employed in the most honourable and easy parts of the work
relating to the temple; and these were Israelites; but those fifteen hundred thousand
mentioned ver.15, were strangers. If it seem strange, that so many thousands
should be employed about so small a building as the temple was; it must be considered,
- that the temple, all its parts being considered, was far larger than men imagine;
- that it is probable, they were employed by turns, as the thirty thousand were, ver.14,
else they had been oppressed with hard and uninterrupted labours.
- that the timber and stone hewed and carried by them, was designed, not only for the
temple, but also for Solomon's own houses, and buildings; because we read of no other levy
of men, nor of any care and pains taken after the building of the temple, for the
procurement, or preparation of materials for his own houses, or his other buildings; nay,
that this very levy of men was made and employed for the building of the Lord's house, and
Solomon's house, and Millo, and the wall of Jerusalem, and Hazor, and Megiddo, and Gezer,
is expressed chap.9:15.
|
| 16 |
Three thousand &c. - Whereof three thousand were set over the fifteen hundred
thousand, expressed ver.15, each of these, over fifty of them, and the odd
three hundred were set over these three thousand, each of these to have the oversight of
ten of them, to take an account of the work for them. But in 2Chron 2:18,
these overseers are said to be thirty - six hundred. The three thousand added in 2Chron
2:2, might be a reserve, to supply the places of the other three thousand: yea, or
of the thirty - three hundred, as any of them should be taken off from the work by death,
or sickness, or weakness, or necessary occasions; which was a prudent provision, and not
unusual in like cases. And so there were thirty - six hundred commissioned for the work,
but only thirty - three hundred employed at one time; and therefore both computations
fairly stand together. |
| 17 |
Great and costly - Marble and porphyry, or other stones of great size and value. The
foundation - Where they could not afterward be seen: and therefore that this was done, is
mentioned only as a point of magnificence, except it was intended for a type, or mystical
signification of the preciousness of Christ, who is the foundation of the true temple, the
church of God. |
| 18 |
Stone - squarers - Heb. the Giblites, the inhabitants of Gebel, a place near Zidon,
famous for artificers and architects, Josh 13:5. These are here mentioned
apart, distinct from the rest of Hiram's builders, as the most eminent of them. |
Chapter VI
The time when the temple was built, ver. 1. The dimensions of it, ver. 2, 3. The
windows, chambers, materials, doors, ver. 4 - 10. God's message to Solomon, ver. 11 - 13.
The walls and flooring, ver. 14 - 18. The oracle and cherubim, ver. 19 - 30. The doors and
inner court, ver. 31 - 36. How long it was building, ver. 37 - 38.
| 1 |
Four hundred and four score, &c. - Allowing forty years to Moses, seventeen to
Joshua, two hundred ninety - nine to the Judges, forty to Eli, forty to Samuel and Saul,
forty to David, and four to Solomon before he began the work, we have just the sum of four
hundred and eighty. So long it was before that holy house was built, which in less than
four hundred and thirty years was burnt by Nebuchadnezzar. It was thus deferred, because
Israel had by their sins, made themselves unworthy of this honour: and because God would
shew how little he values external pomp and splendor in his service. And God ordered it
now, chiefly to be a shadow of good things to come. |
| 2 |
The house - Properly so called, as distinct from all the walls and buildings which
were adjoining to it; namely, the holy, and most holy place. Length - From east, to west.
And this and the other measures may seem to belong to the inside from wall to wall. Cubits
- Cubits of the sanctuary. Height - Namely, of the house: for the porch was one hundred
and twenty cubits high, 2Chron 3:4. So that all the measures compared each
with other were harmonious. For sixty to twenty (the length to the breadth) is triple: or
as three to one: and sixty to thirty (the length to the height) is double, or as two to
one: and thirty to twenty (the height to the breadth) is one and an half, as three to two.
Which are the proportions answering to the three great concords in music, commonly called,
a twelfth, an eighth, and a fifth. Which therefore must needs be a graceful proportion to
the eye, as that in music is graceful to the ear. |
| 3 |
The porch - In the front of, or entrance into the house, 2Chron 3:4,
being a portico, a walk or gallery, at one end of the building (from side to side.) And
the measures of this were harmonious also. For twenty to ten (the length of the portico to
the breadth of it) is double, or as two to one. And, if the height within, be the same
with that of the house, that is thirty; it will be to the length of it, as three to two;
and to its breadth, as three to one. Or, if we take in the whole height mentioned, 2Chron
3:4, which is one hundred and twenty; there is in this no disproportion: being to
its length as six to one; and to its breadth as twelve to one; especially when this height
was conveniently divided into several galleries, one over another, each of which had their
due proportions. |
| 4 |
Narrow - Narrow outward, to prevent the inconveniences of the weather; widening by
degrees inward, that so the house might better receive, and more disperse the light. |
| 5 |
Against the wall - The beams of the chambers were not fastened into the wall, but
leaned upon the buttresses of the wall. Chambers - For the laying the priests garments,
and other utensils belonging to the temple, therein. Round about - On all the sides except
the east, where the porch was; and except some very small passages for the light. And yet
these lights might be in the five uppermost cubits of the wall, which were above all these
chambers, for these were only fifteen cubits high, and the wall was twenty cubits high.
Chambers - Galleries which encompassed all the chambers; and which were necessary for
passage to them. |
| 6 |
Broad - On the inside, and besides the galleries mentioned above. Narrowed rests - Or,
narrowings: as in our buildings the walls of an house are thicker, or broader at the
bottom, and narrower towards the top: only these narrowings were in the outside of the
wall, which at each of the three stories was a cubit narrower than that beneath it. And
this is mentioned, as the reason of the differing breadth of the chambers; because the
wall being narrower, allowed more space for the upper chambers. Not fastened - That there
might be no holes made in the wall for fastening them; and that the chambers might be
removed, if occasion were, without any inconvenience to the house. |
| 7 |
Made ready - Hewed, and squared, and fitted exactly according to the direction of the
architect. Neither hammer, &c. - So it was ordered, partly for the ease and
conveniency of carriage: partly, for the magnificence of the work, and commendation of the
workmen's skill and diligence: and partly, for mystical signification. And as this temple
was a manifest type both of Christ's church upon earth, and of the heavenly Jerusalem: so
this circumstance signified as to the former, that it is the duty of the builders and
members of the church, as far as in them lies, to take care that all things be transacted
there with perfect peace and quietness; and that no noise of contention, or division, or
violence, be heard in that sacred building: and for the latter, that no spiritual stone,
no person, shall bear a part in that heavenly temple, unless he be first hewed, and
squared, and made meet for it in this life. |
| 8 |
The door - That is, by which they entered to go up to the middle chamber or chambers;
such as were in the middle story. Right side - That is, in the south - side, called the
right side; because when a man looks towards the east, the south is on his right hand.
There was another door on the left, or the north - side, leading to the chambers on that
side. Winding stairs - Without the wall, leading up to the gallery out of which they went
into the several chambers. Middle chamber - Or rather, into the middle story, or row of
chambers; and so in the following words, out of the middle story: for these stair's could
not lead up into each of the chambers; nor was it needful, but only into the story, which
was sufficient for the use of all the chambers. |
| 10 |
Built chambers - The Hebrew words may be properly rendered, He built a roof, a flat
and plain roof, over all the house, according to the manner of the Israelitish buildings.
