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. 5
ORTON'S
EXPf)SITION OF THE OLD TESTAMENT.
<•
VOL. III.
(^nyU^UX./nnjL4J^
EX PCS IT TON
OF
fwy
IHE OLD TESTAMENT
WITH DEVOTIONAL AND PRACTICAL
REFLECTIONS
FOR THE USE OF FAMILIES.
BY THE LATE REV. JOB ORTON, S.T.P..
IN SIX VOLUMES.
PUBLISHED FROM THE AUTHOR'S MANUSCRIPTS
BY ROBERT GENTLEMAN.
A NEW EDITION:
WITH
THE LIFE OF THE AUTHOR,
By Andrew Kippis, D.D. F.R.S.
and an index of matters contained in the notes and
reflections.
VOL. III.
LONDON:
PRINTED FOR BALDWIN, CRADOCK AND JOY;
OGLE, DUNCAN AND CO ; G. AND W. B. WHITTAKER ;
AND SIMPKIN AND MARSHALL,
~~)
MDCCCXXIL
LONDON:
I'rtlNTKOnY WILLIAM CLOWJ;
Nortlmmbcrlnnrl^-oiirl.
AN EXPOSITION
THE OLD TESTAMENT.
THE
FIRST BOOK OF SAMUEL.
CALLED BY THE SEVENTY
THE FIRST BOOK OF KINGS.
INTRODUCTION.
This Book contains the history of the last two judges, Eli and Samuel, and
of Saul, the first king of Israel ; including the history of about eighty
years. A considerable part of it was written by Samuel himself, par^
ticularly what concerned Eli and his own times, and was continued
by Nathan, or Gad, or some other inspired prophet.
CHAPTER I.
Contains an account of the family of Samuel, and his mother's grief be-
fore he was born ; Hannah's prayer and vow for the removal of her
grief; the answer to her prayer ; the birth of her son ; and the per-?
formance of her vow, by the dedication of Samuel to God.
I IN OW there was a certain man of Ramathaim-zophim, of
niount Ephraim, and his name [v/as] Elkauah*, the son of Jero-
ham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an
Ephrathite : 2 And he had two wives, the name of the one [was]
Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah : and Peninnah had
children, but Hannah had no children. His first wife was barren,
he therefore took another ; a custom which was tolerated in those
* Elkanah was a Levite of Ramah, or Arimathea, of the most honourable hoiiss
of the tiibn of Levi.
VOL. III. B
2 I. SAMUEL. I.
days: by this wife he had jmitiy childmi, hut hi other ihhigs ^hc
was a torment to him. 3 And this man went up out of liis city
yearly, according to the laic, to worship and to sacrifice unto the
Loni) of hosts in Shiloh, zcherc the ark and the tabernacle rcere.
And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, the priests of the
LoKD [were] there; though they were wicked, he did not negkcl
his dutif became he did not like the priests, but came to offer jvayer
and thanksgiving, and such sacrijices as zcere suitable to the occa-
sion, which probably teas the passover. 4 And when the time was
that Elkanah offered, he gave to Peninnah his wife, and to all her
sons and her daughters, portions*: 5 But unto Hannah he gave
a wortiiy portion, or a double portion, for he loved Hannah : but
the Lord had shut up her womb; he did not love her less because
she was barren, but showed her peculiar affection, as a woman of
a gracious and tender spirit, to support her tinder her affliction, and
balance her riraPs insolence. 6 And her adversary also provoked
her sore, for to make her fret, because the Lord had shut up her
womb. 7 Aud [as] lie did so year by year, when she went up to
the house of the Lord, so she provoked her; therefore she wept,
and did not eat. On this occasion the other wife twitted her with
her barrenness, and the fruitlessness of her prayers. At home she
had a separate apartment, but they xoere obliged now to be together,
and she took advantage of this to reproach and provoke her. It was
highly unkind and cruel to do it on this solemn occasion, which
caused her festival to be turtied into a fast. 8 Then said Elkanah
her hushand to her, Hannah, why weepest thou ? and why eatest
thou not ? and why is thy heart grieved ? [am] not I better to thee
than ten sons ? Elkanah knew the cause, but gently reproved her
for her dejection on this occasion, and with kind words persuaded her
to eat and be cheerful, intimating that she had more comfort in
his tender attachment than in many sons.
9 So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloli, and after
they had drunk ; her husband's kind words had a good effect, and
brought her to her meat and her prayers. Now Eli the priest sat
upon a scat by a post of the temple of the Lord, to keep good
order, give advice, explain the laze, and bless the worshippers.
10 And she [was] in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the Lord,
" Tlic inalrs only wirr uliliccil lo .ildiid; hut di vonl men ol'lon look llirir
ivri and Hanglitrpi wiUi lluin. Tlusc lia<l llit-ir poilioii, viz., out of tliu pcacr
rfrinR'-, tlic (jrcatcst part wlicrcof brloiif-id to the oUricr, wliirewitli In: uiiil hi-
icikU di<J Itiisi together; »ce Drut. \ii. U. .xvi. II., Lcv.vii. i.-,. ix. yj.
vri
off,
t'riciKt
I. SAMUEL. I. 3
and wept soie; her grief returned when she was alone, and she
prayed with many tears. 1 1 And she vowed a vow, and said, O
Lord of hosts, if tliou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine
handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but
wilt give unto thine handmaid a man-child, then I will give him
unto the Lord all the days of his life, and there shall no razor
come upon his head. Her jjetition was humble and earnest ; she
prayed for a man-child, because only such could attend upon the
tabernacle*.
12 And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the
Lord, that Eli marked her mouth. 13 Now Hannah, she
spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not
heard ; she used such gestures with her hands and eyes as showed
great inward emotion; therefore Eli thought she had been drunken.
14 And Eli said unto her, by way of reproof. How long wilt thou
be drunken ? put away thy wine from thee ; go from this holy
place till thou art sober, then return arid repent of thy siri. 15 And
Hannah modestly and humbly answered and said, No, my lord,
I am not drunk with wine, but I [am] a woman of a sorrowful,
afflicted spirit : 1 have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but
have poured out my soul in sincere and fervent prayer before the
Lord. \Q Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial,
a wicked, abandoned woman, for out of the abundance of my
complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto. 1? Then Eli an-
swered and said. Go in peace : and the God of Israel grant [thee]
thy petition that thou hast asked of him. This respectful answer
convinced the old man of his mistake, and he dismissed her with his
prayers and blessing. 1 8 And she said. Let thine handmaid find
grace in thy sight, still enjoy the benefit of thy prayers, and conti-
nue in thy good opinion. So the woman went her way, and did
eat, and her countenance was no more [sad,] being fully persuaded
that EW sprayers and her own zvould be answered.
19 And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped be-
fore the ho nn, prayed for a prosperous journey, ami confirmed
HanrmKs vow, and returned, and came to their house to Ramah :
and Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; and the Lord remembered
her. 20 Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come
about, in revolution of days, after Hannah had conceived, that she
* The Levites served only twenty-five years, and then became judges, or
preachers of righteousness ; but he was to serve all the days of his life, and be a
Nazarite from the womb. The vow was conditional, if it was a son, and he bad
no defect in his body ormind, and the husband gave his consent.
B Si
4 I. SAMUEL. I.
bare a son, and called his name Samuel, that is-, asked of God,
[saying,] Because I have asked him of the Lord. The name con-
veyed useful instruction both to the parents and the child, and this
was a circumstance that gave great joy. 2i And the man Elka-
nah, and all his house, went up to offer unto the Lord the yearly
sacrifice, and a sacrifice of thanksgiving to God, according to his
vow. 22 But Han; ih went not up ; fur she said unto !;er husband,
[I will not go up] until the child be weaned, and [then] I will bring
him, that he may appear before the Lokd, and there abide for ever.
She was not obliged by the law to go with her husband, and there-
fore chose to continue at home till the child zcas able to accompany
her there, and fit to be left in God's house, and instructed in his
service. 23 And Elkanah her husband said unto her, Do what
seemeth thee good ; tarry until thou have weaned him ; only the
Lord establish his word, either Eli's prophetic blessing, or some
xcord of promise made to them which is not mentioned. So the
woman abode, and gave her son suck until she weaned him,
24 And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her,
and in token of gratitude, they took with them a large offering,
three bullocks, and one ephah of flour, and a bottle of wine, and
brought him unto the house of the Lord in Shiloh : and the child
[was] young, about three years old, as is generally supposed.
25 And they slew a bullock for a burnt offering, and brought the
child to Eli, to iiform him of God's goodness, and to offer a peace of-
fering. >26 And she said, O my lord, [as] thy soul liveth, my lord,
1 [am] the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the Lord.
She makes use of this asseveration, because it. was some years before,
and he might hare forgotlen her. 27 For this child I prayed; and
the Lord hath given me n)y petition which I asked of him:
28 Therefore also I have lent him to the Lord; as long as he
liveth he shall be lent to the Lord, expressing great earnestness,
gratitude, and strong resolution ; and notwithstanding all the ties
of parental tenderness, and foregoing all her female fears and fond-
ness, she leaves her child and fulfils her vow. And he worshipped
the Lord there. Some think this refers to Samuel's devoting him-
self to God; but rather to his father, ivho renewed his thanksgivings
and sought the blessing of God upon his son, that he would sanctify
him, and enable him for the service to which he was devoted.
I. SAMUEL. L
REFLECTIONS.
1. Some lessons which may make us relatively good, maybe
learned from this chapter. Elkanah shines in the character of an
husband, and a devout man. He feared God with all his house ;
took them with him to public worship ; was kind and affectionate
to a good wife, and bore meekly and patiently the perverse temper
and insolent spirit of a bad one. Husbands are to love their wives,
and not be bitter against them, and should be peculiarly careful to
comfort them under their afflictions. Hannah had a meek and
devout spirit, worthy the imitation of all wives. They are often
in danger of fretfulness, and therefore should guard against it. The
insolence and haughtiness of Peninnah are very detestable. Let
all be careful to shun a peevish and provoking disposition, for
that will, as in the case before us, alienate the affections of the
kindest relative. Mothers may learn from Hannah, the duty of
nursing their own children, if possible; and not to commit that
work to strangers, which God commands and designs for theni to
do themselves. And though that work may confine them some-
times from public ordinances, as it did Hannah, yet God will ac-
cept them in it and bless them. Let parents learn likewise to
devote their children to God, to teach them the language of prayer,
and bring them to God's tabernacle and ordinances; and then
they may hope that they will prove comforts to them. Let us
always remember, that he cannot be really good, who is not rela-
tively good.
2. Is any man afflicted'^ let him pray. Under all our troubles,
crosses, and vexations, let this be our refuge : let our prayers,
like Hannah's, be humble and fervent. We shall find it to be a
remedy for every complaint, a support in every trouble, it gives
ease to the heart under all our sonows; it refreshes the mind,
and brightens the countenance. And when we seek mercy, let
us accompany our prayers with pious resolutions. This we are
encouraged to do, since God hath never said, Seek my face in
vain.
3. Let us be careful to guard against rash censures of others,
especially for their devotion. Eli, though a man of God, and a
good man, yet erred herein. He should have been better in-
formed before he was so sharp in his rebuke. Hannah wa3 not
6 I. SAMUEL. I.
noisy and clamorous, as drunkards usually are, and therefore
there was the less reason for his suspicion. We should not be
forward to believe people guilty of ill things; while the matter is
doubtful, charity would hope and believe the best. May we be
especially careful not to censure persons for their devotion, as if
they were enthusiasts or hypocrites, lest we blame that which God
approves.
4. We learn hence, to be modest and humble even in our ne-
cessary vindication. Hannah bore this censure excellently well.
Had she been of the disposition of many people, she would soon
have been in a passion, retorted the charge, bid him look at
home, and reprove the debauchery of his sons. She did not
angrily tell him how ill it became him, but contented herself with
denying the charge, and relating how the fact was. Persons who
are censured unjustly, think they have a right to be angry and to
complain ; but let us guard against this, even for our own interest ;
for we shall sooner be believed if we are humble and modest.
But if we return censure for censure, and railing for railing, we
shall bring suspicions of guilt upon ourselves, and injure our own
souls. Christ when he was reviled, reviled not again.
5. We may hence infer, the odious nature of drunkenness.
Hannah called them, with great justness, children of Belial,
wicked, untractable men, children of the devil. No name is too
bad for drunkards, especially women-drunkards, who are gene-
rally the worst, when they are habituated to that infamous and
pernicious practice. It is highly wicked at any time, more
especially so when coming to the worship of God ; and the
drunken prayers of some unhappy creatures, will be the heaviest
and blackest articles in all their charges at the great day. Be not
drunk with wine, in which there is excess ; but be filled with the
Spirit, the spirit of devotion, meekness, and humility. — We may
observe once more,
6. That those mercies are peculiarly welcome which are
granted in answer to prayers, and should be acknowledged with
peculiar gratitude. Samuel's parents were full of gratitude, and
brought a noble sacrifice. Such mercies claim our warmest
praises; such favours -should be devoted to God, and employed
in his service. Let the temper of David be ours, / love the
Lord, because he hath heard my voice, and mj/ supplications.
Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, there/ore will I call upon
him as lon^ as I live. Ps. cxvi. J, '2.
I. SAMUEL. II.
CHAP. II. 1—21.
We have here Hannah's song of thanksgiving for the mercy of God to
her ; the bad character of Eli's sons ; and God's further favour to the
family of Elkanah.
1 And Hannah prayed *, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the
Lord, mine horn is exalted in the Lord, she considers her joy as
coming from God; the lifting up the horn was a token of triumph :
my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies ; because 1 rejoice in
thy salvation. She n as melancholy before, and durst not speak;
hut now speaks cheerfully and courageously, because of the singular
honour conferred upon her. 2 [There is] none holy as the Lord :
for [there is] none besides thee : neither [is there] any rock like
our God; she acknowledges his supremacy; that he is the only
refuge in trouble ; there is none else that she can rest upon ; all other
beings are as nothing to him. 3 Talk no more so exceeding
proudly; let [not] arrogancy come out of your mouth f: for the
Lord [is] a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed;
he judges in the most exact manner, weighs actions in all their cir-
cumstances, knozcs what men think, as well as what they speak and
do, and can bring about what seems to men impossible. 4 The
bows of the mighty men [are] broken, and they that stumbled
are girded with strength. God brings down confident and pre-
sumptuous sinners, who trust to their own might, and makes the
weak and feeble triumph over them. 5 [They that were] full and
rich have hired out themselves for bread, to satisfy their hunger,
and [they that were] hungry ceased to be so; such changes we fre-
quently see in the zcorld: so that the barren hath borne seven, a
proverbial expression for many children; and she that hath many
children is waxed feeble, through grief for not having more, or
for the loss of those which she had. 6 The Lord killelh, and
maketh alive : he bringeth down to the grave, and bHngeth up ;
* This expression is very proper, as praise and thanksgiving are very essential
parts of prayer; she adores the divine perfections, especially the goodness of God
to her.
t Some refer this to Peninnah; but perhaps it was beneath Hannah to take
notice of her poor malice, and may rather refer to the Philistines, the enemies of
Israel, by whom they were oppressed.
8 I. SAMUEL. II.
the power of life and death are in his hand, and all domestic concerns
at his disposal. 7 The Lord maketli poor, and maketh rich:
he bringetli low, and lifteth up; he is the sovereign Lord of the
whole world, disposeth all things as he pleaseth, exalts or abases
whom he will. 8 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, [and]
lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set [them] among
princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory ; he raises
the poor to a glorious throne, to dignity/ and power : for the pillars
of the earth [are] the Lord's, and he hath set the world upon
them ; therefore he is able to dispose of the inhabitants as he
pleaseth. 9 He will keep the feet of his saints, direct them in all
their wat/s, and preserve them from danger ; and the wicked shall
be silent in darkness, shall be quite confounded, and brought into a
most gloomy and miserable situation ; for by strength shall no man
prevail against God. 10 The adversaries of the Lord, the Phi-
listines, shall be broken to pieces ; out of heaven shall he thunder
upon them, destroy them in some dreadful way, (see ch.vii. 10.);
the Lord shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give
strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed *.
1 1 And Elkanah went to Ramah to his house. And the child
did minister unto the Lord before Eli the priest; performed such
service in opening and shutting the doors, lighting the lamps, or
the like, as he was able, according to his appointme?it .
12 Now the sons of Eli [were] sons of Belial ; they knew not
the Lord, they were wicked, disobedient persons, who though thei/
professed to know God, yet in their works denied him. 13 And
the priest's custom with the people [was, that,] when any man
offered sacrifice, the priest's servant came, while the flesh was in
seething, with a fleshhook of three teeth in his hand; 14 And he
struck [it] into the pan, or kettle, or caldron, or pot ; all that the
fleshhook brought up the priest took for himself. So they did in
Shiloh unto all the Israelites that came thither. Their frst crime
was great injustice, for when any offered sacrifice, they were used to
be feasting in some apartment of the tabernacle; and not con-
tent with the breast and right shoulder, which was their lot, they
took any thing they could lay hold of; and this was done in Shiloh,
* Tliere was now no king in Israel; therefore some interpret the words as re-
ferring to David, lint it seems more reasonaI)Ie to refer them to Christ, e«pe-
cially as there is so reinarltable a resemblance between tiiis and the Virtjiii Mary's
song, Luke i. 46, Ac; This is the first place in scripture whore tiie word Messiah,
or anointed, oetins. As if she had said, God shall make the Messiah qreat and
liouourablc, and cause hiui to triumph over all his enemies.
I. SAMUEL. II. 9
and done constantly. Their second crime was daintiness and luxury.
15 Also before they burnt the fat, the priest's servant came, and
said to the man that sacrificed, ^ive flesh to roast for the priest ;
for he will not have sodden flesh of thee, but raw. They were
not content with boiled meat, hut ivould have what part they liked
raw, to dress as they pleased, as thejleshhook did not always bring
up the best piece. 16 And [if] any man said unto him, Let them
not fail to burn the fat presently, and [then] take [as much] as
thy soul desireth ; then he would answer him, [N ay ;] but thou
shall give [it me] now : and if not, 1 will take [it] by force.
Their third crime loas sacrilege; before the fat loas burnt, winch
was presented to God, they zeould be served. The Israelites so well
knezc the law, that they were desirous God's altar should be served
first; but the priest's servants, who had learnt insolence from their
master, would not allow this, and would even take it by force.
17 Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before
the Lord : for men abhorred the offering of the Lord, and did
not care to offer sacrifices, when there were such abuses committed
about them.
18 But Samuel ministered before the Lord, [being] a child,
girded with a linen ephod*. He performed such services as he
was capable of, and did not follow the example of this wicked
priest. 19 Moreover his mother, to show her piety and affection,
made him a little coat, and brought [it] to him from year to year
when she came up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice.
20 And Eli blessed Elkanah, and his wife, and said, The Lord
give thee seed of this woman, for the loan which is lent to the
Lord. And they went unto their own home. 21 And the
Lord visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons
and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the
Lord. Thus God rewarded her heroic piety in devoting her only
son to the Lord, by giving her many more children.
REFLECTIONS.
1. We are taught from Hannah's song, that our souls should
magnify the Lord, and our spirits rejoice in God our saviour.
This composure is sublime and eloquent, as well as devout, and
* He wore an epliod, not such an one as the high priest wore, but a kind of
honourable garment, used by the inferior priests, and provided at the public
expense.
10 I. SAMUEL. II.
intimates to us the reasonableness of prayer and thanksgiving, of
recollecting divine mercies, and keeping a written memorial of
them, to cherish our gratitude. Let us learn to bless God for
every appearance of providence for us ; to rejoice and delight in
him, to take comfort in his perfect rectitude, his universal and
perfect knowledge, his almighty power, and unerring justice.
Let us remember, that he knows our thoughts, and weighs our
actions in an equal balance, and therefore be solicitous to be ap-
proved of him. We should own and adore him in all the changes
he makes in our circumstances, or in the circumstances of others;
and not be proud and talk arrogantly in the highest station, since
God may bring us low, to poverty, contempt, and even to death
itself in a moment. When we are most abased and distressed,
let us not despair, because he can presently and surprisingly exalt
us. Let us trust in him, zmit upon him, and rejoice in that com-
fortable promise, he will keep the feet of his saints ; will direct,
defend, and support them. They are often set in slippery places,
and need his assistance to keep their feet from falling. Let us
dread the doom of his enemies, who shall be confounded and
ruined ; he will thunder upon them, and then what can men do ?
Let us especially learn to rejoice in the advancement and security
of the Messiah's kingdom, and the destruction of all the enemies
of his church, and approve ourselves his faithful subjects, that
we may have reason now, and through all eternity, to rejoice in
his complete salvation.
2. See what sad creatures wicked priests are ; they are the
worst men upon earth. What vile wretches were these sons of
Eli; who was himself in the main an upright, holy man! They
were the scandal of religion, the contempt of all sober and vir-
tuous people, yea, the contempt of the most wicked, all the
people cried shame on them. It was hideed a shame to see such
oreedy dogs, (as the prophet calls such priests), men given up to
their belly and to their lusts. May God awaken all ministers to
guard against the lusts of the flesh, that his oft'erings and service
be not abhorred, religior. dishonoured, and its interest weakened
by those who should be its patrons and ornaments.
3. We see that God is not unrighteous to forget ani/ labour of
love for his honour. Elkanah and Hannah left their only and fa-
vourite son before the Lord, and he repaid it with interest, and
recompensed it with salvation. No one will lose by lending to
God; he will take care to repay them. Let us then exercise
I.SAMUEL. II. 11
faith in his promises, and never distrust his kindness ; for God
is able to make every temporal favour and benefit abound to us,
and to bless ws with all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus.
CHAP. 11. 22, to the end.
VVc have here more abominations of Eli's sons, and his too gentle re-
proof of their eiimes ; with a very awful reproof and denunciation,
sent to Eli on this account by a prophet.
22 j\l OW Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons did unto
all Israel, but by reason of his great age he could not examine into
their conduct, as he otherwise would have done : but he heard of
the notorious villanies practised by them, and how they lay with
the women that assembled [at] the door of the tabernacle of the
congregation, who either lived in the apartments of the tabernacle,
and mere employed in the necessary zcork of it, or rather, such as
came to worship there, and bring the customary sacrifice. 23 And
he gently reproved them, and said unto them, Why do ye such
things ? for 1 hear of your evil dealings by all this people.
24 Nay, my sons; for [it is] no good report that I hear: ye
make the Lord's people to transgress, by neglecting his sacrifice,
and committing folly with you*. 25 If one man sin against
another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the
Lord, who shall entreat for himi"? Notwithstanding they
hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because the Lord
would slay them ; he determined to punish them himself. 2f) And
the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the Lord,
and also with men.
27 And there came a man of God, aprophet, unto Eli, and said
unto him, Thus saith the Loud, Did I plainly appear unto the
house of thy father, that is, Aaron, when they were in Egypt in
* This was tlie language of an indulgent parent, but not of a rigliteous and
zealous judge. He should have told them their actions were vile and abominable ;
should have cast them out of the priesthood, and even have put them to death
for adultery, according to God's law.
t Here he argued well with them. If one neighbour do an injury to another,
the judge may interpose, and punish the guilty. But if one injure the judge him-
self, who shall interpose for him? Who will plead with a prince to pardon one
who has attempted to take away his life ?
12 I. SAMUEL. II.
Pharaoh's house*? 28 And did I choose him, that is, Aaron
mid hisfamili/, out of ail the tribes of Israel [to be] my priest, to
offer upon mine altar, to burn incense; to wear an ephod before
me, to consult God, and receive voices and revelations Jrom him?
and did I give unto the house of thy father all the offerings made
by fire of the children of Israel; something of all the sacrifices,
even the sJmi of the burnt offerings ? ^9 Wherefore kick ye at
my sacrifice, and at mine offering, Avhich I have commanded [in
my] habitation, treat it zvith the highest irreverence and contempt,
and honourcst thy sons above met, to make yourselves fat" with
the chiefest of all the offerings of Israel my people ? pampering
yourselves zcith my offerings. 30 Wherefore the Lord God of
Israel saith, I said indeed [that] thy house, and the house of thy
father, should walk before me for ever: but now the Lord,
saith. Be it far from me ; for them that honour me I will honou^
and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed. Here God
revokes the conditional decree, that Eli and his family should corir-
tinue priests for everX- 31 Behold, the days come that I will cut
off thine arm, thy poKcr and authority, and the arm of thy father's
house, that there shall not be an old man in thine house, they shall
all he cut off in the flower of their oge§. 32 And thou, that is,
thy posterity, (this is a usual scripture phrase) shalt see an enemy
[in my] habitation, in all [the wealth] which [God] shall give
Israel, when Israel shall he most wealthy and glorious, and the
priesthood be a most honourable and lucrative post 1| : and there
shall not be an old man in thine house for ever. S^d And the
• It was the usual way of prophets, to hring men to humility and repentance by
recounting the divine favours, and thereby showing how their guilt was aggra-
vated.
t Eli was included in tliis charge, because he tolerated tlie evil ; suffering them
to continue in office, and allowing them to treat God'.s service so sliamefuUy;
choosing rather to humour and please them, than vindicate tlie honour of liis wor-
ship from those abuses they put upon it.
X The priesthood, it seems, for some reason or other not mentioned in scripture,
had been transferred from the family of lileazar, Aaron's eldest son, to Ithamar,
the younger son, from whom Eli was descended, i)ut now is translated back again.
As if he had said. Though I made sucli a promise, yet imagine not that I will be a
partner in such crimes as yours, or connive at such wickedness. And the reason
he gives is a standing rule in God's government, that he will give men honour and
esteem according as they behave ; and wicked men who contemn God, shall be
despised both by God and man.
§ This particularly refers to the destruction of the priests by Doeg in Saul's
time. See ch. xxii. 18.
II Some understand this of the Philistines defeating the Israehtes a d taking the
ark ; but I rather think it refers to the removal of his family, which happened
eighty years after, in Solomon's time ; when Israel w.is in the greatest prosperity,
and another was put in, whom they lookd upon as an Ciuniy and a rival.
I. SAMUEL. II. . IS
man of thine, [whom] I shall not cut off from mine altar, [shall be]
to consume thine eyes, and to grieve thine heart : and all the in-
crease of thine house shall die in the flower of their age, those who
suitived should live in poverty and contempt, and he a grief to all
their friends and families. 34 And, as a proof that all this shall come
to pass, this [shall be] a sign unto thee, that shall come upon thy
two sons, on Hophni and Phinehas ; in one day they shall die both of
them. He should see this himself, and might therefore conclude that
all the rest of the threatening should be fulfilled : nevertheless, to com-
fort Israel, he promises the priesthood shall be continued. 35 And
I will raise me up a faithful priest, [that] shall do according to
[that] which [is] in mine heart and in my mind* : and I will build
him a sure house, multiply his family and continue him in place
and po7ver, and he shall walk before mine Anointed for evert, he
shall direct the king in his proceedings, and consult for him in diffi-
cult cases. 36 And it shall come to pass, [that] every one that is
left in thine house shall come [and] crouch to him for a piece of
silver, and a morsel of bread, and shall say, Put me, I pray thee,
into one of the priests' offices, that I may eat a piece of bread ;
the children of those who were so dainty that they must have the
choicest pieces of the sacrifce, shall be reduced so low as to beg their
bread, and be glad of the meanest ofice or pension to keep them
from starving. See 1 Kings ii. 26, 27.
REFLECTIONS.
1. We may observe that those who are deaf to reproof, esper
cially to parental reproof, are in the way to ruin, v. 25. Eli's
sons would not hearken ; therefore God determined to slay them,
and make them public examples of his displeasure. There is
not a surer sign of an hardened sinner, a brutish wretch, a son of
Belial, than despising and rejecting the reproofs of pious parents.
Accordingly Solomon lays it down as a maxim, and this story
confirms the truth of it, that he who being often reproved, hardeneth
his neck, shall suddetdy be destroyed, and that without remedy.
2. Steady piety in young people is peculiarly honourable, es-
pecially when they have bad examples before them. The enco-
* This refers to Zadok, who was faithful to God, to David, and to Solomon,
and succeeded Abiathar, of the family of Eli.
t The priesthood continued in this family till the Babylonish captivity, and very
prcbabty till the time of Christ.
n I. SAMUEL. II.
miutn upon Samuel in this chapter is very remarkably introduced.
After the wickedness of Eli's sons had been specified, then comes
Samuel's good character, v. 18, 26. He minded his business,
and did it, unmoved by the example of those wicked priests,
though they were his superiors in age, knowledge, and station.
He kept his integrity, regarded and profited by Eli's instruction ;
and God loved him, Eli loved him, and all the good people of
Israel loved him. Good children and pious youths will always
be the favourites of heaven, and the darlings of all wise and good
men; and the more bad examples and powerful temptations they
have about them, the greater will be their honour, and the more
God and man will love them. It should be the hearty wish and
prayer of us all, that that may be the character of all our children
and young friends, which was the character of Samuel, and of
one greater and better than him, even the holi/ child Jesus; that
they may groiv in wisdom as they do in stature, and in favour with
God and man.
3. Let us attend to that important maxim, that settled rule of
God's government, that those who honour him, he zcill honour. If
we honour God by serious worship, by a holy behaviour, and
zeal for his glory, he will honour us by reputation among men,
his own esteem, and innumerable benefits. But if we despise him,
by forgetting his worship, breaking his laws, and being uncon-
cerned about his glory, we shall sink into contempt, become
mean and vile creatures, and be the objects of the divine dis-
pleasure ; which is the greatest evil that can possibly befall us.
Religion makes men honourable in the sight of God, and all wise
and good beings ; but sin is the greatest dishonour to human
nature, and will bring upon men everlasting shame, contempt,
and reproach. Once more,
4. Let parents learn from the awful threatening denounced
against Eli, the terrible consequence of spoiling their children,
and conniving at their vices. Eli appears in every other respect
to have been a worthy, good man ; but a foolish partiality and
fondness for his children brought ruin upon them. He reproved
them hideed, but it was in the most gentle manner for the most
execrable crimes; and treated them more lightly than he did
Hannah, whom he only suspected. See how easily even the best
parents may err in the treatment of their children ; and how he
that spnreth reproof and correction, spoileth his child. But let
them remember, that if they connive at the vices of their chil-
dren, or their neglect or contempt of divine worship, God will not.
I. SAMUEL. III. \$
Let parents then reprove and admonish, and always proportion
their reproofs to the nature of the crime ; otherwise they honour
their children above God: an awful and awakening expression!
Those who allow their children in any evil way, are more tender
of them than of God's honour and glory, more solicitous to
honour their children than please and honour him. Eli could
not have contrived a surer way to plague himself and his family,
than by this indulgence to his children. Let parents guard
against this conduct, or they will make a sword for themselves,
which will pierce them to their heart, and are taking the direct
method to entail poverty and ruin upon their posterity. They
should take warning by this melancholy story, and not be acces-
sary to the present and eternal ruin of their children : and thus,
as Avas the case with Eli, have their grey hairs brought down with
sorrow to the grave.
CHAPTER in.
We have here God's extraordinary discovery of himself to Samuel ; the
message he delivered to him ; the delivery of that message to Eli ;
and the establishment of Samuel to be a prophet in Israel.
1 And the child Samuel ministered unto the Lord before Eli,
in suck services as Eli directed. And the word of the Lord was
precious in those days, the spirit of prophecy zoas very rare and
uncommon ; [there was] no open vision ; though some might have
particular revelations for their oivn private direction, yet there was
scarce any public prophet to whom the people might commonly
resort for information ; this honour was reserved for Samuel,
2 And it came to pass at that time, tvhen visions were so un-
common, when Eli [was] laid down in his place, was gone to rest
in some apartment near the tabernacle, and his eyes began to wax
dim, [that] he could not see ; his sight failed him, so that he often
waiUed help, and Samuel was ever ready to come at his call:
3 And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the Lord,
where the ark of God [was,] and Samuel was laid down [to
sleep;] 4 That the Lord called Samuel, by a voice from the
oracle betzceen the cherubim in the most holy place, and he an-
swered, Here [am] L 5 And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here
!6 J. SAMUEL. III.
[am] I ; for thou calledst me. And EU, supposing he mis^hl
dream that he was called, said, I called not; lie down again.
And he went and lay down. 6 And the Lord called yet again,
Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here
[am] I ; for thou didst call me. Samuel thought it could he no
one else, for it teas night, and the doors were shut. And he an-
swered, I called not, my son ; lie down again. 7 Now Samuel
did not yet know the Lord, neither was the word of the
Lord yet revealed unto him; he did not know how God re-
vealed himself to the prophets, and had not learnt to distinguish
hetzceen the voice of God and that of a man. 8 And the Lord
called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to
Eli, and said, Here [am] I ; for thou didst call me. And Eli
perceived that the Loud had called the child. The repetition of
the voice led Eli to conclude that it must he the Lord who spoke.
This reus a great mortif cation to Eli, to have a child, zcho zoas his
servant, thus called and sent with a message to him : it would make
him solicitous to know what the message was, and lead him to give
credit to it. 9 Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down :
and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, Lord;
for thy servant heareth ; he tells him in effect that it was God's
voice, and directs him how to behave. So Samuel went and lay
down in his place. 10 And the Lord came, and stood, and
called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Besides the voice which
now came nearer, there was probably some bright luminous ap-
pearance. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.
He omitted the word Lord, either through fear, or hurry of his
spirits, or from an uncertaiyiti/ whether it was the Lord's voice
or not.
11 And the Lord said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a
thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth
it shall tingle, shall be stricken rvith horror and astonishment.
12 In that day, in the season that I have appoi7Ued for this work,
I will perform against Eli all [things] which I have spoken con-
cerning his house; when I begin, I will also make an end;
though part of the threatening I have already denounced may bd
delayed, yet I xvill persevere until all shall be fulfilled. 13 For I
have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity
which he knoweth ; he could not be ignorant of these public ini-
quities, for they were the general complaint; because his sons
made themselves vile in the sight of God, and contemptible in the
eyes of all the people, and he restrained them not, frowned not
I. SAMUEL. III. 17
upon llienif did not reprove them, us a father, suspend them from
their office, as high priest, and capitally punish them, as a judge and
magistrate, if the other methods had no effect. 14 And therefore
I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli's
house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor ofFt ring for ever ;
there shall be no abatement of the punishment, no sacrifice
accepted.
15 And Samuel lay until the morning, and opened the doors
of the house of the Lord. This was part of his work, the taber-
nacle being included in a house or building. And Sanmel feared
to show Eli the vision ; having no comma/id to deliver this message,
he was unwilling to distress the good old man. l6 '^I'hen Eli
called Samuel, and said, Samuel, my son. And he answered,
Here [am] L 17 And he said, What [is] the thing that [the
Lord] hath said unto thee? I pray thee hide [it] not from me :
God do so to thee, and more also, if thou hide [any] thing from
me of all the things that he said unto thee. Eli having been so
solemnly threatened before, concluded that it related to him ; and
though he feared the worst, he was willing to know it. But fnding
Samuel backward to relate it, he adjured him in the most solemn
manner to do it. J 8 And Samuel told him every whit, and hid
nothing from him. The sentence being pronounced by a child, who
had his dependence upon Eli, behaved with so much modesty and
simplicity, and who was unable to discern betzieen the voice of God
and that of his tutor, would be more terrible to Eli than the decla-
ration of the prophet. And he said, It [is] the Lord : let him do
■what seemeth him good ; humbly acknowledging God's sovereignty,
arid submitting to the sentence zcith a penitent heart.
19 And Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him, and re-
vealed more and more of his mind to him, and did let none of his
words fall to the ground; they were all like an arrozv that jails not
short, but hits the mark. 20 And all Israel from Dan even to
Beer-sheba knew that Samuel [was] established [to be] a prophet
of the Lord, both by Eli's testimony, by repeated revelations made
to him, and by some of the declarations being remarkably accom-
plished : he zms to be a constant prophet, to supply the place of
Urim and Thummim when the ark was taken away. 21 And the
Lord appeared again in Shiloh : for the Loud revealed himself
to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the Loud. God often re-
vealed himself to him, not by dreams or visions, but by an audible
•voice. He loas the first prophet, since Moses, who was raised up to
be a public instructor and governor. See Acts iii. 24.
VOL. III. C
IS I. SAMUEL. III.
REFLECTIONS.
1. This chapter teaches us, that the younger should be subject
to the elder; that children and servants should pay due respect to
their masters and instructors. How humble and diligent was
Samuel! ready to rise out of his bed at every call of Eli ; and
was very careful and tender of him. Children should honour
their aged and weakly parents ; and servants do all they can for
the ease and comfort of those whom they serve : and learn from
this pious child, that their obedience should be ready and cheer-
ful, and then it will be acceptable.
2. We learn, that when God speaks, his creatures should
attend. If it be our duty to obey the calls, and attend to the in-
structions, of earthly masters, much more of the infinitely great
and glorious God, whose servants we all are. When reading or
hearing his word, this should be our language, Speak, Lord, for
thy servant heareth. Let us hear and attend to what the Lord
our God idll speak, and then we may hope he zcill speak peace
to us.
3. Parents may see the absolute necessity of restraining their
children from wicked ways. This was suggested in our remarks
on the last chapter. But it is so important, and so much neg-
lected, that it is proper we should be reminded of it again and
again; as God thought proper to remind Eli of his crime. If
parents see their children making themselves vile in the sight of God
and all good beings, let them resolutely restrain them, frown upon
tl>em, and never connive at sin of any kind, or in any degree, lest
they make themselves partakers of their guilt, and bring reme-
diless calamities and destruction upon their houses.
4. We may learn from the example of Eli, a submissive
temper of mind under all the dispensations of Providence.
When this dreadful threatening was heard, he said, Jl is the
Lord, /el hirn do zcliut seemelh him good. He lays it down as
a plain truth. It is the Lord, a Being of perfect justice, almighty
power, and infinite wisdom, who never punishes without a just
cause, and in a righteous manner. And then he thaws this
very proper and satisfactory conclusion, let him do what seemeth
him good. Not what I think just and fit, who am so ignorant,
and have so often erred, but what his perfect knowledge judges
I. SAMUEL. IV. 19
to be best. May we thus accept the punishment of our hii-
quity, and bear the indignation of the Lord, because we have sinned
against him.
CHAPTER IV.
In this chapter we have an account of the defeat of Israel ; the loss of
the ark ; and the manner in which the tidings of this sad event were
received at Shiloh.
1 xV.ND the word of Samuel, his prophetical zcord, came to all
Israel*. Now Israel went out against the Philistines to battle,
and pitched beside Eben-ezer : and the Philistines pitched in
Aphek. Thei/ had been quiet near forty years, such havock had
Samson made among them, : but the Israelites now attempted to
throw off their yoke, and encamped in the borders of their country.
2 And the Philistines put themselves in array against Israel : and
when they had joined battle, Israel was smitten before the Phi-
listines : and they slew of the army in the field about four
thousand men.
3 And when the people were come into the camp, the elders
of Israel said, Wherefore hath the Lord smitten us to-day before
the Philistines ? I^et us fetch the ark of the covenant of the
Loud out of Sinloh unto us, that, when it cometh among us, it
may save us out of the hand of our enemies. They thought the
justice of their cause sxifficient to secure the divine favour, without
considering their character ; but now they would have the ark, to
which they paid a superstitious regard, and in which they placed
an improper confidence. 4 So the peo[)le sent to Shiloh, that they
might bring from thence the ark of the covenant of the Lord of
hosts, which dwelleth [between] the cherubims : and the two
sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, [were] there with the ark of
the covenant of God f. 5 And when the ark of the covenant of
the Lord came into the camp, all Israel shouted with a great
* These words aie unnaturally disjoined from tlie foregoing cliapter, they
being the proper conclusion of the last verse of it.
t Perhaps they did this in imitation of Joshua's attacking Jericho ; but it was
contrary to the divine will, who ordered that the ark should be settled, and not
moved in Canaan, Deut.xii. 5 — u.
C t
20 I. SAMUEL. IV.
shout, so that the earth rang again, the}f were heard a great way
off ; and tliought themselves as sure cf success, as if the victory teas
already gained.
6 And when the Philistines heard the noise of the shout, they
were alarmed, believing there zcas some 7iew accession to their
strength, and they said. What [meaneth] the noise of this great
shout in the camp of tlie Hebrews? And they understood that
the ark of the Lord was come into the camp. 7 And wheti the
Philistines found lohat it zcas, they were afraid, for they said,
God is come into the camp. And they said. Woe unto us ! for
there hath not been such a thing heretofore. They never heard
of the ark before, and imagined the Israelites uorshipped it as their
God in all their battles, and thought it zcould produce some extra-
ordinary effects. 8 Woe unto us! who shall deliver us out of the
hand of these mighty Gods? these [are] the Gods that smote
the Egyptians witli all the phigiies in the wilderness. They had
fought with men before, but now they must fght with God : they
acknowledge the superiority of the God of Isiael to their gods;
but, not understanding the sacred story, they thought the plarrue
fell upon the Egyptian*; in the wilderness: they had general, but
confused ideas of the fact : and recovering from their frier ht, their
commander encouraged them, saying, 9 Be strong, and quit your-
selves like men, O ye Philistines, that ye be not servants unto
the Hebrews, as they have been to you: quit yourselves like
men, and fight *.
10 And the Philistines fought, and Israel was smitten, and
they fled every man into his tent : and there was a very great
slaughter; for there fell of Israel thirty thousand footmen; God
suffered this, to shoio them the vanity of their confidence in the ark,
arid his ozcn displeasure. They fed every man home to their
dwellings. 11 And the ark of God was taken ; and the two sons
of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain; thus began the judgment
of God upon the house of Eli.
12 And there ran a man of Benjamin out of the army, and
came to Sliiloh the same day with his clothes rent, and with
earth upon his head, in the habit of a mourner in great distress.
13 And wJien he came, lo, Eli sat upon a seat by the way-side
watching : for his heart trembled for the ark of God, lest it should
be taken and abused by the Philistines, and God's people be de-
prived of the comfort of it. And when the man canje into the
• The Israelites had often been overcome and brought into snbjertion by
tbem.