The inner roof was arched, ver.9, that it might be the more beautiful, but
the outward roof was flat. Five cubits - Above the walls of the temple: that it might be a
little higher than the arched roof, which it was designed to cover and secure. They rested
- Heb. it rested, namely, the roof. Timber of cedar - Which rested upon the top of the
wall, as the chambers, ver.5, rested upon the sides of the wall. |
| 12 |
If - God expresses the condition upon which his promise and favour is suspended; and
by assuring him thereof in case of obedience, he plainly intimates the contrary upon his
disobedience. Thus he was taught, that all the charge he and the people were at, in
erecting this temple, would neither excuse them from obedience to the law of God, nor
shelter them from his judgments in case of disobedience. |
| 15 |
Walls - The name of a wall is not appropriated to stone or brick, because we read of a
brazen wall, Jer 15:20, and a wall of iron, Ezek 4:3. And that
wall into which Saul smote his javelin, 1Sam 19:10, seems more probably to be
understood of wood, than of stone; especially, considering that it was the room where the
king used to dine. By this periphrasis, from the floor of the house, unto the walls of the
ceiling, he designs all the side - walls of the house. Them - The side - walls of the
house. Wood - With other kind of wood, even with fir; as appears from 2Chron 3:5,
wherewith the floor is here said to be covered. Floor - This is spoken only concerning the
floor, because there was nothing but planks of fir; whereas there was both cedar and fir
in the sides of the house, the fir being either put above, or upon the cedar; or
intermixed with, or put between the boards or ribs of cedar: as may be gathered from, 2Chron
3:5. |
| 16 |
House - That is, the most holy place, which contained in length twenty cubits, which
may be said to be on the sides Of the house, because this part took off twenty cubits in
length from each side of the house, and was also twenty cubits from side to side, so it
was twenty cubits every way. The oracle - the most holy place - The last words are added,
to explain what he means by the word oracle, which he had not used before. |
| 17 |
House - That is, the holy place. Temple - This is added, to restrain the signification
of the word house, which otherwise notes the whole building. It - The oracle. |
| 18 |
Cedar - Cedar is here named, not to exclude all other wood, but stone only; as the
following words shew. |
| 19 |
Prepared - That is, adorned and fitted it for the receipt of the ark. Solomon made
every thing new, but the ark. That with its mercy seat was still the same that Moses made.
This was the token of God's presence, which is with his people, whether they meet in tent
or temple, and changes not with their condition. |
| 20 |
Forepart - Which was in the inner part of the house, called in Hebrew, the forepart;
not because a man first enters there, but because when a man is entering, or newly entered
into the house, it is still before him. Covered - With gold, chap.7:48 1Chron 28:18.
The altar - The altar of incense. |
| 21 |
House - Or, that house, the oracle. Partition - He made a veil, which was a farther
partition between the holy, and the most holy; which veil did hang upon these golden
chains. Before the oracle - In the outward part of the wall, or partition, which was
erected between the oracle and the holy place; which is properly said to be before the
oracle, there the veil was hung; and there the chains or bars, or whatsoever it was which
fastened the doors of the oracle, were placed. It - The partition; which he here
distinguisheth from the house, or the main walls of the house, which he had in the former
part of this verse told us were overlaid with gold; and now he affirms much as of the
partition. |
| 22 |
Whole house - Not only the oracle, but all the holy place. The altar - the altar of
incense, which was set in the holy place close by the doors of the oracle. With gold - As
before he overlaid it with cedar. |
| 23 |
Cherubim - Besides those two made by Moses, Exod 25:18, which were of
gold, and far less than these. The Heathens set up images of their gods, and worshipped
them. These were designed to represent the servants and attendants of the God of Israel,
the holy angels, not to be worshipped themselves, but to shew how great he is whom we
worship. |
| 29 |
Cherubim - As signs of the presence and protection of the angels vouch - safed by God
to that place. Palm - trees - Emblems of that peace and victory over their enemies, which
the Israelites duly serving God in that place might expect. Within and without - Within
the oracle and without it, in the holy place. |
| 31 |
Fifth part - That is, four cubits in height or breadth, whereas the wall was twenty
cubits. |
| 36 |
Inner court - The priests court, 2Chron 4:9, so called, because it was
next to the temple which it compassed. Cedar beams - Which is understood, of so many
galleries, one on each side of the temple, whereof the three first were of stone, and the
fourth of cedar, all supported with rows of pillars: upon which there were many chambers
for the uses of the temple, and of the priests. |
| 38 |
Seven years - It is not strange that this work took up so much time: for,
- The temple properly so called, was for quantity the least part of it, there being very
many and great buildings both above ground in the several courts, (for though only the
court of the priests be mentioned, yet it is thereby implied, that the same thing was
proportionably done in the others) and under ground.
- The great art which was used here, and the small number of exquisite artists, required
the longer time for the doing it. And if the building of Diana's temple employed all Asia
for two hundred years; and the building of one pyramid employed three hundred and sixty
thousand men, for twenty years together; both which, Pliny affirms: no reasonable man can
wonder that this temple was seven years in building.
Now let us see what this temple typifies.
- Christ himself is the true temple. He himself spoke of the temple of his body: and in
him dwelt all the fullness of the godhead. In him all the Israel of God meet, and thro'
him have access with confidence to God.
- Every believer is a living temple, in whom the spirit of God dwelleth. We are
wonderfully made by the Divine Providence, but more wonderfully made anew by the Divine
grace. And as Solomon's temple was built on a rock, so are we built on Christ.
- The church is a mystical temple, enriched and beautified, not with gold and precious
stones, but with the gifts and graces of the spirit. Angels are ministering spirits,
attending the church and all the members of it on all sides.
- Heaven is the everlasting temple. There the church will be fixt, and no longer moveable.
The cherubim there always attend upon the throne of glory. In the temple there was no
noise of axes or hammers: every thing is quiet and serene in heaven. All that shall be
stones in that building, must here be fitted and made ready for it; must be hewn and
squared by the Divine grace, and so made meet for a place in that temple.
|
Chapter VII
Solomon builds several other houses, ver. 1 - 12. He furnishes the temple with two
pillars, ver. 13 - 22. With a molten sea, ver. 23 - 26. With ten bases and ten lavers of
brass, ver. 27 - 39. With all other utensils, and the things David had dedicated, ver. 40
- 51.
| 1 |
House - The royal palace for himself, and for his successors. Thirteen years - Almost
double the time to that in which the temple was built; because neither were the materials
so far provided and prepared for this, as they were for the temple: nor did either he or
his people use the same diligence in this, as in the other work; to which they were
quickened by God's express command. |
| 2 |
Of the forest of Lebanon - An house so called, because it was built in the forest of
Lebanon, for a summer - seat, whither Solomon, having so many chariots and horses, might
at any time retire with ease. The length - Of the principal mansion; to which doubtless
other buildings were adjoining. Pillars - Upon which the house was built, and between
which there were four stately walks. Beams - Which were laid for the floor of the second
story. |
| 3 |
Fifteen - So in this second story were only three rows of pillars, which was
sufficient for the ornament of the second and for the support of the third story. |
| 4 |
Against light - One directly opposite to the other, as is usual in well - contrived
buildings. In ranks - One exactly under another. |
| 5 |
Windows - He speaks, of smaller windows or lights, which were over the several doors. |
| 6 |
A porch - Supported by divers pillars, for the more magnificent entrance into the
house; upon which also it is thought there were other rooms built, as in the house. The
porch - Now mentioned which is said to be before them; before the pillars on which the
house of Lebanon stood. Pillars - Or, and pillars; That is, fewer and lesser pillars for
the support of the lesser porch. Beam - Which was laid upon these pillars, as the others
were ver.2. |
| 7 |
A porch - Another porch or distinct room without the house. The other - The whole
floor; or, from floor to floor, from the lower floor on the ground, to the upper floor
which covered it. |
| 8 |
Another court - That is, between the porch and the house, called therefore the middle
court, chap.2Ki 20:4. Like this - Not for form or quantity, but for the
materials and workmanship, the rooms being covered with cedar, and furnished with like
ornaments. |
| 9 |
These - Buildings described here and in the former chapter. The measures - Hewed in
such measure and proportion as exact workmen use to hew ordinary stones. Within, &c. -
Both on the inside of the buildings which were covered with cedar, and on the outside
also. To the coping - From the bottom to the top of the building. And so on - Not only on
the outside of the front of the house, which being most visible, men are more careful to
adorn; but also of the other side of the house, which looked towards the great court
belonging to the king's house. |
| 11 |
Above - That is, in the upper part; for this is opposed to the foundation. Stones and
cedars - Intermixed the one, and the other. |
| 12 |
The court - Namely, of Solomon's dwelling - house mentioned, ver.8. |
| 14 |
In brass - And Of gold, and stone, and purple, and blue, 2Chron 2:14. But
only his skill in brass is here mentioned, because he speaks only of the brasen things
which he made. |
| 16 |
Five cubits - The word chapiter is taken either more largely for the whole, so it is
five cubits; Or, more strictly, either for the pommels, as they are called, 2Chron
4:12, or for the cornice or crown, and so it was but three cubits, to which the
pomegranates being added make it four cubits, as it is below, ver.19, and the
other work upon it took up one cubit more, which in all made five cubits. |
| 17 |
The chapiters - Which those nets and wreathes encompass, either covering, and as it
were receiving and holding the pomegranates, or being mixed with them. |
| 18 |
Two rows - Either of pomegranates, by comparing this with ver.20, or of
some other curious work. |
| 19 |
Lilly work - Made like the leaves of lillies. In the porch - Or, as in the porch; such
work as there was in the porch of the temple, in which these pillars were set, ver.21,
that so the work of the tops of these pillars might agree with that in the top of the
porch. |
| 20 |
The belly - So he calls the middle part of the chapiter, which jetted farthest out.
Two hundred - They are said to be ninety and six on a side of a pillar; in one row and in
all an hundred, Jer 52:23, four great pomegranates between the several
checker - works being added to the first ninety six. And it must needs be granted, that
there were as many on the other side of the pillar, or in the other row, which makes them
two hundred upon a pillar, as is here said, and four hundred upon both pillars, as they
are numbered, 2Chron 4:13. |
| 21 |
Jachin - Jachin signifies he; That is, God shall establish, his temple, and church,
and people: and Boaz signifies, in it, or rather, in him (to answer the he in the former
name) is strength. So these pillars being eminently strong and stable, were types of that
strength which was in God, and would be put forth by God for the defending and
establishing of his temple and people, if they were careful to keep the conditions
required by God on their parts. |
| 23 |
A Sea - He melted the brass, and cast it into the form of a great vessel, for its
vastness called a sea, which name is given by the Hebrews to all great collections of
waters. The use of it was for the priests to wash their hands and feet, or other things as
occasion required, with the water which they drew out of it. |
| 24 |
Knops - Carved or molten figures: for this word signifies figures or pictures of all
sorts. Ten, &c. - So there were three hundred in all. Cast - Together with the sea;
not carved. Two rows - It seems doubtful whether the second row had ten in each cubit, and
so there were three hundred more; or, whether the ten were distributed into five in each
row. |
| 25 |
Oxen - Of solid brass, which was necessary to bear so great a weight. |
| 26 |
Baths - Which amounts to five hundred barrels, each bath containing about eight
gallons; the bath being a measure of the same bigness with an ephah. |
| 27 |
Bases - Upon which stood the ten lavers mentioned below, ver.38, in which
they washed the parts of the sacrifices. |
| 28 |
Borders - Broad brims, possibly for the more secure holding of the lavers. |
| 29 |
Base above - So he calls the upper - most part of the base: for though it was above,
yet it was a base to the laver, which stood upon it. Additions - Either as bases for the
feet of the said lions and oxen: or, only as farther ornaments. |
| 30 |
Wheels - Whereby the bases and lavers might be removed from place to place as need
required. Under - setters - Heb. shoulders; fitly so called, because they supported the
lavers, that they should not fall from their bases, when the bases were removed together
with the lavers. |
| 31 |
The mouth - So he calls that part in the top of the base which was left hollow, that
the foot of the laver might be let into it. The chapiter - Within the little base, which
he calls the chapiter, because it rose up from, and stood above the great base. Above -
Above the chapiter; for the mouth went up, and grew wider like a funnel. A cubit - In
height, ver.35, whereof half a cubit was above the chapiter or little base,
and the other half below it. A cubit and half - In compass. Four square - So the innermost
part, called the mouth, was round, but the outward part was square, as when a circle is
made within a quadrangle. |
| 33 |
Molten - And cast together with the bases. |
| 34 |
Of the base - Not only of the same matter, but of the same piece, being cast with it. |
| 36 |
The proportion - Or, empty place, that is, according to the bigness of the spaces
which were left empty for them, implying that they were smaller than those above
mentioned. |
| 39 |
Right side - In the south side, not within the house, but in the priests court, where
they washed either their hands or feet, or the parts of the sacrifices. Left side - On the
north side. The south - In the south - east part, where the offerings were prepared. |
| 45 |
The pots - To boil those parts of the sacrifices which the priests, &c. were to
eat. |
| 48 |
Vessels - Such as Moses had made only these were larger, and richer, and more. Table
of gold - Under which, are comprehended both all the utensils belonging to it, and the
other ten tables which he made together with it. |
| 49 |
Candlesticks - Which were ten, according to the number of the tables, whereas Moses
made but one: whereby might be signified the progress of the light of sacred truth, which
was now grown clearer than it was in Moses's time, and should shine brighter and brighter
until the perfect day of gospel light. Pure gold - Of massy and fine gold. The oracle - In
the holy place. Flowers - Wrought upon the candlesticks, as it had formerly been. |
| 51 |
Silver and gold - So much of it as was left. And vessels - Those which David had
dedicated, and with them the altar of Moses, and some other of the old utensils which were
now laid aside, far better being put in the room of them. |
Chapter VIII
The chief men of Israel called together, ver. 1, 2. The ark fixt in the most holy
place, ver. 3 - 9. God takes possession of it by a cloud, ver. 10 - 12. Solomon tells the
people the occasion of their meeting, ver. 13 - 21. The prayer of dedication, ver. 22 -
53. He dismisses the assembly with a blessing and an exhortation, ver. 54 - 61. Offers
abundance of sacrifices, ver. 62 - 66.
| 1 |
Elders - The senators, and judges, and rulers. Heads - For each tribe had a peculiar
governor. Chief - The chief persons of every great family in each tribe. Jerusalem - Where
the temple was built. Bring the ark - To the top of Moriah, upon which it was built;
whither they were now to carry the ark in solemn pomp. City of David - Where David had
placed the ark, which is called Zion, because it was built upon that hill. |
| 2 |
All Israel - Not only the chief men, but a vast number of the common people. The feast
- The feast of the dedication, to which Solomon had invited them. Seventh month - Which
time he chose with respect to his peoples convenience, because now they had gathered in
all their fruits, and were come up to Jerusalem, to celebrate the feast of tabernacles.