I. SAMUEL. IV. ' 21
city, and told [it,] all the city cried out ; they were loth to
tell Eli first, therefore they went into the city, while he sat
alarmed and terrified, trembling for their temporal and spiritual
interests. At this instant Eli heard a dreadful shriek and la-
mentation in the city, 14 And when Eli heard the noise of the
crying, he said, What [meaneth] the noise of this tumult? And
the man came in hastily, and told Eli ; they speedily brought the
man to give him a circumstantial account. 15 Now Eli was
ninety and eight years old ; and his eyes were dim, that he could
not see ; he could not see the sadness of their countenances, but o)dy
hear their cries and lamentations. l6 And the man said unto Eli,
I [am] he that came out of tlie army, and I fled to-day out of
the army, / have been an eye-zdtne&s of the battle, and bring you
the speediest intelligence. And he said. What is there done, my
son? 17 And the messenger answered and said, Israel is fled
before the Philistines, and there hath been also a great slaughter
among the people ; and thy two sons also, Hophni and Phinehas,
are dead, and the worst of all is, the ark of God is taken. 18 And
it came to pass, when he made mention of the ark of God, it
struck Eli to the heart, so that he fell from off the seat backward
by the side of the gate, and his neck brake, and he died : for he was
an old man, and heavy, and therefore the less able to help himself.
19 And he had judged Israel forty years. And his daughter-
in-law, Phinehas' wife, a pious woman, and of a tender spirit,
was with child, [near] to be delivered : and when she heard the
tidings that the ark of God was taken, and that her father-in-law
and her husband were dead, she bowed herself and travailed ;
for her pains came upon h&r, from the fright occasioned by these
ill tidings she fell into labour. 20 And about the time of her
death ilie women that stood by her said unto her. Fear not; for
thou hast born a son ; they thought these tidings would comfort
her. But she answered not, neither did she regard [it,] so much
was she overcome with grief and sorrow; 21 And, having recovered
a little strength, she named the child, I-chabod, saying, The
glory is departed from Israel : because the ark of God was
taken, and because of her faiher-in-law and her husband. 22 And
she said. The glory is departed from Israel : for the ark of God
is taken. Alas, for the ulory! The loss of the ark oppressed her
pious mind more than her personal and domestic troubles.
22 I. SAMUEL. IV.
REFLECTIONS.
1. It is not uncommon for men to pay a superstitions regard
to sacred things and ceremonial observances, while thev neglect
moral duties. These men had a great reverence for the ark ;
they thought it would do wonders foi them, and that there was
no danger now that was come. Thus in the present day, men
boast of their external privileges, and trust to the rites and ce-
remonies of religion, while by their sins they are displeasing
God, and drawing down ruin upon themselves. They think
they shall be saved by a fiery zeal for these things ; while humility,
piety, and charity are neglected; but the instance before us shows
that such expectations will disappoint them. The ark was never
designed to be a sanctuary for impenitent sinners. The outside
ot religion w ill never save those who are strangers to the soul and
substance of it. Let us be cautious, then, not to rest in a form of
godliness, while we are destitute of the power. There are many
who have eaten and drank in Christ's presence, to whom he will
say, I never kneiv you, depart foam me, i/e workers of' inifjiiitj/.
2. Pious souls lay the concerns of God's church very near
their hearts, and are deeply atTected with its danger and calamities.
This was the case with Eli and his daughter-in-law ; his heart
trembled for the ark. Good men are more concerned for the
interests of the church, than their own private and secular affairs ;
they esteem the welfare of Jerusalem as their chief joy ; cidtivate
a public spirit ; and their hearts take the alarm when they see
iniquity abound. Let us show our concern, by earnest prayer
and vigorous endeavours to stand in the breach, to appear on
the Lord'o side, in support of his cause and interest in the
world.
S. We learn, that God's ordinances and presence are the glory
of a nation ; and to lose them is the greatest loss it can possibly
sustain. The ark was the symbol of God's presence, a token of
his favour to Israel, and that he dwelt among them. When they
lost that, dieir glory was gone. If a nation provoke God to
"withdraw from them, to take his ordinances away, to remove his
candlestick from them, nothing can be more dreadful. And have
we no reason to fear this should be the case with our nation .'*
Are not the gospel and its ordinances despised ? Have we not
I. SAMUEL. V. 23
too many profane priests ? Have we not much superstition, and
but little devotion ? Have we no reason to fear lest God should
write upon us, I-chabod, your glori/ is departed? Woe to them
from whom God departs ! When he goes, the glory goes ; and
all good things go with him. We have reason to fear, lest he
should say to iiis ministers as he did to Jeremiah concerning
Shiloh, chap. vii. 12 — 16., Go ye now unto my place which was
in Shiloh, where I set my name at the first, a?id see what I did
to it for the zmckedness of my people Israel. And now, because
ye have done all these works, saith the Lord, and I spake unto
you, rising up early and speaking, but ye heard not; and I called
you, but ye answered not ; therefore will I do unto this house,
which is called by my name, wherein ye trust, and to the place
which I gave to you and your fothers, as I have done to Shiloh.
jind I will cast you out of my sight, as I have cast out all ]/ our
brethren, even the whole seed of Ephraim. Therefore pray not thou
for this people, neither lift up en/ nor prayer for them, neither
make intercession to me, for I xcill not hear thee.
CHAPTER V.
When the ark was taken, one would have thought the Israelites would
have attempted to regain it, and lose any thing rather than be deprived
of it; but they had lost all their zeal and courage, therefore God does
it himself. lie shows Israel that the ark could defend itself, and
triumph over Dagon the god of the Philistines, and over the Philis-
tines themselves also.
1 And the Philistines took the ark of God, and brought it
from Eben-ezer unto Ashdod, their chief city, lohich lay near the
sea, and lohere there was a famous temple to Dagon. 2 When the
Philistines took the ark of God, they brought it into the house of
Dagon, and set it by Dagon ; they had some reverence for the ark,
and would not destroy or abuse it, but brought it to their idol's
temple as a trophy of their victory, chtained by the help of Dagon,
as they thought.
3 And when they of Ashdod arose early on the morrow, be-
hold, Dagon [was] fallen upon his face to the earth before the
ark of the Lord. And they took Dagon and set him in his place
again. When the priests and others came early in the morning to
24- I. SAMUEL. V.
worship in the temple, they found their god on the ground, hut sup-
posing it a casual thing, they put it np again, and took care to
fasten it uell. 4 And when tliey arose earlv on the morrow
morning, behold, Dagon [was] fallen upon his face to the ground
before the ark of the Lord ; and the head of Dagon and both the
palms of his hands [were] cut off upon the threshold ; this shuus
that he was thrown with violence quite to the threshold of the door,
and broken to pieces against it ; only [the stxxmp, or the Jishi/ part,
of] Dagon was left to him*. 5 Therefore neither the priests of
Dagon, nor any that come into Dagon's house, iread on the
threshold of Dagon in Ashdod unto this dayt.
6 But the hand of the Loud was heavy upon them of Ashdod,
and he destroyed them, and smote them with emerods, [even]
Ashdod and the coasts thereof. He destroi/ed many of thetn by
pestilence, and those that died not, were violently afflicted with eme-
rods, or grievous piles. See Psalm Ixxviii. 66. 7 And when the
men of Ashdod saw that [it was] so, they soon found out the cause,
and they said, "^I'he ark of the God of Israel shall not abide with
lis: for his hand is sore upon us, and upon Dagon our god.
8 They sent therefore and gathered all the lords of the Philis-
tines unto them, and said, What shall we do with the ark of the
God of Israel r And they answered, Let the ark of ihe God of
Israel be carried about unto Gath. And they carried the ark of
the God of Israel about [thither.] Having called a council, they
resolved that ihe ark should he removed to Gath, the next city to-
rcards the north, supposing the present place zc'as unlucky, or that
there zcas something offensive to the iiod of Israel there. 9 And it
was [so,] that, after they had carried it about, the hand of the
Lord was against the city with a very great destruction : and he
smote tlie men of (he city, both small and great, and they had
emerods in their secret parts ; the same calamity followed them ;
many died i and others were grievously tormented. 10 Therefore
they sent the ark of God to Ekron, the next city northward. And
it Ciir-.ie to pass, as the ark of God came to Ekron, that the Ekron-
ites cried out, saying. They have brought about the ark of the
* Tbe upper part of this idol was of luiman sliape, and the lower like a fisli, as
mermaids arc represented. Several anc'cnt writers tell us there was surh an idol
among the Phcenicians, in which conniry Fhilistia was a provinre. It was the
Neptnne of tlie ancients. By this it appeared, that the Israelites were overthrown
and the ark taken, not for want of pdwer in their God to deliver tliem, but as a
panishment for their sin.
1 This custom continued many ages after, seeZeph. i.Q , and kept up the me-
mory of this event. When any asked the meaiiiog of this ceremony, the answer
woiihl be, Bring glory to the God of Israel.
I. SAMUEL. V. JSfS
God of Israel to us, to slay us and our people ; not that this was
their intention, but they feared this would he the consequence.
1 1 So they held another council, and they sent and gathered to-
gether all the lords of the Philistines, and said to them, Send away
the ark of the God of Israel, and let it go again to his own place,
that it slay us not, and our people : for there was a deadly de-
struction throughout all the city; the hand of God was very
heavy there. 12 And the men that died not were smitten with
the emerods : and the cry of the city went up to heaven, there was
a great and sore lamentation, so grievous was their calamity.
REFLECTIONS.
1. We have here a remarkable instance of the folly and stupi-
dity of idolatry. What could be more ridiculous than the con-
duct of the Philistines, in worshipping a god that could not help
himself? Lifting up their hands to him that could not lift up him-
self. A poor god indeed, that had lost both hands and head, so
that he could have neither power nor wisdom to help them! Yet
they continued their regard to him ; yea, reverenced the very
threshold on which he was broke. What monstrous folly ! What
a lamentable instance of the corruption of human nature, that
men should be so besotted! Justly might the Psalmist say con-
cerning idols, they that make them are like unto them, and so are
all they that jnit their trust in them.
2. When God's hand is heavy upon wicked men, they try all
methods but the right to get rid of their affliction. The Phihs-
tines suffered greatly under the hand of God. They sent the ark
from one place to another, and this only increased their calamity,
spread the contagion, and multiplied the triumphs of the ark.
They never thought of returning it, till they had tried every thing
else. Thus sinners fret and murmur under their afflictions; they
have recourse to company, or pleasure, to some false principle or
superstitious practice, but do not return to God. Had the Phi-
listines been led to worship God, it would have been no more
than might have been expected; but they sent away the ark, when
they should have sent away Dagon, and then the ark would have
been a blessing, and not a plague. But sinners abhor the ordinances
of God's house, because they give them pain ; they neglect his
worship, because it galls their consciences ; they will not part with
26 I. SAMUEL. VI.
sin. While they are weary of the hand that piinisheth them, they
still hold fast the cause of their punishment.
3. We see how vain it is to contend with God ; for those who
oppose liim will soon have enough of it ; one plague shall come
after another. Hence we learn the necessity of making God our
friend, who can so easily, and by so many ways, humble the
proudest sinner, and the most powerful enemy. Happy then, are
those people whose God is the Lord.
CHAPTER VI.
We have here the dismission of the ark from the land of the Philistines ;
the reception of it in the hind of Israel ; and the punishment of the
men of Bcth-shemesh for their presumptuous curiosity.
1 x\.ND the ark of the LoRO was in the country of the Philis-
tines seven months. Finding it brought so many calamities into
the city, it zcas removed into a field. They zcere desirous to keep
this trophy among them, aiid hoped the plague zcould cease. But
God visited them zcith another; a prodigious quantity of mice
spread over the ground, and destroyed the corn, which was nozv
nearly ripe : then all joined in considering how they might best send
it arcay. 2 And the Philistines called for the priests and the di-
viners, saying, What shall we do to the ark of the Lord, to show
our respects to it, and to appease that God to whom it belongs? tell
us wherewith, 7cith rchat presents, we shall send it to his place.
3 And they said. If ye send away the ark of the God of Israel,
send it not empty ; but in any wise return him a trespass
offering. Thej/ had learned that trespass offerings were used
among the Jezcs, and therefore recommended it as an acknozc-
ledgment that they had offended the God of Israel by bringing
the ark out of their country: then ye shall be healed, and it
shall be known to you why his hand is not removed from you ;
we shall thus see xvhelher the plague icas occasioned by detaining
the ark or not. 4 Then said they, What [shall be] the trespass
offering which we shall return to him ? They answered. Five
golden emerods, and five golden mice, [according to] the number
of the lords of the Philistines: for one plague [was] on you all,
aiid on your lords. This zcas a strange offering zchich they propo-
I. SAMUEL. VI. 2T
sed, an image of the swellings with which thei/ were afflicted *.
5 Wherefore ye shall make images of your emerods, and images
of your mice that mar the land ; and ye shall give glory unto the
God of Israel, acknowledge the plague came from him, beg pardon
for your fault, and seek help from him; peradventure he will lighten
his hand from off you, and irom oft" your godsf, and from off" your
land. Some objected to this offering as shoziing too great respect to
the ark, and as too degrading to themselves ; but the priests exhort-
ed them to it, suyiyig, 6 Wherefore then do ye harden your hearts,
as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts ? when he
had wrought wonderfully among them, did they not let the people
go, and they departed J? 7 Now therefore make a new cart, and
take two milch kine, on which there hath come no yoke, and tie
the kine to the cart, and bring their calves home from them :
8 And take the ark of the Lord, and lay it upon the cart; and
put the jewels of gold which ye return him [for] a trespass off'er-
ing, in a coffer by the side thereof; and send it away, that it may
go. This teas wonderful advice, and one zcould think could never
hate been given without a special providence overruling their nii)ids.
They heard it teas dangerous to look into the ark, or they were
afraid of it, and therefore put the offering on the side of it. 9 And
see, if it goeth up by the way of his own coast to Beth-shemesh,
[then] he hath done us this great evil : but if not, then we shall
know that [it is] not his hand [that] smote us ; it [was] a chance
[that] happened to us. If the kine draio the cart zoithout strug-
gling, and go straight forzeard to Beth-shemesh, the first place in
the land ofJudea on the borders of the Philistines, and do this con-
trary to their natural instinct, having left their calves behind, then
God's hand hath smitten us, otherzaise it is a chance that hath hap-
pened to us.
10 And the men did so; and took two milch kine, and tied
them to the cart, and shut up their calves at home : 11 And they
laid the ark of the Lord upon the cart, and the coffer with the
mice of gold and the images of their emerods. 12 And the kine
took the straight way to the way of Beth-shemesh, [and] went along
* It was customary among heathen nations, to consecrate to their srods such
monuments as showed the nature of tlie evils from wliich tiiey were dchvered.
The Indians to this day, when they so to their idols for a cure of their diseases,
carry a figure of the meiiiherafBicted, either in gold, silver, or copper, according
to their ability.
-f- Tliey had other gods besides Dagon, and it is probable all the idols in the
land were thrown down and broken.
X This proves that tliey liad a general acquaintance with the history of the Is-
raelites, and how wide the knowledge of Jehovah was spread by those miracles.
28 I. SAMUEL. VI.
the highway, lowing as they \vent, and turned not aside [to] the
right hand or [to] the left; and the lords of the Phihstines went
after them unto the border of Beth-shemesh. Thus the.y sent the
Israelites this momunetit of their shame and puriishnieiit, and of the
triumph of the God of Israel over them. 13 And [they of] Belh-
shemesh [were] reaping their Avheat harvest in the valley : and
they lifted up their eyes, and saw the ark, and rejoiced to see [it,]
especially coming in such a wonderful manner, without any con-
ductor. 14 And the cart came into the field of Joshua, a Beth-
shemite, and stood there, where [there was] a great stone* : and
they clave the wood of the cart, and offered the kine a burnt of-
fering unto the Lord. They thought the cows and the cart icere
proper to be used on this extraordinary occasion, and they made a
sacrifice of the whole as a burnt offering to God, probably on an
altar of earth. 15 And the Levites took down the ark of the
Lord, and the coffer that [was] with it, wherein the jewels of
gold [were,] and put [them] on the great stone : and the men of
Beth-shemesh offered burnt offerings and sacrificed sacrifices the
same day unto the Lo R D. They put the ark to rest ttpon the stone,
and feasted together on the peace offering, as a token of their joy.
16 And when the five lords of the Philistines had seen [it,] they
returned to Ekron the same day, and reported what they had seen.
Probably their plague teas stayed, but they were not reformed ; they
thought .Jehovah greater than their gods, but worshipped them still.
17 And these [are] tlie golden emerods which the Philistines re-
turned [for] a trespass offering unto the Lord; for Ashdod one,
for Gaza one, for Askelon one, for Gath one, for Ekron one ;
18 And the golden mice, [according to] the number of all the
cities of the Philistines [belonging] to the live lords, [both] of
fenced cities, and of country villages, even unto the great [stone
of] Abel, \\ hereon they set down the ark of the Lord : [which
stone remameth] unto this day in the field of Joshua the Beth-
shennte+.
19 And he smote the men of Beth-shemesh, because they had
looked into the ark of the Lord J, even he smote of the people
* This was piohably the boundary between the Israelites and PJiilistines ; it
was a leiritory heloiifjinn to the priests, (JosLcia xxi. l6.), wlio were set apart to
take care of the ark of God.
♦ The trespass offcrin^^s were according to the number of their cities, and each
contributed to fiiiiiish them. Tlie stone remainsd when this book was written,
as a memorial of this great event.
% The ark was held in great veneration ; even the high priest wa^ to see it but
ODce a year, «nd then through a cloud of incense j jet these men ventured not
I. SAMUEL. VI. 29
fifty thousand and threescore and ten men*: and the people la-
mented, because the Lord had smitten [many] of the people
M'ith a great slaughter. 20 And the men of Beth-shemesh, ac-
Inowledgiiig their rashness, said, Who is able to stand before this
holy Lord God, and to whom shall he go up from us? ^Ve are
not worthy of his presence, and all people will fear to have the ark
among them. 21 And they sent messengers to the inhabitants of
Kirjath-jearim, saying, The Philistines have brought again the
ark of the Lord ; come ye down, [and] fetch it up to you ; they
said nothing of the miraculous manner in which it came, nor the
destruction of their tuxcnsmen, hut seemed to wish it gone that they
might be safe.
REFLECTIONS,
1. TiiR execution of divine vengeance upon sinners should be
recollected by us, to prevent our rebelling against God. The
wisest part of the Philistines' conduct, is their arguing from the
plagues brought on Pharaoh. This story, with many others in
the bible, are recordedybr our instruction. God's judgments on
impenitent sinners were intended that we might hear and fear, and
do no 7nore zcickedli/. Let us endeavour to learn by other men's
experience, for this is the cheapest and best kind of knowledge.
2. Though the enemies of God's church triumph for a while,
he will at length overrule all its affairs for his own glory. The
ark was in disgrace a long time, but here we see it came back in
triumph, accompanied with lasting monuments of the Philistines'
disgrace, and die glory of the God of Israel. The church often
shines brightest after it has been under a cloud. God can cause
the zcralh of man to praise him, and the remainder of that wrath he
mil restrain. This should encourage us when we have the darkest
prospects of affairs, for he can easily overrule the schemes of his
enemies, for the honour and security of his cause.
only to gaze upon it, but to look into it ; either to see whether any thing was takea
out, or to see the tables written witli Goti's iianil, or some other sacred monii>
nients. The priests shonld have known better, hut ttiey were severely punished.
* This translation is very unlikely, for it was but a villaite and many were left
to lament it. 1 apprehend it should be rendered, he slew fifty out of a thousand;
beinji fourteen hundred in all who indulj;ed this curiosity, God was so merciful as
to slay only a twentieth part, or seventy out of (ourleeu hundred. It was an an-
cient custom when great numbers were capitally convicted, to decimate theni, or
take every tenth ; but God took only every tweniieth. Dr, Kennirott observes
that the original number of the men here destroyed, for looking into the ark, was
not fifty thousand and seventy, but only seventy ; agreeably to the Hebrew MSS.
No. 3, confirmed by the authoritj of Joseplius.
30 I. SAMUEL. VII.
3. The return of God's ark and ordinances will be matter of
true joy to every true Israelite. It was so to the men of Beth-
shemesh ; they left their harvest to pay their respect to this sym-
bol of the divine presence. The ark was as glorious on a stone in
the field, as in Solomon's temple. May we learn to value the
means of grace, and the tokens of divine favour, and give glory to
God, who continues them to us.
4. Let us learn to guard against a presumptuous curiosity ; it
cost the men of Beth-shemesh very dear. Let us not be desir-
ous of knowing what God has thought proper to conceal, and be
sensible that he has the wisest ends in so doing. Let us not in-
trude into things that are not seen, remembering, that secret things
belong to the Lord. Our rule of duty is plain and clear. God is
jealous of his honour and the dignity of his institutions ; and there-
fore it becomes us to pay the greatest veneration to every thing
which belongs to him ; and to serve him always zcilh reverence and
godli/fear ; for our God is a consuming Jire.
CHAPTER VII.
We have here an account of the settlement and continuance of the ark
at Kirjath-jcariin ; the reformation of the people ; their deliverance
from the Philistines; and some further good services which Samuel
did for Israel.
1 And the men of Kirjath-jearim received the message that was
related in the last chapter, and chcerfnllt^ and without fear came,
and fetched up the ark of the Lord, and brought it into the
house of Abinadab in the hill *, and sanctified, or set apartj
Eleazar his son to keep the ark of the Lonn; not to offer sacri-
fices, for there teas no altar or tabernacle here, that was at Shiloh:
but to take care of it and guard it, and attend any pious Israelites
who came to pay their devotion there. 2 And it came to pass, while
the ark abode in Kirjaih-jearim, that the time was long; for it
was twenty years : and all the house of Israel lamented after the
LoKD. It was there in the whole about forty-six years, but it was
♦ Here it was fenced in, and preserved from profanation, hut was visible ai a
distance, that pious worshippers might direct their prayers to it ; and in this place
it vras kept till I>avid's timet
I.SAMUEL. VII. 31:
twerttu years before the Isimelites took much notice of it. And
then, being oppressed hy the Philistines, and turned out of their
cities, they began to lament their apostacy from God, his absence
from them, and to entreat his return.
3 And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye
do return unto the Lokd with all your hearts, [then] put away
the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare
your hearts unto the Lord, and serve him only : and he will de-
liver you out of the hand of the Philistines. ZVo doubt Samuel
had often advised them to do this before, in a more private manner ;
but now, when he found some good impressions on their minds, he
called them together to strike in with them, to explain to them the
nature of repentance, and the condition of their receiving divine
mercy ; they must put axoay from their houses and their hearts all
strange gods and goddesses, and prepare themselves by serious con-
sideration andfrm resolutions, and then they may depend on success.
4 Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth,
and served the Lord only ; there was a general reformation in the
ivorship of God, they destroyed their images and altars and served
Jehovah alone. 5 And Samuel said, Gather all Israel to Mizpeh,
and I will pray for you unto the Lord, that he may accept your
repentance, strengthen your resolutions, and give you deliverance
from your enemies. He thought public prayer most honourable to
God, and most useful to them. 6 And they gathered together to
Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured [it] out before the Lord,
to denote their grief and deep repentance, and that if their heads
were voters, and their eyesfountains of tears, all would be too little
to mourn for their aggravated guilt ; and they fasted on that day,
and said there. We have sinned against the Lord. And Samuel
judged the children of Israel in Mizpeh ; took upon him the office
of a judge from this time forward ; to determine differences, instruct
them in the law of God, and punish notorious idolatry.
7 And when the Philistines heard that the children of Israel
were gathered together to Mizpeh, the lords of the Philistines
went up against Israel ; suspecting that they zcere forming some
scheme to throw off the yoke, they intended to come and surprise
them. And when the children of Israel heard [it,] they were
afraid of the Philistines, because they were unarmed and unpre-
pared, though they were never better prepared thamchen fasting
and praying. 8 And the children of Israel said to Samuel,
Cease not to cry unto the Lord our God for us, that he will
save us out of the hand of the Philistines ; being afraid and
32 I. SAMUEL. VII.
ashamed to pray themselves^ they desire Samuel to continue his
prayers/or them, that God ivould save them according to his encou-
ragement.
9 And Samuel took a sucking lamb, and offered [it for] a
burnt offering wholly unto the Lord*: and Samuel cried unto
the Lord for Israel, and the Lord heard him zchi/e praying, and
answered even befoie the lamb was consumed. 10 And as Samuel
was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to
battle against Israel: but the Lord thundered with a great
thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited them;
and they were smitten before Israel t. 1 1 And the men of Israel
wentoutof Mizpeh, and pursued the Philistines, and, taking up the
arms which the Philistines threw away in their Jiight, smote them,
until [they came] under Bethcar, a strong garrison. Thus Sa-
muel's prophecy of their success upon their repentance, zcas fulfilled.
Compare Ecclus. xlvi, 16, 17. 12 Then Samuel took a stone,
and set [it] between Mizpeh and Shen, he set it up as a memorial
of this victory, gained in the same place where they had been van-
quished by the Philistines, and the ark taken from them, and called
the name of it Eben-ezer, that is, the stone of help, saying.
Hitherto hath the Lord helped us, expressing thankfulness for
past deliverances, and hope that he would go on and complete it.
13 So the Philistines were subdued, and they came no more
into the coast of Israel : and the hand of the Lord was against
the Philistines all the days of Samuel. They did not return while
Samuel was judge alone; but in Saul's time they returned again.
14 And the cities which the Philistines had taken from Israel
were restored to Israel, from Ekron even unto Gath; and the
coasts thereof did Israel deliver out of the hands of the Philis-
tines ; thei/ recovered their rights and cities, except a few strong
holds where the Philistines kept garrisons. And there was peace
between Israel and the Amoriles; the other inhabitants of Canaan
durst not stir against them when the Philistines were subdued.
15 And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life, partly
alone, and partly with Saul. ]6 And he went from year to year
in circuit to Belh-el, and Gilgal, and Mizpeh, and judged Israel
in all those places, making up differences, teaching the law, and
punishing offenders. 17 And his return [was] to Ramah ; for
* Though Samuel was not a priest, yet, being a prophet, this was allowable
upon such an extraordinary occasion.
t According to Hannalj's prophecy, there was thnniier anil hailstones ; and Jo-
jiepbus says, an earth r|iiakc, so that they fled with great precipitation.
I. SAMUEL. VII. 33
there [was] his house; and there he judged Israel; and there he
built an altar unto the Loud. God having not yel declared where
the ark should be fixed, when the people came to consult about im-
portant affairs and seek direction, it was proper to do it by sacri-
fices, as ver. 9. ; thus he supported religion and the worship of God.
REFLECTIONS.
1 . It is a happy thing to see those who have apostatized from
God, and been indifferent to him and reHgion, begin to be sorry
for their sins, and to return to him. Israel had lost the ark many
months ; when it returned, it lay in obscurity on the borders of
the Phihstines; only a few ventured to pay their respects to it;
but at length a national reformation took place ; and they began
with lamenting their folly, and inquiring how they must return
unto the Lord. An happy time indeed was this to Israel ! And
nothing can be more agreeable to a pious mind, than to see those
who have forgotten God, and lived w ithout him, been insensible
of his presence, and unconcerned about his glory and favour, be-
ginning with grief and concern to inquire after him, and to be un-
easy till they have recovered his favour. Would to God this were
more frequently seen in our days ! and that one and another were
asking the way to Zion, with their faces thitherwards.
2. If we desire to be approved of God, and to obtain his
favour, our repentance must be sincere and genuine ; we must
prepare our hearts, by close reflection on our past conduct. We
nmst think on our former ways; turn from every sin; particularly
from that which most easily besets us. We must dismiss every
idol that has twined about our hearts. We must not tolerate any
known sin, but renounce every one. "No man can serve two
masters. Without this we shall only affront God, injure our-
selves, and make our condemnation the more aggravated.
3. National deliverances ought solemnly to be commemorated,
and the glory of them given to God. Samuel's raising these
stones, suggests to us, that care should be taken to perpetuate
the remembrance of signal appearances of providence in our
favour; and though God does not answer by thunder and light-
ning, or in any extraordinary way baffle our enemies, still it is his
doing; and we should celebrate his praises, and be careful to re-
member his works, as a motive to serve him faithfully, and im-
prove the privileges and blessings that he continues to us.
VOL. III. D
34 I. SAMUEL. VIII.
4. How happy was Israel under the government of such a
pious, active, generous man, as Samuel was, who administered
justice so faithfully ; who took so much pains to travel through
the land of Israel, to promote righteousness and peace; and who
kept up the public exercises of religion. We should esteem it an
happiness that we live under a good government ; that we have
judges who go their several circuits and judge our Israel ; and
that we have the means of religion continued among us. These
are great mercies, and God should be acknowledged as the author
of them. We should earnestly pray for judges and magistrates,
that they, like Samuel, may be able men, men of truth, fearing
God, and hating covetousness.
CHAPTER VIII.
The Israelites, on account of ihc ill goveninicnt of Samuel's sons, pe-
tition to have a king: God directs Samuel liow lo act; who faithtuUy
tells the people what they must expect from one ; but they obstinately
persist in their determination.
1 And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made
his sons judges over Israel ; he found the laboxir of going the
circuits was too great, therefore he appointed his sons lo be his
deputies, and fixed them in the southern parts of the land. 2 Now
the name of his first born was Joel ; and the name of his second,
Abiah : [they were] judges in Beer-sheba. 3 And his sons
walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took
bribes, and perverted judgment, thei/ behaved zvickcdlj/, through
covetousness and the love of money. 4 Then all the ciders of
Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Sanuiel unto
Ramah, to remonstrate in a respectful mawter concerning their
grievances, 5 And said unto him. Behold, thou art old, and thy
sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like
all the nations. This was a very foolish conclusion ; for though
Samuel was old, he was as fit to counsel and govern as ever ;
and had he knorai his sons did ill, he would no doubt have
chosen others in their place. But the chief reason teas pride; a
poor prophet, in a mantle, was too mean for them ; they wanted
more pomp and magnificence, officers, and a guard, and to make a
figure among the nations.
I.SAMUEL. YIII. 35
C) But tlie thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a
king to judge us, as it ivas ungrateful to him, after all the deli-
verances they had received through his means. And Samuel prayed
unto the Lord for direction lohat to do in this case. 7 And the
Lord said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people
in all that they say unto thee : for they have not rejected thee, but
they have rejected me, that 1 should not reign over them, Sa-
muel was displeased, but God told him that He had more reason to
be so, for they had in fact rejected him as their king; he had
acted as such in times past, making their laws, choosing their go-
vernors, directing in all dijficult cases, making war and peace, and
thus ordering all those things which in other states were left to their
king. Thus it appears that their government was a theocracy.
8 According to all the works which they have done since the day
that I brought them up out of Egypt even unto this day, where-
with they have forsaken me, and served other gods, so do they
also unto thee, it is their old way ; they have chosen other gods to
worship, no wonder they now want another ruler. 9 Now there-
fore hearken unto their voice, let them have their own way, and a
king like the nations about them: howbeit yet protest solemnly
unto them, and shew them the manner of the king that shall
reign over them, ichat difficulties and slavery they may be brought
into ; that they may be ivithout excuse, and have no one to blame
but themselves* .
10 And Samuel told all the words of the Lord unto the
people that asked of him a king. 1 1 And he said. This will be
the manner of the king that shall reign over you : he will take
your sons, and appoint [them] for himself, for his chariots, and
[to be] his horsemen ; and [some] shall run before his chariots ;
they should not be treated like free-born subjects, but be made
guards and footmen, to look after his horses, and run before his
chariots. 12 And he will appoint him captains over thousands,
and captains over fifties ; and [will set them] to ear his ground,
and to reap his harvest, and to make his instruments of war, and
instruments of his chariots. He will have military officers higher
and lower, and will set them to plough and reap his corn lohen
they should be in their own yields, and set them all to hard labour
of one kind or another. 13 And he will take your daughters [to
be] confectionaries, and [to be] cooks, and [to be] bakers ; employ
them in servile work ivithout any wages, or only such as he pleases,
* They bad not sense enough to ask for a wise and good king, but one like the
ncUions about them, who were all nrbitrary princes, and such a one they should
have.
D J
36 I. SAMUEL. VIII.
and in places tthere they will he likely to he ensnared and corrupted.
14 And he will take your fields, and your vineyards, and your
oliveyards, [even] the best [of them,] and give [then)] to his ser-
vants; take your estates hy force, and give them to his hungry cour-
tiers and favourites. 15 And he will take the tenth of your seed,
and of your vineyards, and give it as a salary to his officers, and
to his servants. This teas a heavy harden, as a tenth also zcas given
by the law of God to the Levites. \6 And he will take your
men-servants, and your maid-servants, and your goodliest young
men, and your assGS, and put [them] to his work, zchatever became
of their ozmi, and however that was neglected. 17 He will take
the tenth of your sheep : and ye shall be his servants ; you shall
lose the liberty and privilege of free-horn Israelites, and live in a
servile and slavish condition. As they would be like the nations in
grandeur, so they should be like them in misery ; and all this zcas
fulfilled, for they had many had kings in Judah, and not one good
one in Israel. 18 And ye shall cry out in that day because of
your king which ye shall have chosen you; and the Loud will
not hear you in that day, hut justly leave you under the lieavy yoke
ye have chosen for yourselves.
19 Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Sa-
muel; and they said. Nay; but we will have a king over us; they
cared not how Samuel himself resented it ; thei/ would have a king,
be the consequence zchat it would. 20 That we also may be like
all the nations ; and that our king may judge us, and go out before
us, and fight our battles. God had fought their battles under Sa-
muel and the former judges, and always with success ; but now they
cast off God's care. 21 And Samuel heard all the words of the
people, and he rehearsed them in the ears of the Lokd. The
Lord knew all this; hut Samuel did it for his ouii vindication,
and as a foundation for his prayers. 22 And the Lo r d said to
Samuel, Hearken unto their voice, and make them a king. /\nd
Samuel said unto the men of Israel, Go ye every man unto his
city, God will give you a king in his own time. Indeed it appears
from the law of Moses that God intended to give them a ki?ig, and
had they zcaited a little longer they would have had a good one;
but now he left them to their own hearts' lusts, and they suffered
sufficiently for it. See Hos. xiii. 10, 11.
I. SAMUEL. VIII. 37
REFLECTIONS.
1. Let us reflect, with sorrow, on the degeneracy of the chil-
dren of good and useful men. Samuel had been employed to
deliver a threatening message to Eli, and had seen the calamities
of his family ; and we might conclude from hence, as well as from
the temper he expresses, that he took good care in the education
of his own children. He no doubt prayed with them and for
them, and set them a good example ; but they did not follow it,
they forsook the good way ; power and authority spoiled them.
Being too soon their own masters, and having the oversight of
others, corrupted their morals. Instances of this melancholy
nature we often see or hear of. Samuel's sons perhaps behaved
well, or else they had never been made judges. Thus many
children, who begin well, and who promise fair, when they get
abroad from under the eyes of their parents, become vicious, and
the companions of fools. Preferment and power have spoiled
multitudes, who in inferior stations might have kept their in-
tegrity. Parents should learn from hence, to keep a watchful eye
over their children ; especially in that dangerous time of life,
when they are setting out in the world. They should not enter-
tain too sanguine hopes of them ; but follow them with their in-
structions and prayers wherever they go.
2. Let not good magistrates and ministers wonder that they
are treated ill, or even rejected and aftVonted; since God himself
often is so. God tells Samuel he must not think it strange and
hard that he was rejected, for Jehovah himself was so ; this was
a reason why he should bear such ingratitude and obstinacy pa-
tiently. God bears wonderfully with such provocations, there-
fore we can have no reason to complain. Rather let us commit
our cause to him, who (as appears from the instance before us)
interests himself in the indignities offered to his servants and pro-
phets ; and will repay their labours of love, though men should
reject them ever so nuich, and treat them ever so ill.
3. God desires not the misery of his creatures, but would have
them to be comfortable and happy. He was willing to let this
people know the power of a king, before he would change their
fitjrm of government. Thus he deals with sinners ; before he
gives them up to their own hearts' lusts, he gives them fair warn-
38 1. SAMUEL. VIII.
ing wliat w ill be the issue of their desires and puisuils, he sels life
(Old death before them; he lets them know the worst, so that if
sinners perish, they have none to blame but themselves. This
deserves thankfully to be owned, as an instance of divine com-
passion and mercy ; and it should deter sinners from pursuing evil
ways, and lead them to repentance.
4. See the great misery of an arbitrary and tyrannical govern-
ment. We have reason to be thankful that ours is not such.
This is the way of heathen kings; this is the way of some who
are called christian kings ; they invade the liberty and property
of their subjects, and make sport with their lives. What a
wretched land must such an one be ! Let us bless God for
our liberty and safety; that our properties are secure; that our
children are not torn from us by violence ; that we can eat of
the labour of our hands, none making us afraid. This is owing
to the care and goodness of God to us. Let us be thankful for
our freedom as Britons; for our good constitution; for wise and
righteous princes. The lines are fallen to us in pleasant places,
and zee hate a goodhj heritage.
5. See the great ioWy of an obstinate, untractable spirit. They
would have a king at all adventures, though they knew what sort
of a one he vvouM be ; they would indulge their pride, at the
expense of their liberty. Strange infatuation and stupidity ! They
knew not when they were well ; were not sensible of their hap-
piness; and forgot all the miracles that had been wrought for
them. They would have a king, with all the pomp and grandeur
of an eastern monarch, imagining this would be a greater honour
to them than a theocracy. This is the case with sinners, thei/
will not have this man to reign over them. They choose the world
and the flesh for their sovereigns, though they are hard masters ;
their government is terrible, and their wages is death. They
choose without thought and reflection, and so, as in the instance
before us, their sudden resolves and hasty conclusions made work
■for long and bitter repentance. Let not sin reign in our mortal
bodies, that we should obey it in the lusts thereof.
6. How foolish and miserable must they be, who imitate bad
examples because they are numerous ! The Israelites would have
a kin*' like other nations ; they would not be singular and differ
from them, though tln'ir singularity was their glory. Thus men
follow a multitude to do evil; thougli there is no readier way to
sin and ruin, than doing so, and choosing that which is the way of .
the tvorld. Those that share in their sins^, must share in their
I. SAMUEL. IX. 39
plagues. May we guard against a disposition so fatal, and yet so
common. Let us dare to be singularly pious, and steady in our
adherence to God, though all men should forsake him. Let this
be the determinate resolution of each of us, let others do what
they will, as J or me and my house zve will serve the Lord,
CHAPTER IX.
We are now entering on the history of Saul. We have in this chapter
an account of his family, and the circumstances that brought him to
Samuel ; also of what passed between them, and Samuel's intimation
of the divine will to Saul.
I IMOVV there was a man of Benjamin, whose name [was]
Kish, the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bechoratb,
the son of Aphiah, a Benjamite, a mighty man of power, of great
courage and strength, rather than substance, though the tribe of
Benjamin had a very considerable inheritance, the whole being
divided between six hundred men. 2 And he had a son whose
name [was] Saul, a choice young man, and a goodly : and [there
was] not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he :
from his shoulders and upward [he was] higher than any of the
people, a very personable, tall, and handsome man*. 3 And the
asses of Kish Saul's father were lost. And Kish said to Saul his
son, Take now one of the servants with thee, and arise, go seek
the asses ; probably Saul had the care of' them ; they icere valu-
able creatures, and a considerable part of their substance. Kings
and great men used to ride upon them. 4 And he passed through
mount Ephraim, and passed through the land of Shalisha, but
they found [them] not: then they passed through the land of
Shalim, and [there they were] not ; and he passed through the
land of the Benjamites, but they found [them] not. o [And]
when they were come to the land of Zuph, the country where
Ramah lay, Saul said to his servant that [was] with him. Come,
and let us return ; lest my father leave [caring] for the asses, and
take thought for us, lest we should be lost, or some evil hate befallen
us. 6 And he, that is, the servant, said unto him. Behold now,
* Heathen writers celebrate kiii«rs for those qualities. Tlie Lacedenioniaus
fined one of their kings for niarryinK a woman ot'low stature, lest they should not
have kings but only kniglinss to ieign over (hem.
40 I. SAMUEL. IX.
[there is] in this city a man of God, and [he is] an honourable
man; all that he saith cometh surely to pass: no\v let us go
thither ; peradventure he can show us our way that we should
go. The servant had onltj heard all this by common fame; he
hteic nothing of Samuel himself, and therefore proposes to go to
him*. 7 Then said Saul to his servant. But, behold, [if] we go,
what shall we bring the man r for the bread is spent in our
vessels, and [there is] not a present to bring to the man of God :
what have we ? 8 And the servant answered Saul again, and said.
Behold, I have here at hand the fourth part of a shekel of silver,
about sevenpence half-penny of our money: [that] will I give to
the man of God, to tell us our way. 9 (Beforetime in Israel when
a man went to inquire of God, thus he spake, Come, and let us
go to the seer : for [he that is] now [called] a Prophet was before-
time called a Seer.) 9 Then said Saul to his servant, Well said;
Come, let us go. So they went unto the city where the man of
God [wast.] J 1 [And] as they went up the hill to the city,
they found young maidens going out to draw water, and said unto
them, Is the feer here ? 12 And they answered them, and said
He is; behold, [he is] before you : make haste now, for he came
to-day to the city; for [there is] a sacritice of the people to-day
in the high place ; probably some peace offerings or thank offer-
ings ; after zc'hich there was a feast at the hill, where the tabernacle
teas, and on the altar that Samuel built : and ifthnj made haste
they zcould meet with him before his sacrifice began. 13 As sjou
as ye be come into the city, ye shall straightway find him, before
he go up to the high place to eat : for the people will not eat until
he come because he doth bless the sacrifice, that is, consecrate it
to the service of God bxj prayer and thanksgiving ; [and] after-
wards they eat that be bidden. Now therefore get you up; for
about this time ye shall find him before he goes up to the high
place. 14 And they went up into the city: [and] when they
were come into the city, behold, Samuel came out against them,
for to go up to the high place.
• Some think it was a sign of a wicked mind to consult a prophet on such a
trifling business; but this is groundless. The prophets were indeed set apart for
weightier business ; but there are several instances of their condrscendinj; to
give advice in matters of less importance ; and one reason seems to be, that God
was willing to keep his people from consulting wizards and idols, the gods of the
heathen; and further, by seeing the prophet's words come true in lessor instcinces,
they would be engaged to believe liiiu in greater and more important ones.
t Tiiis has been ridiculed by some people, as if the prophet was no better tlian
a conjurer or fortune-teller, who would not act without a fee. But this arises
from i!;iiorancc, fbr it was then, and still is customary in the east, never to ap-
l>r<)H( h tlicir prince, or priest, or any person of eminence, without some otlcriiig.
bee the cysc of baul iu chap. x. U7.
I. SAMUEL. IX. 41
1,5 Now the Loud had told Samuel in his ear a day before
Saul came, that is, had revealed it to him hy the soft and gentle
injiuences of his Spirit, saying, l6 To-morrow about this time 1
will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shall
anoint him [to be] captain over my people Israel, that he may
save my people out of the hand of the Philistines, who had now
oppressed themfor forty years, and often made inroads upon them:
for I have looked upon my people, because their cry is come
unto me, I have heard their complaint concerning the oppression of
their enemies, and had compassion upon them: 17 And when Sa-
muel saw Saul, the I-ord said unto him, Behold the man whom
1 spake to thee of! this same shall reign over my people, or, as
the Hebrew signifies, restrain my people with absolute power, as
other kings do. 18 Then Saul drew near to Samuel in the gate,
just as he z&as coming out of the city, without any attendants, or
ensigns of honour, just like a common person ; and Saul said, Tell
me, I pray thee, where the seer's house [is ?] 19 And Samuel
answered Saul, and said, I [am] the seer; go up before me unto
the high place ; for ye shall eat with me to-day, and to-morrow I
will let thee go, and will tell thee all that [is] in thine heart;
Saul must first go zcith him to sacrifice, and feast on the re-
mainder: 20 And that he might go cheerfully and have his mind
at ease, he adds, as for thine asses that were lost three days ago,
set not thy mind on them; for they are found. And on whom
[is] all the desire of Israel ? [Is it] not on thee, and on all thy
father's house ? Jill Israel desired a king, and none seemed fitter
for it than himself 21 And Saul answered with a deal of modesty,
and said, [Am] not I a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of
Israel ? and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of
Benjamin r wherefore then speakest thou so to me ? Perhaps he
thought Samuel was only in jest. 22 And Samuel took Saul and
his servant, and brought them into the parlour, and made them
sit in the chiefest place among them that were bidden, which
[were] about thirty persons. It seems that Samuel, knozeing of
Saul's coming, had prepared this feast to entertain him on the
occasion; and to shoiv that he did not envy Saul, he put him in
the most honourable place at the table, among the principal
persons of the city, and also honoured the servant for the master^
sake. 23 And as it zcas customary to have a mess for every
guest, Samuel said unto the cook. Bring the portion which I
gave thee, of which I said unto thee. Set it by thee. 24 And the
cook took up the shoulder, and [that] which [was] upon it, some-
42 I. SAMUEL. IX.
thing Lo render it more agreeable, as a token of respect, and set
[it] before Saul. And. [.Samuel] said, Behold that which is left,
or reserved for thee by my appointment ! set [it] before thee, [and]
eat: for unto this time hath it been kept for thee since I said, 1
have invited the people. So Saul did eat with Samuel that day,
and he tnight perceive by this intimation of Samuel that zohat he
did was by divine direction. It seems the feast was kept in some
building near the tabernacle.
25 And when they were come down from the high place into
the city, [Samuel] communed with Saul upon the top of the
house, of his own house; here Samuel would probably tell him of
his own zcillingness to resign, and of his future advancement.
26 And they arose early : and it came to pass about the spring
of the day, that Samuel called Saul to the top of the house,
saying, Up, tliat I may send thee away. And after Samuel had
given him some further advice, Saul arose, and they went out
both of them, he and Samuel, abroad. 27 [And] as they were
going down to the end of the city, Samuel said to Saul, Bid the
servant pass on before us, (and he passed on,) but stand thou still
a while, that I may show thee the word of God, and that zvhat
I do is by divine direction. But he did this privateli/, that the
people might not think it was a contrivance between Saul and
Samuel, or that it was SamueVs choice and not GocTs.
REFLECTIONS.
As we shall have but little good to learn from the character of
Saul, we must make the best of it. And
1. Let young people learn lo be diligent, dutiful, and tender of
the reputation of their parents. The family of Saul, though in
some respects mean, were wealthy ; yet this choice young man
was brought up to be diligent. He was willing to go after his
father's beasts that were lost, and was unwilling to stay longer
than was necessary, lest he should grieve him. All young people
should desire to be employed, and should consult their parents'
interest ; be willing to submit to what may seem a mean oftice,
if it be for their advantage ; and do nothing that will grieve or
make them uneasy, as too many children do, when they run out
without their knowledge, or stay beyond the time allowed ; it is
very inigrateful, and what no dutiful children will do.
2. Learn from the example of Saul, to take advice, even fiom
I. SAMUEL. IX. 13
inferiors. He paid a regard to what his servant said, because
it carried reason with it. He did not bid him hold his tongue,
and ask. Who made him a counsellor? Wisdom and piety do not
always go by rank and fortune. Servants may see further than
their masters ; and as their advice should be given with respect
and deference, it should be received without any haughty airs ;
especially when their advice is such as will be of service to our
best interest.
3. Let us learn from the example of Samuel, how reasonable
and proper it is to bless our meat before we eat it. The maidens
told Saul it was Samuel's constant custom to bless the sacrifice,
that is, not only to pray over it while it was actually otfering, but
to bless that part of it w hich was to be eaten ; and the people
had so much piety that they would not eal till he came to perform
the sacred office. This is a reasonable duty, and we should do
it as priests and prophets in our own houses ; though it is pe-
culiarly decent for God's ministering servants to do it when they
are present. But let none neglect it, nor perform it in a few
hasty, muttering words, which have no meaning, and in which
those who are present cannot join. God may justly withhold
his blessing, vhen we have not the grace to ask for it; and
better not ask it at all, than do it in a triHing or profane manner.
Every creature of God is good, if it be received with thatiks-
S^ivincf.
4. There is something very graceful in the manner in which
Samuel treated Saul, and resigned the government to him, and
it gives us an high idea of the character of this great and good
man. Listead of envying Saul, and looking churlishly upon him,
he made a feast ; honoured him with a chief place ; ordered him
a choice morsel, and told him the news of his preferment. Truly
good men never envy those whom God raises above them. They
are not ambitious of honour ; and are willing to lay it down when
God pleases. Those make an idol of honour, who grudge the
promotion of others. John rejoiced concerning Christ, saying,
He shall increase, but I shall decrease.
44 I. SAMUEL. X.
CHAPTER X.
In this chapter Saiuucl anoints and instructs Saul, and gives him three
signs ; the signs arc accomplished ; and Saul is appointed king
by lot.
1 1 [I EN Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured [it] upon his
head ^', and he kissed him, i)i token of his complacency in the divine
choice, ami of reverence mid subjection, (Psalm ii. 12.), and said,
[Is it] not because the Lord hath anointed thee [to be] captain
over his inheritance "i to be a commander in war, a deliverer and
protector of his inheritance? and in token that this was done by
divine authority, he gave him three signs. 2 When thou art de-
parted from me lo-day, then thou shall tind two men by Rachel's
sepulchre in the border of Benjamin at Zelzah ; and they will say
unto thee, The asses which thou wentest to seek are found :
and lo, thy father hath left the care of the asses, and sorroweth
for you, saying, What shall I do for my son? 3 Then shalt thou
eo on forward from thence, and thou shalt come to the plain of
Tabor, and there shall meet thee three men going up to God to
Beth-el t, one carrying three kids, and another carrying three
loaves of bread, and another carrying a bottle of wine : 4 And
they will salute thee, and give thee two [loaves] of bread ;
which thou shalt receive of their hands ; it ivould conjirm his faith
in the divine appointment when he found himself thus honoured
even by strangers, doing him homage as if they had already known
him to be the king. 5 After that thou shalt come to the hill of
God, where [is] the garrison of the Philistines;]; : and it shall
come to pass, when thou art come thither to tiie city, that thou
shalt meet a company of prophets coming down from the high
• This was a very ancient rite, as appears from Jotham's parable two hundred
years bpfore, vhcn the trees went fortli to anoint a king. It was a sign that God
would pour out upon him some extraordinary measure of his Spirit.
t Beth-cl was a celebrated place in Jacob's time, where God appeared to him.
The tabernacle and the ark being separated, they were now used to sacrifice in
high places.
t This was probably Gibeah, (chap. xiii. 3.), a place where pious people used
to come on solemn occasions to be instructed, and where there was a college or
academy for the instruction of youth in the knowledge of God's law, and to train
tbem up in the exercises of piety.
I. SAMUEL. X. 45
place, where they have been to sacrifice, with a psaltery, and a
tabret, and a pipe, and a harp, before them ; and they shall pro-
phesy * : 6 And the Spirit of the Lord will come upon thee,
and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into
another man. This was the highest and most convincing assurance
that he was chosen by divine authority, he should immediately be
assisted to compose hymns to the honour of God, or join in their
psalms and melody, zvhich he had never learnt ; and be quite
another man, have a spirit of extraordinary prudence and courage,
and other qualities fit for a king to possess. 7 And let it be, when
these signs are come unto thee, [that] thou do as occasion serve
thee; for God [is] with thee; year tiot to undertake any service
for the good of Israel, for God will be with thee, and give success
against all its enemies. 8 And thou shalt go down before me to
Gilgal ; and, behold, 1 will come down unto thee, to offer burnt
offerings, [and] to sacrifice sacrifices of peace offerings : seven
days shalt thou tarry till I come to thee, and show thee what thou
shalt do '\'.
9 And it was [so,] that when he had turned his back to go
from Samuel, God gave him another heart : and all those signs
came to pass that day ; he had no longer the heart of an husband-
man, but of a general or prince ; and thinks of nothing but fighting
the Philistines and delivering Israel. A spirit of wisdom and
courage came upon him, which afterzcardsfor his sins was taken
away. 10 And when they came thither to the hill, behold a
company of prophets met him, and he prophesied among them,
he sung the praises of God, and spoke of divine things beyond his
natural ability. 11 And it came to pass, when all that knew
him beforetime saw that, behold, he prophesied among the
prophets, then the people said one to another. What [is] this
[that] is come unto the son of Kish ? It is strange to see him em-
ployed in a way quite different from his education and former
course of life. [Is] Saul also among the prophets? 12 And one
* Prophesying: sometimes signifies, not only foretelling future events, but pro-
nouncing in a sublime and edifying manner about divine truths, and preaching to
the people. Here it signifies praising God with instruments of music and singing.
See 1 Chron. xxv. 3.
f Gilgal was a famous place near Jordan and the twelve stones. Some suppose
that he was to sacrifice there seven days; others apprehend this refers to what
happened near two years after, see chap.xiii. I rather think it was a standing
rule which Samuel gave hiui, tliat in all difficult cases he should go to Gilgal, and
send for Samuel, who would meet him there, to consult with him, and ask counsel
of God ; but that he should wait seven days, to try Saul's faith and obedience, and
to curb his rash and hasty spirit.
46 I. SAMUEL. X.
of the same place answered and said. But who [is] their father ?
Is it not God who makes prophets, and who can bestow his gifts on
any o/.'f ? Therefore it became a proverb, ivhen amj man acted
bei/ond expectation, [Is] Saul also among the prophets; 13 And
when he had made an end of prophesying, he came to the high
place. This gift Kas onlif for a short time, and he then zcent to
the high place to thank God for the honour done him, and to pray
for wisdom to manage his trust faithf idly . 14 And Saul's uncle
said unto him and to his servant, Whither went ye r And he said,
To seek the asses : and when we saw that [they were] nowhere,
we came to Samuel. 15 And Saul's uncle said, Tell me, I pray
thee, what Samuel said unto you. iG And Saul said unto his
uncle, He told us plainly that the asses were found. But of the
matter of the kingdom, whereof Samuel spake, he told him not,
lest he should seem to have been seeking ihc croun, or they should
envy Jiiin ; and especially as Samuel thought Jil lo keep it a secret
hitherto.
17 And Samuel called the people together unto the Lord to
Mizpeh, the elders and heads (f tribes, to commemorate God's
former favours to them at the pillar called Ebenezer (chap. vii. 5.);
18 And said unto the children of Israel, Thus saith the Lord
God of Israel, I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and delivered
you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of
all kingdoms, [and] of lliem that oppressed you : 19 And ye have
this dav rejected your God, who himself saved yon out of all
your adversities and your tribulations ; and ye have said unto him,
[Nay,] but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves
before the Lord by your tribes, and by your thousands. He
reminds them of their folly and sin in rejecting God, who had
raised them up judges and deliverers; and knowing their disposition
to suspect intrigue, or not to submit to his choice, he directs that
lots should be cast to know whom God had chosen ; he therefore
calls them by their tribes and their thousands, every tribe being
divided into a thousand, as our counties are into hundreds.
20 And when Samuel had caused all the tribes of Israel to come
near to the place where the lot was drazcn, in the presence of their
elders and heads, the tribe of Benjamin was taken. 21 When
he had caused the tribe of Benjamin to come near by their fami-
lies, the family of Matri was taken, and Saul the son of Kish
was taken * : and when they sought him, he could not be found ;
• The lot was cast four times ; first for the tribe of Benjamin, second for the
family of Matri, third for the hoiiseliolrt of Kish, and fonrtii for Saul.
I. SAMUEL. X. 47
he absented himself either because he thought he zcas unjit, or to
escape the envy of his neighbours ; and considering the present
perilous state of Israel under the oppression of the Philistines.
22 Therefore ihey inquired of the Lord further, if the man
should yet come thither, probably by the high priest and the ephod.
And the Lord answered, Behold he hath hid himself among the
stuff, the baggage or furniture of the tent. 23 And they ran and
fetched him thence : and when he stood among the people, he
was higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward.
24 And Samuel said to all the people, See ye him whom the
Lord hath chosen, that [there is] none like him among all the
people? here is such a one as you mshedfor; let your own eyes
be Judges, is he not a brave man, who hath majesty and grandeur in
his countenance and stature'^ And all the people shouted, and said,
God save the king, or, as in the Hebrezv, Let the king live, let him
have a long and prosperous reign. 25 Then Samuel told the people
the manner of the kingdom, and wrote [it] in a book, and laid [it]
up before the Loud. And Samuel sent all the people away, every
man to his house. He explained the duties of a king and his
subjects ; particularly, what zeas in the law of' Moses upon this head,
and probably added other particulars.
26 And Saul also went home to Gibeah, and lived privately
there till God should call him to take upon him the public admi-
nistration oj affairs ; and there went with him a band of men,
whose hearts God had touched ; some stout, valiant men, whom
God inclined to follozo him as his lij'e-guard. 27 But the children
of Belial, some lewd, proj'ane felloios, who hated all governmoit ,
and perhaps were of some great family who despised the meanness
of Saul's house, said. How shall this man save us ? And they
despised him, and brought him no presents, as was customary to
the king, especially at his accession, and in token of their sub-
jection and joy. But he held his peace, or, he was as though he
had been deaf. This was the effect of the spirit of prudence which
was given him; it would have been very impolitic to have begun his
reign with an act of severity.
REFLECTIONS.
1. As this is the first account of the prophets and their com-
panies, we may here reflect upon the wisdom of God in appointing
this order of men, and these seminaries for their instruction. We
read of several colleges: Bethel, Jericho, Gibeah, and Naioth in
48 I. SAMUEL. X.
Ramal), of which Samuel was president, and probably founded
them. 'I he priests and Levites were appointed to teach the law,
and to judge and decide in controversies; but as a great part of
their time was taken up about the tabernacle, and as they were
perhaps ready to lay too great a stress on those rituals in which
they were concerned ; therefore prophets were ordained to be a
check upon the priests, and to be guardians of the spiritual or
moral part of the law; as the priests were of the ceremonial.
Prophets were trained up, by a long course of study, temperance
and discipline, to be preachers of righteousness ; and to receive
upon extraordinary occasions the inspiration of the Spirit. God
generally chose prophets out of such as were educated in these
colleges. The presidents were called fathers or masters. Here,
it is generally thought, they studied not only the law, but music,
arithmetic, astronomy, and other sciences that qualified them
the better for Uie service of God, and the mstructiou of the
people. This was a very wise institution ; let us be thankful
that we have such among us ; and pray for the schools of the
prophets, that from these fountains, such streams may issue
forth, as shall make glad the city of our God.
2. Those whom God raises up for any service shall be qualified
for it : Saul had another heart when he was anointed king. God
proportions our abilities to the duties to which he calls us ; we
have therefore the highest reason to follow the leadings of his pro-
vidence, and to trust in him at all times ; then we shall find, that
as our day is, so will our strength he.
3. From the different treatment which Saul met with from his
subjects, we may reflect upon the different manner in which men
are affected towards our blessed Redeemer, God's anointed Son.
Some pay him homage, bring him presents, and yield their whole
selves to him. It becomes us all to inquire, whether we are
among the number of those who are disposed to reverence him ;
and are become his dutiful subjects. If we arc, it is because
God hath touched our hearts, and let him have the praise. Others
will jiot have this man to reign over them; they despise him,
distrust his power, reject his authority. For a while Christ may
hold his peace; but he will not always do it; in the end they
shall a'il be brought forth, and slain before him. Remember
Christ is God's anointed Son ; he has chosen him to reign over
us, and to reign for ever. Kiss the Son, therefore, lest he be angry,
and ye perish from the way when his wrath is kindled but a little.
Psalm ii.
I. SAMUEL. XI. 49
CHAPTER XI.
This chapter informs us of the extremity to which the inhabitants of Ja-
bcsh were reduced; of their deliverance by Saul, and the confirmation
of him in the government, with the consent of all the people.
1 IHEN Nahasli the Ammonite came up, and encamped
against Jabesh-gilead* : and all the men of Jabesh said unto Na-
hash, Make a covenant with us, and we will serve thee : they
agree to be his subjects and pay tribute, contrary to the command
of God to make no covenant with those accursed 7iations. 2 And
Nahash the Ammonite answered them, On this [condition] will I
make [a covenant] with you, that I may thrust out all your right
eyes, and lay it [for] a reproach upon all Israel ; a barbarous, re-
proachful condition, both to themselves and to all Israel, only fit for
slaves and cowards to comply zcith. 3 And the elders of Jabesh
said unto him. Give us seven days' respite, that we may send mes-
sengers unto all the coasts of Israel ; and then, if [there be] no
man to save us, we will come out to thee. They were afraid Saul
could not or would not help them ; but they were resolved to try ;
and 'Nahasli, from a foolish confidence in his strength, gave them
time to do so.
4 Then came the messengers to Gibeah of Saul, and told the
tidings in the ears of the people : and all the people lifted up
their voices, and wept, out of compassion for their brethren, de-
spair of their relief, and fear for themselves ; they were relations to
them, for the Benjamites had their wives from thence. 5 And, be-
hold, Saul came after the herd out of the field ; and Saul said.
What [aileth] the people that they weep ? And they told him the
tidings of the men of Jabesh. Jfier his election (eh. x. 24.) he
retired again to his private capacity, till some fit opportunity offered
itself for him to assume the throne and royal dignity ; in the mean
time the management of affairs was left to Samuel. 6 And the
* This city lay beyond Jordan, on the borders of the Ammonites. It had for-
merly been destroyed, and had but few inhabitants. The Ammonites had pro-
claimed war against them before this, which was the reason why they desired a
king, see ch. xii. 12. Probably they had now heard that some were disaffected to
Saul, and were in hopes that Israel would not help them, therefore they make an
attack upon this place.
VOL. III. K
50 I. SAMUEL. Xr.
Spirit of God caiue upon Saul when he heard those tidings, and
his anger was kindled greatly. He found a strung impulse on his
mind, and great courage and resolution to act like the king of Israel.
He zcas angry at Nahash, at the mean spirit of the people ofJabesh,
and at Israel's zcecping. 7 And lie took a yoke of oxen, and
hewed them in pieces, and sent [them] throughout ail the coasts
of Israel by the hands of messengers, saying, Whosoever cometh
not forth after Saul and after Samuel, so shall it be done unto his
oxen. And the fear of the Lord fell on the people, and they
came out with one consent; as the sight of the eyes a^ects more
than a hare report, he accompanied his threatenings ^vith a part of
the ox. He adds the name of Samuel, to engage those to come who
might not have regarded himself; and God teas pleased to possess
the hearts of the Israelites icith a fear of of ending him, so that thei/
came after him. 8 And when he numbered them in Bezek, the
children of Israel were three hundred thousand, and the men of
Judah thirty thousand. Perhaps Judah is mentioned singlj/, to
show their readiness to submit to a king who was of a tribe mucli
meaner than their orcn, or because of their precedency in all a fairs
both civil and military. 9 And they said unto the messengers
that came, whom they kept till they sazc what success they should
have, Thus shall ye say unto the men of Jabesh-gilead, To-mor-
row by [that time] the sun be hot, ye shall have help. And the
messengers came and showed [it] to the men of Jabesh ; and they
were glad. 10 Therefore the men of Jabesh said, To-morrow
we will come out unto you, and ye shall do with us all that seem-
eth good unto you, if help does not come, according to v. 3, the hopes
of which they conceal, in order to make the Ammonites more secure.
11 And it was [so] on the morrow, that Saul put the people in
three companies ; and they came into the midst of the host
in the morning watch, and slew the Ammonites until the heat of
the day, the Israelites on three sides, and the men of Jabesh on the
fourth, so that they zccre completely hemmed in : and it came to
pass, that they which remained were scattered, so that two of
them were not left together. They gained a complete victory,
and thus God established SauVs authority. The inhabitants of
Jabesh-gilead remembered and requited this kindness long after,
ch. xxxi. 1 1 — 13.
12 And the people said unto Samuel, Who [is] he that said.
Shall Saul reign over us ? bring the men, that we may put them
to death. Samuel attended the army to encourage and animate the
Israelites ; and the people who had borne the contempt thrown upon
I. SAMUEL. XI. 51
Saul without any resentment before, nou<, charmed zoith his valour
and prudettce, zcould have the offenders all put to death. 13 And
Saul, with great xvi&dom and clemency, said, There shall not a man
be put to death this day, we will not have a day of joy and triumph
stained tvith severity, or zcith an act that shall cause mourning
among the people ; for to-day the Lord, in great mercy, hath
wrought salvation in Israel, therefore let us imitate the divine com-
passion and goodness.
14 Then said Samuel to the people, Come, and let us go to
Gilgal; and renew the kingdom there. Samuel seized the op-
portunity to confirm Saul in the kingdom, and took the people to
Gilgal, a place convenient for the inhaliitants on both sides of Jor-
dan, in order to renew the covenant between Saul and the people
concerning the kingdom, and install him publicly and solemnly into
it. 15 And all the people went to Gilgal ; and ihere they made
Saul king before the Lord in Gilgal; and there they sacrificed
sacrifices of peace offerings before the Loud, owned and accepted
him for their king bij general consent, and anointed him publicly,
which was done only privately before, and performed all other so-
lemnities requisite for his inauguration ; and there Saul and all the
men of Israel rejoiced greatly, gave God thanks for their victory,
and the happy settlement of the kingdom.
REFLECTIONS.
1. We have in Saul, an example of a good magistrate and
ruler. He was diligent in his own private affairs, and concerned
for the welfare of Israel. He had, in this instance, courage and
resolution, attempered with much mildness. How happy is it when
these good qualities meet ! How well Avould it have been for him-
self and for Israel, if he had continued so ; but alas ! we shall soon
see the contrary.
2. The fear of God is the noblest principle, as it will make men
courageous, resolute, and public-spirited, (ver. 7.) The fear of
God fell on then), and that induced them to obey the king's sum-
mons, pity their brethren, and come immediately to their relief.
Religion makes men good subjects, good soldiers, and true friends
to their country. Let us cultivate this principle in ourselves, and
teach it to our children if we wish them to be public blessings;
and if we wish them to lead quiet arid peaceable lives, we must
teach them to love the brotherhood, fear God, and honour the king,
E e
52 I. SAMUEL. XII.
3. We see here, how fickle the disposition of mankind is, what
little dependance is to be placed on their applause, and how little
we should be affected by their contempt. Many despised Saul,
and many of those who adhered to him saw him despised without
resenting it. But great success made great alterations in the af-
fections of the people ; no sooner was he victorious, than every
one was for Saul, and against his enemies ; every one was the
friend of him who prospered in his way. This instance, and many
others in the holy scriptures, teach us to cease from uiau, and never
to lay any stress on the enjoyment or want of popular applause,
for it is easily gained, and as easily lost. Let it be our ambition to
secure t/ie honour which comethfrom God, for his loving-kindness is
better than fife.
CHAPTER XIL
The close of the last chapter left the assembly of the states at Gilgal ;
Saul was made king by universal consent. Here Samuel resigns the
government, and attempts to make the people penitent and religious;
he appeals to them concerning the ecjuity of his administration, and
sets before them their ingratitude; his exhortations are enforced by
a remarkable sign ; and they arc encouraged to hope in God's mercy
if they are not rebellious.
1 And Samuel said unto all Israel, Behold, I have hearkened
unto your voice in all that ye said unto me, and have made a king
over you. The people were transported with joy at having a king ;
they Jiattered themselves that God was pleased with their request,
because he had given them a king, and so signal a victory. Sa-
muel embraced this opportunity to convince them of their mistake,
and that this favourable circumstance was not owing to their piety
or politics. ^ And now, behold, the king walketh before you,
to rule and govern you : and I am old and greyheaded, and hate
cheerfully resigned without envy or discontent ; and, behold, my
sons [are] with you as private persons, responsible for any male-
administration: and I have walked before you from my childhood
unto this day, discharged my place faithfully, as a l^evite, a prophet,
and a judge. 3 Behold, here I [am :] witness against ine before
I. SAMUEL. XII. 53
the Lord, and before his sinomted, puttiiig hoiiuiij' upoji Saul in
making himself accountable to him: then offering himself to he
tried, and his whole administration examined, he desires the people
to speak freely, without any check or restraint : VVliose ox have I
taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom have I defrauded'*
whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I received [any]
bribe to bhnd mine eyes therewith, that 1 should not discern what
was right and just ; or dissemble as if I did not see it? and I will
restore it you, and make full satisfaction. 4 And they said, Thou
hast not defrauded us, nor oppressed us, neither hast thou taken
aught of any man's hand ; they acknowledge that he had been an
upright judge, and had done nothing amiss; they ought to have
applauded him for it. 5 And he said unto them, The Lord [is]
witness against you, and hie anointed [is] witness this day, that ye
have not found aught in my hand. And they answered, [He is]
witness; they bore this testimony in the presence of God and the
king. Thus he vindicated his oivn character and conduct ; showed them
their folly in desiring a king ; gives a good example and a useful
lesson to Saul; and could more boldly reprove them when his otcn
innocence was thus publicly ackuozdcdged.
6 And Samuel said unto the people, [It is] the Lord that ad-
vanced Moses and Aaron, and that brought your fathers up out
of the land of Egypt, tJiat set them in part of the land, conducted
them to Jordan, appointed Joshua to be their leader, and promised
them success. He then gives them a short history of God's mercy
to them. 7 Now therefore stand still, that 1 may reason with
you before the Lord of all the righteous acts of the Lord, which
he did to you and to your fathers. 8 When Jacob was come into
Egypt, and your fathers cried unto the Lord, then the Lord
sent Moses and Aaron, which brought forth your fathers out of
Egypt, and made them dwell in this place. 9 And when they
forgat the Lord their God, he sold them into the hand of Sisera,
captain of the host of Hazor, and into the hand of the Philistines,
and into the hand of the king of Moab, and they fought against
them; their sin was the cause of all their calamities, and not any
defect in the government of their judges. 10 And they cried unto
the Lord, and said, We have smned, because we have forsaken
the Lord, and have served Baalim and Ashtaroth : but now de-
liver us out of the hand of our enemies, and we will serve thee ;
such were their prayers and promises xvhen under affliction. He
then reminds them of their deliverance; 11 And the Lord sent
Jerubbaal, that is, Gideon, and Bcdan, probably this was Samson^
51 I. SAMUEL. XII.
zoho was a man of Dan*, and Jephthah, and Samuel, and deli-
vered yoii out of the hand of your enemies on every side, and ye
dwelled safe. 12 And when ye saw that Nahash the king of the
children of Ammon came against you, ye said unto me, Nay ; but
a king slia!! reign over us : when the Lord your God [was] your
kmg. Tliejj zcould not stai/ till God raised tliem up a judi^e, or a
deliverer, or till he commanded Sarnuel to fight, but would hate a
King. 13 Now therefore behold the king whom ye have chosen,
[and] whom ye have desired ! and, behold, the Lord hath set a
king over you. 14 If ye will fear the Lord, and serve him, and
obey his voice, and not rebel against the commandment of the
XjO'ri^, for you are 8tHl on your good behaviour, then shall both
ye and also the king that reigneth over you continue following the
Lord your God; xcho xvill be your leader, guide, and protector,
and you shall be safe and happy under his care; otherzcise your
enemies tvill still oppress you, and your king will not be able to
save you. 15 But if ye will not obey the voice of the Lord,
but rebel against the commandment of the Loud, then shall the
hand of the Lord be against you, as [it was] agamst your fathers,
IG Now therefore stand and see this great thing, which the Loud
will do before your eyes, he will give you a visible demonstration
of the truth of zchat I have said ; you shall see it is not the lan-
guage of a zceak old man, but of an inspired prophet. 17 [Is it]
not wheat harvest to-day, a fine, clear day, zvhen there is no like-
lihood of rain? and, zi'liat you knozo is not usual at this season, I
will call unto the Lord, and he shall send thunder and rain; that
ye may perceive and see that your wickedness [is] great, which ye
have done in the sight of the Lord, in asking you a king; that
you may see God's power and knozcledge, and his displeasure against
yon, and that he could as easily punish you as he did the P/tilistines
by thunder ; thus you irill see your folly in rejecting him and his
prophets, zcho have such interest zcith him.
J8 So Samuel called unto the Lord: and the Lord sent
thunder and rain that day : and all the people greatly feared the
Lord and Samuel; they feared lest God should indeed destroy
them, and that Samuel loould not intercede for them ; therefore
they earnestly beg his prayers. 19 And all the people said unto
Samuel, Pray for thy servants unto the Lord thy God, that we
die not, lest the fruits of the earth be utterly destroyed, and our
persons consumed : for we have added unto all our sins [this] evil,
* It was conimun to have two names, one of which wa? taken I'rom the place
they «;aiin; liom, or sonn' olh( v remarkable viieiims-tvinte.
I. SAMUEL. XII. 55
to ask us a king. They were not sensible of this, before, but now
they are brought to repentance and humble acknowledcnnent of their
guilt.
20 Ami Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done
all this wickedness : yet turn not aside from following the Lord,
but serve the Lord with all your liearts ; do not despair of recover-
ing thedivine favour : 21 And this is the best and only xoay of doing
it ; turn ye not aside to idols : for [then should ye go] after vain
[things,] which cannot profit nor deliver ; for they [are] vain, mis-
chievous, and destructive, are not able to save you, and icill expose
you to the displeasure of God. Q.1 For the Lord will not forsake
his people, for his great name's sake, his honour would, suffer, as if
he was m faithful or unkind : it is not for any merit in you, but all
of God's free grace and mercy, because it hath pleased the Lord
to make you his people. 23 Moreover as for me, though I have
been highly disobliged, and ill requited, yet God forbid that I
should siu against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you: but I
will teach you the good and the right way, / xcill pray for and di-
rect you aslongas Hive. 24 Only fear the Lord, and serve him in
truth with all your heart, with diligent care and steadfast resolution,
Otherzcise all my prayers and instruction zcill ansiver tio end : for
consider how great [things] he hath done for you, consider his
gi-eat goodness in not rejecting you, but setting a king over you.
25 But if ye shall still do wickedly, neither my prayers, nor
Saul's courage, zcill be of any avail, for ye shall be consumed, both
ye and your king.
REFLECTIONS.
1. We learn Iruni hence, that it is our duty to behave in such a
manner, as that we may be able to appeal to God and men for the
integrity and unblameableness of our conduct. This should be
the care of all, more especially of those in superior stations, as
magistrates, ministers and parents. Let us herein exercise ourselves,
to keep a conscience void of offeme; and when we come to review
life, we shall have comfort in ourselves and the approbation of
others. A good conscience makes a man confident ; he dares
put himself upon trial, and challenge all the world. To have the
good word of our neighbours, that we have lived honestly and
soberly in the world, will be our comfort under contempt and
slights^ which old people, when their days of service are over, too
56 I. SAMUEL. XII.
often meet with. Let our whole conduct be so open, fair, and
good, that we may be able at the close of life to say, with the
apostle, Ye are witnesses, and God also is my zoitness, how un-
hlameahli) I have walked among you.
2. It is a duty we owe to ourselves, to our own comfort and
usefulness, to vindicate our reputation and to keep a good name.
Samuel knew his own private failings, but was willing his public
conduct should be cleared and vindicated, and the testimony of
Israel to it gained. This was very different from courting esteem
and begging applause. As a good name is valuable, and better
than great riches, we ought to be solicitous about it, and endeavour
to roll away every reproach which may be thrown upon it, to re-
move every suspicion and aspersion, and to finish our course ivitk
honour, as well as with joy.
3. Let us not conclude any way to be right because we prosper
m It. The Israelites had a king given them at their request ; but
m that then- wickedness was great, and their request displeased
God. If men increase their fortunes by indirect ways, by op-
pression, fraud, smuggling, ganimg, and the like, it is no argu-
ment that these things are lawful, or that God will connive at them.
Providence may seem to smile upon practices which the law of
God forbids. Therefore let us look well to the principles on
which we act, and the ends we pursue ; and see to it that the
means be upright and justifiable. God may grant our request,
but send along with it leanness and a blast. In his anger he may
make the greatest prosperity of fools to destroy them.
4. The calamities we have passed through, and the deliverances
afforded us, should be remembered by us to promote our humi-
liation and gratitude. If wc recollect what sins we have commit-
ted, what dangers we have been surrounded with, what deliverers
have been raised up, we shall find that God has done great things
for us in answer to our prayers ; that we have reason for humi-
liation on account of our sins, which have exposed us to God's
displeasure, and on account of our small improvement of his fa-
vours ; and for thankfulness for the kind appearances of provi-
dence for us ; for God's prophets, who remind men of these
things, and reason with them about them as reasonable creatures,
capable of thinking, reflecting, and judging. Let us never forget
the goodness of God to us in these instances.
5. Though men should disoblige us and treat us ill, we are to
do them all the good in our power, as Samuel did. We should
abhor the thought of returning evil for evil, and of neglecting any
I. SAMUEL. XIII. 57
method of doing good to those by whom we have been neglected
or shghted. To neglect prayer for the happiness even of our
enemies, and those who despise us, is a sin against God. Good
men are afraid of sins of omission, and christians are under pecu-
Har engagements to love their enemies, to bless them that curse thetn,
and to do good to them that despitefuUy use and persecute them ;
and thus, not be overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
6. We learn, that righteousness exalteth a nation; but sin is the
reproach of anj/ people. The drift of Samuel's farewell sermon
was, to impress this upon the minds of the people ; to engage
them to serve God and obey his voice. Let this be our care, as
Britons, to obey the divine law, to manifest in our own conduct,
and to promote in others, public virtue ; to serve the Lord in truth
and righteousness. This, in the natural course of things, secures
prosperity, and obtains the blessing of heaven. And if this be
not our character, we shall be consumed ; the wisdom of our ad-
ministrations, the courage of our princes and commanders, will
all be vain ; our government will be a blessing to us, if we are
obedient to God; otherwise, our destruction will be inevitable.
Thus Samuel exhorted the Israelites ; and it will be our duty and
interest, to cultivate practical religion and serious godliness, as the
only way to secure the continuance of national blessings and the
salvation of our own souls. The Lord will be xoithi/ou, while you
are zcilh him ; but if you forsake him, he zoill cast you off for ever.
CHAPTER XIII.
In this chapter \vc have the beginning of a war between the Israelites
and Philistines ; Saul's trespass, and Samuel's reproof of him ; the
insolence of the Philistines; and the weakness of Israel.
1 ^AUL reigned one year, it was one year since he was chosen
king by the Lord in Mizpeh ; he was the son of a year, as in the
Hebrew; the day of his inauguration being considered as his birth
day : and when he had reigned two years over Israel, 2 Saul chose
him three thousand [men] of Israel ; [whereof] two thousand were
with Saul in Michmash and in mount Beth-el, and a thousand
were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin : and the rest of the
people he sent every man to his tent; these were sufficient for his
guard, and to keep the country in peace.
58 I. SAMUEL. XIII.
S And Jonatliaii smote the garrison of the Philistines that
[was] in Geba, and the Philistines heard [of it.] And Sanl blew
the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, Let the Hebrews
l)ear. This is thejirst time we read of Jormthan, who^e character
was xery amiable, both as a warrior and a friend. Thoug;h the
Philistines zcere subdued by Samuel, yet they still kept some gar-
risons. The frst step to rid the country was to get possession of
these. Jonatlian began. The Philistines declared zcar ; and Saul
sent messengers through Israel to infonn them of this victory, for
their encouragement, and to sum/non them to Gilgal, tshere Samuel
had appointed a rendezvous. 4 And all Israel heard say, [that]
Sanl had smitten a garrison of the Philistines, and [that] Israel
also was had in abomination with the Philistines. And the peo-
ple were called together after Saul to Gilgal.
5 And the Philistines gathered themselves together to fight
with Israel, thirty thousand chariots*, and six thousand horse-
men, and people as the sand which [is] on the sea shore in mul-
titude : and they came up, and pitched in Michmash, eastward
from Beth-aven.
6 When the men of Israel, who had no chariots or horses, saw
that they were in a straight, (for the people were greath/ terrified
and distressed) then the people did hide themselves in caves, and
in thickets, and in rocks, and in high places, and in pits ; this was
very cowardly ^ considering their late success against the Jmmonites.
7 And [some of] the Hebrews went over Jordan to the land of
Gad and Gilead, eastward, the Philistines were in the west. As
for Saul, he [was] yet in Gilgal, and all the people followed him
trembling at the sight of such a prodigious army before them.
8 And he tarried seven days, according to the set time that
Samuel [had appointed,] (ch. x. 8.) but Samuel came not to
Gilgal till towards the latter end of the seventh day ; and the peo-
ple were scattered from him, when they sate Samuel did not come
to advise on this dangerous situation. He delayed his coming till
the last day, to try Saul's faith and patience. 9 And Saul said.
Bring hither a burnt offering to me, and |)cace offerir)gs. And he
offered the burnt offering. 10 And it came to pass, that as soon
PS he had made an end of offering the burnt ofl^ering, and before
he began to qfer the peace ofcring, behold, Samuel came ; and
Saul went out to meet him, that he might salute him.
* Both the Syriac and Arabic copies say three thousand chariots ; and this
seems more likely than thirty thousand. Nor were these liiree thousand all
fighting chariots, Init probably carriages for the baggage and to take away the
plunder liicy expected.
I. SAMUEL. XIII. 59
] I And Samuel said, What hast thou done? an expression of
concern and resentment for his disobedience to God's orders. And
Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from
me, and [that] thou earnest not within the days appointed, and
[that] the Philistines gathered themselves together at Michmash ;
12 Therefore said I, The Philistines will come down now upon
me to Gilgal, and I have not made supplication unto the Lord:
1 forced myself therefore, and offered a burnt offering. Saul
here makes a very poor excuse. He saw his soldiers deserting, and
apprehended that Santucl might he prevented from coming ; he
therefore ventured to offer a sacrifice, though much against his own
inclination, lest the enemif should come and attack them before he
had made satisfaction to God. The burnt offerings were attended
toith prayer, they rcere a kind of humble supplication. 13 And
Samuel said to Saul, by his prophetical authoriti/, Thou hast
done foolishly : thou hast not kept the commandment of the
Lord thy God, which he commanded thee, it was not my com-
mand, but the command of Jehovah, that thou shouhht ivait for
me: for now would the Lord have established thy kingdom upon
Israel for ever, that is, for a long time, as the ivord often signifes,
so long as thou and thy posterity shall continue. 14 But now thy
kingdom shall not continue in thy family : the Lord hath sought
him a man after his own heart, and the Lord hath commanded
him [to be] captain over his people, because thou hast not kept
[that] which the Lord commanded thee*.
15 And Samuel arose, and gat him up from Gilgal unto
Gibeah of Benjamin : and Saul numbered the people [that were]
present with him, about six hundred men, and these had no swords
or spears with them, only bows, or slings, or clubs, the rest of his
company had fed for fear, ver. 6, ?• l6 And Saul, and Jonathan
his son, and the people [that were] present with them, abode in
Gibeah of Benjamin : but the Philistines encamped in Michmash.
17 And the spoilers came out of the camp of the Philistines in
three companies : one company turned unto the way [that leadeth
to] Ophrah, unto the land of Shual : 18 And another company
tiHned the way [to] Beth-horon : and another company turned
[to] the way of the border that looketh to the valley of Zeboini
* This was only a conditional threatening ; God would do so, if he was not
more obedient for the future ; and this appears by Samuel's goinst along with him
to his place of abode. He had charged Saul with acting foolishly; this might
have been forgiven ; but in chap. xv. 23—26., we find he was absolutely rejected
for disobedience; and is there charged, not only with folly, but presumptuous
rebellion.
60 I. SAMUEL. XIII.
towards the wilderness, the Philistines sent out three parties to
ravage the country. ]g Now the reason xchy they made these
inroads so easily nas, that there was no smith found throughout
all the land of Israel : for the l^hilistines said, Lest the Hebrews
make [them] swords or spears: 20 But all the IsraeHtes went
down to the Philistines, to sharpen every man his share, and his
coulter, and his ax, and his mattock*. 21 Yet they had a file
for the mattocks, and for the coulters, and for the forks, and for
the axes, and to sharpen the goads, when they were groivn blunty
that they might he Jit for agriculture. There was plenty of brass
ayid iron in Canaan, hut they were forced to zcork at the Phi-
listines' forges. £2 So it came to pass in the day of battle,
that there was neither sword nor spear found in the hand of
any of the people that [were] with Saul and Jonathan : but
with Saul and with Jonathan his son was there found. To
introduce the story in the next chapter, it is here added, 23 And
the garrison of the Philistines went out to the passage of Mich-
mash, that they might hinder them from attacking the garrison;
here they lay in a convenient pass, and zcere ready to attack the
Israelites if they ventured out.
REFLECTIONS.
1. We see how ill men sometimes judge for themselves, and
to what straights they are brought when they will have their own
way, and not follow the leadings of Providence. The Israelites
would not have God and Samuel to govern them ; they thought
a king would do wonders ; that nothing could stand before him.
But here we see them in a wretched situation, flying and trembling
under great dread and slavery. Samuel had no need of such
weapons as swords or spears, thunder and lightning had been his;
from which even their king could not save them. Now they saw,
or might have seen, their vain confidence. They needed God's
help as much as before. May we learn to trust in the Lord with
all our hearts, and not lean to our oivn understandings.
2. We learn, that all breaches of the divine commands are
folly, and such as nothing will excuse for. Saul would be thought
very prudent in securing his soldiers from division, and very pious
• This was during their oppression in the times of thcjudges, (2 Kings xxiv. 14.,
Judges V. 8.), I'oiK'nna obJiged the Romans by covenant, to use no iron but for
tillage.