But the temple was not finished till the eighth month, chap.6:38, how then
could he invite them in the seventh month? This was the seventh month of the next year.
For although the house in all its parts was finished the year before, yet the utensils of
it were not then fully finished: and many preparations were to be made for this great and
extraordinary occasion. |
| 3 |
The priests - For although the Levites might do this, Numb 4:15, yet the
priests did it at this time, for the greater honour of the solemnity; and because the
Levites might not enter into the holy - place, much less into the holy of holies, where it
was to be placed, into which the priests themselves might not have entered, if the high -
priest alone could have done it. |
| 4 |
The tabernacle - That made by Moses, which doubtless before this time had been
translated from Gibeon to Zion, and now together with other things, was put into the
treasuries of the Lord's house, to prevent all superstitious use of it, and to oblige the
people to come up to Jerusalem, as the only place where God would now be worshipped. |
| 5 |
Sacrificing - When the ark was seated in its place: for although they might in the way
offer some sacrifices, as David did; yet that was not a proper season to offer so many
sacrifices as could not be numbered. This is more particularly related below, ver.62,63,64,
which is here signified by way of anticipation. |
| 6 |
Cherubim - Of Solomon's new made cherubim, not of the Mosaic cherubim, which were far
less, and unmovably fixed to the ark, Exod 37:7,8, and therefore together
with the ark, were put under the wings of these cherubim. |
| 8 |
Drew out - Not wholly, which was expressly forbidden, Exod 25:15, Numb
4:6, but in part. Seen out - In the most holy place, which is oft called by way of
eminency, the holy place, and the Hebrew words rendered before the oracle, may be as well
rendered, within the oracle. And these staves were left in this posture, that the high -
priest might hereby be certainly guided to that very place where he, was one day in a year
to sprinkle blood, and to offer incense before the ark, which otherwise he might mistake
in that dark place, where the ark was wholly covered with the wings of the great cherubim,
which stood between him and the ark when he entered in. |
| 9 |
Nothing - Strictly and properly: but in a more large sense, the pot of manna, and
Aaron's rod were also in it, Heb 9:4, that is, by it, in the most holy place,
before the ark of the testimony, where God commanded Moses to put them. |
| 10 |
The cloud - The usual token of God's glorious presence. Filled - In testimony of his
gracious acceptance of this work, and their service; and to beget an awe and reverence in
them, and in all others, when they approach to God. |
| 12 |
Then spake - Perceiving both priests and people struck with wonder at this darkness,
he minds them, that this was no sign of God's disfavour, as some might possibly imagine;
but a token of his approbation, and special presence among them. Said - He hath declared,
that he would manifest his presence with, and dwelling among his people, by a dark cloud,
in which he would appear. |
| 14 |
Turned - From the temple to the body of the congregation. Stood - In token of
reverence, and of their readiness to receive the blessing. |
| 16 |
Since, &c. - Until David's time; for then he did chuse Jerusalem. That my name -
That my presence, and grace, and worship, and glory, might be there. Chose David - And in
and with him the tribe of Judah, of which he was, and Jerusalem where he dwelt. |
| 21 |
The covenant - The tables of the covenant, wherein the conditions of God's covenant
with Israel are written. |
| 22 |
Stood - Upon a scaffold set up for him in the court of the people, 2Chron 6:13.
|
| 24 |
Hast kept - That branch of thy promise concerning the building of this house by
David's son. |
| 25 |
Keep - Make good the other branch of thy promise. |
| 27 |
But will - Is it possible that the great, and high, and lofty God should stoop so low,
as to take up his dwelling amongst men? The heaven - All this vast space of the visible
heaven. And heaven, &c. - The third and highest, and therefore the largest heaven,
called the heaven of heavens for its eminency and comprehensiveness. Contain - For thy
essence reacheth far beyond them, being omnipresent. Much less - This house therefore was
not built as if it were proportionable to thy greatness, or could contain thee, but only
that therein we might serve and glorify thee. |
| 28 |
Yet - Tho' thou art not comprehended within this place, yet shew thyself to be
graciously present here, by accepting and granting my present requests here tendered unto
thee. |
| 29 |
Open - To behold with an eye of favour. My name - My presence, and glory and grace.