I. SAMUEL. XIV. 61
in sacrificing before he went out to battle; but his conduct was
wicked, for he disobeyed God's commandment. Men sometimes
think themselves wise and poHtic, while they act contrary to the
law of God ; but it is the height of folly, especially in those who
think to substitute prayer, or any external performances, or cere-
monial observances, instead of obedience to the weightier matters
of the law. Nothing is more foolish than to imagine that God will
be pleased with services directly contrary to his orders, and in
disobedience to his commands. A good understanding have all
they, and they only, -who fear the Lord, who do his commandments,
hearkening to the voice of his word.
CHAPTER XIV.
We have in this chapter an account of Jonathan's success against the
Philistines' garrison ; the successful attack on the body of the Phi-
listine army; with Saul's rash adjuration, and the bad consequence
it was attended with, to Jonathan and the people.
] l\ OW it came to pass upon a day, that Jonathan the son of
Saul said unto the young man that bare his armour. Come, and
let us go over to the Philistines' garrison, that [is] on the other
side the valley. But he told not his father, lest he should hijtder
the project. He was justified in doing this, as he had a general
commission to fight the enemy. 2 And Saul tarried in the utter-
most part of Gibeah under a pomegranate tree which [is] in
Migron, where he had pitched his tent: and the people that [were]
with him [were] about six hundred men ; 3 And Ahiah, the son
of Ahitub, I-chabod's brother, the son of Phinehas, the son of
Eli, the Lord's priest in Shiloh, wearing an ephod, and the ark
also was there. And the people knew not that Jonathan was
gone, as he uent away in the night. 4 And between the passages,
by which Jonathan sought to go over unto the Philistines' gar-
rison, [there was] a sharp rock on the one side, and a sharp rock
on the other side : and the name of the one [was] Bozez, and the
name of the other Seneh ; here the garrison zcas so defended that
there was no zcay of coming at them but by climbing one of these,
5 The forefront of the one [was] situate northward over against
62 I. SAMUEL. XIV.
Micliniash, and the other soutliward over :»gainst Gibeah. 6 And
Jonatlran said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and
let us go over unto the garrison of tliese uncircunicised, who are
strangers to the covenant of God: it may be that the Loun will
work for us: for [there is] no restraint to the Lord to save by
many or by few, it is equa//j/ easi/ to his almighty power. 7 And
his armourbearer said unto him, Do all that is in thine heart :
turn thee ; behold, I [am] with thee according to thy heart, / atn
resolved not to forsake thee, be the expedition ever so hazardous.
8 Then said Jonathan, Behold^ we will pass over unto [these]
men, and ue will discover ourselves unto them at the break of
day, 9 If th^y say thus unto us. Tarry until we come to you ;
then we will stand still in our place, and will not go up unto
them. 10 But if they challenge ns to advance, and say thus,
Come up unto us; then we will go up: for the Lord hath de-
livered them into our hand : and this [shall be] a sign unto us.
Frobabli/ he had desired of the Lord that this might be the sign,
and God inspired him with so much resolution and faith as to
depend upon it. 1 1 And both of them discovered themselves
unto the garrison of the Philistines : and the Philistines said,
Behold, the Hebrews come forth out of the holes where they had
hid themselves, through fear or want of food, in the bottom of the
rocks. 12 And the men of the garrison answered Jonathan and
his armourbearer ivitii mockery and contempt, and said. Come up
to us, and we will show you a thing, come if yon dare, we will
make you pay dear for your attempt. And Jonathan said unto
his armourbearer. Come up after me: for the Lord hath de-
livered them into tlie hand of Israel, 13 And Jonathan climbed
up upon his hands and upon his feet, and his armourbearer after
him, by some dijicult zcay out of the Philistines' vieiv, and coming
upon them behind, surprised them : and they fell before Jonathan ;
and his armourbearer slew after him, they made great slaughter
among them. The Philistines were terrifed when they satv it was
Jonathan, who had S7nitte7i one of their garrisons before. 14 And
that first slaughter, which Jonathan and his armourbearer made,
was about twenty men, within as it were an half acre of land,
[which] a yoke [of oxen might plough.] 15 And there was
trembling in the host, in the field, and among all the people : the
garrison and the spoilers, they also trembled, and the earth quaked :
so it was a very great trembling*. \6 And the watchmen of
* Some of the Kanison flying to tlie army wliicli lay encamped on tlio side of
the hill, threw them into great confusion, thinking that an army was coming
I. SAMUEL. XIV. 63
Saul ill Gibeah of Benjamin looked ; and, behold, the multitude
melted away, unre Jli^ivg and scattered all around; and they
went on beating down [one another,] destroying one another, not
distinguishing friends from foes.
17 Then said Saul unto the people that [were] with him,
IS umber now, and see who is gone from us. And when they
had numbered, behold, Jonathan and his armourbearer [were]
not [there]. Jonathan zms soon missed, but Saul thought henould
not go zvithout a body of men to suppo7't him ; and supposing there
was a skirmish between the armies, he wanted to know where they
were engaged, and what was to be done in the case ; he therefore
consulted the high priest. I8 And Saul said unto Ahiah, Bring
hither the ark of God. For the ark of God was at that time with
the children of Israel. IQ And it came to pass, while Saul
talked unto the priest, that the noise that [was] in the host of the
Philistines went on and increased : and Saul said unto the priest.
Withdraw thine hand. He stopped him in the middle of his service,
thought the case was plain enough, as there zcas co? fusion in the
Philistine host ; and he resolved to arm immediateli/ and pursue
them. Thus he at once discovered his hypocrisy and profaneness.
20 And Saul and all the people that [were] with him assembled
themselves, and they came to the battle : and, behold, every
man's sword was against his fellow * ; [and there was] a very
great discomfiture. 21 Moreover the Hebrews [that] were with
the Philistines before that time, which went up with them into
the camp [from the country] round about, even they also, either
through fear or compulsion, [turned] to be with the Israelites that
[were] with Saul and Jonathan. 22 Likewise all the men of
Israel which had hid themselves in mount Ephraim, [when] they
heard that the Philistines fled, even they also followed hard after
them in the battle ; the cowardly Israelites came out of their
holes and hiding-places, and fell vpon thefying enemy. 23 So the
Lord saved Israel that day: and the battle passed over unto
Beth-aven ; though there were other instrutnents used, yet their
salvation was of the Lord.
24 And the men of Israel were distressed that day nith hunger
against them. The circnnistances were aggravated beyond the truth, as is usual
in such cases; aud they suspected treachery among themselves. The earth,
quaked. It is uncertain whether this was real, or only a figurative expression
for a tumult ; but certain it is they were all struck with a panic.
• There were various conff derate nations, or tribes, in the army, who did not
know one another amidst their confusion and terror.
64f I. SAMUEL. XIV.
and faiiit/icss, for zmnt of proper food for refreshment : for Saul
had adjured the people, sa}ing, Cursed [be] the man that eateth
[any] food until evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies.
He solemnly declared in the name of God, that the inan should be
put to death who stayed to take any food ; a rash and foolish
oath: So none of the people tasted [any] food. 25 And all
[they of] the land came to a wood; and there was honey upon
the ground ; either a hollow tree, or a cleft in the rock was full of
honey, which fell on the ground, so that the land fozced with it,
26 And when tiie people were come into the wood, behold, the
honey dropped ; but no man put his hand to his mouth : for the
people feared the oath. 27 But Jonathan heard not when his
father charged the people with the oath ; wherefore he put forth
the end of the rod that [was] in his hand, and dipped it in an
honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth ; he ignorantly trans-
gressed this absurd law, and with the end of his spear gathered up
some honey and eat it; and his eyes were enlightened, he was
refreshed and invigorated, his spirits and strength zcere restored,
and his eyes brightened. 28 Then answered * one of the people,
and said. Thy fadier straitly charged the people with an oath,
saying, Cursed [be] the man that eateth [any] food this day. And
the people were faint, so that they could not pursue their victory
so vigorously and effectually, as otherioise they might have done,
yet forbore to take any food. 29 Then said Jonathan, My father
hath troubled the land : see, I pray you, how mine eyes have
been enlightened, because 1 tasted a little of this honey. 30 How
much more, if haply the people had eaten freely to-day of the
spoil of their enemies which they found? for had there not been
now a much greater slaughter among the Philistines ? would they
not have pursued them more swiftly, and done more execution among
them?
31 And they smote the Philistines that day from Michmash
to Aijalon, quite to their ozcn borders: and the people were very
faint, through Saul's foolish prohibition, or they nould have pur-
sued them further. 32 And the people Hew upon the spoil, and
took sheep, and oxen, and calves, and slew [iheni] on the ground :
and the people did eat [them] with the blood, either raiv or half
dressed, contrary to the law of Moses ; this teas in the evening,
when they returned from the slaughter. S3 Then they, that is,
* In Hebrew, one is said to answer, when tlie si)eech relates to what was done
at well as to what was said.
I. SAMUEL. XIV. 65
some who 7aere more conscientious' than the rest, told Saul, saying,
Behold, the people sin against the Loud, in that they eat with
the blood. And he said, Ye have transgressed : roll a great
stone unto me this day, to slay the beasts upon, that their blood
may run from them. 34 And Saul directed his officers to give
notice of this, and said, Disperse yourselves among the people,
and say unto them, Bring me hither every man his ox, and every
man his sheep, and slay [them] here, and eat ; and sin not against
the Lord in eating with the blood. And all the people brought
every man his ox with him that night, and slew [them] there.
35 And Saul built an altar unto the Lord, to offer sacrifice and
give thanks : the same was the first altar that he built unto the
Lord, or, as in the margin, that he began to build; for he did
jiot finish it, being in too great a hurry : this zms another evidence
of his neglect of God and his tvorship. oQ And Saul said. Let us
go down after the Philistines by night, and spoil them until the
mornmg light, and let us not leave a man of them, hoping to come
upon them while sleeping and cut them all off. And they said.
Do whatsoever seemeth good unto thee. Then said the priest,
Let us draw near hither unto God ; the priest remembering SauVs
former error and rashness, would have him ask counsel of God.
37 And Saul asked counsel of God, Shall I go down after the
Philistines ? wilt thou deliver them into the hand of Israel ? But
he answered him not that day. This zcas to show Saul that there
was guilt somewhere, and to convince him upon the whole of his
rashness and folly, which caused Israel to sin, hindered the prose-
cution of the victory, and exposed his ozcn valiant son to death.
38 And Saul said, Draw ye near hither, all the chief of the
people : and know and see wherein this sin hath been this day,
which hath provoked God to deny an ansiver. 39 Por, [as] the
Lord liveth, which saveth Israel, though it be in Jonathan my
son, he shall surely die. But [there was] not a man among all
the people [that] answered him. 40 Then said he unto all
Israel, Be ye on one side, and I and Jonathan my son will be on
the other side. And the people said unto Saul, Do what seemeth
good unto thee. 41 Therefore Saul said unto the Lord God of
Israel, Give a perfect [lot.] And Saul and Jonathan were
taken: but the people escaped. 42 And Saul said, Cast [lots]
between me and Jonathan my son. And Jonathan was taken.
God permitted this, to discover Saul's hypocrisy, who did not fear
a rash oath and a tyrannical adjuration, yet icould slay his son for
a sin of ignorance only ; but thus Jonathan was justifed, and
VOL. III. F
66 I. SAMUEL. XIV.
Saul's folly made manifest. 43 Then Saul said to Jonalhaiij
Tell me what thou hast done. And Jonathan told him, and
said, I did but taste a little honey with the end of the rod that
[was] in mine hand, [and,] lo, I must die. This showed great
honour and courage ; he does not censure his father, or plead his
OTcn service, or innocence ; but generously submits to the sentence,
only ackyioxdedges it to be hard; but Saul, uith violence and fury,
suears he shall die. 44 And Saul answered, God do so and more
also: for thou shalt ssirely die, Jonathan. 45 And the people
said unto Saul, Shall Jonathan die, who hath wrought this great
salvation in Israel? God forbid: [as] the Lord liveth, there
shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground; for he hath
wrought with God this day, by his help and assistance; therefore
he shall not die. So the people rescued Jonathan, that he died
not. 4G Then Saul went up from following the Philistines, this
ruffle prevented his prosecution of the victory ; and the Philistines
went to their own place.
47 So Saul took the kingdom over Israel, and ruled with
greater authority than he did before, and fought against all his
enemies on every side, against Moab, and against the children of
Ammon, on the east, and against Edom, on the south, and against
the kings of Zobah, in Syria, on the north, and against the Phi-
listines, in /he zcest, and whithersoever he turned himself, he
vexed [them;] he kept them under, but did ?2ot quite subdue them;
that was left for David. 48 And he gathered an host, and smote
the Amalfckites, and delivered Israel out of the hands of them
that spoiled them.
49 Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, and Ishui, and Mel-
chi-shua : and the names of his two daughters [were these ;] the
name of the first born Merab, and the name of the younger
Michal : he had also Ishbosheth and other children, but they were
young, and did not accompany him in his wars. 50 And the name
of Saul's wife [was] Ahiiioham, the daughter of Ahimaaz : and the
name of the captain of his host [was] Abner, the son of Ner,
Saul's uncle. 5 1 And Kish [was] the father of Saul ; and Ner the
father of Abner [was] the son of Abiel, 52 And there was sore
war against the Philistines all the days of Saul : and when Saul
saw any strong man, or any valiant man, he took him unto him,
to prefer him in the army, which was the custom of tlie eastern
kings.
I. SAMUEL. XIV. 67
REFLECTIONS.
1. We may infer hence, that the almighty power of God
should be an encouragement to his people under every diffi-
culty. Jonathan encouraged himself by the consideration, that
nothing was too hard for God. When in the way of duty, and
undertaking services to which Providence calls us, we should not
despair because our strength is small. Though the friends of
God and religion are few in number, and their enemies very
numerous, yet he is able to make them victorious. Let us lirmly
believe this, and apply it in every particular circumstance. Let
us cheerfully rely upon the power of God ; this will be likely to
silence vain fears, to raise up the hands that hang down, and ani-
mate all our petitions,
2. When God liides his face from us, and denies an answer to our
prayers, we should inquire the cause. Saul, as little as he knew
of religion, saw the necessity of this. Let us find out where the
sin lies ; and then we may be assured that God's hand is not short-
ened that he cannot save, nor his ear heart/ that he cannot hear.
But our iniquities will separate betzceen us and God ; and if we
desire our prayers should be heard, we must avoid sin, and put it
away from us, for if we regard iniquiti/ in our hearts, the Lord
will not hear us.
3. We may learn from the whole of this chapter, what a mise-
rable creature he is who hath no rule over his own spirit, what-
ever dignity and eminence he may arrive at in the world. Let
men of rash and hasty spirits see, what a wretched figure even a
king of Israel made, when under the influence of such a temper.
What a mixture of jarring passions was there in his heart! these
made him a terror to himself. What a mixture of religion and hy-
pocrisy ! Asking advice of the Lord, and stopping in the middle
of the service ; calling the priest, then restraining him ; making a
rash oath, and keeping it ; swearing in a most unbecoming
manner, and acting like a fury who had lost humanity and all na-
tural affection. May we all learn to govern our passions and
appetites, and to guard our tempers, that nothing rash, inconsi-
derate, or revengeful be found in them. Especially should those
who know themselves to be naturally warm and hasty, be careful
to set a double watch over the doors of their lips. It would have
been much more for Saul's honour to have governed his passions,
F 2
68 I. SAMUEL. XV.
than to have conquered the Philistines, for, as Solomon observes,
Prov. xvi. 32., He that is sloiv to anger is better than the mighty:
and he that ruleth his own spirit than he that taketh a city.
CHAP. XV. 1—23.
We h.ive licre Saul's expedition against tlie Amalekites ; and the sentence
passed upon him by Samuel for his partiality and disobedience; after
this, Samuel executes Agag, and retires from Saul.
1 Samuel also said unto Saul, The Lord sent me to anoint
thee [to be] king over his people, over Israel : now therefore
hearken thou unto the voice of the words of the Lord ; Samuel
reminds him of the great obligation he was under to God, that he
might be more careful arid cheerful in obeying his commands, and not
run into farther errors. 2 Thus saith the Lord of hosts, who has
an absolute command over univeisal nature, and is the disposer of
all creatures and all events, I remember [that] which Amalek did
to Israel, how he laid [wait] for him in the way, when he came
up from Egypt, (Exodus xvii, 8 — 16.). 3 Now go and smite
Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them
not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and
sheep, camel and ass*. 4 And Saul gathered the people to-
gether, and numbered them in Telaim, two hundred thousand
footmen, and ten thousand men of Judah : Judah is distin-
guished because it was the royal tribe. It had the privilege of
gains: frst, and the Messiah was to come out of it. 5 And Saul
came to a city of Amalek, the chief city, where the king resided,
and laid wait in the valley.
6 And Saul said unto the Kenites, most probably by SamueVs
direction, Go, depart, get you down from among the Amalekites,
lest 1 destroy you with them : for ye showed kindness to all the
* This king and liis people had been cruel and bloody enemies to God's Israel,
and therefore deserved to be destroyed for ihcir own sins. Sec r. lb., where it is
said, Go and utterly destroy the shiuers the Amaltkites- The nieasiue of their ini-
quity was now full, and they were srrown ripe for the execution of their long
threatened punishment. God directs Israel to do this execution on a people who
had used them and their fathers so barbarously ; if any anioiii; tliein were righteous,
(iod would make an equitable distinction in a future state, as he does in the case of
all uational calamities, which conic imniediately from his own hand.
I. SAMUEL. XV. 69
children of Israel, when they came up out of Egypt*. So the
Kenites departed from among the Amalekites ; some into the
rockj/ part of' the country, see Numb. xxiv. 21., the others into the
tribe ofJudah; for tee read of them afterwards under the name of
Rechabites.
7 ^nd Saul smote the Amalekites from Havilah [until] thou
comest to Shur, that [is] over against Egypt, through their whole
count r 1/ ; but some of them escaped, for we read of them aftei-wards
in David's time. 8 And he took Agag the king of the Ama-
lekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge
of the sword, all that came in their way, ch. xxvii. 8., xxx. 1.
9 But Saul and the people spared Agag, either out of foolish pity
or covetousness, thinking to get a large ransom for him, and also
kept the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings,
and the lambs, and all [that was] good, such as money, jeioels, &;c.,
and would not utterly destroy them : but every thing [that was]
vile and refuse, not zcorth keeping, that they destroyed utterly.
Saul was the chief counsellor, and all the people agreed to do this
to enrich themselves thereby.
10 Then, before Saul returned from his expedition, came the
word of the Lord unto Samuel, saying, 11 It repenteth me
that I have set up Saul [to be] king : for he is turned back from
following me, and hath not performed my commandments. The
i?ieaning is not, that God teas sorry for what he had done, because
he did not know the consequences beforehand ; but he would act as
men do when they repent, he would treat Saul in a different
manner, revoke his favours, and lay him aside. And it grieved
Samuel ; and he cried unto the Lord all night, beseeching him to
pardoji Saul. 12 And when Samuel rose early to meet Saul in
the morning, it was told Samuel, saying, Saul came to Carmel,
and, behold, he set him up a place, a monument of his victory, to
his oion honour and not to God, and is gone about, and passed on,
and gone down to Gilgal in great pomp, with ^gag and the good
things of the Amalekites in triumph. 13 And Samuel came to
Saul: and Saul said unto him, Blessed [be] thou of the Lord:
I have performed the commandment of the Loud. Saul begins,
wishing him all happiness from God, thanking him for the service
he had done him in sending him on such an honourable expedition,
* The Kenites were the descendants of Jctliro, an ancient friend to God's people.
They had not been guilty of the sins of the Amalekites, and being shepherds, they
lived in tents, therefore could easily remove.
70 I. SAMUEL. XV.
and boasts of his performance, without being sensible of his fault.
14 And Samuel said, What [meaneth] theu tliis bleating of the
sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen w hich 1 hear r
Surelj/ this is an evidence of guilt, not consistent zcilh your pro-
fession of obedience. \5 And Saul said, They have brought them
from the Anialekites : for the people spared the best of the sheep
and of the oxen ; he lays the fault on the ^people, when he had the
chief hand in it ; but urges that they did it zuith a very pious design,
to sacrifice unto the Lord thy God, tchom thou lotest and servest,
and therefore undoubtedly thou uilt be pleased zcith this; and the
rest we have utterly destroyed. 16 Then Samuel said unto Saul,
Stay, and I will tell thee what the Lord halh said to me this
night. And he said unto him, Say on. This looks as if Saul was
confident of his ozcn righteousness, and fully satisfied with his own
achievement; he no doubt hoped to hear himself commended, and never
expected this thundering lesson. 17 And Samuel said, When thou
[wast] little in thine own sight, [wast] thou not [made] the head of
the tribes of Israel, and the Lord anointed thee king over Israel .?
He reminds him of his lozv beginning, and the humility and modest i/
he formerly expressed. 18 And the Lord sent thee on a journey,
an honourable expedition, and said. Go and utterly destroy the
sinners the Anialekites, and fight against them until they be con-
sumed. 19 Wherefore then didst thou not obey the voice of the
Lord, but didst fly upon the spoil, like a ravenous bird or beast,
and take the accursed thing like Achan, and didst evil in the sight
of the Lord, zdio can easily see through all thy pretences.
20 And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of
the Lord, and have gone the way which the Lord sent me, and
have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly de-
stroyed the Amalekites. With the greatest insolence he gave
Samuel the lie, while he in effect confessed what Samuel charged
him with. 21 But the people took of the spoil, sheep and
oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly
destroyed, to sacrifice unto the Lord thy God in Gilgal ,• he
again layi the blame upon the people, who he says did it zcith a
good intention, to sacrifice to God, though it is probable neither
he nor they had any such design. 22 And Samuel said, Hath the
Lord [as great] delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in
obeying the voice of the Lord .' a question this ichich Saul could
not dispute ; the sacrifices were intended to promote obedience, to be
the means of religion, obedience zcas the end. Behold, to obey [is]
r. SAMUEL. XV. 71
better than sacrifice, [and] to hearken than the fut of rams, ///(///
the best and most costly sacrifices. 23 i'or rebel) ion [is as] the
sin of witchcraft, that is, divinations or enchantments, which were
contrary to the Uno of God, and looked upon as renouncing him ;
and stubbornness [is as] iniquity and idolatry, that is, the iniquity
of idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of ilie Loud,
he hath also r'ejected thee from [being] king, as idolaters were to
lose their lives, so Sanl his kingdom.
REFLECTIONS.
1. VV'e hence learn, that the judgments of God will, sooner or
later, come upon wicked men; especially those wlio are enemies
to God's church and people. He bore long with the Amalekites;
but when their iniquity was full, he executed his righteous ven-
geance upon them. The sentence against evil doers is not always
speedily executed ; yet judgment will surely come ; and the longer
it is delayed, the heavier it will fall. Divine justice, though some-
times slow, is always sure.
2. We see that it is a dangerous thing to associ;ite with God's
enemies. The Kenites would have suffered greatly by living
among the Amalekites, if they had not had timely notice to with-
draw. This should be a caution to us against keeping wicked
company, and forming alliances with those who have no religion.
God has given us warning to come out from among them, and be
separate ; and if we do not, we are in danger of partaking of their
sins and their plagues. Solomon hath said, that a companion of
fools shall be destroyed.
3. See from hence what a dangerous thing the iove of the
world is. They spared the beasts in direct violation of the divine
command : covetousness seems to have been at the bottom of all.
We see too many instances of liiis ; men are obedient to God
where nothing is to be lost by it, but are ready to disobey him
when any temporal advantage is to be obtained. The love of
money is the root of all evil; which some having coveted after,
have pierced themselves through uith many sorroits. This was
Saul's case.
4. It is no uncommon thing for men to boast of piety, when
they are notorious transgressors of God's commands. How
proudly and impudently does Saul boast of his obedience, be-
cause, he had done part of his duty', So men think themselves
73 I. SAMUEL. XV.
very good, commend themselves, and lift up their faces with
confidence to God's ministers, because they have some good
qualities, because they are not idolaters, or have opposed the
enemies of religion, or have destroyed what was vile. They
have parted with some sins, to which they had little or no temp-
tation, and with which they could dispense without loss or re-
luctance. But the best of the sheep and oxen, the things that
are dear to them as a right hand or a right eye, these they are
unwilling to be without. They live in the breach of some of
God's laws, and yet boast, and are confident, of their goodness.
But their boasting is a very bad symptom, and a mark of hypocrisy;
for true obedience is always joined with humility, and low thoughts
of ourselves. If men are really as pious as they pretend to be,
what mean these bleatwgs, these sinful indulgences, this worldly
spirit, these ungoverned passions, this love of pleasure and vanity?
l^hey should remember, that rebellion is as great a sin as witch-
craft, and stubbornness as idolatry. But wicked men will dis-
tinguish where there is no distinction, and serve God in that
manner only, and in what instances they please ; and thus the^
are hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
5. See how prone men are to lay the fault upon others, when
themselves are principally, if not only, guilty. This was Saul's
case ; the people were scarce blamcable at all, or else Samuel
would have reproved them ; what they did was by Saul's direction,
and yet he endeavoured to throw the blame upon them. This is
too often the case with confident men; they are ready to censure
any body, rather than take shame to themselves. It is to be feared
this is too much the disposition of men in general ; the de-
scendants of the first transgressor are apt to adopt his language.
The woman which thou gavest me tempted me, and I did eat. This
proves the inward conviction men have, that sin is a real evil,
because they are so unwilling to own it, and so forward to censure
and condemn others.
6. It concerns all to attend to that important truth of an in-
spired prophet, that obedience is better than sacrifice: and that
rebellion against a known command of God, is a most heinous
crime. Humble, conscientious obedience, is better than all sacri-
fices. Exactness in ritual observances and ceremonial forms,
is nothing without a holy life : this is the main thing. Our Lord
refers to this passage when he would convince the pharisees that
(iod loveth mercy better than sacrifice. The end is better than
the means. Prayer and sacrifices are good things in themselves,
I. SAMUEL. XV. 7S
but piety, justice, and charity, are the end. And lest any should
imagine that positive commands may be safely neglected,
while they obey moral precepts, let them consider, that rebellion
is as witchcraft and idolatry. Refusing to obey the true God,
is as bad as serving a false one. From hence it follows, that to
neglect baptism and the Lord's supper, which are expressly com-
manded by our Lord, though they are only positive institutions,
(tiiat is, depend on the will of the lawgiver), is rebellion, as well
as fraud, drunkenness, and ido' <try. And it is to be wished that
those who live in the neglect of the Lord's supper would con-
sider this, for Saul was rejected for disobeying a plain command
of the Almighty.
CHAP. XV. 24, to the end.
We have here Saul's fruitless humiliation ; Samuel's execution of the
divine sentence against Agag ; and the parting of Saul and Samuel.
24 And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for 1 have
transgressed the commandment of the Lord, and thy words:
because 1 feared the people, and obeyed their voice : this was a
ridiculous excuse, because the people were at his command; and in
several instances before recorded, he seemed to stand in no awe of
them. 25 Now therefore, I pray thee, pardon my sin, and turn
again with me to Gilgal, that 1 may worship the Lord there,
and that thou mayest pray for me, and assist me in imploring
forgiveness of God. 26 And Samuel said unto Saul, I will not
return with thee : for thou hast rejected the word of the Lord,
and the Lord hath rejected thee from being king over Israel ;
Samuel, according to his present view of things, peremptorily denied
his request, lest he should seem to approve or alloio what he had
done. 27 And as Samuel turned about to go away, in great in-
dignation, at discovering so much meanness and hypocrisy in a king
of Israel, Saul thought the people would imagine he was greatly
under God's displeasure, and therefore he laid hold upon the skirt
of his, SamueVs, mantle, and it rent. This casual rent teas a proper
emblem of Saul's rejection. 28 And Samuel said unto him. The
Lord hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and
hath given it to a neighbour of thine, [that is] better than thou.
74 I. SAMUEL. XV.
29 Aud also the Strength of Israel, zcho is not loeak, like men, and
therefore can execute all his purposes, or rather, who giveth victory
to Israel, will not lie nor repent : for he [is] not a man, that he
should repent*'. 30 Then he said, 1 have sinned; [yet] honour me
now, I pray thee, before the elders of my people, and before Israel,
and turn again with me, that I may worship the Lord thy
God. He now acknoxvledges itis guilt without excuse or alkviution,
and submitted to his sentence; but desired, while he was king, that
he might not lose the honour and submission of his subjects, and he
was chiejli/ concerned about this. 3 1 So Samuel turned again
after Saul; and Saul worshipped the Lord. Samuel probabh/
did this bij divine direction, lest the people should withdrazc their
obedience if they saw him quite rejected.
32 Then said Samuel, Bring ye hither to me Agag the king
of the Amalekites, he spoke to the people before Saul, that he
might see what he ought to have done. And Agag came unto him
delicately, ejfe)ninaieli/, both in his dress and walk. And Agag
said. Surely the bitterness of death is past; being spared bij
Saul and his soldiers, he thought there teas no danger from an old
prophet, and that he zcould only reprove him. 33 And Samuel
said, As thy sword hath made women childless, so shall thy
mother be childless among women. J'his shows that he had been
a cruel, bloody tyrant. And Samuel hewed Agag in pieces before
the Lord in Gilgal : he ordered him to he executed on the spot,
as Elijah did Baal's prophets, 1 Kings xviii. 40.
34 Then Samuel went to Ramah ; and Saul went up to his
house to Gibeah of Saul. 35 And Samuel came no more to see
Saul until the day of his death, he saw him ajYerwards acciden-
tally, but probably nothing passed between them: nevertheless
Samuel mourned for Saul, he had so much pity for him and love
for his country, that he continued to lament the conditioji of both :
and the Lord repented that he had made Saul king over Israel,
that is, he changed the manner of his dealing with him, and all
Samuel's prayers and tears could not reverse the sentence.
* God is said to repent, when he alters his dispensations as men alter their
conduct. But he rannot repent, as that denotes weakness and imperfection, and
want of sufficient knowledge. There was no room for it in this case, because he
had declared the Amalekites should be destroyed, and contirnied it by an oath;
80 that Saul's breaking the command of God in this case was the highest aftVont
to him.
I. SAMUEL. XV. 75
REFLECTIONS.
1. How liard is it to bring men to a sense of their guilt, and to
acknowledge their crimes ! What poor subterfuges does Saul
shelter himself under ! How many idle excuses, when his guilt
was so glaring ! Thus do the children of disobedience run from
one excuse to another ; and it is really melancholy to see, as we
often do, especially ministers, when they visit sick and dying
persons, how backward men are to acknowledge those evils
which all the world besides can see. The pride of their hearts
hath deceived them, and there are no words uttered with more
difficulty than these, I was mistaken, I have done evil. But let us
j2ot be deceived, God is not mocked; he that hideth his sins shall not
prosper; but he that confcsseth and forsaketh them, shall find
mercy.
2. God is just and righteous, and will not alter his threatenings
against the wicked. The Strength of Israel zcill not lie or repent.
His threatenings indeed are conditional ; if men persist and con-
tinue impenitent, ihey will be executed ; but if they repent,
the Lord will pardon. He is not weak, so as to forget sin ; he
is not fickle to alter his mind ; nor feeble, so as to be unable to
execute his threatenings : his sentence upon impenitent sinners is
irreversible ; and those who abuse his long-suffering goodness,
will find at last no place for repentance, though they should seek it
carefully with tears.
3. We see that sinners are more solicitous about their own
credit and honour, than of God's acceptance. We never find in
Saul any marks or fruits of genuine repentance, and very little
concern to regain the favour of God ; but he was extremely loth
to lose his credit with his people. He expressed great respect
for Samuel, merely to save appearances before them. Thus men
often seem zealously affected towards God's ministers, and desire
to be at peace with them and the church, merely for the sake of
their own reputation and interest. They want to be honoured
before the people, while they seek not peace with God. What
wretched folly, hypocrisy, and self-deceit ! when God is the
judge, the master of every one, by whose sentence he must stand
or fall. Let all labour then to be approved of God, and to secure
that honour which comcthfrom him only.
70 I. SAMUEL. XVI.
4. The hearts of good men are greatly pained and grieved at
the wickedness of others, and especially persons of distinguished
rank and dignity. How earnestly did Samuel pray for Saul all
night, when he heard of his wickedness ; how affectionately did
he mourn for him when he was rejected ! Undoubtedly he was
very much concerned at his losing the kingdom ; more especially
on account of his losing the favour of God, and exposing himself
to future misery. Every good man's heart is pained when sinners
destroy themselves ; especially those who have received signal
favours from God, and have been advanced to distinguislied
honour. They are grieved when men forsake God, and are
forsaken of him. Let us labour to affect our hearts with the
misery of the wicked, and though, like Samuel, we refrain
from their company, when we see it is in vain to give them
any advice, and though they never mourn for themselves, let us
pity and pray for them, ifperadvent are God may give them repent-
ance to the achnoivledgment of the truth, that their souls may
be saved in the day of the Lord.
CHAPTER XVL
We are now entering on the history of David, who was an eminent
saint, a valiant hero, an inspired prophet, and the sweet psalmist of
Israel ; he to whom we arc indebted for the most excellent part of
our public devotions. We have in this chapter an account of his
being anointed king, and the manner in which he was introduced to
court.
1 And the Lord said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou
mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over
Israel ? Samuel had retired from Saul, and was employed in
training up prophets in the school under his care. He knezo it was
in vain to mourn, but he appeared to be much concerned lest Saul
should die suddenly, and there should be no one to succeed him ;
therefore God said to him, Fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will
send thee to Jesse the Beth-lehemite : for I have provided me a
king among his sons ; one very differeiit from Saul, who shall
fulfil all my will. 1 And Samuel said. How can 1 go ? if Saul
hear [it,] he will kill me, he will be s^reatli/ enraged at his re-
jection. And the Lord said, Take an heifer with thee, and say.
I. SAMUEL. XVI. 77
I am come to sacrifice to the Lord. This Samuel was used to
do frorn place to place, to keep up the worship of God, and to
prevent the inc7-easing wickedness of Israel. 3 And call Jesse to
the aiicrifice, to feast upon the peace offerings as friends and neigh-
hours used to do, and I will show thee what thou shalt do : and
thou shalt anoint unto me [him] whom I name unto thee ; so
shalt thou be preserved from danger. 4 And Samuel did that
which the Lord spake, and came to Bethlehem. And the elders
of the town trembled at his coming, lest he came to denounce some
judgment against them ; or to shun Said's displeasure, and so it
might be dangerous for them to entertain him, as chap. xxi. 1.,
and thei/ said, Comest thou peaceably? 5 And he said. Peace-
ably : 1 am come to sacrifice unto the Lord : sanctify yourselves,
bt/ washing and other legal purifications, also by meditation and
•prayer, and come with me to the sacrifice. And he sanctified
Jesse and his sons, and called them to the sacrifice. After the
sacrifice he went home with Jesse, while the feast on the peace
offering ivas getting ready, and acquainted him with his business ;
then Jesse called his sons to pass before him one by one.
6 And it came to pass when they were come, that he looked
on Eliab, and said. Surely the Lord's anointed [is] before him.
7 But the Lord said unto Samuel, by secret suggestioji. Look
not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because
I have refused him: for [the Lord seeth] not as man seeth ; for
man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh
on the heart. 8 Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass
before Samuel. And he said. Neither hath the Lord chosen
this. 9 Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he said,
Neither hath the Lord chosen this. 10 Again, Jesse made
seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto
Jesse, The Lord hath not chosen these. This proves that he
had made Jesse acquainted tvith the business. 1 1 And Samuel
said unto Jesse, Are here all [thy] children ? And he said. There
remaineth yet the youngest, and behold, he keepeth the sheep.
Jesse thought it was not likely the youngest should be chosen, there-
fore he did not send for him till Samuel ordered him. And
Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him : for we will not sit
down till he come hither. 12 And he sent, and brought him in.
Now he [was] ruddy, or red haired, which was counted a great
beauty among them, [and] withal of a beautiful countenance, or of
fine eyes, and goodly to look to, something very amiable and sweet
in his countetuince ; and these natural charms tcere probably height-
7^ I. SAMUEL. XVI.
ened hi/ a viodest hhtsh when he appeared before Samuel. And
the Lord said. Arise, anoint him : for this [is] he. This choice
of David icas evidentb/ the immediate act of(Jod,for Samuel and
Jesse had both judged wrong. 13 Then Samuel took th^horn
of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren, rather from
the midst of his brethren, in private ; because he was desirous to keep
it a secret, lest his elder brethren should envy him : and the Spirit
of the Lord came upon David from that day forward, a spirit
of prudence and courage, a public spirit; qualificntions fit for a
prince. Probably Samuel explained the meaning of this ceremony
as a designation to the kingdom after Saul's death, but not till
then, 2 Sam. ver. '2. So Samuel rose up, and went to Kamah.
14 But the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and an evil
spirit from the Lord troubled him. He grew melancholy, had
violent fits of phrensy, und strange agitations of body and mind :
his disorder might be chiefly natural, arising from vexation and
pride, and an evil spirit might take the advantage of it to make
him more melancholy , and sometimes more furious. 15 And Saul's
servants, or courtiers, perceived it, and sn\d unto him. Behold now,
an evil spirit from God troubleth thee. l(j Let our lord now
command thy servants [which are] before thee, to seek out a
man, [who is] a cunning player on an harp : and it shall come to
pass, when the evil spirit from God is upon thee, that he shall
play with his hand, and thou shalt be well*. 17 And Saul said
unto his servants, Provide me now a man that can play well, and
bring [him] to me. 18 Then answered one of the servants, zcho
wished to introduce David to the court, and said. Behold, 1 have
seen a son of Jesse the Beth-lehemite, [that is] cunning in
playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, Saul would
like him the better for this, and prurient in matters. Jit to stand
before Saul, who in his Jits might say and do many extravagant
things that were proper to be concealed, and a comely peison,
proper to be about the king's person, zndthe I^ord [is] with him,
he is remarkably favoured by Providence. 19 Wherefore Saul sent
messengers unto Jesse, and said. Send me David thy son, which
[is] with the sheep. 20 And Jesse took an ass [ladtn] with
bread, and a bottle of wine, and a kid, and sent [them] by David
his son unto Saul, as a token of homage, respect, and allegiance.
* Mn«ic is known to liave a natural temlency to assnagp the passions and
compose the mind. It was celebrated tor this among the antitnts; and it is
observed, that those who love music, are generally good-tempered, calm, and
gentle.
1. SAMUEL. XVI. 7§
21 And David came to Saul, arid stood before him ; Saul finding
him to be such a one as ztas represenied, promoted him to a place of
considerable honour, and he loved him greatly ; and he became
his armourbearer. 22 And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, Let David,
I pray thee, stand before me ; for he hath found favour in my
sit^hl. He desires Jesse's consent that he might continue zcith him:
this was a token of great kindness, that he would not keep him
without his father's consent. 23 And it came to pass, when the
[evil] spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp,
and played with his hand* ; so Saul was refreshed, and was well,
and the evil spirit departed from him ; he had some lucid intervals,
the tumult of his thoughts were composed, and he teas fit for the
business of his station.
REFLECTIONS.
1. We learn, (what cannot be too often inculcated) the ne-
cessity of solemn preparation before we engage in reUgious ex-
ercises : and though we are not required to use ceremonial
observances, yet we must prepare our hearts by meditation,
prayer, and serious consideration, and get rid of other cares, that
we niav wait upon the Lord zcithout distraction. This is neces-
sary, to render our services comfortable to ourselves, or acceptable
to God through the Redeemer.
2. We must reverence and fear that God who looketh into the
heart, and discerns the temper and principle, the affections and
thoughts. Samuel, though a wise and good man, was deceived
in Jesse's elder sons. If we trust to outward appearances, we
shall often be deceived. But let us always remember, that God
searches the heart; he knows who will best fill up particular
stations, and often fixes on those persons who to us seem most
unfit ; and rejects others, who appear most likely ; but at length
it will appear that we were mistaken. Let this be a caution to
us to guard our hearts ; to see that we act upon right principles,
and for good ends, for God cannot be deceived. We learn also,
to judge of others by their tempers and souls, and not by out-
ward appearances ; to value those most, whose minds are most
holy, whose tempers are kind and obliging ; not those who are
only eminent for a comely countenance or height of stature ; and
* Josepliuj tells u? that he added psalms and h\nins, which had a good eflFect
upou Saul.
80 I. SAMUEL. XVII.
who, like him whom Samuel thought the Lord would choose,
are proud, surly, and passionate.
3. How miserable is that person from whom the Lord is de-
parted, and his Spirit withdrawn ! When the Spirit of the Lord
departed from Saul he was in a sad condition, grew fretful
and revengeful ; sometimes melancholy, sometimes mad and
outrageous. There is not a more pitiable creature on this side
hell, than the man who is forsaken of God, and given up a prey
to his own heart's lusts. No one needs a worse punishment,
than to have his own passions let loose upon him, and the re-
straints of divine grace taken away. May we learn therefore
highly to value, and diligently to seek and cherish, the influences
of the good Spirit of God ; to guard against every iniquity,
especially wilful rebellion and disobedience ; for this will provoke
God to take away his Holy Spirit ; and no dignity or power can
secure the possession of it. May we learn to consider the dis-
pleasure of God, and the absence of his good Spirit, as the
greatest of all evils; for thus saith the Lord, Hos. ix. 12., JVoe
also to them when I depart from them !
CHAPTER XVII. ^
III the former chapter we had an account of David being at court; here
we find him in the camp. Goliath challenges the armies of Israel ;
David accepts die challenge, and gains the victory ; upon which Saul
inquires particularly about him.
1 i\ OW the Philistines took advantage of SauFs lunaci/ and in-
capacity for husinesSy and gathered together their armies to battle,
and were gathered together at Shochoh, which [belongeth] to
Judah, and pitched between Shochoh and Azekah, in Ephes-
dammim, or the coast of Dammim. 2 And Saul and the men of
Israel were gathered together, and pitched by the valley of Elah,
and set the battle in array against the Philistines. .'3 And the
Philistines stood on a mountain on the one side, and Israel stood
on a mountain on the other side : and [there was] a valley be-
tween them.
4 And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Phi-
listines, named Goliath, of Gath, one of the Anukims ivho fed
I. SAMUEL. XVII. 81
from Joshua, (see ch. xi. 22.), whose height [was] six cubits and
a span, more than three yards. 5 And [he had] an helmet of brass
upon his head, and he [was] armed, or clothed, with a coat of
mail ; and the weight of the coat [was] hve thousand shekels of
brass, or about a hundred and half. 6 And [he iiad] greaves of
brass upon his legs, and a target of brass between his shoulders.
7 And the staff of his spear [was] like a weaver's beam ; and his
spear's head [weighed] six hundred shekels of iron, about twcntu-
five pounds: and one bearing a shield went before him. 8 And
he stood and cried unto the arn»ies of Israel, and said unto them.
Why are ye come out to set [your] battle in array? [am] not I a
Philistine, and ye servants to Saul ? choose you a man for you,
and let him come down to me. 9 If he be able to fight with me,
and to kill nie, then will we be your servants: but if I prevail
against him, and kill him, then shall ye be our servants, and serve
us. 10 And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this
day ; give me a man, that we may fight together, atid bij single
combat decide the day. \ 1 When Saul and all Israel heard those
words of the Philisune, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid,
there was not a man that durst look him in the face ; even Jona-
than teas dismaj/ed, ami found no impulse to attack him ; this work
tuas reserved for David.
12 Now David [was] the son of that Ephrathite of Beth-lehem-
judah, whose name [was] Jesse ; and he had eight sons: and the
man went among men [for] an old man in the days of Saul, atid
tvas therefore excusedfrom going to tvar. 13 And the three eldest
sons of Jesse went [and] followed Saul to the battle : and the
names of his three sons that went to the battle [were] Eliab the
first born, and next unto him Abinadab, and the third Shammah.
14 And David [was] the youngest : and the three eldest followed
Saul. 15 But David went and returned from Saul to feed his
father's sheep at Beth-lehem, Saul's fits being noni over and his
fever become constant. l6 And the Philistine drew near morning
and evening, and presented himself forty days. 17 And Jesse
said unto David his son. Take now for thy brethren an ephah of
this parched [corn,] and these ten loaves, and run to the camp to
thy brethren ; 18 And carry these ten cheeses unto the captain
of [their] thousand, that he might show them favour, and not put
them upon a)n/ desperate service, and look how thy brethren fare,
and take their pledge, bring a token that they are alive and well.
19 Now Saul, and ihey, and all the men of Israel, [were] in the
VOL. III. ^
m I. SAMUEL. XVII.
valley of I'^lali, lighting with the Philistines, or ."ilcinius/iing, and
readi/ to flight.
CO And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep
with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him ;
and he came to the trench, or place of the carriage, as the host
was going forth to the fight, and shouted for the battle : hefonml
the armi/ drann up, the Philistine champion vapouring as usual,
and saw the panic into which the Israelites were struck. 2 1 For
Israel and the Philistines had put the battle in array, army against
army. 22 And David left his carriage, the provisions he had
brought to his brethren, in the hand of the keeper of the carriage,
and ran into the army, and came and saluted his brethren.
23 And as he talked with them, behold, there came up the cham-
pion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, out of the armies
of the Philistines, and spake according to the same words as be-
fore, V. 8., and David heard [them.] 24 And all the men of Israel,
when they saw the man, fled from him, and were sore afraid.
25 And the men of Israel said, Have ye seen this man that is
come up.'' surely to defy Israel is he come up: and it shall be,
[that] the man who killeth him, the king will enrich him with
great riches, and will give him his daughter, and make his father's
house free in Israel, ^/'ow all taxes and customs. 2(j And David
spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done
to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the re-
proach from Israel .' he inquires more particularly into the reward
that zeas to be given, and then adds, for who [is] this uncircum-
cised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God ?
He was not so much moved bi/ the reward, as by zeal for God and
his covenant. 27 And the people answered him after this man-
ner, saying, So shall it be done to the man that killeth him.
28 And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the
men; and Eliab's anger was kindled against David, he was moved
with envy and jealousy, and he said, Why camest thou down hi-
ther? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wil-
derness ? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart ;
for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle. This
was -ceru unkind language, imputing his coming there to nothing but
curiosity and pride; and intimates, that he teas more Jit to tend a
few sheep, than to fight a giant. 2<) And David returned a very
mild answer, and said. What have I now done? [is there] not a
cause ? had I not reason enough for coining here, when my father
I. SAMUEL. XVII. 83
sent me, and for making this inquiry, when Israel's army and God
are defied'^
30 And lie turned from him towards another, and spake after
the same manner : and the people answered him again after
the former manner. 31 And when the words were heard which
David spake, they rehearsed [them] before Saul : and he sent for
him. 32 And David said to Saul, Let no man's heart fail be-
cause of him ; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine.
33 And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this
Philistine to fight with him: for thou [art but] a youth, and he a
man of war from his youth; out of kindness to David he would not
have him to venture his life. 34 And David, ivith great dignity
and humility, said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father's sheep,
and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the
flock : 35 And I went out after him, and smote him, and deli-
vered [it] out of his mouth : and when he arose against me, I
caught [him] by his beard, and smote him, and slew him. SQ Thy
servant slew both the lion and the bear : and this uncircumcised
Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the ar-
mies of the living God. 37 David said moreover. The Lord
that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of
the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Piiilistine.
David encouraged hitnself by lliree arguments, — his success against
these beasts, the uncircumc.ision of the Philistine, and that lie had
defied the armies of the living God ; therefore he assured himself
of success. And tvhen Saul found him to be a man of so much
courage, resolution and faith, he said unto David, Go, and the
Lord be with thee.
38 And Saul armed David with his armour, and he put an
helmet of brass upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of
mail. 39 And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he
assayed to go ; for he had not proved [it.] And David said unto
Saul, I cannot go with these ; for I have not proved [them ;] not
having been accustomed to them, they were rather an incumbrance
than an help to him. 40 And David put them oft' him. And he
took his staft" in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of
the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even
in a scrip ; and his sling [was] in his hand : and to shozo that he did
not fear him, he drew near to the Philistine. 41 AwA the Phi-
listine came on and drew near unto David ; and the man that bare
the shield [went] before him. VI And when the Philisline looked
about, and saw David, he disdained him : for he was [but] a youlli,
G 2
84 I. SAMUEL. XVII.
and ruddy, and of a fair countenance ; he expected to have met
some tall, robust person ; butjinding a youth coming, zcho was not
like a ivarrior, but amiable rather than terrible, he thus addi-essed
him, 4J And the Pliilistine said unto David, [Am] 1 a dog,
that thou comest to me with staves ? And the Philistine cursed
David by his gods, prayed Dagon and Ashtaroth to destroy him ;
a circumstance tohich David no doubt considered as a token for good.
44 And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will
give thy tlesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the
field. 45 Then said David to the Philistine, in the most ?ioble,
courageous and pious language, Thou comest to me with a sword,
and with a spear, and with a shield : but I come to thee in the name
of the LoKD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom
thou hast defied. 46 This day will the Lord deliver thee into
mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee;
and i will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day
unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth ;
that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. 47 And
all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword
vind spear, or any humaii force: for the battle [is] the Lord's, and he
will give you into our hands ; it is the Lord's cause, and he will make
it successful. 48 And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose,
and came, and drew nigh, stalking on with state and insolence, to
meet David, that David hasted, and while the Israelites were pity-
ing David, and the Philistines despising him, he ran towards the
army to meet the Philistine. 49 And j3avid put his hand in his
bag, and took thence a stone, and slang [it,] and smote the Phi-
listine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and
he fell upon his face to the earth ; the beaver of his helmet, or that
part zchich covers the forehead, zms probably turned up in scorn,
and fearing no danger to that place, God directed the stone there.
50 So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a
stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him ; but [there was] no
sword in the hand of David. 51 Therefore David ran, and stood
upon the Pliilistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the
sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut oft" his head thcrcw ith. And
when the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they fled;
they did not ihrozc down their arms and become servants to Saul, as
Goliath had promised, hut ran azcai/.
52 And the men of Israel and of Jndah arose, and shouted, and
pursued the Philistines, David probabh/ leading the zcny, until
thou come to the vallov, and to the jj-ates of Ekron. And the
I. SAMUEL. XVII. 85
Moinided of the Philistines fell down by the way toShaaraim, even
unto Galh, and unto Ekron ; great multitudes were destroyed,
ho And the children of Israel returned from chasing after the
Philistines, and they spoiled their tents.
54 And David took the head of the Philistine, and after he
luid s/iozi'cd it to Sau/, he brought it to Jerusalem : but he put his
armour in his tent, and afterwards laid it up in the tabernacle,
ch. xxi.9- 55 And when Saul saw David go forth against the
Philistine, he said unto i\bner, the captain of the host, Abner,
whose son [is] this youth ? And Abner said, [As] thy soul
liveth, O king, I cannot tell; Saul's meinory icas probably much
impaired, and as it was a year or tioo since David had left
the court, he was altered in stature, ami noio had on his shep-
herd's dress. Abner might have been from home on some expe-
dition while David was with Saul, and for that reason did not
know him now. 56 And the king said, Inquire thou whose sou
the stripling [is]. 57 And as David returned from the slaughter
of the Philistines, Abner took him, and brought him before Saul
with the head of the Philistine in his hand. 58 And Saul said
to him, Whose son [art] thou, [thou] young man ? And David
answered, [1 am] the son of thy servant Jesse the Beth-lehemite,
and laid the head of' his enemy at his feet.
REFLECTIONS.
1. How worthy of imitation by all young people, is the humi-
lity and modesty of David. He seemed glad to be dismissed
from court, that he might retire to a plain private life ; though he
knew what God intended him for. He did not appear to be fond
of pre-eminence, but was content in an humble station, till God
should call him out to a more public and honourable one. Let
young people learn, that humility is the greatest ornament, and
the best preparative for advancement in the world ; above all,
that it is the way to secure the favour of God ; who resistelh the
proud, but giveth grace to the humble.
2. We see the folly and wickedness of a proud, envious spirit.
With what pride, ill-nature, and rudeness did Eliab treat David!
but this was a sure sign of a base, cowardly spirit. He chode
and trampled upon him, as if unworthy of his notice. It is to
be feared this is too much the case with many elder brothers,
who think they have a right to domineer over the younger. Men
m I. SAMUEL. XVII.
of proud, envious spirits, often run into indecent language, in-
didge groundless jealousies, and censure very unjustly. It should
be our care to guard against this temper, and honour virtue and
merit wherever we see it. Let brethren especially be kind,
obliging, and affable one to another.
3. We learn, not to render railing for railing. David was un-
doubtedly displeased at this unkind and unjust treatment, but he
kept himself from passion, and with a soft answer turned away
wrath. Though he iiad reason on his side, he did not rail, and
return tiie abusive language, but bore it with an excellent temper.
We have never more reason to guard our heart and tongue than
when we meet with ill treatment and scurrilous language ; espe-
cially when we are conscious we do not deserve it. David, when
ruling his own spirit, was more honourable than when killing Go-
liath. He that hath rule over his own spirit, and shows it Oy
bridling his tongue, is better than the might}/.
4. The servants of God ought to take encouragement from
former appearances of providence in their favour. How wisely
and piously did David argue, that God would deliver him, be-
cause he had done so out of the paw of the lion and the bear.
He recollected what he had done, that he still had the same
power, and therefore trusted that he would do it. So St. Paul
reasons, (some think with allusion to this story), I zvas delivered
out of the month of' the lion ; and the Lord shall deliver me from
every evil work, and k ill preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom.
5. We learn from the whole story, that the strong man should
not glory in his strength, Goliath, though one of the tallest men
that ever lived, proportionably strong, and well armed, was over-
come by a contemptible stone from David's sling. This monster,
with his armour and weapons, was all brought down at once.
How vain is it to boast of strength ! What a mean thing to glory
in, when life is so precarious, and so easily taken away. Let the
enemies of God and his people, who proudly defy him and his
armies, see how easily he can pour contempt upon them, and sink
their glory in the dust. Let us all remember that piety is the
strength and ornament of the man; and while great Goliath's
pride and vapouring is brought down, pious, humble David is the
man whom God delighteth to honour.
I. SAMUEL. XV III. 87
CHAPTER XVIII.
\Vc have here David's honour, Saul's envy, and his attempts to destroy
David.
1 xxND it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking
unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of
David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul*. 2 And Saul
took him that day, and would let him go no more home to his
father's house, hut ^voiild have him to be always tvith him.
3 Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved
him as his own soul ; thei/ sohm.rdy entered into a league of per-
petual friendship, which extended to themselves and their poste-
rity. 4 And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that [was]
upon him, and gave it to David, and his garments, even to
his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle, that he might
do him honour, and see him habited suitably to the noble exploits
he had performed. 5 And David went out whithersoever Saul
sent him, [and] behaved himself wisely : and Saul set him over
the men of war, made him captain of the guards, and he was ac-
cepted in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of
Saul's servants ; he had the good-zvill of Saul, of his conrtiers, of
the soldiers, and of all the people ; but it was still a greater honour
that he had grace to bear all this without pride and arrogance.
6 And it came to pass as they came, when David was returned
from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of
all cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, zshen
he returned from his camp to his palace at Gibeah, with tabrets,
with joy, and with instruments of music. 7 And the women
answered [one another] as they played, and said, Saul hath slain
his thousands, and David his ten thousands, in slaying Goliath,
and thus making way for the destruction of the Philistines.
8 And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him, his
* Probably David said soiiielliiug more than we have a particular account of;
which might further discover his pmdence, modesty, courasre, and piety. Jona-
Ihan loved him for these excellent virtues, and the services he had done for God,
for the kin;;, and for all Israel. A wise Providence intended this for tiie preserv-
ation of David, that he might have a friend at court to intercede for him, to give
him notice of danger, and support and comfort him under all his difBculties and
ill usage.
88 I. SAMUEL. XVIII.
c'ngiy passions began to rise; and he said, They have ascribed
unto David ten thousands, and to nie they have ascribed [but]
thousands: and [what] can he have more but the kingdom? He
now suspected David was the person Samuel referred to as Ms suc-
cessor. 9 And Saul eyed David from that day and forward, zcith
eniy and malice, and xcatched to see whether he took any steps to
undermine him and gain the throne.
10 And it came to pass on the morrow, that the evil spirit from
God came upon Saul, his discontented, angri/, melancholy dispo-
sition, exposed him to the attack of the etil spirit, and he prophe-
sied in the midst of the house*: and David played with his hand,
as at other times : and [there was] a javelin in Saul's hand.
11 And Saul cast the javelin; for he said, I will smite David
even to the wall [with it.] And David avoided out of his pre-
sence twice. 12 And Saul was afraid of David, because the
Lord was with him, and was departed from Saul; this confrmed
his opinion that he was the man designed for the kingdom :
13 Therefore Saul removed him from him, employed him abroad
in zcarlike and dangerous expeditions, hoping he might be slain in
some of them, or that he should find an opportunity of destroifuig
him privately, and made him his captain over a thousand; and he
went out and came in before the people. 14 And David be-
haved himself wisely in all his ways, there was no fault in his
conduct; and the Loud [was] with him. 15 Wherefore when
Saul saw that he behaved himself very wisely, he was afraid
of him ; this increased Saul's suspicion and desire of revoinc.
16 But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he went out
and came in before them ; nil (he tribes of Israel, especialli/ that
of Judah, loved David. lie headed them in all their expeditions,
and his prudent conduct, courage, and success gained their ajjection.
17 And Saul said to David, Behold my elder daugliter Mcrab,
her will I give thee to wife : only be thou valiant for me, and
fight the Lord's battles: Saul was obliged to do this, according
to his promise for killi)ig Goliath ; but David's humiliti/ zcould not
allow him to claim it, noiv Saul ofers it. And can any thing be
more kind than to offer him his daughter'^ or any thing more reli-
gious than to ivish success to the Lord's battles? i/et this treacherous
tvretch never inteiuled more mischief to David, or more unfaith-
fulness to God, than at this time. For Saul said. Let not mine
* The oiiainal is, lie made himself a prophet, or fcii^iied himself to be under a
prophetic influence ; sung some devout sonir, and used such siijus and {.'e.sturcs as
proijhets usually did, to lull David asleei>, that be might not suspect any danger.
I. SAMUEL. XVIII. 80
hand be upon him, but let the hand of the Philistines be upon
him ; he did not care to murder him himself, but would be glad to
have him fall bi/ the hands of the Philistines. 18 And David
modestly ansivered, and said unto Saul, Who [am] 1 ? and what
[is] my life, [or] n)y father's family in Israel, that I should be
son in law to the king ? myself and my family are too mean to
expect such an honour, yea, even the hazarding my life cannot
deserve it. 19 But it came to pass at the time when Merab
Saul's daughter should have been given to David, that she was
given unto Adriel the Meholalhite to wife. The match had been
delayed to endear it the more : at length, zehen his hopes were at
the highest, his affections Jixed, and the time appointed, Saul broke
it off at once; perhaps to raise David's resentment that he might
have some pretence for putting him to death.
20 And Michal Saul's daughter loved David: and they told
Saul, and the thing pleased him. 21 And Saul said, I will give
him her, that she may be a snare to him, and that the hand of the
Philistines may be against him. Wherefore Saul said to David,
Thou shalt this day be my son in law in [the one of] the twain,
in tlie younger, though not in the elder, hoping that she would prove a
snare to him, and join to execute a design against his life. 22 And
Saul commanded his servants, [saying,] commune with David
secretly, and say. Behold, the king hath delight in thee, and
all his servants love thee : now therefore be the king's son in law.
David ivas not forward to accept the offer, hut the courtiers were
commanded to urge him to it, by telling him that he had the affection
of the king and the people. 23 And Saul's servants spake those
words in the ears of David. And David said, Seemeth it to you
[a] light [thing] to be a king's son in law, seeing that I [am] a
poor man, and lightly esteemed ? / am not able to pay a dowry^
such as a king might expect. This teas the custom of those days,
and was to be settled on the z&ife and her children. 24 And the
servants of Saul told him, saying. On this manner spake David.
25 And Saul said. Thus shall ye say to David, The king desireth
not any dowry, but an hundred foreskins of the Philistines, to be
avenged of the king's enemies. This was a proposal which he
thought David could not decline without the imputation of
coivardice: but Saul, by pretending zeal against the Philistines,
thou^dit to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines.
26 And when his servants told ]3avid these words, it pleased
David well to be the king's son in law : and the days for the
bringing in (he foreskins were not expired. 27 Wherefore David
m I. SAMUEL. XVIII.
arose and went, he and his men, and slew of the Philistines two
hundred men*; and David brought their foreskins, and they gave
them in full tale to the king, that he might be Uie king's son in law.
And Saul gave him Michal his daughter to wife.
28 And Saul saw and knew that the Lord [was] with David,
and [that] Michal Saul's daughter loved him, a7id had too much
affection for her husband to join in his base designs. 29 And
Saul was yet the more afraid of David, because his designs against
his life had miscarried, and the way was imvedfor him to the throne
by his being the king's son in law ; and Saul became David's enemy
continually, and every day was more fuUy bent to destroy him.
30 Then the princes of the Philistines went forth to revenge the
iajuri/ David had done them; and it came to pass, after they went
forth, [that] David behaved himself more wisely than all the serv-
ants of Saul ; so that his name was much set by ; he was highly
esteemed by all, zchich raised Saul's passion, and increased his zeal
to destroy him.
REFLECTIONS.
1. We see here an affecting instance of the vanity of the world.
Who so seemingly happy as David! He returned in triumph,
Saul caressed and advanced him, Jonathan the king's son made
a league with him, the king's daughter fell in love with him, the
courtiers and soldiers esteemed him, and he was beloved by ail
the people ; yet this was the beginning of his sorrows ; and
innumerable artifices were made use of to destroy him. See
what slippery places great men stand in ; and what little reason
there is to envy their condition. David was much happier when
a shepherd, than now. Let us learn contentment in a low con-
dition, and check the risings of ambition. The greater height,
the greater danger.
2. See what a malignant passion envy is, and what a demon
it turns a man into. Never was Saul's breast so fit a lodging for
the evil spirit, as when full of envy. He needed no worse spirit
than his own to torment him. The case was, David had be-
haved well, and the women gave Saul more and David less
than he deserved ; and yet how does his envy and resentment
rise ! It is plain that the Spirit of God is departed from men,
* Dr. Wall observes that tlie Greek version here has only a hundred. Compare
r. '25., and Dsivid's own words, 2 Sam. iii. I4. — Ei>.
I. SAMUEL. XVIII. 91
when they can bear to hear no one praised but themselves ; when
they are jealous and suspicious of every body about them ; can
resent undesigned affronts, and are peevish and ill-natured in
their language. The wisdom which is from above is different from
this, it is peaceable and gentle; but where envy and strife is, there
is every evil work.
3. Those that behave wisely, and have God with them, ought
to be reverenced and loved. The respect which Saul's courtiers
and soldiers paid to David was no more than he deserved ;
even Saul feared him. The way to secure esteem and respect,
is to behave ourselves gently. ' Men, (as Mr. Henry observes,)
think the way to be feared is to huff, and hector, and threaten;
which makes them feared by fools only, but despised by, the
wise and good. Whereas the way to be both feared and loved,
feared by those to whom we would wish to be a terror, and loved
by those to whom we would wish to be a delight, is to behave
ourselves gently, prudently, and circumspectly, humbly and un-
blameably. Wisdom makes the face to shine ; \i covnxa^viAs e&teem
and respect,
4. If David reckoned it such an honour to be Saul's son in
law, what an honour is it to be the sons and daughters of the Most
Hi"h, the King of kings ! David speaks of the alliance with great
respect, though he himself had many deserving qualities. How
great an honour, then, have the saints, to call God their father,
and to receive the tokens of his love and care ; and an heavenly
inheritance ! If this is a light matter to any of us, we know not
the dignity and happiness resulting from it. But every good man
will say with John, 1 Epistle, i. 3., Behold what manner of love
the Father hath bestowed upon us, that zee should he called the sons
of God.
92 I. SAMUEL. XIX.
CHAPTER XIX.
David spoke by experience when he said, ' INIany are tlie afilictions of
the righteous, but the Lord dclivereth him out of them all.' Here
are four remarkable escapes of his from destruction ; the fust, by
Jonathan's interposition ; the second, by his own activity ; the third,
by means of his wife ; and the fourth, by the immediate hand of
God.
1 And Saul spake to Jonathan his son, and to all his servants,
that they should kill David ; lohen lie could not destroi/ him by
craft, he proclaimed open enmity, and hopes the courtiers zcould
kill him, or at least that Jonathan would, out of regard to his
father's authority and his own interest. 2 But Jonathan, Saul's
son, delighted much in David : and Jonathan told David, saying,
Saul ray father seeketh to kill thee : now therefore, I pray thee,
take heed to thyself until the morning, and abide in a secret
[place,] and hide thyself; wheii the courtiers found that Saul ivas
fully set against David, none of them durst appear to plead for
him, but Jonathan his faithful friend. He inforined David of the
j)7'ivate orders ichich had been given, and exhorted him to hide
himself immediately. 3 And I will go out and stand beside my
father in the field where thou [art,] / zcill attend him in his
morning walk, or to his military exercises, and 1 will conniiune
with my father of thee, / will plead thy cause, perhaps his anger
may have abated, and his mind be changed; and what I see, that
I will tell thee, that if necessary thou mayest escape at once.
4 And Jonathan spake good of David unto Saul his father,
and said unto him, Let not the king sin against his servant, against
David ; because he hath not sinned against thee, and because his
works [have been] to thee ward very good : 5 For he did put his
life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, and the Loko wrought
a great salvation for all Israel : thou sawcst [it,] and didst re-
joice : wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to
slay David without a cause*? 6 And Saul hearkened unto the
* What a noble act of disintcrostf d friciulship! to plead his cause before his
sworn enemy, and a man i)!' sucli vloliiU passions, lie suggested lo Iiis father
what a sin and a dishonour it would he to slay so laiihtiil a servant, who had
hazarded his life and saved a whole nation. Tiiere was a threat deal of skill and
I. SAMUEL. XIX. 93
voice of Jonathan : and Saul sware, [As] the Lord liveth he
shall not be slain : hut he did not continue long in this good mind.
7 And Jonathan called David, and Jonathan showed him all those
things. And Jonathan brought David to Saul, and he was in his
presence as in times past.
8 And there was war again : and David went out tvith his
thousand men, and fought with the Philistines, and slew them
with a great slaughter ; and they fled from him. This success
raised Saul's envy and malice. 9 And the evil spirit from the
Lord was upon Saul, as he sat in his house with his javeUn in
iiis hand, which %uere then used for sceptres: and David played
with [his] hand. 10 And ^dnX, forgetting his oath, as rash sioearers
■usually do, sought to smite David even to the wall with the
javelin ; but he slipped away out of Saul's presence, and he
smote the javelin into the wall : and David fled, and escaped that
night. 1 1 Saul, having added perjury to his other crimes, his
conscience being grotvn seared and his designs desperate, also sent
messengers unto David's house, to watch him, and to slay him
in the morning : and Miclial David's wife, having intelligence
from court, perhaps from Jonathan, told him, saying. If thou
save not thy life to-night, to-morrow thou shalt be slain. 12 So
Michal let David down through a window : and he went and
fled, and escaped*. 13 And Michal took an image, and laid [it]
in the bed, and put a pillow of goats' [hair] for his bolster, or
rather, put goats' hair about the head of the image, the better to
resemble David, and covered [it] with a cloth. 14 And when
Saul sent messengers to take David, she said, He [is] sick, and
probably showed them the bed, to prevent their suspicion ; and they
had so much humanity as not to distress him, but went to it form
Saul which gave David more time to escape. \5 And Saul sent
the messengers [again] to see David, saying, Bring him up to me
in the bed, that I may slay him. He zvould not wait to see whether
his sickness zcould prove mortal or not, but orders them to bring
him, sick or well, that he might have the pleasure to despatch
him zcith his ozcn hand. l6 And when the messengers were come
in, behold, [there was] an image in the bed, with a pillow of
goats' [hair] for his bolster. 17 And Saul said unto ISJichal,
delicacy in this address; had he said more of David's merits, it woidd ouly have
inflamed Saul's enmity ; and tlierefore he chose to select this instance in whicli
Saul had some merit and mucii complacency, and it had the happiest effect.
* It was now he composed the fifty-ninth psalm, which shows the disposition
liis mind was in, and may be properly rcjd alter this chapter.
9i I. SAMUEL. XIX.
Why hast thou deceived nie so, and sent away mine enemy, that
he is escaped ? Saul did not expect to be served so by his daughter;
hut Providence made her, though intended to be his ruin, the means
of his deliverance. And Miclial answered Saul, He said unto
me. Let me go ; why should 1 kill thee? Here she told anotlier
lie, which is no zcay excusable; though her love to her husband is
commendable. Before she behaved like David's wife, but note like
Saul's daughter. David was not such an imperious, brutish hus-
band; but she said any thing to turn the edge of Saul's re-
sentment.
J 8 So David fled, and escaped, and came to Samuel to
Ramah, for direction and protection, and told him all that Saul
had done to him. And he and Samuel went and dwelt in Naioth.
19 And it was told Saul, saying, Behold, David [is] at Naioth
in Ramah.
20 And Saul, forgetting the reverence due to Samuel and the
students, sent messengers to take David : and when they saw the
company of the prophets prophesying, singing divine songs, and
celebrating the praises of God in sublime and rapturous strains,
and Samuel standing [as] appointed over them, to instruct, mo-
derate, and direct them in their holy exercise, the Spirit of God
was upon the messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied ;
they either forgot David, or their minds were brought into so good
a frame that they durst not do so ill a thing. 1 1 And when it
was told Saul, he sent other messengers, and they prophesied
likewise. And Saul sent messengers again the third time, and
they prophesied also, all ivere diverted from their purpose.
22 Then went he himself also to Ramah, (surprising obstinacy !)
and cnmc to a great well that [is] in Sechu : and he asked and
said, Where [are] Samuel and David ? And [one] said, Behold,
[they be] at Naioth in Ramah. 23 And he went thither to
Naioth in Ramah : and the Spirit of God was upon him also,
and he went on, and prophesied, until he came to Naioth in
Ramah ; God showed him beforehand that it was in vain he at-
tempted to take David, whom God defended. 24 And he stripped
off his clothes also, and prophesied before Samuel in like manner,
and lay down naked * all that day and all that night. \V herefore
they say, [Is] Saul also among the prophets?
•Without liis upper ^amicut ; so the phrase is u^cil by the niiikI uriters,
aud l)y many Greek and Latin authors.
I. SAMUEL. XIX. 95
REFLECTIONS.
1. We may observe, there is no dependance to be placed on
a man of ungoverned passion. A furious man, saith Solomon,
aboundeth in transgression. David had every thing to secure him
from violence, that would be likely to influence a reasonable
man ; goodness, merit, great services, affinity ; Saul's reason was
on his side ; he had bound himself by an oath not to hurt him ;
yet he overlooked and broke through all. There is no trusting to
a man's honour, his word, or even his oath, if he has no command
over his passions ; for he is, in fact, a madman. The fewer
dealings, and the less acquaintance we have with such persons,
the better. Make no friendship with an angry man ; and zcith a
furious man thou shalt not go ; lest thou learn his ways, and get a
snare to thy soul. Prov. xxii. 24, 25.
2. We see, that the hearts of all men are in God's hand, and
he can turn them which way soever he will. He wonderfully
over-ruled Saul's contrivances for David's ruin ; turned his mes-
sengers for a while into prophets, and at length Saul himself also.
God's power is not confined to places or persons ; he has
innumerable ways to confound the enemies of his people, and to
defeat their devices. He can manage the hearts and tongues of
men so as to make them serve his own purposes. Let this pre-
serve us from the fear of man, and excite us to courage and reso-
lution in the way of duty ; for if God be for ns, who shall be
against us?
3. Extraordinary gifts are no proof of true grace. A man
may have excellent abilities, both natural and acquired, yea, su-
pernatural endowments, and yet continue ignorant of God and
religion. Though Saul prophesied, his heart continued corrupt
and unchanged. Hence we learn, not to trust to any gifts
whatever, for thus saith the apostle Paul, Though I have the
gift of ■prophecy, like Saul, and understand all mi/steries, and all
knowledge; though I have all faith, so that I could remove moun-
tains ; though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, or give my
body to be burned, and have not charity, I am nothing. 1 Cor. xiii.
2, 3. And our Lord declares, Many will say to me in that da//,
Lord, Lord, have ice not prophesied in thy name / and in thy name
96' I. SAMUEL. XX.
have cast out devils9 and in tlnj name done many wonderful works'^
Ayid then will I prof ess unto them, I never knew you ; depart from
me, ye that zmrk iniquity. Matt. vii. 22, 23.
CHAPTER XX.
In this chapter David represents his present distress to .lonathan ; who
upon discovering Saul's wicked disposition, informs David of his
danger ; upon which they mutually renew their covenant of friend-
ship, and affectionately part from each other.
1 And David, taking the opportunity of Saul's 'ecstasif, fled
from Naioth in Raniah, and came and said before Jonathan,
What have I done? what [is] mine iniquity? and what [is] my
sin before thy father, that he seeketh my life ? He thought there
must be some extraordinary reason for all this violent opposition, and
wished to know it, as he was not conscious to himself of any irre-
gularity. 2 And lie said unto him, God forbid ; thou shalt not
die, thou needest not fear any such thing: behold, my father will
do nothing either great or small, but that he will show it me :
and why should my father hide this thing from me ? it [is] not
[so.] Jonathan seems not to have knoivn all the steps that Saul
had taken, or trusted too much to Saul's oath, or supposed he would
be better ivhen his frantic ft icas over. 3 And David sware more-
over, took a solemn oath that it zcas so, and said. Thy father cer-
tainly knoweth that 1 have found grace in thine eyes ; and he
saith. Let not Jonathan know this, that is, my resolution to kill
David, lest he be grieved: but truly [as] the Lord liveth, and
[as] thy soul liveth, [there is] but a step between me and death,
/ stand in extreme danger, like a man on the edge of a precipice.
4 Then said Jonathan unto David, Whatsoever thy soul desireth,
I will even do [it] for thee, to discover Saul's intention and save
thy life. 5 And David said unto Jonathan, Behold, to-morrow
[is]\thc new moon, and 1 should not fail to sit with the king at
meat: but let me go, that I may iiide myself in the field unto the
third [day] at even*. 6 If thy father at all miss me, then say,
* There was a solemn sncrifice every new moon ; this was kept for two days,
Ixcaiisc the iiiuon soinetim«;s ai>poared in tlio evening' and sometimes in tlie
inoinint;. They tcaslcd on what was left ; and David, as an officer of the king's
son, used to he Uiere.
I. SAMUEL. XX. 9?
David earnestly asked [leave] of me, that he might run to Beth-
lehem his city : for [there is] a yearly sacrifice there for all the
family*. 7 If he say thus, [It is] well; thy servant shall have
peace : but if he be very wroth, [then] be sure that evil is de-
termined by him, you may conclude that he is still intent upon
revenge. 8 Therefore thou shalt deal kindly with thy servant, by
informing me hoiv Saul stanch affected to me, and what is the
cause of his anger; for thou hast brought thy servant into a
covenant of the Lord with thee: notwithstanding, if there be in
me iniquity, if I hate really done any thing deserving of death,
slay me thyself ; for why shouldst thou bring me to thy father?
betrat/ me to him, by concealing his evil intentions from me. 9 And
Jonathan said. Far be it from thee, that thou shouldst be put to
death, either by me or my father: for if I knew certainly that evil
were determined by my father to come upon thee, then would not
1 tell it thee ? Surely this is the least that I could do. 10 Tlien said
David to Jonathan, Who shall tell me? or what [if ] thy father
answer thee roughly ? Hotv shall I be informed of it, for it will
not be possible for thee to come thyself ?
11 And Jonathan said unto David, Come, and let us go out
into tlie field. And they went out both of them into the field,
that they might considt the more privately about this matter. 1 2 And
Jonathan, whose heart was filed with generous friendship, and
touched at the apprehension of being suspected by David, broke out
into a pathetic exclamation, and said unto David, O Lord God
of Israel, or, as some versions read it, the Lord God be witness,
when I have sounded my father about to-morrow any time, [or]
the third [day,] and, behold [if there be] good towards David,
and I then send not unto thee, and show it thee; 13 The Lord
do so and much more to Jonathan : but if it please my father [to
do] thee evil, then I will show it thee, and send thee away, that
thou mayest go in peace : and the Lord be with thee, as he hath
been with my father, and bring thee to the kingdom. 14 And
then thou shalt not only while yet I live, show me the kindness of
the Lord, that I die not: 15 But [also] thou shalt not cut off
thy kindness from my house for ever: no, not when the Lord
hath cut otf the enemies of David every one from the face of the
earth f. iC So Jonathan made [a covenant] with the house of
* It was the custom of pious families to assemble at a yearly sacnfice to
strengthen their mutual affection, and join in thankfulness to God for common
mercies.
t This probably refers to tiie barbarous custom of the king's successor slaying
all the royal family, to prevent disturbance.
VOL. III. H
m I. SAMUEL. XX.
David, with David and his posterity, [saying,] Let the Lord even
require [it] at tlie hand of David's enemies, let this imprecation
fall upon any that show themselves to be David's enemies, and myself
among the rest, if I do so*. 17 And Jonathan caused David to
swear again, because he loved him : for he loved him as he loved
his own soul, and thought he could never do enough to secure his
friendship.
18 Then Jonathan laid a plan to secure intelligence, and said
to David, To-morrow [is] the new moon : and thou shalt be
missed, because thy seat will be empty. 19 And [when] thou
hast stayed three days, [then] thou shalt go down quickly, and
come to the place where thou didst hide thyself when the busi-
ness was [in hand,] and shalt remain by the stone Ezel, so called
because it showed travellers the way; probably there was some
inscription upon it, as it zcas by the high zcay. 20 And I will
shoot three arrows on the side [thereof,] as though I shot at a
mark. Thus Jonathan zms to show David by a sign what he was to
do, lest passengers and spies should prevent their having an interview.
21 And, behold, I will send a lad, [saying,] Go, find out the
arrows. If 1 expressly say unto the lad, Behold, the arrows
[are] on this side of thee, take them ; then come thou : for [there
is] peace to thee, and no hurt; [as] the Lord liveth. 22 But if
I say thus unto the young man, Behold, the arrows [are] be-
yond thee; go thy way: for the Loud hath sent thee away.
23 And [as touching] the matter which thou and 1 have spoken
of, the covenant between us, ver. l6, 17, behold, the Lord [be]
a witness or judge between thee and me for ever.
24 So David, when the time was come, hid himself in the field :
and when the new moon was come, the king, as wicked a man as
he loas, had some regard to the sacred feast, and he sat him down to
eat meat. 25 And the king sat upon his seat, as at other times,
[even] upon a seat by the wall : and Jonathan arose, either zohen
his father was coming in, or to give his nnclc Alnier room, and
Abner sat by Saul's side, and David's place was, empty.
26 Nevertheless Saul spake not any thing that day: for he
thought something halh befallen him, he [is] not clean; surely he
[is] not clean; he has contracted smne ceremonial pollution, zchich
renders him unclean until the evening. (See Lev. xi. 24. xv. Ul)
27 And it came to pass on the morrow, [which was] the secontl
[day] of the month, that David's place was empty: and Saul
* It was in rempnilnaiicK of this rovenniit tliat David was so kind to Meplii-
boslirtli.
I. SAMUEL. XX. 99
said unto Jonathan his son, in a scornful and reproachful manner^
Wherefore cometh not the son of Jesse to meat, neither yesterday,
nor to-day ? 28 And Jonathan answered Saul, David earnestly
asked [leave] of me, [to go] to Beth-lehem : 29 And he said, Let
me go, I pray thee ; for our family hath a sacrifice in the city ;
and my brother, he hath commanded me [to be there:] and now
if I have found favour in thine eyes, let me get away, I pray thee,
and see my brethren. Therefore he cometh not unto the king's
table. 30 Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, he
suspected that it was designed, and breaking out into a most furious
passion, showing no reverence for the company, nor regard for the
festival, he said unto him, Thou son of the perverse rebellious
[woman,] or, thou perverse rebel, do not I know that thou hast
chosen the son of Jesse to thine own confusion, and unto the
confusion of thy mother's nakedness ? By choosing an enemy for
thy friend, thou protest thyself not to be my son, that thy another ts
a false adulteress, and thou unworthy to inherit the kingdom :
31 For as long as the son of Jesse liveth upon the ground, thou
shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom. Wherefore now send
and [fetch him unto me, for he shall surely die. This a little
roused Jonathan's resentment. 32 And Jonathan answered Saul
his father with rather too much heat. And said unto him, Where-
fore shall he be slain ? what hath he done ? 33 And Saul cast a
javelin at him to smite him : whereby Jonathan knew that it was
determined of his father to slay David ; he knew there teas no mak-
ing any terms, or expectation of Saul's altering his sejitiments.
34 So Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger, and did eat
no meat the second day of the month : for he was grieved for
David, this was one reason, and because his father had done him
shame, had reproached and abused him, and attempted to take his
35 And it came to pass in the morning, that J omthan taking his
bow and arrows, either for amusement, or military exercise, went
out into the field at the time appointed with David, and a little lad
with him. 36 And he said unto his lad. Run, find out now the
arrows which I shoot. [And] as the lad ran, he shot an arrow
beyond him. 37 And when the lad was come to the place of the
arrow which Jonathan had shot, Jonathan cried after the lad with
a loud voice, so that David might hear him from tinder the rock,
and easily distinguish the word, beyond, and said, [Is] not the ar-
row beyond thee ? And Jonathan cried after the lad. Make speed,
haste, stay not. And Jonathan's lad gathered up the arrows, and
H 2
100 I. SAMUEL. XX.
came to his master. 39 But the lad knew not any thing : only
Jonathan and David knew the matter, 40 And Jonathan gave
his artillery unto his lad, and said unto him, Go, carry [them] to
the city ; seeing the coast clear and that there was no danger of a
discovery, he zoas willing to have a short interview.
41 [And] as soon as the lad was gone, David arose out of
[a place] towards the south, and fell on his face to the ground,
and bowed himself three times : and they kissed one another, and
wept one with another, until David exceeded*. 40. And Jonathan
said to David, Go in peace, forasmuch as we have sworn both of
us in the name of the Lord, saying, The Lord be between me
and thee, and between my seed and thy seed for ever. And he
arose and departed: and Jonathan went into the city.
REFLECTIONS.
1. Ln Jonathan here is a noble, heroic instance of faithful friend-
ship. j4 friend loveth at all times, and a brother is horn for ad-
versity. He loved one that was to supplant him, one that was in
adversity. This was an extraordinary friendship, built on the
purest principles. This example of candour, integrity, and stea-
diness in friendship, deserves our imitation. He that hath such a
friend, should show himself friendly, and make all possible returns.
It was great kindness in Jonathan to hazard his own life in the
service of his friend. Greater love hath no man than this, to lay
dozen his life for his friend; but Godcornmendeth his love towards
us, in that zchile toe were yet sinners Christ died for ns; and after
his example, we are commanded to be uilling to lay dozen our
lives for the brethren.
2. We have here a further proof, how much like a brute and a
monster, ungoverned passions make a man. Few are more hard
to be convinced and reformed, than men of strong passions and
ungoverned spirits. In the exan)ple of Saul they may see, as in a
glass, their own features. W hat a violent passion was he in
with his own son, who was dutiful, valiant and pious. Jona-
• David niialit weep because lie w.is banislied from his wife and fimiiiy, liis kin-
dred, and the lioiise of God. But it seems rather to be Jonathan's generosity that
overwhelmed David ; tliat lie was leaving such a faithful frieml, who liad just saved
Ills life at the hazard of his own, and that he was leaving iiim to the fury of a
madman, who would, if possible, destroy him for his regard to David. Both of
them were too much affected to say much more, therefore Jonathan, who was least
moved, takes leave of him in a more calm, religious manner, rejuinding him of
their mutnal engagements and solemn covenant in the sight of God.
I. SAMUEL. XXI. 101
than's conduct was no evidence that his mother was a perverse,
rebellious woman ; but passionate men never scruple what they
say, or whom they abuse. Saul vented all the scandalous, ill-
natured words he could think of, and then attempted to kill him.
Let persons of hot and hasty tempers recollect this instance, and
read this story again and again ; let masters of families and parents
often reflect upon it ; that seeing the odiousness of anger and pas-
sion, they may treat their servants with mildness, and their chil-
dren with tender affection. Fathers, provoke not your children to
wrath; but, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on bowels of
affection, compassion, and gentleness ; forbearing and forgiving one
another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
CHAPTER XXL
David, imposing upon Ahimelech, gets provisions and a sword; he flics
to Gath, and imposcth on the Philistines.
1 A HEN came David to Nob* to Ahimelech the priest, e/^Aer
to take leave of the ark, or to seek direction: and Ahimelech was
afraid at the meeting of David, and said unto him, Why [art] thou
alone, and no man with thee ? Having heard of SauTs displeasure
against David, he might suppose he zcas fyingfrom him, and that
it might be dangerous to shelter him, especially as Doeg was now
there. 2 And David said unto Ahimelech the priest. The king
hath commanded me a business, and hath said unto me. Let no
man know any thing of the business whereabout I send thee, and
what 1 have commanded thee ; and I have appointed [my] servants
to such and such a place ; he might have some servants, but had
110 soldiers as he used to have: the rest of the story icas a lief.