This place - This temple, to which Solomon did now look, and towards which, the godly
Israelites directed their looks in their prayers. |
| 30 |
In heaven - Which he adds to direct them in their addresses to God in this temple, to
lift up their eyes above it, even to heaven, where God's most true, and most glorious
dwelling - place is. Forgive - The sins of thy people, praying, and even of their prayers;
which, if not pardoned, will certainly hinder the success of all their prayers, and the
course of all thy blessings. |
| 31 |
Trespass - If he be accused of a trespass. Laid on him - Either by the judge, or by
the party accusing him, or by the accused person himself: which was usual, when there were
no witnesses. Thine altar - For here God, who was appealed to as witness, was especially
present. Hence the Heathens used to swear at their altars. |
| 32 |
His way - The just recompence of his wicked action. Give him, &c. - To vindicate
him, and manifest his integrity. |
| 33 |
Confess - Give glory to thy name, by acknowledging their sins, and by justice; and by
accepting the punishment of their iniquity; and by trusting to thy power and goodness
alone, for their deliverance. |
| 35 |
Heaven - The lower heaven in which the clouds are. Shut up - Heaven is compared to a
great store - house in God's keeping, out of which nothing can be had, so long as it is
close shut up. |
| 36 |
Good way - The way, of their duty, which is good in itself; and both delightful and
profitable, to those that walk in it. Give rain - The order of Solomon's prayer is very
observable; first and chiefly, he prays for their repentance and forgiveness, which is the
chief blessing, and the only solid foundation of all other mercies: and then he prays for
temporal mercies; thereby teaching us what to desire principally in our prayers; which
also Christ hath taught us in his perfect prayer; wherein there is but one petition for
outward, and all the rest are for spiritual blessings. |
| 38 |
The plague - His sin, which may be called the plague of his heart, in opposition to
the other plagues here mentioned; so the sense is, who, by their afflictions are brought
to a true and serious sense of their worse and inward plague of their sins, which are most
fitly called the plague of the heart, because that is both the principal seat of sin, and
the fountain from whence all actual sins flow. |
| 39 |
Thou knowest - Not only the plagues of their hearts, their several wants and burdens,
(these he knows! but he will know them from us,) but the desire and intent of the heart,
the sincerity or hypocrisy of it. |
| 41 |
A stranger - A proselyte. But cometh - That he may worship, and glorify thy name. |
| 43 |
Calleth for - Agreeable to thy will and word. It is observable, that his prayer for
the strangers is more large, and comprehensive, than for the Israelites; that thereby he
might both shew his public - spiritedness, and encourage strangers to the worship of the
true God. Thus early were the indications of God's favour, toward the sinners of the
Gentiles. As there was then one law for the native and for the stranger, so there was one
gospel for both. |
| 44 |
To battle - In a just cause, and by thy warrant or commission. Shall pray - Whereby he
instructs them, that they should not trust, either to the strength or justice of their
arms, but only to God's help and blessing. Chosen - For thy dwelling - place, and the seat
of thy temple. Towards the house - For to it they were to turn their faces in prayer; to
profess themselves worshippers of the true God, in opposition to idols; and to strengthen
their faith in God's promises and covenant, the tables whereof were contained in that
house. Soldiers in the field must not think it enough that others pray for them: they must
pray for themselves. And they are here encouraged to expect a gracious answer. Praying
should always go along with fighting. |
| 48 |
And return - Sincerely, universally, and steadfastly. |
| 49 |
Their course - Heb. their right, against their invaders and oppressors. For they had
forfeited all their rights to God only, but not to their enemies; whom tho' God used as
scourges to chastise his peoples sins, yet they had no pretence of right to their land. |
| 55 |
He stood - He spoke this standing, that he might be the better heard, and because he
blessed as one having authority. Never were words more pertinently spoken: never was a
congregation dismissed, with that which was more likely to affect them, and to abide with
them. |
| 56 |
Blessed, &c. - This discharge he gives in the name of all Israel, to the
everlasting honour of the Divine faithfulness, and the everlasting encouragement of all
those that build upon the Divine promises. |
| 58 |
Incline - That he may not only bless us with outward prosperity, but especially, with
spiritual blessings: and that as he hath given us his word to teach and direct us, so he
would by his holy Spirit, effectually incline us to obey it. |
| 61 |
Perfect - Let your obedience be universal, without dividing; upright, without
dissembling; and constant, without declining. |
| 63 |
Offered - Not all in one day, but in the seven, or it may be in the fourteen days,
mentioned ver.65. |
| 64 |
Middle of the court - Of the priests court, in which the great altar was. This he
consecrated as he did the great altar, by sacrifices; but with this difference, that he
consecrated that for perpetual use: but this only for the present occasion, being
warranted to do so both by the necessity of it for God's service, and for the present
solemn work, for which the brazen altar was not sufficient; and by the direction of God's
spirit, wherewith Solomon was endowed, as being a prophet, as well as a king. Here
therefore he suddenly reared up divers altars, which, after this solemnity were
demolished. |
| 65 |
Seven - Seven for the dedication of the temple, or altar; and the other seven for the
feast of tabernacles. And it seems to be expressed in this manner, to intimate, that these
fourteen days of rejoicing, were not altogether, but that there was some interval between
them, which indeed was necessary, because the day of atonement was on the tenth day of
this month, Lev 23:27. And because these fourteen days ended on the twenty -
second day, 2Chron 7:10, it may seem most probable, that the feast of the
dedication was kept before the tenth day: and the feast of tabernacles some days after it.
|
| 66 |
He sent - Solomon having joined with the people in the solemn assembly, which was kept
on the eighth day; in the close of that day took his solemn farewell, and dismissed them
with his blessing; and the next morning when the heads and elders with divers of the
people came to take their leave of the king, he sent them away. |
Chapter IX
God in a vision answers Solomon's prayer, ver. 1 - 9. The mutual presents of
Solomon and Hiram, ver. 10 - 14. His workmen and buildings, ver. 15 - 24. His devotion,
ver. 25. His navy, ver. 26 - 28.
| 3 |
For ever - As long as the Mosaic dispensation lasts; whereas hitherto my worship has
been successively in several places. Eyes - My watchful and gracious providence. Heart -
My tender affection. Shall be there - Shall be towards this place and people. |
| 5 |
Then - Upon that condition; for my promise to David was conditional. |
| 8 |
High - Glorious and renowned. Astonished - At its unexpected and wonderful ruin. Hiss
- By way of contempt and derision. |
| 11 |
Galilee - Or, near the land of Galilee, bordering upon it; in those parts which were
near, and adjoining to Hiram's dominions: with the cities, understand the territories
belonging to them. These cities, though they were within those large bounds which God
fixed to the land of promise, Gen 15:18 Josh 1:4, yet were not within those
parts which were distributed by lot in Joshua's time. It is probable they were not
inhabited by Israelites, but by Canaanites, or other Heathens; who being subdued, and
extirpated by David or Solomon, those cities became a part of their dominions; and
afterwards were reckoned a part of Galilee, as Josephus notes. |
| 13 |
Cabul - That is, of dirt, as most interpret it. Because, though the land was very
good, yet being a thick and stiff clay, and therefore requiring great pains to manure it,
it was very unsuitable to the disposition of the Tyrians, who were delicate, and lazy, and
luxurious, and wholly given to merchandise. And on his returning them, there is no doubt
but Solomon gave him an equivalent more to his taste. |
| 14 |
Sent - And this seems to be here added, both to declare the quantity of the gold sent,
which had been only named before, ver.11, and as the reason why he resented
Solomon's action, because so great a sum required a better recompense. |
| 15 |
Raised - Both the levy of men; of which, chap.5:13, and the levy of money
upon his people and subjects. He raised this levy, both to pay what he owed to Hiram, and
to build the works following. |
| 21 |
Those - He used them as bondmen, and imposed bodily labours upon them. But why did not
Solomon destroy them as God had commanded, when now it was fully in his power to do so?
The command of destroying them, Deut 7:2, did chiefly, if not only, concern
that generation of Canaanites, who lived in, or, near the time of the Israelites entering
into Canaan. And that command seems not to be absolute, but conditional, and with some
exception for those who should submit and embrace the true religion, as may be gathered
both from Josh 11:19, and from the history of the Gibeonites. For if God's
command had been absolute, the oaths of Joshua, and of the princes, could not have obliged
them, nor dispensed with such a command. |
| 25 |
Three times - That is, at the three solemn feasts: and undoubtedly at all other
appointed times. |
| 26 |
Made - Not now, but in the beginning of his reign. |
| 27 |
Knowledge of the sea - For which the Tyrians were famous. He sent also ships to join
with Solomon's, not from Tyre, the city of Phoenicia; but from an island in the Red - sea,
called Tyre, because it was a colony of the Tyrians, as Strabo notes. |
| 28 |
Ophir - A place famous for the plenty and fineness of the gold there. It is agreed,
that it was a part of the East - Indies, probably Ceylon, which though very remote from
us, yet was far nearer the Red - sea, from whence they might easily sail to it in those
ancient times, because they might (according to the manner of those first ages) sail all
along near the coast, though the voyage was thereby more tedious, which was the reason why
three years were spent in it. And here, and here only were to be had all the commodities
which Solomon fetched from Ophir, chap.10:22. Fetched - In all there came to
the king four hundred and fifty talents, whereof it seems thirty talents were allowed to
Hiram and his men, and so there were only four hundred and twenty that came clear into the
king's treasury. |
Chapter X
The queen of Sheba's interview with Solomon, ver. 1 - 10. His riches, ver. 11 - 15.