3 Now therefore what is under thine handr give [me] tive [loaves
of] bread in mine hand, or what there is present: he wanted pro-
* Tills was a city of Renjaniin, twelve miles from Gibeali. Saul brought the
ark ami the taberuaclo there, for the sake of cousultiug God, and bchig uoar the
court.
t Some writers have attempted to vin;licate thi? falsehood, by sayius; his inten-
tion was innocent, it was designed to keep the priests from the bhiine of siding
withliim ; and that we are not obiijied to s)icak all the trutli to our own or others'
disadvantage. But nothin;^ can vindicate a he. Wc are not to do tvil that s;ood
mnif come. David bewails this sin, ch. xxii. 22., and prays as^iinst it, Psahn
CM.\. Jf).
102 T. SAMUEL. XXI.
visions ; he was afraid of Doeg, whom he knew ; he could not stay
while bread was baked, or while the priest went to his own house,
which might be at a distance, to get some. 4 And the priest an-
swered David, and said, [There is] no common bread under mine
hand, but there is hallowed bread ; if the young men have kept
themselves at least from women, their wives, by the use of whom
they contracted ceremonial iincleanness, Exodus xix. 15. 5 And
David answered the priest, and said unto him, Of a truth women
[have been] kept from us about these three days, since I came out,
and the vessels of the young men are holy, and [the bread is] in
a manner common, yea, though it were sanctified this day in the
vessel, or, especially when this day there is other bread sanctified in
the vessel, and ready to be put on the table. 6 So the priest gave
him hallowed [bread :] for there was no bread there but the shew
bread that was taken from before the Lord, to put hot bread in
the day when it was taken away. 7 Now a certain man of the
servants of Saul [was] there that day, detained before the Lord ;
and his name [was] Doeg, an Edomite, but a proselyte to the
Jewish religion, the chiefest of the herdmen that [belonged] to
Saul *.
8 And David said unto Ahimelech, And is there not here
under thine hand spear or sword ? for I have neither brought my
sword nor my weapons with me, because the king's business re-
quired haste. He came without a weapon to prevent suspicion, and
that he might appear as a private man ; but he gave another reason
to the priest. 9 And the priest said. The sword of Goliath the
Philistine, whom thou slevvest in the valley of Elah, behold, it
[is here] wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod, iji the priest's ward-
robe : if thou wilt take that, take [it] for [there is] no other save
that here. And David said, [There is] none like that; give it
me, 05 being a pledge of God's favour to him, and a great encou-
ragement to his faith : and the priest gave it him, and inquired, of
the Lord for him ; what the anszc^er was, toe know not ; perhaps there
was none, as a punishment for his lying.
10 And David arose, and fled that day for fear of Saul, and
went to Achish the king of Gathf. 11 And the servants of
* He was the inspector or governor of the herdmen beloiigiug to Saul, who,
though a king, did not think it beneath him to have flocks and lierds. This man,
wicked as he \vbs, kept up the rites of rehgion, and came to sacrifice or pay his
vowjt at the tabernacle.
t It was strange that he should fly to the city of Goliath, and with his sword
too. But he hoped they would receive him as an enemy of Saul. Outlaws of a na-
tion have generally been sheltered by their enemies. Thcinistocles the Athsniau
I. SAMUEL. XXI. lOS
Achish said unto him, [Is] not this David the king of the laud ?
did they not sing one to another of him in dances, saying, Saul
hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands ? The cour-
tiers remonstrated against this, as appears hy Psahn liv., they xcatch-
ed him narrowly and wrested his words. They considered him as
the chief commander, next to the king, and probably zooidd become
his successor ; they heard what was done in Israel, hozvfond the
people were of him, and therefore advised Achish to kill him.
12 And David, aware of his danger, laid up these words in his
heart, and was sore afraid of Achish the king of Gath. 13 And
therefore he had recourse to a stratagem, whereby he betrayed great
distrust in God, and was guilty of such nnmaidy dissimulation, as
is unbecoming a servant of his; and he changed his behaviour
before them, and feigned himself mad in their hands, and scrab-
bled on the doors of the gate, and let his spittle fall down upon
his beard. 14 Then said Achish unto his servants, Lo, ye see
the man is mad : wherefore [then] have ye brought him to me ?
This pretence was the more easily believed, as they tcould scarce sup-
pose a man in his senses would come therewith Goliath's sword, and
after having done the Philistines so much mischief. Achish inti-
mates that there was no service to be hoped for from him, nor any
reason to fear him: 15 Have I need of mad men, that ye have
brought this [fellow] to play the madman in my presence ? shall
this [fellow] come into my house ? sliall my court be degraded
with a madman^ Notwithstanding this, Achish had a very great re-
spect for him (see ch. xxvii.) ; he saw through the pretence, but
was willing to send David azmy.
REFLECTIONS.
1, Wk hence learn, that mercy is to be preferred to sacrifice,
and that ritual observances must give way to moral duties. This
is our Lord's inference from this story. Matt. xii. 3 — -7. Many
things may be done in cases of urgent necessity, which would
otherwise be improper; and this vindicates doing acts of neces-
sity and mercy on the Lord's day. But we should be careful, on
general, when banished, flert to the enemies wh«m he had often conquered. David
dnrst not t?y to other nations who were at peace with Saul, for they would have
delivereil liini up. It seems Achish gave hinj a kind rectption. Tlie true secret
appears to me to l)e this, that Ac lli^h iiad a urcat icspcct tor him, as a hrave man,
and liked hiin the better for havini: killed the proud Goliath, between whom and
Acbiisli there was uo great friendsliip.
104 I. SAMUEL. XXII.
the other band, that we do not run into unjustifiable liberty, which
seems to be more peculiarly the fault of the present day. Re-
member the sahbath-day to keep it holy.
2. When Providence reduces us to straits and difficulties, we
have great need to watch over our own hearts. W hen David was
driven out, and wanted provision, what sins did he run into ! What
mean artifices did he use to secure himself! Such as were unbe-
coming a good man, and one that knew better. He afterwards
severely repented of his folly. The greatest straits will not jus-
tify stealing, lying, and such evil practices. It is better to want
bread than grace; better to starve, than sin against God. These
things are written for our instruction and admonition. Poverty is
a strong temptation to dishonesty and fraud ; but let those who
are poor and distressed, zcatch and pray that they enter not into
temptation. We may all learn the suitableness of Agur's prayer,
Prov. XXX. 7 — 9-, Give me neither poverty nor riches ; feed mc
with food convenient for me; fix me in the middle station of life :
lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the Lord? or lest I
be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.
CHAPTER XXII.
In this chapter we find several persons resorting to David at Adullani ;
Docg's accusation of Ahimelech ; and Saul's command to kill tlic
priests.
] JUAVID therefore departed thence, and escaped to the cave,
or strons hold, AduUam : and when his brethren and all his father's
house heard [it,] they went down thither to him to secure them-
selves, apprehending danger from Saul. 2 iVud every one [that
was] in distress, who were leeary of Saul's arbitrary governtnent and
oppression, and every one [that was] in debt to cruel creditors, and
xcere unable to pay, and ivhose goods and lands tcere perhaps seized
upon, and every one [that was] discontented, that was bitter of
soul, under some grievous oppression, gathered themselves unto
him ; and he became a captain over them : and there were with
him about four hundred men*. 3 And David went thence to
* These were not a troop of banditti, roving robbers, and nmrderers; they
were not, as JMr. Henry observes, wicked men, ot'a restless spirit ; tliey might be
goofi, and were glad to escape Saul's fury. We find, l Chron. xii. 18., timt they
I. SAMUEL. XXII. 105
Mizpeh of Moab : and he said unto the king of Moab, who zcas
Saul's enemy, but Ruth's great grandson, and allied to the house
of Jesse*, Let my father and my mother, I pray thee, come
forth, [and be] with you, till I know what God will do for me.
His father and mother were aged and could not bear the confine-
ment of a cave, and unable to wander about with him from place to
place. 4 And he brought them before the king of Moab : and
they dwelt with him all the while that David was in the hold, so
long as he was forced to wander from place to place to secure him-
self
5 And the prophet Gadf said unto David, Abide not in the
hold; depart, and get thee into the land of Judah. Then David
departed, and came into the forest of Hareth.
6 When Saul heard that David was discovered, and the men
that [were] with him, that he appeared openly in the land ofJudahy
(now Saul abode in Gibeah under a tree in Kamah, having a spear
in his hand, and all his servants [were] standing about him ; he had
left every other business to pursue David; kept afiying camp, and
a spear in his hand, ready to rush upon him in, a moment; he
hunted for his precious life;) 7 Then Saul said unto his servants
that stood about him. Hear now, ye Benjamites; will the son of
Jesse give every one of you fields and vineyards, [and] make you
all captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds? will he pro-
mote, advance, and enrich you all, as I have done'^ He will rather
reward those of his own tribe ; 8 That all of you have conspired
against me, to conceal David's design, and [there is] none that
showeth me that my son hath made a league with the son of
Jesse J, and [there is] none of you that is sorry for me, or
showeth unto me that my son hath stirred up my servant against
me, to lie in wait, as at this day. If this zms true, one would be
sorry for him, but there was no ground for this suspicion. 9 Then
answered Doeg the Edomite, which was set over the servants of
Saul, and said, I saw the son of Jesse coming to Nob, to Ahi-
were brave men. He never entertained them till lie was an outlaw and in danger
of his life ; he never oppressed with them, nor loved to plunder, except upon the
enemies of Israel. They cultivated the wilderness, were of service to their
countiy, and no doubt, many Israelites who loved David, sent them supplies.
* It was at this time David composed the twenty-seventh Psalm.
t Gad was a young prophet out of Samuel's academy. It was a great comfort
and support to David to have such a one with him at this time. He advised David
to go to the land of Judah, and appear publicly, as one that was conscious of his
own innocence, and trusted in God.
i It appears he suspected there was a league between them, and carried his jea-
lousy so far, as to imagine that Jonathan encouraged David to appear in arms.
106 I. SAMUEL. XXII.
melech the son of Aliitub. 10 And he inquired of the Lord
for him, and gave him victuals, and gave him the sword of Go-
liath the Philistine *.
1 1 Then the king sent to call Ahimelech the priest, the son of
Ahitub, and all his father's house, the priests that [were] in Nob :
and they came readily all of them to the king. 12 And Saul
said, with the utmost contempt, Hear now, thou son of Ahitub.
And he answered, zcith the respect due to a king, Here I [am,]
my lord. 13 And Saul said unto him. Why have ye conspired
against me, thou and the son of Jesse, in that thou hast given him
bread, and a sword, and hast inquired of God for him, that he
should rise against me, to lie in wait as at this day r This was
a rash charge, for there was no kind of proof that he did these
things with an evil intent, as if there had been a plot between them.
14 Then Ahimelech answered the king, and said, And who [is
so] faithful among all thy servants as David, which is the king's
son in law, and goeth at thy bidding, and is honourable in thine
house ? David was so faithful and honourable, and nearly related
to the king, that he could not but think he was sent on some impor-
tant business, and therefore consulted God as usual; and he was
bound to do it for the king's service. 15 Did I then begin to
inquire of God for him r it was not the first time, it was a usual
thing : as to any conspiracy, be it far from me : let not the king
impute [any] thing unto his servant, [nor] to all the house of my
father : for thy servant knew nothing of all this, less or more, 1
was entirely ignorant of any ill design. This would have been a
sufficient apology to any one but a madman. l6 And the king
said, Thou shalt surely die, Ahimelech, thou, and all thy father's
house. Saul had made the resolution, though Ahimelech had done
nothing worthy of death, or bonds, much less had his father's house.
But this ivas the king's peremptory sentence, and he immediately
orders it to be put into execution.
17 And the king, with an air of cruelty and impiety, said unto
the footmen that stood about him, or rather, the guards that went
before him, Turn, and slay the priests of the Loud; as if he zvas
determined to contend with Jehovah, as well as David; because
their hand also [is] with David, and because they knew when he
• Dock tliouglit it was the best way to pay his court to Saul, aiul therefore
charged Ahimelech with aiding and abetting the king's enemies; aiid intimates,
tliat there was a confederacy between him and the priests. Dayidjustly styles
bim, in Psahn lii., a false tongue. He did not tell what pretence David made,
which woidd have been to Ahinielech's honour, for assisting one that ho supposed
w as p;oing about the king's busincbs ; he gave hiiu the victuals and sword inno-
cently.
1. SAMUEL. XXII. 107
fled, and did not show it to me. But the servants of the kinjt
had so much reverence for God and religion, that they would not
put forth their hand to fall upon the priests of the Lord : these
brave men refused, though in imminent danger of losing their
places or their lives. 18 And the king said to Doeg the informer,
Turn thou, and fall upon the priests. And Doeg the Edomite
turned, and, as Josephus says, taking some men with him, zcho were
as wicked as himself, he fell upon the priests, and slew on that day
fourscore and five persons that did wear a linen ephod, who
ministered in holy things, were in the flower of their age, and pro-
bably came to Saul in their priestly garments. 19 And Nob, the
city of the priests, smote he with the edge of the sword, both
men and women, children and sucklings, and oxen, and asses, and
sheep, with the edge of the sword ; he treated them worse than
the Amalekites ; thinking by this to terrify the Israelites from
showing any countenance or favour to David.
20 And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub,
named Abiathar, who had probably been left to attend the sanctu-
ari/, escaped and fled after David. 21 And Abiathar showed
David that Saul had slain the Lord's priests. 22 And David
said unto Abiathar, I knew [it] that day, when Doeg the Edomite
[was] there, that he would surely tell Saul, I feared some mischief,
knowing he teas wicked, and no friend to me ; I have occasioned
[the death] of all the persons of thy father's house, expressing
great concern that he should be, without intention, the cause of this
evil. 23 Abide thou with me, fear not : for he that seeketh my
life seeketh thy life : but with me thou [shalt be] in safeguard ;
perceiving him to be affrighted, he encouraged him, promising he
would take as much care of him as of himself, and he might depend
upon God's care*.
REFLECTIONS.
1. From David's example we may infer, that the care of aged
parents is a great duty in youth, and highly commendable.
When they are in sickness or old age, it is but justice to make a
return for their care and kindness. They should never be suf-
* It will be proper to read the fifty-second psalm in this connexion. There
we see the sad consequences of the Israelites choosing a king, and rejecting the
Lord. It was some comfort under former oppressions, that they had the ark
and the priests of the Lord ; hut now tlie priests were destroyed, and there were
none to attend the ark : this was fulfilling that prophecy which foretold the de-
struction of Eli's house in one day, 1 bam. ii.
108 I. SAMUEL. XXII.
fered to want any thing that will conduce to their comfort. If
avy zcidow have children, or 7iephew, let them learn first to show
pietj/ at home, and to requite their parents ; for that is good and
acceptable before God. 1 Tim. v. 4. They must do this, as they
hope to have the same returns of love when they grow old ; or,
as David expresses it in the twenty-seventh psalm, composed on
this occasion, that when father and mother forsake them, the Lord
may take them up.
2. How much to be pitied is the man who is troubled with a
suspicious, jealous temper. Had we not such flagrant proofs of
the wickedness of Saul's heart, we could scarce help pitying
him ; though he had all his guards and courtiers about him, he
was racked with envy and tormented with jealousy. Such burdens
are they to themselves, who suspect and are jealous of all around
them ; they fear their enemies when they have no reason ; and
suspect their friends also. Such persons are their own tor-
mentors ; and one need not wish a man worse, than to have his
eye evil towards all about him. Wrath is cruel, and anger is out-
rageous ; but who is able to stand before envy ?
3. See what a sad thing a tyrannical government is, and what
reason we have to be thankful that ours is not so. In what a
mad, arbitrary manner, did Saul give his orders ; and how soon
did he find some to execute his bloody commands ! He was no
better than a madman, yet he found some M'ho were wicked
enough to do as he bade them, because he was a king. Innocent
actions may have very ill constructions put upon them ; no de-
fence however is to be heard ; right or wrong, the king's pleasure
must be obeyed. Let us earnestly pray, that kings and rulers
may have a sound mind ; and give thanks to God, that our lives
and fortunes are not at the mercy of capricious and tyrannical
men, but are all safe, under a good government and the favour
of heaven. Blessed be God, that the lines are fallen to us in
pleasant places, and that we have a goodly heritage.
I. SAMUEL. XXIII. 109
CHAPTER XXIII.
This chapter contains an account of David's saving Keilah ; the danger
and deliverance he found there ; his interview with Jonathan; Saul's
pursuit of him ; and his extraordinary escape out of Saul's hands.
1 1 HEN they told David, saying, Behold, the Philisthies fight
against Keilah, a city in the tribe of Judah, and they rob the
threshing floors, which were without the city. 2 Therefore Da-
vid, thinking it zcould be too rash to go against such a multitude
without a divine promise, inquired of the Lord, by the prophet
Gad, saying. Shall I go and smite these Philistines ? And the
Lord said unto David, Go and smite the Philistines, and save
Keilah. 3 And David's men said unto him, Behold, we be afraid
here in Judah: how much more then if we come to Keilah against
the armies of the Philistines ? His people remonstrate against it
and urge, that they were not safe in their ozon country, among some
friends, much less there, luith a powerful enemy before them, and
Saul coming in their rear. 4 Then David inquired of the Lord
yet again, to satisfy hisfolloioers. And the Lord answered him
and said, Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philis-
tines into thine hand. 5 So David and his men went to Keilah
and fought with the Philistines, and brought away their cattle
to support himself and his followers, without burdening the country,
and smote them with a great slaughter. So David saved the in-
habitants of Keilah. 6 And it came to pass, when Abiathar the
son of Ahimelech fled to David to Keilah, [that] he came down
[with] an ephod in his hand ; or rather, with the ephod, the prin-
cipal garment of the high priest, which %cas the breastplate and
jewel, and the Urim and Thummim. It was a great comfort to
David to have both a prophet and a high priest with him.
7 And it was told Saul that David was come to Keilah, and
had delivered it; but he was not mollifed by David's generosity
and service to Israel. And Saul said, God hath delivered him
into mine hand ; for he is shut in, by entering into a town that
hath gates and bars; he thought that he had him safe, that this
place of security zcould prove a trap to him. 8 And Saul called
all the people together to war, to go down to Keilah, to besiege
no I. SAMUEL. XXIII.
David and his men, though he pretended it was to be avenged on
the Philistines.
9 And David knew that Saul secretly practised mischief against
hira ; and he said to Abiathar the priest, Bring hither the ephod,
that we may consult God. 10 Then said David, O Lord God
of Israel, thy servant hath certainly heard that Saul seeketh to
come to Keilah, to destroy the city for my sake. 11 Will the men
of Keilah deliver me up into his hand ? will Saul come down, as
thy servant hath heard? O Lord God of Israel, I beseech thee,
tell thy servant*. And the Lord said, He will come down.
12 Then said David, Will the men of Keilah deliver me and niy
men into the hand of Saul? And the Lord said, They will de-
liver [thee] up if thou stay est here. 13 Then David and his men,
[which were] now increased by David's bravery and success to
about six hundred, arose and departed out of Keilah, and went
whithersoever they could go, sometimes to one place and sometimes
to another. And it was told Saul that David was escaped from
Keilah ; and he forbare to go forth. Since the slaughter of the
priests, the people were afraid to conceal David, and Saul seems to
have had better intelligence of his motions. 14 And David abode
in the wilderness in strong holds, and remained in a mountain in
the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but
God delivered him not into his hand. When David tvas in Keilah,
Saul said, God hath delivered him into my hand; but the sacred
penman assures us God did not. 15 And David saw that Saul
was come out to seek his life : and David [was] in the wilderness
of Ziph in a wood, and here a private meeting was appointed with
his friend .Jonathan. 16 And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and
went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God,
encouraged him, and strengthened his faith by consideration of
God's promises, faithfulness, providence, ^c. 17 And he said unto
him, Fear not : for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee ;
and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee ;
and that also Saul my father knoweth, 18 And they two made a
covenant before the Lord, renewed it, perhaps in the presence of
the prophet Gad, and the high priest: and David abode in the
wood and Jonathan went to his house.
19 Then came up the Ziphites, who divelt in the wilderness of
Judah, knew the avenues of the wood, were able to discover him,
* David was in some confusion aud asked two questions together, and out of
order. His fust question should have been, Will Saul come down ? and then, Will
the people of Keilah deliver me up? God therefore answei-s the last question first.
I. SAMUEL. XXIII. Ill
and resolved to do it, and came to Saul to Gibeah, saying, Doth
not David hide himself with us in strong holds in the wood, in
the hill of Hachilah, which [is] on the south of Jeshimon ?
20 Now therefore, O king, come down according to all the desire
of thy soul to come down ; and our parts [shall be] to deliver him
into the king's hand. 21 And ^^\\\, transported icith joy at this
f/^scol7ery, said, Blessed [be] ye of the Lord; for ye have com-
passion on me, ye are the only people who have pity for me, the
generality will not favour my design. 22 Go, I pray you, prepare
yet, and know and see his place where his haunt is, [and] who
hath seen him there : for it is told v ■ [<^hat] he dealeth very sub-
tilly, and is very hard to be taken. I am not willing to pursue him
in vain, hut am determined to have him if possible. 23 See there-
fore and take knowledge of all the lurking places where he hideth
himself, and come ye again to me with the certainty, and I will
go with you : and it shall come to pass, if he be in the land, that
I will search him out throughout all the thousands of Judah.
24 And they arose, and went to Ziph before Saul : but David and
his men, knoiviug the errand on which they went, removed, and
[were] now in the wilderness of Maon, in the plain on the south of
Jeshimon. 25 Saul also and his men went to seek [him.] And
they told David : wherefore he came down into a rock, or from
the rock, and abode in the wilderness of Maon. And when Saul
heard [that,] he pursued after David in the wilderness of Maon ;
his intelligence zvas so good that lie came to the very spot where
David zvas*. 26 And Saul went on this side of the mountain,
and David and his men on that side of the mountain : and David
made haste to get away for fear of Saul ; for Saul and his men
were numerous, anr' \'ivided into parties, that he almost compassed
David and his men round about to take them.
27 But there came a messenger unto Saul, saying. Haste thee,
and come ; for the Philistines have invaded, or spread themselves
upon, thy landf. 28 Wherefore Saul returned from pursuing after
David, and went against the Philistines : therefore they called that
place Sela-hammahlekoth, that is, the rock of divisions, a name
given it by David, as a manorial of his deliverance, because Saul
was forced to separate himself there, and leave off pursuing him.
* On this occasion Davitl coraposed the fifty-fourth psalm.
t Tliis was a remarkable providence, for David must certainly have fallen
into his iiands, if he had not been called away. It is probable the Ptiilistines had
seized upon Saul's estate, or he would not have been socager to go, for he did not
stir when Keilah was besieged.
112 I.SAMUEL. XXIII.
S9 And David went up from thence, and dwelt in strong holds
at En-gedi, where he planted vi7ieyards,for which this place was
aftertcards very famous.
REFLECTIONS.
1. The generosity of David in saving Keilah, is worthy of our
imitation; and intimates to us, that we are to do good, though we
may receive ill treatment from others. Nothing should lessen
our regard for the public welfare. Another man would perhaps
have rejoiced at the invasion, and encouraged it, to save himself
and prevent Saul's pursuit, and to force him to recall David.
But he had no such narrow views ; he was glad to save his coun-
try and his friends at any rate. It is no reason why we should
decline doing good, because we are not treated as we think we de-
serve. We should learn to overcome evil with good; we serve a
good Master, who will well reward us, however we are treated
by men.
2. We see here an instance of base ingratitude, and learn to
detest that odious vice. We should have thought that David
was safe in Keilah, the place which he had just saved from the
Philistines \ but they forgat his kindness, and had he not escaped,
would have delivered him to Saul. Men's own dangers often
make them forget their obligations to their friends. Let us not
trust too much even to those who are obliged to us, for they may
forget us and our kindness ; but guard against ingratitude our-
selves, and every appearance of it,
3. We learn, what intimate acquaintance God has with the
hearts of men. David did not know what the men of Keilah
would do ; perhaps they did not know themselves how in general
they should determine, which way the magistrates would incline ;
but the Lord knew. He knows men better than they know them-
selves, and what they will do in such and such circumstances. We
should therefore reverence him who knows the secret dispositions
and inclinations of men's hearts, and beholds the thoughts afar off.
4. Observe with what an ill grace the name of God comes out
of the mouth of a wicked man. God has delivered him, said Saul.
* Nothing, says an ingenious writer, is more grating to a serious
ear, than strains of piety from profane mouths; to hear the
wretch who had despised the commands of God, murdered his
priests, and desolated his sanctuary; in a word, lived in open
I. SAMUEL. XXIV. 113
defiance of God; to hear such a wretch talk of God, and the
divine determinations in his favour, is past enduring.' And yet
this is too common a case ; of many people it may be said, God is
near to their mouths, but far from their reins, or hearts. May we
dread hypocrisy, and all approaches towards it. Let not our ac-
tions give our tongues the lie ; for nothing is more abominable to
God and man, than to talk like an angel, and live like a brute.
5. We see that Providence is never at a loss to deliver good
men out of their adversity. David wandered about from place to
place, but was still safe. Had he been asked, Where he intended
to shelter himself next ? he might have answered, as Luther did
when he was outlawed by the Emperor, and excommunicated by
the Pope, Sub coslo, somewhere under the canopy of heaven.
God diverted Saul from the pursuit, just when he thought he had
David in his hands. The Philistines intended no kindness to
David, but God meant it so. Man's extremity is God's oppor-
tunity. In the mount the Lord shall be seen. He can always find
out ways and means of preserving his people. In the moment of
danger he interposes. This should teach us to make God our
confidence, and prevent the fear of man, which bringeth a snare.
Trust in him, therefore, at all times, ye people, and pour out your
hearts before him.
CHAPTER XXIV.
We read here of the generous manner in which David saved Saul's life
when he had it in his power; his expostulation with Saul concerning
his enmity to him ; and the good effect it had upon Saul for the
present.
1 jtLND it came to pass, when Saul was returned from fol-
lowing the Philistines zcho had invaded his land, that it was told
him saying. Behold, David [is] in the wilderness of En-gedi.
2 Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel,
in whose courage and attachment he could confde, and went to
seek David and his men upon the rocks of the wild goats, in the
craggy places where the wild goats frequented. 3 And he came
VOL. III. I
114. I.SAMUEL. XXIV.
to the sheepcotes by the way where [was] a large cave * ; and
Saul went in to cover his feet, and to sleep, being fatigued with
his march : and David and his men remained in the sides, in the
dark recesses, of the cave, where Saul could not see them. 4 And
the men of David said unto him. Behold the day of which the
LoKD said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into
thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto
thee f. Then David arose, and cut oflF the skirt of Saul's robe,
which came dozen to his feet, privily. 5 And it came to pass
afterward, that David's heart smote him, because he had cut off
Saul's skirt ; he was greatly troubled, as it had the appearance of
injurif and indiginty to the Lord's anointed. Q And he said unto
his men, wJio seem to have resented it that he had not slain him,
The Lord forbid that I should do this thing unto my master,
the Lord's anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him,
seeing he [i.s] the anointed of the Loud, he was set up by God,
who alone can depose him. 7 So David stayed his servants, zoho
would have smote Saul, with these words, and suffered them not
to rise against Saul. But Saul rose up out of the cave, and went
on [his] way.
8 David also arose afterward, and went out of tb.e cave, and,
in the most soft and submissive terms, cried after Saul, saying, My
lord the king. And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped
with his face to the earth, and bowed himself. 9 And David
said to Saul, Wherefore hearest thou men's words, saying. Behold,
David seeketh thy hurt ? He endeavours to mollify him, bij laying
all the blame on his wicked counsellors. 10 Behold, this day thine
eyes have seen how that the Lord had delivered thee to-day into
mine hand in the cave : and [some] bade [me] kill thee : but
[mine eye] spared thee ; and 1 said, 1 will not put forth mine
hand against my lord; for he [is] the Lord's anointed. 1 1 More-
over, my father, see, yea, see the skirt of thy robe in my hand :
for in that I cut oft' the skirt of thy robe, and killed thee not,
know thou and see that [there is] neither evil nor transgression in
mine hand, and I have not sinned against thee; my having not
killed thee, is a proof I had no evil intentions against thee ; yet
* Historians inform us tliere were many large caves in the mountainous parts
of Judea, particularly one uliicli would hold four thousand men ; into these they
used to drive their flocks in viokut storms, or in the heat of the day.
t God had never promised to deliver Saul into David's hands ; hut so they in-
terpreted the promise of the kingdom, and thought David should take ihis pro-
vidential opportunity of killing his enemy, possessing the kin<;doui, jsnd advancing
them.
I. SAMUEL. XXIV. 115
thou Inmtest my soul to take it. It was mi aggravation of Saul's
guilt, that he sought the life of one who had done nothing to offend
him, and would not hurt him when it was in his power. 12 The
Loud judge between me and thee, and the Loud avenge me of
thee : but mine hand shall not be upon thee ; 1 appeal to God, as
the righteous judge, and doubt not but he zcill vindicate me. 13 As
saith the proverb of the ancients, Wickedness proceedeth from
the wicked, tnen may be hiown by their actions ; had I been a bad
man, I should noio have shown, it ; if I wished to dethrone thee, I
had nozo aji opportunity to do it : but mine hand shall not be upon
thee. 14 After whom is the king of Israel come out ? after whom
dost thou pursue ? after a dead dog, after a flea ; hoio shameful is
the pursuit, hozo inglorious the conquest of one so mean! it is below
the king of Israel to hunt after a dead dog, or a fea; to raise an
army against so contemptible a person. \5 The Lord therefore
be judge, and judge between me and thee, and see, and plead my
cause, and deliver me out of thine hand. It is wonderful that he
who was so much enraged, and came zvith such a murderous inten-
tion, should hear David zcith so much patience ; but he teas quite
astonished to find himfoUuzcing, and to see so much courage, gene-
rosily, and kindness ; all this mollified him for the present.
]6 And it came to pass when David had made an cud of
speaking these words unto Saul, that Saul said, [Is] this thy
voice, my son David? And Saul lifted up his voice, and wept.
17 And he said to David, Thou [art] more righteous than I:
for thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee
evil. IS And thou hast showed this day how that thou hast dealt
well with me : forasmuch as when the Lord had delivered me
into thine hand, thou killedst me not. He zcas nozc in a good mood,
saw his ozcn injustice and DavicTs kindness, and acknowledged it
was unparalleled. 19 For if a man find his enemy, will he let
him go well away ? yet thou hast spared my lij'e ; wherefore the
Loud reward thee good for that thou hast done unto me this
day. 20 And now, behold, I know well that thou shalt surely be
king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in thine
hand*. 21 Swear now therefore unto me by the Lord, that
thou wilt not cut ofi^ my seed after me, and that thou wilt not
destroy my name out of my father's house, as I have endeavoured
* Saul knew from many ciicunistances, and especially from this extraordinary
providence, and the princely virtues which David showed, that he would be king ;
and that notliing could hinder it. Therefore he niiglit have argued, that his pursuit
of him was very wicked, that it was impious to desire to frustrate the designs of
Providence, and to secure the crown to his own posterity.
I 2
116 I. SAMUEL. XXIV.
to destroy thee. He knew David to be a conscientious man, and
that an oath before the I^rd zcouM be sufficient. 22 And David
sware unto Saul. And Saul went home ; but David and his men
gat them up unto the hold of Engedi, where he composed the fifty-
seventh and the hundred and forty-second psalms.
REFLECTIONS.
1. Observe the good effects of generosity and kindness.
David here exhibits a remarkable instance of botli. Ilis men
mutinied, and wanted him to put an end to their troubles and his
own ; otherwise they were ready to forsake him, and to deliver
him to Saul, but he bravely refused. His kindness overcame
those cruel, obstinate men ; made the savage Saul tame, and
turned the lion into a lamb. What an honour and pleasure to
him to triumph thus gloriously over his enemies ; to see his prince
his petitioner, and his enemy entreating his mercy ! We learn
from this example how to treat our enemies. Such conduct as
this may reclaim them, at least it will secure pleasure and peace
to ourselves. If thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give
him drink; for in doing this, thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his
head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
2. What a happy thing is it to have a tender conscience!
David's heart smote him for this small ofl'ence; though it was
done for a good end, to convince Saul of his innocence, and how
unreasonably jealous he had been. A tender conscience is aiVaid
of the least sin ; often regrets those actions which others pass
over with ease, and which give them but little or no concern.
Let us then endeavour to keep our hearts open to conviction,
and our consciences awake to take the alarm. Happy is he that
feareth always; this is the way to be safe; presumption is dan-
gerous. 7'he surest way to prevent great evils, and being guilty
of great wickedness, is to be afraid of the very appearance
of evil.
3. We arc here taught, that the justice of God is the refuge
and support of oppressed innocence. David appealed to God
a<yain and again, with courage and confidence. To him let the
riMiteous conmiit their cause; sooner or later he will bring their
riohteousness to light. Wherefore let them who suffer for well-
doing, commit the keepi)ig of themselves unto the Lord.
4. Let us guard against credulity, or believing every word, and
I. SAMUEL. XXV. 117
trusting too much to the promises of any men, especially of those
men whose passions are strong, and who make light of promises
and oaths. David gat him up unto the hold; he knew it was
dangerous to trust to the mercy of a reconciled enemy. A wise
man will give the good words even of an enemy the hearing, but
will not confide too much in them, he will still be upon his
guard. David was a bold man in venturing so near Saul ; but
he would not trust him too far. Courage and prudence should
always go together; and if we would be safe, let us take our
Lord's advice, to be wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
CHAP. XXV. 1—22.
We have here an account of Samuel's death ; and of Nabal's
churlishness.
1 And Samuel, being near an hundred years old, and greatly
beloved bi/ all the people, died ; and all the Israelites were gathered
together, and lamented him, bewailed the loss of so much virtue
and goodness, and their sin in choosing a king ; and they buried him
i« his house at Ramah; this tvas the burying place of the family,
from zchence his remains were removed with incredible pomp by the
emperor, in the year 401. And David arose, and went down to
the wilderness of Paran, to the tents of Kedar, where he would be
more out of Saul's way.
2 And [there was] a man in Maon, whose possessions [were]
in Carmel ; and the man [was] very great, and he had three
thousand sheep, and a thousand goats : and he was shearing his
sheep in Carmel. 3 Now the name of the man [was] Nabal;
and the name of his wife Abigail : and [she was] a woman of
good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance : but the
man [was] churlish and evil in his doings ; and he [was] of the
house of Caleb, a Calebite*. 4 And David heard in the wil-
derness that Nabal did shear his sheep. 5 And David to show
respect to hint, sent out ten young men, and David said unto the
young men, Get you up to Carmel, and go to Nabal, and greet
♦ The word Caleb signifies a dof: ; Nabal was of u dogged temper, snarlibb
and snapping at every body.
118 I. SAMUEL. XXV.
him in my name: 6 And thus shall ye say to him that liveth [in
prosperity,] Peace [be] both to thee, and peace [be] to thine
house, and peace [be] unto all that thou hast, msh him and his
all health ami happiness. This teas a xeri/ affectionate and com-
prehensive salutation: including all blessings for both zcorlds.
7 And now I have heard that thou hast shearers ; now thy shep-
herds which were with us, we hurt them not, neither was there
aught missing unto them, all the while ihey were in Carmel.
8 Ask thy young men, and they will show thee. Wherefore let
the young men find favour in thine eyes : for we come in a good
jjjjy* . give, I pray thee, whatsoever cometh to thine hand unto
thy servants, and to thy son Davidf. And when David's young
men came, they spake to Nabal accoiding to all those words in
the name of David, and ceased, gave him no just offence by their
further importunitij.
10 And Nabal answered David's servants loith great contempt,
and said in a violent passion, Who [is] David? and who [is] the
son of Jesse ? as if he ivas so mean a person that he was not hnoicn,
though he had done well in Israel, had slain Goliath, was the king's
son in laio, and well known to the Philistines: there be many
servants now a days that break away every man from his master.
He here taxed him with infdelitij to Saul, and pleaded that lohat
he had was his own and jjrovided for other sort of men. 1 1 Shall
I then take my bread, and my water, and my flesh that I have
killed for my shearers, and give [it] unto men, whom I know not
whence they [be?] Intimating that they were a creic of idle,
vagabond fellows, and that it did not become an honest man to
countenance and support them. 12 So David's young men turned
their way, and Ment again, and came and told him all those
sayings. 13 And David, being resolved in the height of his re-
sentment to be avenged on him, said unto his men. Gird ye on every
man his sword. And they girded on every man his sword; and
David also girded on his sword : and there went up after David
about four hundred men; and two hundred abode by the stuff.
14 But one of the young men among the shearers, who was
* Shcep-slieariii|i; is now a time of feasting and rejoicing.
t David Lere. pleaded tliat he had done Nalial's men no evil, tliongli soldiers,
and in necessity; jea, tiicy had, as we tind afterwards, taken partlcidar rare to
protect thcni ; but D.ivid modestly omitted that, and appealed to ids servants
■who were ready to inform him of it. He urged his giving them .sometliii)g ; he
did not want delicacies, hut would he content with what could be most easily
spared. He called himself his son Duiid, to testify his respect, as being of the
same tribe. This was a very handsome address, and would have aflectcd any one
eke, but such a churl as Nabal was.
I. SAMUEL. XXV. 119
mser and better than his master, went and told Abigail, Nabal's
wife, saying, Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilder-
ness to salute our master; and he railed on them. 15 But the
men [were] very good unto us, and we were not hurt, neither
missed we any thing, as long as we were conversant with them,
when we were in the fields: l6 They were a wall unto us both
by night and day, all the while we were with them keeping the
sheep*. 17 Now therefore know and consider what thou wilt
do; for evil is determined against our master, and against all his
household : for he [is such] a son of Belial, that [a man] cannot
speak to him. He concluded that David would resent it, but durst
not remonstrate with Nahal, as he would only he more insolent and
abusive, and zms such an obstinate, surly man, that there was no
making any impression on him. 18 Then Abigail made haste,
like a prudent woman she did not neglect the zcise advice of a
servant, and she took two hundred loaves, and two bottles of
winei', and five sheep ready dressed, and five measures of parched
[corn,] and an hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes
of figs, and laid [them] on asses. 19 And she said unto her
servants, Go on before me, that the sight of the present may in
some measure appease David; behold, I come after you. But she
told not her husband Nabal, lest he should persist in his insolence,
and prevent her going. 20 And it was [so, as] she rode on the
ass, that she came down by the covert of the hill, and, behold,
David and his men came down against her; and }^he met them in
a valley betzceen the tuo hills. 21 Now, in order to show the
wonderful effect that Abigails address had, the historian observes
that David had said to his men. Surely in vain have I kept all that
this [fellow] hath in the wilderness, so that nothing was missed
of all that [pertained] unto him : and he halh requited me evil
for good. 22 So and more also do God unto the enemies of
David, if I leave of all that [pertain] to him by the morning
light any that pisseth against the wallj.
* Hf> l)oais Ins testimony to the usefulness as well as innorence of Daviil's
men ; who kept them from wild beasts, from the Pliiiistiues, who robbed the
thresliing floors, and from the Arabians and others, who lived on plunder. 'I'his
proves that David's men were not a banditti, but honest, peaceable men, and
under good discipline.
t These were large leathern bottles, such as are still used in the east.
J That is, not a man. This was undoubtedly a rash oath, but fhoir extremity
should be ronsidoied ; liiat Nabal used ]>avid very unjustly, as well as insolently;
and that he and his men had a right to some reward for such service.
120 I. SAMUEL. XXV.
REFLECTIONS.
1. What a melancholy thing is it for a comely, prudent, vir-
tuous woman, to be yoked to a surly, drunken fool ! Surely it
was for the sake of wealth, that this lovely woman was married to
a man who had not one good quality to recommend him. The
present day affords instances of many women, who, through the
folly of their parents, or their own pride, are thrown away upon
fools or sots, or tied to golden brutes. What a piteous case
must this poor woman be in, to have an husband whose folly she
could not but see and despise ; for which she was obliged to
make excuses ; and excuses, the more grievous as they reflected
upon her own good sense and prudence. The fair sex may see
in this chapter, what sort of an husband a sot and a fool is likely
to make ; and what trials those are likely to meet with, who marry
for wealth only : trials, for which all their good sense and religion
will be little enough. Let parents learn to make a wise choice
for their children, and not look upon money or estate as the chief
thing to be regarded. There cannot be a more pitiable spectacle
than such an unequal marriage as this chapter represents. Though
perhaps to some women of beautiful countenances and good un-
derstandings, such husbands may be allotted by Providence, as
necessary to allay that vanity, which so many accomplishments
are apt to inspire them with.
2. The surly, the rude, and uncharitable, may here see their
own picture ; and a very lively one indeed it is. No sooner was
Nabal asked a favour, in a very civil and respectful manner, than
he fell into a passion, and abused the petitioner. There are too
many instances of this conduct in every age of the world. There
are those who abuse the poor, that they may be excused from
relieving them ; who give surly answers, when asked for contri-
butions for public and useful services, and plead their own ne-
cessity and inability, with as much earnestness and as little justice
as Nabal did. Though he had nothing to spare, Abigail could
find a handsome present, and he could find enough to make him-
self and his servants drunk with. It is thus that men often spend
on their own dress, their tables, or their furniture, that which they
ought to do good vith ; and plead inability, when it is really owing
to nothing but luxury and extravagance.
I. SAMUEL. XXV. 121
CHAP. XXV. 23, to the end.
In whicli we have Abigail's interposition with David, and the good effects
of it; David's gratitude to God for his providential interference; the
sudden death of Nabal; and David's marriage to Abigail and Ahi-
iioam.