Targets, ivory throne, vessels, ver, 16 - 23. Presents, chariots and horses, tribute, ver.
24 - 29.
| 1 |
Sheba - Of that part of Arabia, called Shabaea, which was at great distance from
Jerusalem, bordering upon the Southern Sea; for there, much more than in Ethiopia, were
the commodities which she brought, ver.2,10. Name of the Lord - That is,
concerning God; the name of God being often put for God; concerning his deep knowledge in
the things of God. For it is very probable she had, as had divers other Heathens, some
knowledge of the true God, and an earnest desire to know more concerning him. Questions -
Concerning natural, and civil, and especially, Divine things. |
| 2 |
All her heart - Of all the doubts and difficulties wherewith her mind was perplexed. |
| 4 |
House - Or, the houses, the temple and the king's house, in both which there were
evidences of singular wisdom. |
| 5 |
Sitting - The order and manner in which his courtiers, or other subjects (who all were
his servants in a general sense) sat down at meals, at several tables in his court.
Attendance - Upon the king, both at his table, and in his court; and when he went abroad
to the temple or other places. Apparel - Both the costliness of it, and especially the
agreeableness of it to their several places and offices. Went up - From his own palace.
See 2Kings 16:18, but the ancients, and some others, translate the words
thus, and the burnt - offerings which he offered up in the house of the Lord; under which,
is the chief, all other sacrifices are understood: when she saw the manner of his offering
sacrifices to the Lord; which doubtless she would not neglect to see; and in the ordering
of which she might discern many characters of excellent wisdom, especially when she had so
excellent an interpreter as Solomon was, to inform her of the reasons of all the
circumstances of that service. No spirit - She was astonished, and could scarcely
determine whether she really saw these things, or whether it was only a pleasant dream. |
| 8 |
Happy, &c. - With much more reason may we say this of Christ's servants: Blessed
are they that dwell in thy house: they will be always praising thee. |
| 14 |
Six hundred, &c. - Which amounts to about three millions of our money. And this
gold did not come from Ophir in India, or Tharshish; but from Arabia and Ethiopia, which
then were replenished with gold, though exhausted by the insatiable avarice of succeeding
Ages. |
| 15 |
Merchant - men - Heb. of the searchers; either merchants, who use to search out
commodities: or, the gatherers of the king's revenues, who used to search narrowly into
all wares, that the king might not be defrauded of his rights. Spice - merchants - Or
rather, of the merchants in general, as the word is often used. So this and the former
particular contain both the branches of the king's revenue, what he had from the land, and
what he had from the merchants and traders. Kings - Of those parts of Arabia which were
next to Canaan, which were either conquered by David, or submitted to pay tribute to
Solomon. But we must not think all these to be kings of large dominions; many of them were
only governors of cities, and the territories belonging to them, such as were formerly in
Canaan, and were anciently called kings. The country - Or, of the land; the land of
Arabia: whereof some parts were so far conquered, that he had governors of his own over
them, who were each of them to take care of the king's revenue in his jurisdiction; and
part only so far, that they still had kings of their own, but such as were tributaries to
him. |
| 16 |
Targets - For pomp and magnificence, and to be carried before him, by his guard, when
he went abroad. The Roman magistrates had rods and axes carried before them, in token of
their power to correct the bad: but Solomon shields and targets, to shew he took more
pleasure in his power to defend and protect the good. |
| 17 |
Shields - Smaller than targets. |
| 19 |
Round - Made like the half of a circle. |
| 21 |
Nothing - Comparatively. Such hyperbolical expressions are frequent both in scripture
and other authors. But if gold in abundance, would make silver seem so despicable, shall
not wisdom and grace, and the foretastes of heaven, make gold seem much more so? |
| 22 |
Tharshish - Ships that went to Tharshish. For Tharshish was the name of a place upon
the sea, famous for its traffick with merchants, and it was a place very remote from
Judea, as appears from the three years usually spent in that voyage. But whether it was
Spain, where in those times there was abundance of gold and silver, as Strabo and others
affirm; or, some place in the Indies, it is needless to determine. |
| 24 |
All the earth - That is, all the kings of the earth, (as it is expressed 2Chron
9:23,) namely of those parts of the earth. |
| 28 |
Horses, &c. - The two chief commodities of Egypt. Price - Solomon received them
from Pharaoh at a price agreed between them, and gave this privilege to his merchants, for
a tribute to be paid out of it. |
| 29 |
Chariot - This is not to be understood of the chariots and horses themselves, but for
the lading of chariots and horses, which consisting of fine linen and silk, were of great
value: and the king's custom, together with the charges of the journey, amounted to these
sums. Hittites - A people dwelling principally in the northern and eastern parts of
Canaan, Josh 1:4, whom the Israelites, contrary to their duty, suffered to
live amongst them, Judg 3:5, who afterwards grew numerous and potent, and, it
may be, sent out colonies (after the manner of the ancient times) into some parts of Syria
and Arabia. And possibly, these kings of the Hittites may be some of those kings of
Arabia, ver.15. |
Chapter XI
Solomon's many wives turn his heart from God, ver. 1 - 8. God reproves and
threatens him, ver. 9 - 13. Stirs up Hadad and Rezon against him, ver. 14 - 25. An account
of Jeroboam, ver. 26 - 40. Solomon's death and burial, ver. 41 - 43.