23 And when Abigail saw David, saw hy his haste and his
looks that vengeance teas determined, and all her address would be
little enough to divert it, she hasted, and lighted off the ass, and
fell before David on her face, and bowed herself to the ground,
24 And fell at his feet, did him reverence, as a great man, and in
a speech full of the most natural and moving eloquence, said. Upon
me, my lord, [\ipon] me [let this] iniquity [be :] and let thine
handmaid, I pray thee, speak in thine audience, and hear the
words of thine handmaid ; like a kind ivife she desires to suffer for
her husband; and having bespoke a patient hearing, she adds,
25 Let not my lord, I pray thee, regard this man of Belial, [even]
Nabal : for as his name [is,] so [is] he ; Nabal [is] his name, and
folly [is] with him : but I thine handmaid saw not the young men
of my lord, whom thou didst send*. 26 Now therefore, my
lord, [as] the Lord liveth, and [as] thy soul liveth, seeing the
Lord hath withholden thee from coming to [shed] blood, and
from avenging thyself with thine own handf, now lei thine ene-
mies, and they that seek evil to my lord, be as Nabal, be so incon-
siderable, as not to be capable of doing him any hurt. 27 And
now this blessing which thine handmaid hath brought unto my
lord, let it even be given unto the young men that follow my lord,
permit thy servants to accept it, as it is too mean for thee. 28 1
pray thee, forgive the trespass of thine handmaid, in taking all
the blame upon myself, and seeking to appease thy wrath : for the
Lord will certainly make my lord a sure house; she prays him
* Abigail here represents lier husband as a man not worthy of David's anger ;
tellini; him that in all liiis Nabal had but acted like himself; that he might as
well be angry with a cur for snarling, or an ass for braying, as with Nabal for in-
gratitude, sordidness, and railing. A prudent woman would not have said so
much of her husband if she could have helped it ; but it was so notorious a thing,
that she could not make a better excuse j and it was intended to prereut the ruin
of the family.
t Tills was very artful and ingenious, to presume so much upon his clemency
and goodness, as to hope she had already diverted him from his purpose.
122 I. SAMUEL. XXV.
to be kind to her, as God uould certainly be to him ; because my
lord ligliteth the battles of the Lord, and evil hath not been
found in thee [all] thy days, thou hast hitherto been fatuous for
heroic deeds, and ahcays acted nobly and generously. 2<J Yet a
man, even Saul, is risen to pursue thee, and to seek thy soul : but
the soul of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of life with the
Lord thy God, shall be safe in his hand or custody; and the
souls of thine enemies, them shall he sling out, [as out] of the
middle of a sling, they shall be destroyed as worthless things.
30 And it shall come to pass, when the Loud shall have done
to my lord according to all the good that he hath spoken con-
cerning thee, and shall have appointed thee ruler over Israel ;
31 That this shall be no grief unto thee, nor offence of heart
unto my lord, either that thou hast shed blood causeless, or that
my lord hath avenged himself*: but when the Lord shall have
dealt well witii my lord, then remember thine handmaid, ihou wilt
then thank me for my advice: or rather, let me then entreat thy
friendship whenever I may need it. 32 And David teas immedi-
ately softened, and said to Abigail, Blessed [be] the Loud God
of Israel, which sent thee this day to meet me : 33 And blessed
[be] thy advice, and blessed [be] thou, which hast kept me this
day from coming to [shed] blood, and from avenging myself with
mine own hand ; hejirst adored the providence of God, zchich sent
her so seasonably to divert his anger, and prevent the execution of
his purpose; then commended her and her prudent counsel, and
prayed God to bless her. 34 For in very deed, [as] the Lord
God of Israel liveth, which hath kept me back from hurting
thee, except thou hadst hasted and come to meet me, surely there
had not been left unto ISabal by the morning light any that
pisseth against the wall, for I was determined to make an example
of that brutish wretch. 35 So David received of her hand [that]
which she had brought him, and said unto her, Go up in peace
to thine house ; see, 1 have hearkened to thy voice, and have
accepted thy person ; her presents and discourse were extremely
acceptable; and he dismissed her zcith great complacency, think-
ing that his rash oath did not lay him under any obligation to do
tvrong.
oG And Abigail came to Nabal ; and, behold, he held a feast
in his house, like the feast of a king,- and Nabal's heart [was]
♦ She brought the strongest argument al last, that when lie came to the throne,
(of which slio speaks, with rertainty) he would not he «ii>turbe(i with tlie romein-
hranco of having s1k<I innocent blood ; he would not have ihi.s to be a blemish to
hib gloiy. A forgiviug temper is the way lo hare a clear and quiet conscience.
I. SAMUEL. XXV. 123
merry within him, for he [was] very drunken * ; wherefore she
told him nothing less or more until the morning light. 37 But it
came to pass in the morning, when the wine was gone out of
Nabal, and his wife had told him these things, that his heart died
within him, and he became [as] a stone, he was quite confounded^
and fainted awai/f. 38 And it came to pass about ten days
[after,] that the I^ord smote Nabal, that he died.
39 And when David heard that Nabal was dead, he said,
Blessed [be] the Lord, that hath pleaded the cause of my re-
proach from the hand of Nabal, and hath kept his servant from
evil: for the Lord hath returned the wickedness of Nabal upon
his own head j;. And David, having had such a proof of Abi-
gaiVs wisdom and piety, and being charmed with her person and
address, after a decent time paid his addresses to her, and sent and
communed with Abigail, to take her to him to wife, -f to • d
, '"^ • urt
when the servants of David were come to Abigail f ^ . ^^y'l,
they spake unto her, saying, David sent us unto ihev /take
thee to him to wife. 41 And she arose, and bowed herself on
[her] face to the earth, and said, Behold, [let] thine handmaid [be]
a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord ; she received
the message with great courteousiiess and hiimiliti/, and expressed
her readiness to perform the lowest office even for his servants.
42 And Abigail hasted, and arose, and rode upon an ass, with
iive damsels of hers that went after her as her attendants ; and
she went after the messengers of David, and became his wife.
43 David also took Abinoam of Jezreel ; and they were also
both of them his wives §.
44 But as to hisfrst wife, Saul had given Michal his daughter,
David's wife, to Phalti the son of Laish, which [was] of Gallim,
and as she lived in adultery, David had a right to marry again.
Saul did this to affront and grieve him, and to cut off all his pre-
tences to the crown on that account.
* Perhaps lie was carried to bed dead drunk. It was a sign he was a fool, if he
could not use his plenty without abusing it; or be pleasant among his friends, but
he must mak"? a beast of himself.
t We have many instances of persons dying suddenly at being told the danger
they had escaped, but he languished some tinie.
t David did not rejoice in his death itself, but took notice of it as an instance
of divine justice, which at onre vindicated him, and was an encouragement to him
and others to trust in God, witiiout avenging themselves.
i This was undoubtedly wrong ; thougii, as our Lord intimates, through the
hardness of their hearts, and tiie darkness of tliat dispensation, it was overlooked
at that time.
1^4. I. SAMUEL. XXV.
REFLECTIONS.
1. We may hence infer what a great blessing a wife of prudence
and good understanding is to a family. A virtuous woman, says
Solomon, is a crown to her husband. Abigail rescued her family
from ruin, by her prudence and good sense. Her husband's
foibles set her virtues in a more beautiful light. Let those who
consult their own safety, honour and happiness, and the regu-
larity and comfort of their families, endeavour to choose such
wives; esteem good sense, good temper, and piety, the first
things to be sought for in the choice. The heart of a husband
may safely trust in such a zcife, and he zcill have no fear of spoil.
,'' We have reason to bless God for every instance in which
't wc ...
we c, \ept from sin. It is a signal mercy, and should be thank-
fully owned, as David gave God the honour of preserving him.
When we have been in danger of falling into sin, and doing that
which would have occasioned pain and grief in the recollection,
and yet have been prevented, let us bless God. Nothing affords
greater joy to a good man than this, or is juster ground of gra-
titude to God. Whoever is the instrument of our deliverance
from such dangers, let God have the praise, who inclined them
to reprove us, and enabled us to take it, not only patiently but
thankfully, like David ; and let us daily pray with a very serious
mind, L,ord, lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Once more,
3. Let us learn to guard against a revengeful spirit, as what
will be bitterness in the end; and to maintain a guard over our
passions, especially anger, when we meet with unjust and un-
reasonable treatment. This is a great snare ; even the man after
God's own heart was too easily provoked, and too intent upon
revenge. To many persons, revenge is sweet ; they are never sa-
tisfied till they are avenged. But it is a base, wicked disposition ;
and brings sorrow and remorse with it. Many have done things
when in a warmth of temper, which they have a thousand times
wished had never been done. Let us remember, that the less we
indulge our passion, the more we consult our peace. We should
depart from rash and wicked resolutions, yea, though Me are
bound to ihem by an oath; and repent deeply before God
that we ever made them. When angry, or templed to revenge
I. SAMUEL. XXVI. 125
attronts, we should consider how it will appear upon reflection,
and what a foundation we are laying for our own torment and
vexation. It is the glory of a man to pass by an affront ; and by
the gospel, forgiveness of others is a necessary condition of our
receiving pardon and acceptance from God. Let us leave our
cause with God, who will avenge it if he sees good. Dearly
beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath ;
for vengeance is mine, I will repay, saith the Lord.
CHAPTER XXVL
Saul in this chapter repeats his pursuit of David ; who boldly ventures
into Saul's camp ; addresses Abner, and expostulates with Saul, who
acknowledges his fault and returns home.
1 And the Ziphites came unto Saul to Gibeah, saying, Doth
not David hide himself in the hill of Hachilah, [which is] before
Jeshimonr This was base, unprovoked malice in the Ziphites;
perhaps they were afraid that if he came to the throne he would
revenge their ill usage of him. 2 Then Saul, zcho before seemed
to be reconciled, arose, and, willing to embrace the opportunity, he
went down to the wilderness of Ziph, having three thousand
chosen men of Israel with him, to seek David in the wilderness
of Ziph. 3 And Saul pitched in the hill of Hachilah, which
[is] before Jeshimon by the way. But David abode in the wil-
derness, and he saw that Saul came after him into the wilderness.
4 David therefore sent out spies, and understood that Saul was
come in very deed, and was very near him.
5 And David arose, and came to the place where Saul had
pitched : and David beheld the place where Saul lay, and Abner
the son of Ner, the captain of his host : and Saul lay in the
trench, iiear his chariot, and Abner with him, and the people
pitched round about him. 6 Then answered David and said to
Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Abishai, the son of Zeruiah, (who
7vas David's sister, 1 Chron. ii. IG.), brother to Joab, saying.
Who will go down with me to Saul to the camp? And x\bishai
said, I will go down M'ith thee; he chose to have but one for the
sake of secrecy, and left the other on a hill, rcith directions what
to do in case of an alarm. 7 So David and Abishai came to the
126 I. SAMUEL. XXVI.
people by night: and beliold, Saul lay sleeping within the trench,
and his spear stuck in the ground at his bolster : but Abner and
the people lay round about him. 8 Then said Abishai to David,
God hath delivered thine enemy into thine hand this day : now
therefore let me smite him, I pray thee, with the spear even
to the earth at once, and I will not [smite] him the second time ;
the words express great eagerness, Let me nail him to the ground
at once. 9 And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not : for
who can stretch forth his hand against the Lord's anointed, and
be guiltless ? Being made king by God's appointment, it will he
wrong to injure him. 10 David said furthermore, [As] the Loud
liveth, the Lord shall smite him; or his day shall come to die;
or he shall descend into battle, and perish; he shall fall hy some
sudden stroke, as Nabal did, or die hy disease, or fall in battle.
11 The Lord forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand
against the Lord's anointed*: but, I pray thee, take thou now
the spear that [is] at his bolster, and the cruse of water, and let
us go, and by this they will see what zee could have done had it not
been out of respect to him. 12 So David took the spear and the
cruse of w ater from Saul's bolster ; and they gat them away, and
no man saw [it,] nor knew [it,] neither awaked : for they [were]
all asleep ; because a deep sleep from the Lord was fallen upon
them ; it was a special providence that they were not discovered
in walking through so many ranks, and talking together.
13 Then David went over to the other side, and stood on the
top of an hill afar of : a great space [being] between them, yet so
near that a voice might he heard in the stillness of the night.
14 And David cried to the people, and to Abner the son of Ner,
saying, Answereth thou not, Abner? Then Abner answered and
said, Who [art] thou [that] criest to the king, to disturb his
repose? 15 And David said to Abner, [Art] not thou a [valiant]
man ? and who is like to thee in Israel ? wherefore then hast thou
not kept thy lord the king? why hast thou not observed better
military discipline, and better guarded, the king's person? for there
came one of the people in zcith an intention to destroy the king
thy lord, a7id he had a fair opportunili/ to do it. \6 This thing
[is] not good that thou hast done. [As] the Lord liveth, ye
[arc] worthy to die, because ye have not kept your master, the
Lord's anointed. And now see where the king's spear [is,] and
the cruse of water that [was] at his bolster ; he could as easily have
* He would esteem it his own act, if he pcimitteil anotlicr to do it.
I. SAMUEL. XXVI. 1-27
taken away his life as his spear. 17 And Saul knew David's
voice, and said, [Is] this thy voice, my son David ? David's
courage, generosity^ and piety, and his own ungrateful i-eturn, now
crowded into his mind. And David, acknoivledging Saul's autho-
rity, and his own allegiance to him, said, [It is] my voice, my
lord, O king. 18 And, pleading his innocence, he said, Wherefore
doth my lord thus pursue after his servant? for what have I done?
or what evil [is] in mine hand? 19 Now therefore, 1 pray thee,
let my lord the king hear the words of his servant. If the Lord
have stirred thee up against me, let him accept an offering *:
but if [they be] the children of men, cursed [be] they before the
Lord ; for they have driven me out this day from abiding in the
inheritance of the Lord, saying. Go, serve other gods; they have
done that which has a tendency to bring me to idolatry. 20 Now
therefore, let not my blood fall to the earth before the face of
the Lord, who sees it, and will avenge it of thee : for the king of
Israel is come out to seek a flea, as when one doth hunt a par-
tridge in the mountains.
21 Then said Saul, I have sinned both against God and thee:
return, my son David, to my court again : for I will no more do
thee harm, because my soul was precious in thine eyes this day :
behold, i have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly, / am
ashamed and sorry for what I have done. 22 And David, as an
evidence of Saul's danger, and his own innocence, answered and
said. Behold the king's spear ! and let one of the young men
come over and fetch it. 23 The Lord render to every man his
righteousness and his faithfulness : for the Lord delivered thee
into [my] hand to-day, but I would not stretch forth mine hand
against the Lord's anointed -t*. 24 And, behold, as thy life was
much set by this day in mine eyes, so let my life be much set by
in the eyes of th.c Lord, and let him deliver me out of all tribu-
lation; may God deal with me as I have done with thee. 25 Then
Saul said to David, Blessed [be] thou, my son David : thou shalt
both do great [things,] and also shalt still prevail ; Ifndit in vain
to pursue thee any longer, whom God intends for great things. So
* Some suppose he here refers to Saul ; ' If God hath sent this spirit into thee,
do thon humble thyself, and appease him by a sacrifice, who is angry with thee.'
Others say, it refers to David ; * If it be my sins which have caused God to stir
thee up asaiust me, I am willing; to become a sacrifice to appease liis wrath.' I
think the beauty of the words lies in their ambiguity, as they may be taken both
ways; he leaves Saul's own conscience to find out the meaning.
t Saul might probably know that David was anointed, and therefore he ouglit
to be as tender of David's life, as David was of iiis.
128 I. SAMUEL. XXVI.
David went on his way, took the course he had designed for his own
safety, notwithstanding Saul's fair promises ; and Saul returned
to his place, and we do not find that he pursued David any
more.
REFLECTIONS.
1. How soon do wicked hearts lose all their serious impres-
sions and convictions ! What could be more solemn than Saul's
last promises to David ! He seemed deeply affected, and we
should scarcely expect he would ever return to his folly ; but the
next temptation, the very next opportunity, he was as bad as
ever. It is too common for men to be impressed with the folly
of their ways; to see the sinfulness of their conduct; to be
ashamed and humbled for it, and resolve to be better ; and yet
return to sin, like the dog to his vomit. What need have we to
watch over ourselves, to form deliberate resolutions, and to pray
that God would keep us in a good mind, and be surety to his ser-
vants for good.
2. We see how easily God can confound the devices and over-
rule the designs of men. Saul and his three thousand men
thought they should now have David safe ; but God laid them all
asleep. So easily can he baffle the designs of his and his people's
enemies. The stout-hearted hare slept their sleep, and none of' the
men of might have found their hands. Let us adore that God,
who has so many ways of influencing the minds of men, and
controlling their power. Let all good men trust in him, and
make him their fear and their dread; and then lie will he their
shield and their fortress.
3. We may observe, that to be banished from God's house and
ordinances, is one of the greatest griefs to a devout mind. To be
absent from God's tabernacle, and in danger of serving other
gods, David complained of as a greater grief than leaving the
court, or his family, or his friends, or even his native country.
Those arc the greatest injuries which expose us to sin. To lose
the means of grace, and the privileges of God's house, is the
greatest of all losses. That this may not be our case, let us
highly value them, and carefully improve them while they are
continued ; and esteem a day in God's courts better than a
thousand spent in sin and vanity.
4. We learn from the example of Saul, that sin iu geueral, and
I. SAMUEL. XXVII. 129
especially the sin of persecution, is playinj; the fool and erring
exceedingly. Saul's pursuit of David was not only inveterate
malice, but egregious folly ; it was driving out the wisest,
bravest, greatest, and most worthy man in his dominions. Every
instance in which we do evil, we plat/ the fool, we act unwisely,
and do that which we shall repent of. And in proportion to the
degree of light and conviction against which we act, is our error
great, and our folly excessive ; and proportionably great will be
our shame and remorse. Whereas the fear of the Lord is the
heginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do
his commandments : his praise endurethfor ever.
CHAPTER XXVII.
David slill ft'aring Saul, leaves his dominions, and goes over to Achish.
1 And David said in his heart, I shall now perish one day by
the hand of Saul : [there is] nothing better for me than that I
should speedily escape into the land of the Philistines ; and Saul
shall despair of me, to seek me any more in any coast of Israel :
so shall I escape out of his hand. David thought Saul zms not
to be trusted, though he had promised fair ; therefore, after con-
sulting his friends, as Josephus tells us, he resolved to leave his
dominions. 2 And David arose, and he passed over, with the
six hundred men that [were] with him, unto Achish, the son of
Maoch'''^, king of Gath. 3 And David dwelt with Achish at
Cath, he and his men, every man with his household, [even]
David with his two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail
the Carnieliiess, Nabal's wife. 4 And it was told Saul that
David was lied to Gath : and he sought no more again for him,
Khich otherwise he teas disposed to have done. 5 And David said
unto Achish, if I have now found grace in thine eyes, let them
give me a place in some town in the country, that I may dwell
there : for w hy should thy servant dwell in the royal city with
* He was called tlie son of Maoch to distinguish him from the former Aciiisli.
David perhaps had some assiiriuKt- of protection from liim. Achish would he
glud to have sncli a brave man out of his enemy's country ; as it would weaken
the Israelites' forces, and keep tip the division ; especially as they brought their
wives aiid children as pledges of their fidelity.
VOL. IIT. K
130 I. SAMUEL. XXVII.
thee*? 6 Then Achish gave him Ziklag that day f; wherefore
Ziklag pertainelh unto the kings of Judah unto this day. Bj/ this
menns Achish laid a greater ohligation on David, and prevented
an\) disturbances in his capital city. 7 And the time that David
dwelt in the country of the Philistines was a full year and four
months.
8 And David and his men went up and invaded the Geshurites,
and the Gezrites, and the Amalekites: for those [nations were]
of old the inhabitants of the land, as thou goest to Shur, even
unto the land of Egypt X. 9 And David smote the land, and
left neither man nor woman alive, and took away the sheep, and
the oxen, and the asses, and the camels, and the apparel, and
returned and came to Achish, to give account of the action, and
present him with a share of the spoils. 10 And Achish said,
Whither have ye made a road to-day? And David said. Against
the south of Judah, and against the south of the Jerahmeelites,
and against the south of the Kenites§. 11 And David saved
neither man nor woman alive, to bring [tidings] to Gath, saying,
lest they should tell on us saying, So did David, and so [will be]
Ijis manner all the while he dwellelh in the country of the Phi-
listines ; he brought no man to Gath to tell hozo the matter zcas ;
and the Philistines were not likely to know otherwise, being at a
great distance, and busy iji preparation for war with Israel. 12 And
Achish believed David, saying. He hath made his people Israel
utterly to abhor him ; therefore he shall be my servant for ever ;
he can now have no thoughts of returning to Israel, but will
continue with me, and do me service as long as he lives. It was
happy for David that he was settled at Ziklag, it being a proper
place for the reception of those who came to him ; as zee find great
numbers did, see 1 Chron. xii. 1 — 22.
* Daviil made this request to secure himself from the envy of the courtiers, to
keep his men employed, that they might not be in such danger of idolatry and
the vices of tlie Philistines, and have a free exercise of their religion, without
ottering an afiVont to the gods of the Philistines.
t This was a frontier town in the lot of Judah, (see Joshua xv. 31.), but the
Philistines had kept possession of it till now.
t These were the remains of the nations that were devoted to destraction.'
Saul had not slain all the Amalekites, though he was commanded to do so; some
bad fled who were probably at enmity with Achish, at least not tributary to him,
or confederates with him. Thus David subsisted himself and his people, served
his own country, and did not injure his benefactor.
$ This was a fraudulent equivocation, unworthy such a holy man as he was ;
for Achish would understand that he made an inroad on the southern part of Judah,
whereas he meant the countries that lay south of Judah.
I. SAMUEL. XX\ II. 131
REFLECTIONS.
1. We see there may be remainders of unbelief in a pious
mind. David did wrong in going lo an idolatrous country, where
he had before complained of being driven. He had been com-
manded to stay in Judah, and was assured of the kingdom ; and
though he could not trust Saul, he might have trusted God.
Unbelief is a sin which easily besets good men. They advise
with themselves and their friends, but not with their God, and
do not look up to him for direction. Let us mourn over the
remainder of unbelief in our own hearts, und pray that God
would increase our faith.
2. Another fault of David, which should be matter of lamen-
tation and warning, is, that he deceived Achish. Though it
was not a direct lie, it had the same consequences and guilt, as
it was intended to deceive him. How mean and dishonourable
is such a conduct in any, especially in men of distinguished rank
and eminence ! Let it be our care to avoid this, as every degree
of deceit, though it should do others no harm, yet it warps the
mind from truth, makes men think lightly of it, and prepares
the way for lying. May we guard against every species of deceit,
for it will, if encouraged, increase to more ungodliness ; it will
lead not only to injustice to men, but hypocrisy towards God.
Therefore as we are brethren, let us not lie one to another, but
see to it that our conversation be in simplicity and godly sincerity.
He that ivalketh uprightly, zcalketh sureli/. We should remember
that our words are all heard in heaven ; and that 6y our zcords
zee shall be condemned or justified. We may deceive men, but
cannot deceive God ; and he has entered it in the decrees ot
heaven, that no liar shall inherit eternal life.
K i
i
132 I.SAMUEL. XXVfll.
CHAPTER XXV 1 1 1.
We have in this chapter Saul's terror on account of the attack of the
Philistines ; the application he made to a witch that he might see
Samuel ; the conversation he had with Samuel, and the effect it had
upon him.
1 And it came to pass in those days, ■ichile David zcas with
Achish, that the Philistines gathered their armies together for
warfare, to fight with Israel. And Achish, who depended on David
and his men to help him, said unto David, Know thou assuredly,
that thou shalt go out with roe to battle, thou and thy men.
2 And David said to Achish, Surely thou shalt know what thy
servant can do *. And Achish said to David, Therefore will I
make thee keeper of mine head for ever, he in whom I put most
confidence for the protection of mij life.
3 Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had lamented him,
and buried him in Ramah, even in his own city. This is added
to show that Saul was nozo sensible of his loss. And Saul, at the
beginning of his reign, zchen Samuel had some infiuence over him,
had put away those that had familiar spirits, and the wizards, out
of the land. 4 And the Philistines gathered themselves together,
and came and pitched in Shunem, and Saul gathered all Israel
toi'ether, and they pitched in Gilboa. 5 And when Saul,^)'om a
neighbouring hill, saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid,
and his heart greatly trembled, through the terrors of a gniltif
conscience, and his onJi impending doom. 6 And when Saul in-
quired of the Lord, the Lord answered him not, neither by
dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets f-
7 Then said Saul unto his servants. Seek me a woman that hath a
familiar spirit, that 1 may go to her, and inquire of her |. And his
servants said to him, Behold, [there is] a woman that hath a familiar
* Tliis was an ambiguous answer. David uo doubt wished to put him off, and
to consult God fust, in so nice an affair. Jiut Achish understood him to intimate
that he would do his best to serve him.
f It is said, 1 Chion. x. 14., he inquired not of the Lord. He did not do it for a
long time, but neglected him ; and at last did not do it with a sincere, upright
heart ; wherefore God cstet nied it as not done.
i Saul here acts like a distracted man, driven to despair ; for he knew this
practice was contrary to the law of God, and so did all the people; not^vith-
standing there were some who privately used necroniaucy, or cousulting the dead,
which was a practice commou among tiie Gcutilcs.
I. SAMUEL. XXVIII. 133
spirit at En-dor, a place near where the army teas encamped. 8 And
Saul disguised himself, and put on other raiment, that he inight
not be known, otherzcise the looman zcould not have practised her
arts before him ; and he went, and two men with him, and they
<:amc to the woman by night : and he said, I pray thee, divine
unto nie by the familiar spirit, and bring me [him] wt^ from the
grave whom I shall name unto thee. 9 And the woman said
inito him. Behold, thou knowest what Saul hath done, how he
hath cut off those that have familiar spirits, and the wizards, out
of the land : wherefore then layest thou a snare for my life, to
cause me to die ? Providence ordered it so that Saul should be told
this to his face, to convince him of his sin. 10 And Saul assured
her of safety, a)id sware to her by the Loud, saying, [As] the
Lord liveth, there shall no punishment happen to thee for this
thing*. 11 Then said the woman. Whom shall I bring up unto
thee? And he said. Bring me up Samuel. 12 And whenf the
woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice, shrieked out in
surprise and terror, having never seen such a sight before: and the
woman spake to Saul, saying. Why hast thou deceived me? for
thou [art] Saul %. 13 And the king said unto her. Be not afraid :
for what sawcst thou ? And the woman said unto Saul, 1 saw
gods § ascending out of the earth. 14 And he said unto her,
What form [is] he of? And she said, An old man cometh up ;
and he [is] covered with a mantle, such as prophets zcear. And
Saul perceived that it [was] Samuel himselj'\\, and he stooped
* This story is atteticled witli many difficulties. Commentators have often
strangely confounded it and themselves. There are three opinions concerniu!: it.
One is, that it was all a jui;"lc ; another, that an evil vpirit personated Samuel ;
a third, which seems most likely, that it was really Samuel. The first, that it was
a juggle, is absurd in itself, as Saul was not likely to be the dupe of the woman.
}le and his companions were brave men, and not to be easily imposed upon ;
they were not frifrhtened, though she was; their whole answer was quite rational.
They came suddenly and unexpectedly, so that there was no time for artifice.
Had it been a juggle, the woman would not have been frightened. When she
knew Said, she would liave flattered him, and have given him some favoui-able
answer ; she would not have foretold his death, lest she should sutler for it, and it
should be imputed to her enchantments. The reasons why it was not an evil
spirit, and that it was really Samuel, will be given as we proceed.
+ It must be observed carefully, the word w/ien is not in the original ; the in-
stant Saul pronounced Samuel's name, siie saw him in her cell.
♦ Seeing the venerable prophet himself, she immediately concluded, that he
would not api)ear in this extraordinary manner to any bin the king of Israel, and
therefore it must be Saul. This pl.iinly proves that her whole art was designed
to (Icccivc ; and that it w;is not an evil spirit. If it had been one, and brought up
by her art, she would not have been so frightened.
§ The word ofte« signifies a god, and so is applied to the true God, to a magis-
trate, or personage of ureat houour.
II Here a most iuipoitant word is omilttd m the ti.in.lation, which is in the
134 I. SAMUEL. XXVIII.
with [his] face to the ground, and bowed himself with great
reverence before him.
15 And Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me,
to bring me up*? And Saul answered, I am sore distressed;
for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed
from me, and answereth me no more, neither by prophets, nor
by dreams : therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest make
known unto me what I shall do. l6 Then said Samuel, Where-
fore then dost thou ask of me, seeing the Lord is departed from
thee, and is become thine enemy ? Nothing can be more senseless
than to imagine that I can do any thing for thee, rthen God,
whose servant I am, hath forsaken thee. 17 And the Lord
hath done to himt, as he spake by me: for the Lord hath rent
the kingdom out of thine hand, and given it to thy neighbour,
[even] to David. 18 Because thou obeyedst not the voice of
the Lord, nor executedst his fierce wrath upon Amalek, there-
fore hath the Lord done this thing unto thee this day. It is
remarkable he does not mention his killing the priests, because the
decree of cutting off the kingdom from him teas denounced before
that was done. 19 Moreover the Lord will also deliver Israel
with thee into the hand of the Philistines : and to-morrow ;};
[shah] thou and thy sons [be] with me in the state of the dead^:
the Lord also shall deliver the host of Israel into the hand of
the Philistines. 20 Then Saul fell straightway all along on the
earth, and was sore afraid, because of the words of Samuel : and
there was no strength in him ; for he had eaten no bread all the
day nor all the night.
original. He perceived (hat it was Samuel himself, tlie very same person lie liaJ so
often seen aiid conversed willi.
• This passage is urged as a proof that it was an evil spirit. Rut tiie plain
meaning is, that he was grieved to be called on such an errand, to be a witness
and reprover of Saul's impiety and madness. He says, ft'hy hast thou disquieted
me? provoked my spirit? It was not the witch that hath done it, but thou.
t To him. Dr. Kcnnicott proves from three Hebrew MSS. and tlie Greek and
Vulgate versions, that it should be rendered, to thee.
t The word often signifies soon, see Dent. vi. 20., but it might be literally on
the tnorrnw, for any thing tliat appears in the story to tlie contrary, if this was
past midnight, which it probably was.
§ This is a convincing proof that it was really Samuel, for no juggler could have
foretold events so precisely, no evil spirit could do it ; we have no reason to
believe that God would reveal these things to them. Resides, an evil spirit would
not have reproved Saul, as this apparition did, nor blame him for iiupiiiing in
this way ; but would rather have encouraged and countenanced it : Satan is not
divided against himself. If it be asked, Why God answered him tliii>, when he
refused to do it in another way? it may be answered, (hat there was no prophet
with Saul. The Urim was with David ; and he could not expert dreams or
visions. God might wisely suffer Samuel to ajtpear, to make the greater ini-
I. SAMUEL. XXVIII. 135
21 And the woman came unto Saul, and saw that he was sore
troubled, and said unto him, Behold, thine handmaid hath obeyed
thy voice, and I have put my life in my hand, and have hearkened
unto thy words which thou spakest unto me> 22 Now therefore,
I pray thee hearken thou also unto the voice of thine handmaid,
and let me set a morsel of bread before thee ; and eat, that thou
mayest have strength, when thou goest on thy way, othtmhe thou
toUt not be able to go to the camp. 23 But he refused, and said, I
will not eat ; he chose rather to die there, than by the Philistines.
But his servants, together with the woman compelled him, bi/
earnest importunity ; and he hearkened unto their voice. So he
arose from the earth, and sat upon the bed. 24 And the woman
had a fat calf in the house ; and she hasted, and killed it, and took
flour, and kneaded [it,] and did bake unleavened bread thereof :
25 And she brought [it] before Saul, and before his servants, and
they did eat. Then they rose up, and went away that night.
REFLECTIONS.
1. This remarkable story throws some light upon what has
been matter of much debate in the world, concerning witches and
apparitions. As to the former, it seems to intimate that witches
were nothing but mere cheats, or else this poor witch would never
have been so much frightened. I never saw any satisfactory
evidence that persons ever had, or can possibly have, evil spirits
under their command, and by which they were capable of doing
mischief. Many such stories, which have been best attested, have
been found nothing but frauds ; and all the rest may reasonably be
suspected, because there does not appear any good end that they
can answer. It is remarkable, that none have appeared among us
since the act which was made against them was repealed ; and
very probably there never will be any more. For a man to pre-
tend to it under the Jewish law, was death. And such persons
pression on Saul, who had paid so little regard to liim whilst living ; and to re-
prove him for his former crimes, fspecially this last. And how could Go<l liave
taken a more eti'ectiial nittUod to discountenance such a practice ? Had there
heen no answer, or iiad Saul only been frightened hy this wicked woman, liieir
faith in this wretched creature mii^ht have been coidirmed. But when he caused
Samuel to appear in his ow u person, and declare, what none but infinite wisdom
could reveal, it was a remarkable way ot" showing his detestation of such practices,
and a strong proof of the immoitality of the soid. If it be asked. Why did not
fSamncl exhort him to repent ? 1 an-wer, tiie reproof itself is an exhortation: but
probably there was no mom for rcpeulauce, alter all that had been said to him,
and done for him.
130 I. SAMUEL. XXVIII.
deserve severe punislinieiit now, because it tends to lessen a re-
gard to Providence, and to introduce impiety.
With regard to apparitions, this story seems to me to prove, that
God, for wise and good reasons, may suffer departed spirits to take
some vehicle or light kind of body, by which they may beconse the
objects of sense, and be capable of conversing with us. Such in-
stances I believe have been ; yet never but on extraordinary oc-
casions. 'J'he great thing to be regarded is the design or t!ie end
to be answered by such an appearance, for Providence never acts
but for a wise and good end ; and if that was not to be seen by us,
why was the apparition ? God does not take delight in terrifying
men ; and not one of them can appear without his permission.
This single remark carried with us, would overthrow a thousand
of those foolish stories, which tend only to frighten children.
But we have no need to give ourselves any pain about this, if we
will but attend to the next reflection which this chapter suggests
to us.
Q. We see here the horrors of a guilty conscience, and how
solicitous we should be to make God our friend. When the Phi-
listines came against Saul, he remembered the guilty blood of the
Amalekites which he had spared, and the innocent blood of the
priests which he had shed. His iniquities were set in order before
him. This drove him in the wild disorder of his mind to consult
a witch. He who would not serve God, became a slave to his
own fears and folly. When he heard his doom confirmed by the
same prophet who had delivered it before, what remorse and de-
spair, what horror of conscience, what terror and anticipation of
the divine vengeance did he feel ! What a dreadful situation must his
mind be in ! from which his crown and sceptre, his dominions and
armies could not secure him, God grant that we may all learn from
this awful story, the evil of sin, the sad consequence of combat-
ing with conscience, grieving the Spirit of God, and causing him
to withdraw. May we never provoke the Lord to anger, lest he
give us up to a hard and reprobate mind. Let us secure an in-
terest in his friendship, by faith in Christ, and holy obedience to
his will ; and then, evil spirits can do us no harm, and good spirits
will not. lloppif is he t/iat feateth the Lord, for he shall be sads-
Jicd from himself; and instead of terror, remorse, and despair,
])is life shall be comfortable and his end shall he peace.
I. SAMUEL. XXIX. 137
CHAPTER XXIX.
Iti tliis chapter we fiiul David in great straits, and hap[)ily delivered by
the interposition of Providence.
I IMOW the PhilistiKcs gathered together all their armies to
Aphek: and the Israelites pitched by a fountain which [is] in Jez-
reei. 2 And the lords of the Philistines passed on by hundreds,
and by thousands, sorjie at the head of an hundred, and some of a
thousand soldiers : but David and his men passed on in the rere-
■\vard with Achish, who was chosen general of the whole armi/,and
David went ivith him as captain of his guards, according to his pro-
mise. 5 Then said the princes of the Philistines, What [do] these
Hebrews [here .'] thinking it odd that they should go against their
oivn countrymen. And Achish said unto the princes of the Phi-
listines, [Is] not this David, the servant of Saul the king of Israel,
which hath been with me these days, or these years, a year and
four months, long enough to prove him, and I have found no fault
in him since he fell [unto me] unto this day? 4 And the princes of
the Philistines were wroth with him ; and the princes of the Phi-
listines said unto him. Make tliis fellow return, that he may go
again to his place which thou hast appointed him at Ziklag, and
let him not go down with us to battle, lest in the battle he be an
adversary to us, should prove false and revolt: for wherewith
should he reconcile himself unto his master? [should it] not [be]
with the heads of these men ? btj betraying us into the hands of
Saul'? 'fhis zcas a plausible reason, but the chief was, envy and in-
dignation at his reputation, and seeing him so honourably treated.
5 [Is] not this David, of whom they sang one to another in
dances, saying, Saul slew his thousands, and David his ten thou-
sands ? reminding Achish that he was a very dangerous person,
and would hardly forfeit his popularity by fghling against his
country.
6 Then Achish, rcho was overruled in the council of rear, called
David, and said unto him, Surely, [as] the Lord liveth*, thou hast
been upright, and ihy going out and thy coming in with me in
* Aclii>li swears as the Lord livclh, and not Ijy I1.i;;'in : iicrluiiis, David, \v|io
sjtoh' of (foil's tistiinonkn bcjinc /a;/js, lia.l imtrucleil him in tlit kiiowlcdjjt of
J':1io\hIi.
138 I. SAMUEL. XXIX.
the host [is] good in my sight : for I have not found evil in thee
since the day of thy coming unto me unto this day ; a very ho-
?iourable testimony : nevertheless the lords favour thee not.
7 Wherefore now return, and go in peace, that thou displease not
the lords of the Philistines. 8 And David said unto Achish,
But what have I done ? and what hast thou found in thy servant
so long as 1 have been with thee unto this day, that 1 may not go
fight against the enemies of my lord the king? David, thouoh in-
wardly pleased, would not hate Achish imagine he icanted to he
^ dismissed. And Achish, knowing that all thitigs had been tvell
[_ managed by him, and prospered in his hand, answered and said to
David, I know that thou [art] good in my sight, as an angel of'
God : notwithstanding the princes of the Philistines have said, He
shall not go up with us to the battle : and he thought it teas better to
lose a favourite, than to have a mutiny in the army. 10 Wherefore,
now rise up early in the morning with thy master's servants that
are come with thee : and as soon as ye be up early in the morn-
ing, and have light, depart. 1 1 So David and his men rose up
early to depart in the morning, to return into the land of the Phi-
listines. And the Philistines went up to Jezreel. This zcas or-
dered by God's special providence, to preserve him either from
fighting against his own people, or betraying his truit ; as also that
, he might come seasonably to the rescue of his friends at Ziklag, and
his own concerns.
REFLECTIONS.
1. It is sometimes injurious even to have high reputation.
This should teach us not to be too fond of honour, or the ap-
plause of men, for it exposed David to the envy and hatred of the
Philistine lords. Popular applause may soon be turned to re-
proach," therefore while we behave honourably, and have the tes-
timony of a good conscience, let us not be over solicitous about
the aj)plausc of men.
C. We may sec, by this remarkable appearance of Providence in
David's favour, that the steps of a good man arc ordered by the
Lord, lie knew not \\hat to do; he could not desert without
imputation of cowardice, treachery, and ingratitude to his bene-
factor; and yet il was hard to fight against his country, and the
J^ord's anointed, anil would exasperate the Israelites against him.
He was under no cngagenu nts but to defend Achish ; perhaps
I. SAMUEL. XXX. 139
he would have done that as captain of his guard; and perhaps he
might have saved Jonathan's life, and accommodated matters be-
tween the contending parties. He was much wanted at home,
though he did not know it. In this difficulty God appeared for
him, by stirring up the Philistine lords against him, and suffering
them to indulge and succeed in their resentment. David's ho-
nourable dismission freed him from all these difficulties, just time
enough to save his wives and children, and substance. His mind
was undoubtedly nmch distressed, and God suffered this to chas-
tise his folly in going to the Philistines ; but because his heart
was right, he interposed to rescue him, and his disgrace proved
greatly to his advantage. This affords us encouragement to trust
in God in all our straits and difficulties, for he can find out ways
and means to rescue us, and even stir up our enemies to deliver us
out of this or the other evil, from which our friends cannot. In
all our ivaijs, therefore, let us ackuoivledge him, and he will direct
our paths.
CHAPTER XXX.
We read here of the distressed circumstances in which David and his
men found Ziklag on their return; his pursuit of the enemy; the re-
covery of their families and efFects ; and the distribution of the spoil.
1 xtlND it came to pass, when David and his men were come
to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the
south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire ;
2 i\nd had taken the, vvomen captives, that [were] therein : they
slew not any, either great or small, but carried [them] away, and
went on their way*. 3 So David and his men came to the city,
and, behold, [it was] burned with fire ; and their wives, anci their
suns, and their daughters, were taken captives. 4 Then David
and the people that [were] with him lifted up their voice and
wept, until they had no more power to weep. 5 And David's
two wives were taken captives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and
Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite. 'This zcas indeed a heavy
* It was strange they did not destroy (hem, as David liad done their v^ivps
and children. TJiere was liowever a reniarkahle providence in it, as they did not
stop till tluy got to the hordcis of their own country: then th<y staid to refresh
themselves, and rejoice iu their victory.
140 I. SAMUEL. XXX.
trial. They had just escaped SnuVs fnri/, and got safe from the
Philistines, and expected to meet their wives and children with joy >'
but, behold, all ttere lost. We can scarce imagine any thing more
melancholy. 6 AwA David was greatly distressed ; for the peo-
ple spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was
grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters ; their grief
for a time took away their reason, and they ascribed all their mi-
series to him jar having attacked the Amalekites : but David en-
couraged himself in the Lord his God, his piety kept Up his
courage. He had a great command oj' temper, did not threaten to
punish their insolence, but remained siloit under all their ill usage.
7 And David said to Abiathar the priest, Ahimelech's son, I pray
thee, bring me hither the ephod. And Abiathar brought thither
the ephod to David. /;/ the day of his trouble he sought the hard.
8 And David inquired at the Lokd, saying, Shall 1 j)ursue after
this troop ? shall 1 overtake them ? And he answered him, Pursue :
for thou shalt surely overtake [them,] and without fail recover
[all.] God ansicercd, and for his encouragement, promised more
than he required.
9' So David vent, he and the six hundred men that [were] with
him, and came to the brook Besor, where those that were left
behind stayed. 10 But David pursued, he and four hundred men:
for two hundred abode behind, which were so faint that they could
not go over the brook Besor ; their grief had made them neglect to
Udie proper refreshment. Thiszvas a great trial of David' sj'aith,
as it took from him a third part of his army ; yet he shoived them
great tenderness, and though the case 7cas urgent, did not hurry
them beyond their strength. 1 1 And they found an Egyptian in
the field, and brought him to David, and gave him bread, and he
did cat; and they made him drink water. 12 And they gave him
H piece of a cake of iigs, and two clusters*of raisins : and when
he had eaten, his spirit came again to him ; they did what they
could to recover and comfort him, for he had eaten no bread nor
drank [any] water, three days and three nights, that is, part of
three days and three niirhts. IS And David said unto him. To
whom [belongcst] thou ? and whence [art] thou .' And he said,
1 [am] a young man of Egypt, servant to an Amalekitc : and my
master left me, because three days agone I fell sick. This was
the highest degree of inhumanity and cruelty : he lej't him sick, in
an enemy's country, destitute oJ' necessaries, when they had plenty,
ami with their camels could easily have taken him with them,
14 ^^ c made an invasion [upon] iht buuth of the Clicrcthitcs, ihc
I. SAMUEL. XXX. 141
Philistines, and upon [the coast] which [belongeth] to Jiulah, and
upon the south of Caleb, his inheritance, where NabaVs possessions
were, and we burned Ziglag with lire. \b And David said to him,
Canst thou bring me down to this company ? And he said, Swear
unto me by God, that thou wilt neitlier kill me, nor dehver me
into the hands of my master, of Tchose cruelttf he had a sufficient
specimen, and I will bring thee down to this company.