| 3 |
Seven hundred wives, &c. - God had particularly forbidden the kings to multiply
either horses or wives, Deut 17:16,17, we saw chap.1Ki 10:29,
how he broke the former law, multiplying horses: and here we see, how he broke the latter,
multiplying wives. David set the example. One ill act of a good man may do more mischief
than twenty of a wicked man. Besides, they were strange women, of the nations which God
had expressly forbidden them to marry with. And to compleat the mischief, he clave unto
these in love; was extravagantly fond of them, Solomon had much knowledge. But to what
purpose, when he knew not how to govern his appetites? |
| 4 |
Was old - As having now reigned nigh thirty years. When it might have been expected
that experience would have made him wiser: then God permitted him to fall so shamefully,
that he might be to all succeeding generations an example of the folly, and weakness of
the wisest and the best men, when left to themselves. Turned his heart - Not that they
changed his mind about the true God, and idols, which is not credible; but they obtained
from him a publick indulgence for their worship, and possibly persuaded him to join with
them in the outward act of idol - worship; or, at least, in their feasts upon their
sacrifices, which was a participation of their idolatry. |
| 5 |
Milcom - Called also Moloch. |
| 6 |
Did evil - That is, did not worship God wholly, but joined idols with him. |
| 7 |
An high place - That is, an altar upon the high place, as the manner of the Heathens
was. The hill - In the mount of olives, which was nigh unto Jerusalem, 2Sam 15:30,
and from this act was called the mount of corruption, 2Kings 23:13. As it
were, to confront the temple. |
| 8 |
And sacrificed, &c. - See what need those have to stand upon their guard, who have
been eminent for religion. The devil will set upon them most violently: and if they
miscarry, the reproach is the greater. It is the evening that commends the day. Let us
therefore fear, lest having run well, we come short. |
| 12 |
Fathers sake - For my promise made to him, 2Sam 7:12 - 15. |
| 13 |
One tribe - Benjamin was not entirely his, but part of it adhered to Jeroboam, as
Bethel, 1Kings 12:29, and Hephron, 2Chron 13:19, both which were
towns of Benjamin. |
| 15 |
In Edom - By his army, to war against it. To bury - The Israelites who were slain in
the battle, 2Sam 8:13,14, whom he honourably interred in some certain place,
to which he is said to go up for that end. And this gave Hadad the opportunity of making
his escape, whilst Joab and his men were employed in that solemnity. Had smitten - Or, and
he smote, as it is in the Hebrew: which is here noted as the cause of Hadad's flight; he
understood what Joab had done in part, and intended farther to do, even to kill all the
males and therefore fled for his life. |
| 18 |
Midian - He fled at first with an intent to go into Egypt, but took Midian, a
neighbouring country, in his way, and staid there a while, possibly 'till he had by some
of his servants tried Pharaoh's mind, and prepared the way for his reception. Paran -
Another country in the road from Edom to Egypt, where he hired men to attend him, that
making his entrance there something like a prince, he might find more favour from that
king and people. Land - To support himself and his followers out of the profits of it. |
| 19 |
Found favour - God so disposing his heart, that Hadad might be a scourge to Solomon
for his impieties. |
| 21 |
Joab - Whom he feared as much as David himself. Own country - Whither accordingly he
came; and was there, even from the beginning of Solomon's reign. And it is probable, by
the near relation which was between his wife and Solomon's; and, by Pharaoh's
intercession, he obtained his kingdom with condition of subjection and tribute to be paid
by him to Solomon; which condition he kept 'till Solomon fell from God, and then began to
be troublesome, and dangerous to his house and kingdom. |
| 23 |
Who fled - When David had defeated him. Zobah - A part of Syria, between Damascus and
Euphrates. |
| 24 |
A band - Of soldiers, who fled upon that defeat, 2Sam 10:18, and others
who readily joined them, and lived by robbery; as many Arabians did. Damascus - And took
it, whilst Solomon was wallowing in luxury. |
| 25 |
All adversity - He was a secret enemy, all that time; and when Solomon had forsaken
God, he shewed himself openly. Beside - This infelicity was added to the former; whilst
Hadad molested him in the south, Rezon threatened him in the north. But what hurt could
Hadad or Rezon have done, to so powerful a king as Solomon, if he had not by sin made
himself mean and weak? If God be on our side, we need not fear the greatest adversary. But
if he be against us, he can make us fear the least: yea, the grasshopper shall be a
burden. Syria - Over all that part of Syria, enlarging his empire the more, and thereby
laying a foundation for much misery to Solomon's kingdom. |
| 28 |
Charge - The taxes and tributes. |
| 29 |
Went - Probably to execute his charge. Were alone - Having gone aside for private
conference; for otherwise it is most likely that he had servants attending him, who,
though they hear not the words, yet might see the action, and the rending of Jeroboam's
coat; and thus it came to Solomon's ears, who being so wise, could easily understand the
thing by what he heard of the action, especially when a prophet did it. |
| 39 |
For this - For this cause, which I mentioned ver.33. Not for ever - There
shall a time come when the seed of David shall not be molested by the kingdom of Israel,
but that kingdom shall be destroyed, and the kings of the house of David shall be
uppermost, as it was in the days of Asa, Hezekiah and Judah. And at last the Messiah shall
come, who shall unite together the broken sticks of Judah and Joseph, and rule over all
the Jews and Gentiles too. |
| 40 |
Solomon - To whose ears this had come. Shishak - Solomon's brother - in - law, who yet
might be jealous of him, or alienated from him, because he had taken so many other wives
to his sister, might cast a greedy eye upon the great riches which Solomon had amassed
together, and upon which, presently after Solomon's death, he laid violent hands, 2Chron
12:9. |
| 41 |
The book - In the publick records, where the lives and actions of kings were
registered from time to time, so this was only a political, not a sacred book. |
| 42 |
Forty years - His reign was as long as his father's, but not his life; sin shortened
his days. |
| 43 |
Slept - This expression is promiscuously used concerning good and bad; and signifies
only, that they died as their fathers did. But did he repent before he died? This seems to
be put out of dispute by the book of Ecclesiastes; written after his fall; as is evident,
not only from the unanimous testimony of the Hebrew writers, but also, from the whole
strain of that book, which was written long after he had finished all his works, and after
he had liberally drunk of all sorts of sensual pleasures, and sadly experienced the bitter
effects of his love of women, Eccles 7:17, &c. which makes it more than
probable, that as David writ Psalm 51:1 - 19. So Solomon wrote this book as a
publick testimony and profession of his repentance. |
Chapter XII
Rehoboam succeeds and Jeroboam returns out of Egypt, ver. 1, 2. The peoples
petition to Rehoboam, and his answer, ver. 3 - 15. Ten tribes revolt and make Jeroboam
king, ver. 16 - 20. God forbids Rehoboam to make war upon them, ver. 21 - 24. Jeroboam
sets up two golden calves, ver. 25 - 33.
| 1 |
Were come - Rehoboam did not call them thither, but went thither, because the
Israelites prevented him, and had pitched upon that place, rather than upon Jerusalem,
because it was most convenient for all, being in the center of the kingdom; and because
that being in the potent tribe of Ephraim, they supposed there they might use that freedom
of speech, which they resolved to use, to get there grievances redressed. So out of a
thousand wives and concubines, he had but one son to bear his name, and he a fool! Is not
sin an ill way of building up a family? |
| 3 |
They sent - When the people sent him word of Solomon's death, they also sent a summons
for him to come to Shechem. That the presence and countenance of a man of so great
interest and reputation, might lay the greater obligation upon Rehoboam to grant them ease
and relief. |
| 4 |
Grievous - By heavy taxes and impositions, not only for the temple and his magnificent
buildings, but for the expenses of his numerous court, and of so many wives and
concubines. And Solomon having so grossly forsaken God, it is no wonder if he oppressed
the people. |
| 7 |
This day - By complying with their desires, and condescending to them for a season,
till thou art better established in thy throne. They use this expression, fore - seeing
that some would dissuade him from this course, as below the majesty of a prince. And
answer - Thy service is not hard, it is only a few good words, which it is as easy to give
as bad ones. |
| 8 |
Young men - So called, comparatively to the old men: otherwise they were near forty
years old. |
| 10 |
Shall be thicker - Or rather, is thicker, and therefore stronger, and more able to
crush you, if you proceed in these mutinous demands, than his loins, in which is the
principal seat of strength. |
| 15 |
From the Lord - Who gave up Rehoboam to so foolish and fatal a mistake, and alienated
the peoples affections from him; and ordered all circumstances by his wise providence to
that end. |
| 16 |
In David - In David's family and son; we can expect no benefit or relief from him, and
therefore we renounce all commerce with him, and subjection to him. They named David,
rather than Rehoboam; to signify, that they renounced not Rehoboam only, but all David's
family. Son of Jesse - So they call David in contempt; as if they had said, Rehoboam hath
no reason to carry himself with such pride and contempt toward his people; for if we trace
his original, it was as mean and obscure as any of ours. To your tents - Let us forsake
him, and go to our own homes, there to consider, how to provide for ourselves. |
| 17 |
Judah - The tribe of Judah; with those parts of the tribes of Levi, and Simeon, and
Benjamin, whose dwellings were within the confines of Judah. |
| 18 |
Sent Adoram - Probably to pursue the counsel which he had resolved upon, to execute
his office, and exact their tribute with rigour and violence, if need were. |
| 19 |
Rebelled - Their revolt was sinful, as they did not this in compliance with God's
counsel, but to gratify their own passions. |
| 20 |
Was come - From Egypt; which was known to them before who met at Shechem, and now by
all the people. Was none - That is, no entire tribe. |
| 24 |
From me - This event is from my counsel and providence, to punish Solomon's apostasy. |
| 25 |
Shechem - He repaired, and enlarged, and fortified it; for it had been ruined long
since, Judg 9:45. He might chuse it as a place both auspicious, because here
the foundation of his monarchy was laid; and commodious, as being near the frontiers of
his kingdom. Penuel - A place beyond Jordan; to secure that part of his dominions. |
| 26 |
Said, &c. - Reasoned within himself. The phrase discovers the fountain of his
error, that he did not consult with God, who had given him the kingdom; as in all reason,
and justice, and gratitude he should have done: nor believed God's promise, chap.11:38,
but his own carnal policy. |
| 27 |
Will turn - Which in itself might seem a prudent conjecture; for this would give
Rehoboam, and the priests, and Levites, the sure and faithful friends of David's house,
many opportunities of alienating their minds from him, and reducing them to their former
allegiance. But considering God's providence, by which the hearts of all men, and the
affairs of all kingdoms are governed, and of which he had lately seen so eminent an
instance; it was a foolish, as well as wicked course. |
| 28 |
Calves - In imitation of Aaron's golden calf, and of the Egyptians, from whom he was
lately come. And this he the rather presumed to do, because he knew the people of Israel
were generally prone to idolatry: and that Solomon's example had exceedingly strengthened
those inclinations; and therefore they were prepared for such an attempt; especially, when
his proposition tended to their own ease, and safety, and profit, which he knew was much
dearer to them, as well as to himself, than their religion. Too much - Too great a trouble
and charge, and neither necessary, nor safe for them, as things now stood. Behold thy gods
- Not as if he thought to persuade the people, that these calves were that very God of
Israel, who brought them out of Egypt: which was so monstrously absurd and ridiculous,
that no Israelite in his right wits could believe it, and had been so far from satisfying
his people, that this would have made him both hateful, and contemptible to them; but his
meaning was, that these Images were visible representations, by which he designed to
worship the true God of Israel, as appears, partly from that parallel place, Exod
32:4, partly, because the priests and worshippers of the calves, are said to
worship Jehovah; and upon that account, are distinguished from those belonging to Baal, 1Kings
18:21, 22:6,7, and partly, from Jeroboam's design in this work, which was to quiet
the peoples minds, and remove their scruples about going to Jerusalem to worship their God
in that place, as they were commanded: which he doth, by signifying to them, that he did
not intend any alteration in the substance of their religion; nor to draw them from the
worship of the true God, to the worship of any of those Baals, which were set up by
Solomon; but to worship that self - same God whom they worshipped in Jerusalem, even the
true God, who brought them out of Egypt; only to vary a circumstance: and that as they
worshipped God at Jerusalem, before one visible sign, even the ark, and the sacred
cherubim there; so his subjects should worship God by another visible sign, even that of
the calves, in other places; and as for the change of the place, he might suggest to them,
that God was present in all places, where men with honest minds called upon him; that
before the temple was built, the best of kings, and prophets, and people, did pray, and
sacrifice to God in divers high places, without any scruple. And that God would dispense
with them also in that matter; because going to Jerusalem was dangerous to them at this
time; and God would have mercy, rather than sacrifice. |
| 29 |
Beth - el, &c. - Which two places he chose for his peoples conveniency; Beth - el
being in the southern, and Dan in the northern parts of his kingdom. |
| 30 |
A sin - That is, an occasion of great wickedness, not only of idolatry, which is
called sin by way of eminency; nor only of the worship of the calves, wherein they
pretended to worship the true God; but also of the worship of Baal, and of the utter
desertion of the true God; and of all sorts of impiety. To Dan - Which is not here
mentioned exclusively, for they went also to Beth - el, ver.32,33, but for
other reasons, either because that of Dan was first made, the people in those parts having
been long leavened with idolatry, Judg 18:30, or to shew the peoples
readiness and zeal for idols; that those who lived in, or near Beth - el, had not patience
to stay 'till that calf was finished, but all of them were forward to go as far as Dan,
which was in the utmost borders of the land, to worship an idol there; when it was thought
too much for them to go to Jerusalem to worship God. |
| 31 |
An house - Houses, or chapels, besides the temples, which are built at Dan and Beth -
el; he built also for his peoples better accommodation, lesser temples upon divers high
places. Of the lowest - Which he might do, either,
- because the better sort refused it, or,
- because such would be satisfied with mean allowances; and so he could put into his own
purse a great part of the revenues of the Levites, which doubtless he seized upon when
they forsook him, and went to Jerusalem, 2Chron 11:13,14, or,
- because mean persons would depend upon his favour, and therefore be pliable to his
humour, and firm to his interest, but the words in the Hebrew properly signify, from the
ends of the people; which may be translated thus, out of all the people; promiscuously out
of every tribe. Which exposition seems to be confirmed by the following words, added to
explain these, which were not of the sons of Levi; though they were not of the tribe of
Levi. And that indeed was Jeroboam's sin; not that he chose mean persons, for some of the
Levites were such; and his sin had not been less, if he had chosen the noblest and
greatest persons; as we see in the example of Uzziah. But that he chose men of other
tribes, contrary to God's appointment, which restrained that office to that tribe.
Levi - To whom that office was confined by God's express command. |
| 32 |
A feast - The feast of tabernacles. So he would keep God's feast, not in God's time,
which was the fifteenth day of the seventh month, and so onward, Levit 23:34,
but on the fifteenth day of the eighth month. And this alteration he made, either,
- to keep up the difference between his subjects, and those of Judah as by the differing
manners, so by the distinct times of their worship. Or,
- lest he should seem directly to oppose the God of Israel, (who had in a special manner
obliged all the people to go up to Jerusalem at that time,) by requiring their attendance
to celebrate the feast elsewhere, at the same time. Or,
- to engage as many persons as possibly he could, to come to his feast; which they would
more willingly do when the feast at Jerusalem was past and all the fruits of the earth
were perfectly gathered in.
Fifteenth day - And so onward till the seven days ended. Like that in Judah - He took
his pattern thence, to shew, that he worshipped the same God, and professed the same
religion for substance, which they did: howsoever he differed in circumstances. He offered
- Either,
- by his priests. Or, rather,
- by his own hands; as appears from chap.13:1,4, which he did, to give the
more countenance to his new - devised solemnity.
Nor is this strange; for he might plausibly think, that he who by h | |
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