16 And when he had brought him down, behold, [they were]
spread abroad upon all the earth, eating and drinking, and danc-
ing, because of all the great spoil that they had taken out of the
land of the Philistines, and out of the land of Judah ; here they
thought themselves perfectly secure, because the Philistines and Is-
raelites were gone to war. 1 7 And David came npon them early
in the morning, and smote them from the twilight even unto the
evening of the next day : and there escaped not a man of them,
save four hundred young men, which rode upon camels, and
fled. 18 And David recovered all that the Amalekites had car-
ried away : and David rescued his two wives. 1,9 And there was
nothing lacking to them, neither small nor great, neither sons nor
daughters, neither spoil, nor any [thing] that they had taken to
them : David recovered all, according to God's loord. 20 And
David took all the flocks and the herds, taken by the Amalekites
from the Philistines and the men of Judah, [which] they drave
before those [other] cattle, belonging to David and the men of
Ziklag, and said. This [is] David's spoil, obtained by his valour
and conduct. The soldiers now repented of their insolence, and
were willing David should have all the new spoils that were taken.
21 And David came to the two hundred men, which were so faint
that they could not follow David, whom they had made also to
abide at the brook Besor : and they went forth to meet David,
and to meet the people that [were] with him, to congratulate them
on their success, and receive their wives and children; and when
David came near to the people, he saluted them, in a most friendly
manner inquired about their health, for he had left them weak and
faint.
22 Then answered all the wicked men and [men] of Belial, of
those that went with David, properly so called, because they were
covetous and barbarous ; probably David when he saluted the two
hundred men, told them they should have their own things restored,
and part of the spoil ; but these wicked men objected, and said. Be-
cause they went not with us, we will not give them [aught] of the
spoil that we have recovered, save to every man his wife and his
142 I. SAMUEL. XXX.
cliildren, that they may lead [them] away, and depart. 23 Then
said David, Ye shall not do so, my brethren, with that which the
Loun hath given us, who hath preserved us, and delivered the
company that came against us into our hand. 24 For who will
( hearken unto you in this matter ? but as his part [is] that goeth
/ down to the battle, so [shall] his part [be] that tarrieth by the
stufif : they shall part alike*. 25 And it was [so] from that day
forward, that he made it a perpetual statute and an ordinance for
Israel unto this dayt.
26 And when David came to Ziklag, he sent of the spoil unto
the elders of Judah, [even] to his friends J, saying. Behold a pre-
sent for you of the sj)oil of the enemies of the Lord; 27 To
[them] which [were] in Belh-el, and to [them] which [were] in
south Ramoth, and to [them] which [were] in Jattir, 28 And to
[them] which [were] in Aroer, and to [them] which [were] in
Siphmoth, and to [them which [were] in Eshtemoa, 29 And to
[them] which [were] in Radial, and to [them] which [were] in
the cities of the Jerahmeelites, and to [them] which [were]
in the cities of the Kenites, 30 And to [them] which [were]
in Hormah, and to [them] which [were] in Chor-ashan, and to
[them] which [were] in Athach, 31 And to [them] which [were]
in Hebron, and to all the places where David himself and his men
were wont to haunt ; to the friends among whom they had lurked,
and from whom they had received intelligence and provisions.
He sent these presents, as a token that he wished the?n prosperity,
in gratitude for their kindness, and as a means of securing their
affection.
REFLECTIONS.
1. See here a striking instance of the uncertainty of all created
comfort. Little did David and his men think of so melancholy
a sight. Being dismissed from the army, they were highly de-
lighted with the thoughts of rejoicing with their families and
♦ David over-ruled their cruel proposal, yet in a friendly manner; and argued,
that since God had been so good to ihem, it would he peculiarly base and impious
in them to be unkind to their brethren. He reasoned from the equity of tlie thing ;
they were left behind by common consent, were part of tlie same body, and migiit
have been serviceable in case of a retreat.
t Ps. Ixviii. 12, may possibly allude to this.
+ TheAmalekites wcrea lich, luxurious, effeminate people, (Judaic? viii.C4, 26.)»
ami David sent part of the jewels and other spoils to the elders of Judah, and
otliec friends, lest his men should grow effeminate by lining them.
I. SAMUEL. XXX. 1435
friends. But what a dreadfui scene opened to their view ! When
we go abroad, we know not what occurrence may happen before
we return; we may go out cheerful, and return doleful; our
houses may be destroyed and turned into ashes ; wives, children,
and friends may be dead. Those who have often gone out and
come in, and found their families in peace at their return, should
be thankful to God for his preserving care. Let us always con-
sider such enjoyments as precarious ; and boast not of to-morroWy
since we know not what a day may hringforth.
2. Let good men learn of David, to encourage themselves in
the Lord their God, in the most distressing circumstances. His
grief was as great as theirs, and additional troubles fell upon him
through their insolence and outrage. He was charged as the au-
thor of all this mischief; but he encouraged himself in the power
and providence of God, who had often appeared for him, and
had promised to bring him to the throne ; the recollection of this
kept up his spirits. Let us all seek an interest in God as our
God, then shall we have a sure refuge when trouble comes. Good
men should not be cast down, but hope in God. He shall not be
afraid of evil tidings zchose heart is fixed trusting in the Lord.
S. The cruelty of the Amalekite to his poor servant, should fdl
our minds with abhorrence of every degree of cruelty, even to
the meanest servant and dependant, '^rhose have the spirit of
Amalekites, and not Israelites, who forsake their servants in dis-
tress, and turn them sick into the wide world, or take no care of
them when old and disabled. A merciful man regardeth the life
even of his beast, much more of his fellow-creature ; but the ten-
der mercies of the wicked are cruelty. Humanity and compassion
are graces well becoming christians, especially those in higher sta-
tions of life. May we therefore put on, as the elect of God, boxoels
of compassion.
4. See how soon destruction may come upon those who seem
most secure and most merry. The Amalekites were all cheerful
and jovial, eating, and drinking, and dancing ; they expected no
danger to be near, when the blow came upon them and destroyed
them almost all. Such is the case of sensual sinners ; they appre-
hend no danger, and put far off the evil day. Eating, drinking,
and dancing, have been the soft nnd pleasant ways by which mul-
titudes have gone down to the congregation of the dead; and
when they smd peace and safety, lo! sudden destruction came upon
them. Let us then always be upon our guard, for while we in-
dulge sensual inclinations, our spiritual enemies will gain an ad-
ilU I. SAMUEL. XXXr.
vantage over us. Let us take heed to ourselves, iest uur hearts he
at any time overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness, or the
cares of this life, and that aufuldai/ come upon us unazcares.
CHAPTER XXXL
Saul having lost his army, and his sons being slain, he and his armour-
bearer kill themselves, and the Philistines triumph over the dead
carcases.
1 1\ OW Saul had no sooner returned to the camp at Gilboa, than
the Philistines fought against Israel : and the men of Israel tied
from before the Philistines, and fell down slain in mount Gilboa.
2 And the Philistines followed hard upon Saul and upon his sons,
who commanded the army, supposing that if these tcere despatched
they would not rally again, and the Philistines slew Jonathan, and
Abinadab, and Melchi-shua, Saul's sons. By this a wise Provi-
dence made way for David's settlement; for Jonathan had )nany
friends, and might have been a great hinderance to his peaceful es-
tablishment. S And the battle went sore against Saul, and the
archers hit him; and he was sore wounded of the archers.
4 Then said Saul unto his arniourbearer, having lU) hope of' es-
cape, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith, lest these
uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and abuse me, make
sport loith me, as they did with Samson. But his arniourbearer
had so much respect for him that he would not ; for he was sore
afraid : therefore Saul took a sword, and fell upon it. 3 And
when his arniourbearer saw that Saul was dead, he fell likewise
upon his sword and died with him. 6 So Saul died, and his three
sons, and his armourbearer, and all his men, his household servants
and guard, that same day together.
7 And when the men of Israel that [were] on the other side of
the valley of Jezreel, and [they] that [were] on the other side Jor-
dan, rather, on this side Jordan, as the ivord may be rendered, saw
that the men of Israel fled, and that Saul and his sons were dead,
they forsook the cities, and fled ; and the Philistines came and
dwelt in them.
8 And it came to pass on the morrow, when the Philistines
came to strip the slain, that they found Saul and his three sons
I. SAMUEL. XXXI. 145
fallen in mount Gilboa. 9 -And they cut off his head, and strip-
ped oft his armour, and sent into the land of the Philistines round
about, to publish [it in] the house of their idols, and among the
people. They sent both the head and the armour, as we read in
I Chron. X. 10., to inform the people of the victory, and to be hung
vp as a trophy of it in the temple ofDagon. 10 And tliey put his
armour in the house of Ashtaroth : and they fastened his body
and the bodies of his sons to the wall of Beth-shan, exposing them,
to public shame. 11 And when tlie inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead
heard of that which the Philistines had done to Saul; 12 All the
valiant men arose, and, in return for the kindness he had done them,
(ch. xi. 11.), went all night, and took the body of Saul and the bo-
dies of his sons from the wall of Beth-shan, and came to Jabesh,
and became their flesh was putrefied, and so could not be embalmed,
and to prevent the Philistines getting them again into their power,
they burned them there. 13 And they took their bones, and bu-
ried [them] under a tree at Jabesh, where they lay till the end of
David's reign, when he buried them in the sepulchre of Kish, the
father of Saul; and they fasted seven days, that is, till the evening
of each day, out of respect to Said. Thus ended the history of this
unhappy monarch. See Hosea xiii. 10, 11.
REFLECTIONS.
1. We may here observe the horrors of a guilty conscience, and
the miserable end of a a self-deceiving sinner. Saul had a long
combat with himself; his doom had been foretold by Samuel's ap-
parition ; and he is here brought to a miserable end. Every ag-
gravating circumstance attended it ; full of horror and despair, he
basely and cowardly destroys himself, and all to keep his body
from being abused by the Philistines. There was no sign of
care about his soul ; he died as he had lived, a terror to himself
and all about him. Now his many sins find him out. See here
the consequence of disobedience to God's commandments, and
his righteous judgments upon one of the greatest of men, when he
proved profligate and perverse. It is a warning to us, that we
may /ear the Lord, and walk in the way of his commandments.
2. Victory and success should always be ascribed to God. So
the Philistines thought, though theirs were such poor gods that
they did not know what was done a few miles off". This shows
the sense men have of the reasonableness of acts of public
VOL. III. L
146 1. SAMUEL. XXXI.
homage to their supposed deUverers. Whatever success we meet
with, we should say, Not unto us, not unto us, O Lord, hut to thy
name be the glory.
3. Respect is due to the remains of the dead, especially de-
ceased princes. A concern to rescue the remains of Saul and
his sons, was for the honour of Israel. In general, the relation
between kings and their people is so intimate, that the disgrace of
the one is a reflection on the other. If these men were so reso-
lute, and undertook so hazardous an expedition, to rescue their
dead bodies from shame, how willing should we be to hazard our
fortunes or lives for the person or reputation of a good king, un-
der whose shelter we are safe and happy. Finally,
4. We may learn this useful lesson, not to put our trust in
princes. I said, ye are gods, but ye shall die as men. They not
only die, but often die miserably- Happy is the man who hath
tfie God of Jacob for his help, who trusts in the Lord for ever ;
for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength.
THE
SECOND BOOK OF SAMUEL,
CALLED BY THE SEVENTY
THE SECOND BOOK OF KINGS.
INTRODUCTION.
It is called the Second Book of Samuel, because it gives an account of
the fulfilment of what he foretold. It is the history of David's reign?
and contains a period of about forty years. The author was very
probably Nathan or Gad. See 1 Chron. xxix. 29.
CHAPTER I.
In which we have the intelligence of Saul's death brought to David ; the
manner in which he received it ; and the noble elegy he composed
on the occasion.
1 i\iOVV it came to pass after the death of Saul, when David
was returned froni the slaughter of the Amalekites, and David
had abode two days in Ziklag; 2 It came even to pass on the
third day, that behold a man came out of the camp from Saul
with his clothes rent, and earth upon his head, in the habit of a
mourner: and [so] it was, when he came to David that he fell
to the earth, and did obeisance. 3 And David said unto him,
From whence comest thou? And he said unto him, Out of the
camp of Israel am 1 escaped. 4 And David said unto him.
How went the matter? I pray thee tell me. And he answered,
That the people are fled from the battle, and many of the people
also are fallen and dead ,• and Saul and Jonathan his son are
dead also ; he only mentioned Saul and Jonathan, as the persons
about whom David ivas chiefly concerned. 5 And David said
unto the young man that told him, How knowest thou that Saul
L 2
148 II. SAMUEL. I.
and Jonathan liis son be dead * ? 6 And the young man that told
him said, As I happened by chance upon mount Gilboa, be-
hold, Saul leaned upon his spear, endeavouring to run himself
through with it; and, lo, the chariots and horsemen followed
hard after him. 7 And when he looked behind him, to see if anj/
of his guards were 7iear, he saw me, and called unto me. And
I anwered, Here [am] I. 8 And he said unto me. Who [art]
thou ? And I answered him, 1 [am] an Amalekite. 9 He said
unto me again, Stand, I pray thee, upon me, and slay me, add thj/
force, that the spear may enter in ; for anguish is come upon me,
because my life is yet whole in me, or, as the margin renders it,
my coat of mail, or vuj embroidered coat, hindereth me, so that
my life is yet whole within me. 10 So I stood upon him, and
slew him, because 1 was sure that he could not live after that he
was fallen ; he probably saw indignation rising in David's counte-
nance, and therefore adds, that he did it out of pity and kindness :
and I took the crown that [was] upon his head, and the bracelet
that [was] on his arm, and have brought them hither unto my
lordf.
1 1 Then David took hold on his clothes, and rent them ; and
likewise all the men that [were] with him : 12 And they mourned,
and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul, and for Jonathan his
son, and for the people of the Lord, and for the house of
Israel; because they were fallen by the sword ;{:.
13 And David, ivhen the transport of his grief reus over, said
unto the young man that told him. Whence [art] thou ? and he
answered, 1 [am] the son of a stranger, an Amalekite. 14 x\nd
David said unto him. How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth
thine hand to destroy the Lord's anointed? 15 And David
called one of the young men of his guaf^, and said, Go near,
[and] fall upon him. And he smote hun that he died. l6 And
David said unto him, Thy blood [be] upon thy head : for thy
* He asks this, because it was uot so easy to know who were slain in the con-
fiision of a battle, and it was a matter of s,rva.i moment to be satisfied in this.
t Saul was the first who wore these ensigns of royalty ; and it is hardly probable
that he wore Uiem in battle. They might either be carried by some who attended
bim, or be left in his tent, which the Amalekites no doubt plundered. It is
observable, that he mentions nothing particular concerning Jonathan's death ; as
knowing that would be a disagreeable subject to David.
J The Amalekite expected to have some considerable reward, but he was
greatly disappointed, see ch. iv. lO. ; instead of seeing transports of joy in David
and his men, behold weeping and great lamentation, and many tears, for Sanl,
and for Jonathan, that generous, brave and worthy man, for the calamities of his
countrymen and friends. Consequently, tlie expressions of desiring the ruin of his
enemies, and of triumpli over them, w'ere not from a spirit of revenge, but pre-
dictions that it should be so.
II. SAMUEL. I. 149
mouth hath teslitied against thee, saying, 1 have slain the Lord's
anointed *.
17 And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul, and
over Jonathan his souf: 18 Also he bade them teach the
children of Judah [the use of] the bow J: behold, [it is] written
in the book of Jasher ;) probably a book or histor'uul poem con-
taining the memorable events of the nation. 19 The beauty of
Israel, the flower of the nation, is slain upon thy high places:
how are the mighty fallen ! how suddenly and dreadfully are they
slain ! He knew the enemies toould triumph, and therefore adds,
in a beautiful apostrophe, 20 Tell [it] not in Gath, publish
[it] not in the streets of Askelon ; lest the daughters of the
Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised
triumph ; he wishes if possible to conceal it, for the honour of
Qod ; lest even the zcometi should rejoice, and celebrate their
idol gods as the authors of it. 0,1 Ye mountains of Gilboa, [let
there be] no dew, neither [let there be] rain, upon you, nor fields
of offerings. He utters an execration on the mountain where the
battle teas fought : let there be no rain upon it ; no fruitful fields ,^
from whence tithes and offerings shall be brought to God's house;
let it remain barren, and be a sad and zcoful monument of this
calamity : for there the shield of the mighty is vilely cast away.
That thei/ might ru)i the faster i*the shield of Saul, [as though
he had] not [been] anointed with oil, as if he had been a common
soldier, and net a king §. 22 From the blood of the slain, from
the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan turned not back, and
the sword of Saul returned not empty ; Saul and Jonathan were
used to be victorious over their stoutest enemies. 23 Saul and
* Thou-:!! tliis nccount was false, (see l Sam. xxxi. 5.), yet David kucw it
not then, and inii^lit reasonably suppose liim guilty on his own confession ; it was
therefore a very proper step, being just in itself, and necessary to vindicate ins
own innocence; for had he rewarded him, or suffered iiiui to go unpunished, it
might have been said that he had employed him. It was necessary to ingratiate
himself with the people, and deter others from such practices, and to secure
respect to the person of kings, especially the Lord's anointed. It is remark-
able, that an Amalekite should bring that crown, which Saul had forfeited by
sparing the Am,ilekites.
t This elegy discovers a fine genius, and an excellent spirit ; it is written in
verse in the original, that it might be more affecting, and better and longer re-
membered.
t This verse comes in as a parenthesis, David might think the defeat of the
Israelites was occasioned by tlie want of more bows ; especially as the Pliilistines
were very skilful archers; the children of Judah lived next to them, and there-
fore it was proper for tliem to learn the use of the bow.
<S Daviii jHobably refers here to the spoil of Saul's dead body, and lo the in-
dignation and joy with which the enemy tore off his armour, and set it up a^
a trophy.
150 II. SAxMUEL. I.
Jonathan [were] lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their
death they were not divided ; ihey were courteous and kind to the
people, loved one another and the nation ; Jonathan stuck close to
hi?n till death, uhich proves that there rcas no conspiracy against
<Saz//; they were swit'ter than eagles /;/ pursuing their enerny, they
were stronger than lions in overthroioing them. 24 Ye daughters
of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet, with
[other] delights, who put on ornaments of gold upon your ap-
parel, adorned 1/ou 2vith the spoils taken from the enemy. 25 How
are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle ! O Jonathan, [ihou
wast] slain in thine high places, in the high places of thy ozcn
country, tchich thou hadst so valiantly defended. 26 I am dis-
tressed for thee, my brother Jonathan : very pleasant hast thou
been unto me : thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love
of women; here his grief for Jonathan breaks out again in an
abrupt manner, whose love to hi.n ivas as sincere, ardent, and
delightful, as the highest conjugal ajfcction. 27 How are the
mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished ! 'J'his was the
burden of the song ; how are the mighty fallen, and the military
glory departed from Israel * !
REFLECTIONS.
1. We may observe, that worldly-minded men are apt lo mea-
sure the minds of others by their own. This Amalekite thought
David would be glad to be informed that he had killed Saul, his
inveterate enemy, with his own hand; but more especially to see
the crown which he brought with him, and expected that he
would have amply rewarded him. Thus men of base and sordid
minds think others are like themselves ; and those who are most
ready to cast reflections on the temper or conduct of others, have
often more of the very temper and conduct which they censure
so freely.
2. We learn from the example of David, to conceal the faults
of others, especially of those who are dead. In this elegy we
meet not with the least trace of Saul's cruelty to him ; he re-
membered nothing but the brave man, the valiant commander,
the magnificent prince, God's anointed, his once indulgent
master, his Michal's and his Jonathan's father. He said nothing
* It is impossible to do Justice to tins fine poem. Dr. M'atts's is the best
version, and conu-s neaiest the spirit of tlic original. See Watts's Miscellanies.
II. SAMUEL. II. 151
of his disobedience, or his acts of tyranny. He did not insult
him now his honour was laid in the dust, and his crown fallen
from his head. Thus acted the man after God's oze/i heart. We
may judge then what they are, who forget all the vy-tues of wise
and good men, who are either living or dead ; who rake together
their faults, and pour out censures on their heads or their ashes.
Charity should teach us to say the best of every one. Jf we
know no good, let us say nothing ; but cover their faults with a
mantle of love. We must speak evil of no man.
3. Pity and tender affection is no way inconsistent with true cou-
rage and firmness of mind. David's heart melted within him ; all
the tender passions of his soul were affected at once, and burst forth
into these elegant but melancholy strains ; and while he shows a
heart impressed with the strongest emotions of affection and grief,
he displays a most martial and courageous spirit. A compas-
sionate temper is not a contemptible weakness ; the poem before
us, compared with the whole of David's conduct, shows it. The
celebrated Mr. Addison, who was an excellent judge of human
nature, being told that a soldier wept at a moving scene in his
Cato, said, * He will fight never the worse for that; it is a sign
he is a brave man.' We should all cultivate a tender and an
affectionate disposition in ourselves, and especially in our children;
for without this we cannot possibly be happy iu relative life. A
greater than David hath set us an example of this, even the Son
of God ; whom it is our glory, and will be our highest happiness,
to resemble.
CHAPTER II.
In this chapter we have an account of David being made king in Judah,
and of another king set up by Abner; which occasioned a civil war;
but at length a cessation of arms is agreed upon.
1 And it came to pass after this, that David inquired of the
LoKD, bi/ Abiatliar the high priesty saying. Shall I go up into
any of the cities of Judah ? And the Lord said unto him, Go
up. And David said, Whither shall I go up ? And he said. Unto
Hebron, the principal city which lax/ in the middle of the tribe.
2 So David went up thither, and his two wives also, Abinoam
the Jezreelitess, and Abigail Nabal's wife the Carmelite. 3 And
152 II. SAMUEL. II.
his men that [were] with him did David bring up, evei y man
with liis household: and ihey dwelt in the cities of Hebron, rcAere
he provided for them according to their merits and his ability.
4 And the principal men of Judah came, and there they anointed
David king over the house of Judah* : And, upon inquiring after
the body of Saul, they tokl David, saying [That] the n\en of
Jabesh-gilead [were they] that buried Saul. This teas his first
royal act, and it showed both his prudence and piety.
5 And David sent messengers unto the n>en of Jabesh-gilead,
and said unto them, Blessed [be] ye of the Lord, that ye have
showed this kindness unto your lord, [even] unto Saul, and have
buried him. 6 And now the Loud show kindness and truth unto
you : and I also will requite you this kindness, because ye have
done this thing f. 7 Therefore now let your hands be strength-
ened, and be ye valiant : for your master Saul is dead, and also
the house of Judah have anointed me king over them ; fear not
any evil from me, for I am so far from bearing you any ill-will
for your kindness to Saul, that I esteem myself for that reason
bound to protect you, and hope for the same friendship and alle-
giance to me.
8 But Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul's host, the
general of the army and Saul's relation, took Ish-bosheth the son
of Saul, and brought him over to MahanaimJ; 9 And made him
king over Gilead, and over the Ashurites, and over Jezreel, and
over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over all Israel; nin/iy of
the Israelites were brought over to him out of the rest of the
tribes. 10 Ish-bosheth Saul's son [was] forty years old when he
began to reign over Israel, and reigned two years §. 11 But the
house of Judah followed David. And the time that David was
king in Hebron over the house of Judah was seven years and six
months.
♦ No doubt they had takeu measures to have an unanimous election ; but that
failing, they appointed him king over their own tribe only : they did not pretend
to determine for all Israel. On this occasion many thousands came to him, as we
read in Chronicles.
t He not only prays tliat God may reward them, but does it himself; and
promises to dafend them from the Philistines, if they should come to punish them
for entering on their city and taking away the trophies of their victory.
I Abner knew that David was desisjned by God's appointment for the kingdom,
ch. iii. 9., nevertheless he set up another in hopes of the chief command, and out
of envy and personal pique to David, who had bantered him about his care of
Saul. Ish-bosheth was a weak man, and Abner intended he should have the name
of king, but that he hinjself should have the government. He set him up at a
great distance beyond Jordan.
§ It was two years before theiv were any hostilities between tiie house of Israel
and the hotise of Judah.
II. SAMUEL. II. 153
12 And Abner the son of Ner, and the servants of Ishbosheth
the son of Saul, went out from Mahanaim to Gibeon, to make
tear against David. IS And Joab the son of Zeruiah, zoho was
David's sister, (therefore Joab was his nephew, and the chief com-
mander), and the servants of David, went out, and met together
by the pool of Gibeon : and ihey sat down, the one on the one
side of the pool, and the other on the other side of the pool *.
14 And Abner said to Joab, Let the young men now arise, and
play before us ; let a certain number of our choice soldiers try
their skill in handling their weapons, and encounter one another^
which may be a kind of diversion to us ; Abner intended by this
to dishearten David's men. And Joab said, Let them arise.
15 Then there arose and went over by number twelve of Benjamin,
which [pertained] to Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, and twelve of
the servants of David, of known and approved valour. l6 And
they caught every one his fellow by the head, and [thrust] his
sword in his fellow's side; so they fell down togetherf: wherefore
that place was called Helkath-hazzurim, that is, the Jield of strong
men, which [is] in Gibeon; and the consequence was, that both
armies were exasperated. 17 And there was a very sore battle
tkat day; and Abner was beaten, and the men of Israel, before
the servants of David.
18 And there were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, and Abi-
shai, and Asahel : and Asahel [was as] light of foot as a wild
roe, very swift and strong. 19 And Ahasel pursued after Abner ;
and in going he turned not to the right hand nor to the left from
following Abner, he was intent on killing the greatest mati in
Israel, and so to put an end to the war. 20 Then Abner looked
behind him, and said, [Art] thou Asahel? And he answered,
1 [am.] 21 And Abner gave him fair warning of his danger,
and said to him, Turn thee aside to thy right hand or to thy
left, and lay thee hold on one of the young men, and, that you
may not return without spoil, take thee his armour, do not ven-
ture to engage an old soldier. But Asahel would not turn aside
from following of him. 22 And Abner said again to Asahel,
Turn thee aside from following me : wherefore should I smite
thee to the ground ? how then should I hold up my face to
Joab thy brother ? Abner knew Joab teas a jierce, revengeful
* It is probable Joab had orders from David not to overtake theoK bat to act
on the detensive ; having sworn to Saul that he would not cutotf his seed.
t It has been generally thought, tliat all the twenty-four were slain ; but I
rather think, that David's twelve men slew the others, and that not one of them
were slain.
154 II. SAMUEL. II.
■man ; he probably imagined that he should want Joab's assistance
to make friends with David. 23 Howbeit he refused to turn
aside : wherefore Abner, by a back stroke, with the hinder end of
the spear smote him under the fifth [rib,) that the spear came out
behind him, and lie fell down there, and died in the same place :
and it came to pass, [that] as many as came to the place where
Asahel fell down and died stood still, fearing to share the same
fate, or to take care of the dead body. 24 Joab also and Abi-
shai pursued after Abner, not knozcing of their brother's death : and
the sun went down when they were come to the hill of Ammah,
that [lieth] before Giah by the way of the wilderness of Gibeon.
25 And the children of Benjamin gathered themselves toge-
ther after Abner, and became one troop, and stood on the top of
an hill; they rallied and stood in a body as if they would renew
the fght. 2() Then Abner called to Joab, and said, Shall the
sword devour for ever? knowest thou not that it will be bitter-
ness in the latter end* .'' how long shall it be then, ere thou bid
the people return from following their brethren, children of the
same father, who zcorship the same God? 27 And Joab said, [As]
God liveth, unless thou hadst spoken, made that challenge,
(ver. 14.), and thereby provoked us to fight, surely then in the
morning the people had gone up every one from following his
brother, marched home again in peace, without bloodshed. 28 So
Joab blew a trumpet, sounded a retreat, and all the people stood
still, and pursued after Israel no more, neither fought they any
more. 29 And Abner and his men walked all that night through
the plain, and passed over Jordan, and went through all Bithron,
and they came to Malianaim, not choosing to halt near an army
who had beaten them. 30 And Joab returned from following
Abner : and when he had gathered all the people together,
there lacked of David's servants nineteen men and Asahel, a
very small number ; therefore it is the more probable the twelve
men above-mentioned were not slain. 31 But the servants of
David had smitten of Benjamin, and of Abner's men, [so that]
three hundred and threescore men died ; this teas not a great loss
for a co)U]uered army, but probably David had given orders to
avoid bloodshed. 32 And they took up Asahel, and buried him
in the sepulchre of his father, which [was in] Beth-lchem. And
Joab and his men went all night, and they came to Hebron at
break of day, and gave David an account of the action.
* What in the morning lie called playing, he now chHs (it voniing. Whoever
conquers in civil war, the nation loses.
II. SAMUEL. II. 155
REFLECTIONS.
1. We may infer, that it will be our wisdom and duty to follow
the leadings of Providence. David was designed for the throne,
but instead of hastily snunnoning the Israelites when Saul was
dead, he inquired of the Lord. Thus should we seek direction,
even in prosperity, when second causes smile, and things go on
happily. In all our ways ive should acknowledge God, and he
will direct onr paths.
2. The race is not always to the swift, nor the battle to the
strong. Abner's confidence was soon defeated, nor could Asahel's
swiftness save him. Let this abate our confidence in any ac-
complishment : for many are betrayed by those excellencies
which they are most fond of; and their defeats and disappoint-
ments are grievous in proportion to their pride and vanity. May
we cultivate humility and moderation, and not depend too much
upon any advantage we may have above others. Let not any
man thi)ik more highli/ of himself than he ought to think; let not
the young man glory in his youth, nor the strong man in his
strength ; but let him that glorieth, glory in the Lord,
3. It is a maxim of true wisdom not to begin any important
affair, without considering the consequences which may ensue.
Had Abner attended to this, he had not been defeated ; but he
saw his folly when it was too late. He might have known, that
it would be bitterness in the end, and therefore should not have
given the challenge. The event of things often alters men's opi-
nions. This may be applied to civil war, and to all contentions
and differences : when once begun we know not where they will
end, but they certainly will produce bitterness. This is true of
every sin. If men would consider the remorse of conscience
which attends it, the loss of reputation and comfort, and what is
of infinitely greater consequence, the loss of their souls, surely
they would not be so easily led into sinful practices. God hath
made us capable of looking forward, of considering what will be
the consequence of things, and where they will end; and by
neglecting this, we run ourselves into innumerable sorrows.
Let us then always remember that sin will be bitterness in the
end; that at the last it rcill bite like a serpent, and sting like an
adder. May we therefore stand in aue, and sin not.
156 II. SAMUEL. III.
CHAPTER III.
We have here an account of David's famil}-, and oi' Abin'i's revolt from
Ish-boshcth ; his league with David ; his attempt to biinjj the Isra-
elites to submit to David ; of his murder by Joab ; and the respect
and funeral honours which David paid him,
1 IMOW there was long war between the house of Saul and the
house of David : but David waxed stronger and stronger, and the
house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker; there were viauij skir-
mishes between them, but David got the better, and many forsook
Abiier and came over to him.
2 And unto David were sons born in Hebron ; and his first
born was Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess; 3 And his second,
Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite ; and the
third, Absalom, the son of Maacah, the daughter of Talmai
king of Geshur ; 4 And the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith ;
and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital ; 5 And the sixth,
Ithream, by Eglah David's wife*. These were born to David
in Hebron.
6 And it came to pass, while there was war between the
house of Saul and the house of David, that Abner made himself
strong for the house of Saul ; he went through the tribes of Israel,
endeavouring to establish the interest of Ish-bosheth. 7 And Saul
had a concubine, whose name [was] Rizpah, the daughter of
Aiah : and [Ish-bosheth] said to Abner, Wherefore hast thou
gone in unto my father's concubine? He perceived that he zvas
aspiring to the throne, and had taken this step to strengthen his
interest, and to give him an opportunity of throicing off the mask
when he became strong enough. 8 Then was Abner very wroth
for the words of Ish-bosheth, and said, [Am] 1 a dog's head, such
a mean, contemptible creature, which against Judah do show kind-
ness this day unto the house of Said thy father, to his brethren,
and Vo his friends, and have not delivered thee into the hand of
David, that thou chargest me to-day with a fault concerning this
woman ? that thou shouldst think it a disgrace to thy family for
me to lie with thy father's concubine? 9 So do God to Abner,
* Some arc ot* opinion this was Michal ; though she had ?io rhild after the
conUnipt she showed to David, yci bhc might have had before dmt time.
II. SAMUEL. III. 157
ant) more also, except as the Lord hath sworn to David, even so
1 do to hint; 10 To translate the kingdom from the house of
Sanl, and to set up the throne of David over Israel and over
Judah, from Dan even to Beer-sheba. This is a most shameful
speech. It shows that he fought against his king and his conscience
in opposing David ; and now declares, that as he had raised Ish-
bosheth to the throne, he icould pull him dozen again. 1 1 And he
could not answer Abner a word again, because he feared him,
and teas unicilling to provoke him.
12 And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying,
\Miose [is] the land r saying [also,] Make thy league with me,
give me honourable terms, and, behold, my hand [shall be] with
thee, to bring about all Israel unto thee. \5 And he said, Well;
I will make a league with thee : but one thing I require of thee,
that is, Thou shalt not see my face, except thou first bring
Michal Saul's daughter, when thou comest to see my face*.
14 And David sent messengers to Ish-bosheth Saul's son,
saying, Deliver [me] my wife Michal, which I espoused to me
for an hundred foreskins of the Philistines. 15 And Ish-
bosheth, %vho durst not refuse, lest Abner should forsake him,
sent, and took her from [her] husband, [even] from Phaltiel the
son of Laish. iG And her husband went with her along weeping
behind her to Bahurim. Then said Abner unto him. Go, return.
And he returned.
17 And Abner went back to persuade the Israelites to submit to
David, and had communication with the elders of Israel, saying,
Ye sought for David in times past [to be] king over you ; after
the death of Goliath, and when Saul and Jonathan were deady
had there been no other competitor, you would have chosen him.
18 Now then do [it :] for the Lord hath spoken of David, saying.
By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel
out of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their
enemies; he reminds thetn of the divine oracle, probably delivered
by Samuel, arid urges the propriety of their doing it, as the Phi-
listines zcere so troublesome to them. 19 And Abner also spake
in the ears of Benjamin, zvhich teas his own tribe -f : and Abner
* David consented to a league upon this reasonable condition, that Michal,
his first and beloved wife, who had hazarded her life to save his, and who now hved
in adultery, should be restored to him. Tliis was a prudent step, to ingratiate
himself with the Israehtes. Abner probably told him that he must apply to Ish-
bosheth, and that he would second the message.
t Here he went from family to family, and not only to the elders, as of the
other tribes, because they were most attached to the house of Saul.
158 II. SAMUEL. III.
went also to speak in the ears of David in Hebron all that
seemed good to Israel, and that seemed good to the whole house
of Benjamin; he informed David how the people stood affected to
him, and so effccfuaUy brought over Benjamin, that they never
forsook him ofterrcards. 20 So Abiier came to David to Hebron,
and twenty men with him, to bring Michal. And David made
Abner, and the men that [were] with him a feast, in token of
kindness, and as a confirmation of the league of friendship.
21 And Abner said unto David, I will arise, and go, and will
gather all the chief men o/" Israel unto my lord the king, that they
may make a league with thee, and that thou mayest reign over all
that thine heart desireth. And David sent Abner away, and he
went in peace.
22 And, behold, the servants of David and Joab, came from
[pursuing] a troop (f the Philistines, or some other enemies of
Israel, and brought in a great spoil with them : but Abner [was]
not with David in Hebron ; for he had sent him away, and he
was gone in peace. 23 When Joab and all the host that [was]
with him were come, they, that is, some of the ojjicious courtiers,
told Joab, saying, Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and
he hath sent him away, and he is gone in peace. 24 "^i hen Joab,
full of pride for his late success, came to the king, and, in the most
insolent mariner, said. What hast thou done ? behold, Abner
came unto thee ; why [is] it [that] thou hast sent him away, and
he is quite gone ? Intimatinir that David, teas a zceak and credulous
man, and did not understand his true interest. 25 Thou knowest
Abner the son of Ner, that he came to deceive thee, and to know
thy going out and thy coming in, and to know all that thou doest,
that he may take advantage of it : then, without waiting for an
answer, he zeent out, 26 And when Joab was come out from
David, he sent messengers after Abner, in the king's name, which
brought him again fioni the well of Sirah ; but David knew [it]
not. 27 And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took
him aside in the gate to speak with him quietly ; pretended secret
business, and smote him there under the fifth [rib,] that he died,
for the blood of Asahel his brother *.
28 And afterward when David heard [it,] he said, I and my
* Joab's pretence for doing this was fidelity to the king, and care for his in-
terest, and also for the murder of his brother Asahel, though tliat was in open war,
and Aht.er would Up.vc avoided it if lie could. Bnt probably the true motive
was ambition ; he thought Abner would have great influence with David, for
l>ringing in all Israel, and he feared so powerful a rival.
11. SAMUEL. III. 159
kingdom [are] guiltless before the Lord for ever from the blood
of Abner the son of Ner. 29 Let it rest on the head of Joab,
and on all his father's house ; and let there not fail from the
house of Joab one that hath an issue, or that is a leper, or that
leaneth on a staff, or that falleth on the sword, or that lacketh
bread. He first appealed to God for his innocence, and trusted
that neither he nor his kingdom should suffer for it ; then uttered a
prophetic curse, that the guilt might rest on the head of the murderer
and his family. 30 So Joab and Abishai his brother slew Abner,
because he had slain their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle.
The murder was plotted between them, and Abishai was ready to
assist if there had been occasion.
31 And David ordered the whole court to ^o into mourning, and
said to Joab, to make him sensible of his sin, and weaken his
interest in the hearts of the people, and likewise to all the people
that [were] with him, Rend your clothes, and gird you with sack-
cloth, and mourn before Abner. And king David [himself]
followed the bier, attended as chief mourner. 32 And they buried
Abner in Hebron : and the king lifted up his voice, and wept at
the grave of Abner; and all the people wept. 33 And the king
lamented over Abner in a funeral oration, and said, Died Abner
as a fool dieth ? Should Abner have died like a fool, like a cuisard?
zchat a pity so valiant a man is come to such an end! 34 Thy hands
[were] not bound, nor thy feet put into fetters; he was not a
prisoner, yet he could not help himself: as a man falleth before
wicked treacherous men, [so] fellest thou ; he was not overcome in
an honourable manner, but fell by secret treachery, as the best of
men may do. This was probably said in the presence of Joab, to
humble and mortify him. And all the people vvept again over
him. 35 And when all the people came to cause David to eat
meat while it was yet day, David sware, saying. So do God to
me, and more also, if 1 taste bread, or aught else, till the sun be
down ; he resolved to keep a strict fast on this mournful occasion.
36 And all the people took notice [of it,] and it pleased them
to see the king so much affected: as whatsoever the king did
pleased all the people ; by his carriage herein he gained so great
an interest in the people's affections, that they put the best con-
struction upon all his xoords and actions. 37 For all the people
and all Israel understood that day by his grief, that it was not of
the king to slay Abner the son of Ner, that he neither ordered it,
consented to it, nor approved of it. 38 And the king said unto
his servants, Know ye not that there is a prince and a great
160 II. SAMUEL. III.
man fallen this day in Israel*? 39 Anrl I [am] this day weak,
in an unsettled condition as yet, though anointed king; and these
men the sons of Zeruiah [be] too hard for me, have too much in-
terest, especially among the soldiers, for me to punish and break
with him; I must leave this to God: the Lord shall reward the
doer of evil according to his wickedness.
REFLECTIONS.
1. In Abner we see the fatal effects of pride and ambition. It
was these tempted him to revolt; he could not bear reproof.
Pride also tempted Joab to murder Abner; he could not bear a
rival. To what treachery, and often villany, do the pride and
ambition of men lead them ! Let it be our endeavour to cultivate
an humble spirit, and not to mind high things. Seehest thou
great things for thyself? seek them not ; for rcith the luzcly is
wisdom, and safety and happiness.
2. How odious is it to make religion the tool of policy ! Abner
had no more religion than most ministers of state have ; yet how
godly does he talk when he would gain over Israel. He had no
regard to the oracle of God before ; but when it would serve his
turn, he quoted it, and urged upon the people a regard to it.
Who would have expected to hear such good words out of
Abner's mouth. He showed no signs of godliness, till his ambition
and revenge led him to it. O, how abominable is it to cloak sel-
fish views with the name of God. I'his is the way of hypo-
crites in general, they have God near to their mouths, but it is far
from their thoughts to honour and obey him. Men may thus be
deceived, but God cannot. The hypocrite his soul hateth.
3. How vain are all the purposes of mortal men ! Abner now
thought himself of the most consequence, considered himself as
the hinge upon which the affairs of Israel turned ; that he had
influence enough to bring about a great revolution ; yet he was
not secure of his own life even an hour. In the midst of his
towering expectations he died by the hand of treachery, and all
his deep projects and high prospects fell at once. Hence we
learn, not to put our trust even in princes, nor to be too confident
* His oourtiers probably thouglit that he bewailed his fell too mnch ; he there-
fore tells them, they were not sufficiently sensible of the loss, of Abner's birth,
his power, autliority, and valour, and what siTvice he had been of to him and
Israel.
II. SAMUEL. IV. 161
in our own schemes ; for honour is but a vapour, and the stoutest,
the most prudent, yea, the best of men, may be cut off on a
sudden. Let us labour to secure something that cannot be taken
from us; be firm in our purposes for God andrehgion: relying
on his providence, let us say of the Lord, He is my buckler and
my shield, in him will I trust.
4. We may justly lament the fall of great and honourable men,
whatever their private characters may be. Abner had been
faithful to Saul, and had great abilities for public services, had
they been well employed ; and David lamented his fall. Honour
is due to the remains and memory of a man of valour and merit,
though he feared not God. But we should especially lament the
fall of those who are trulv orgeat, great in the sight of God and
all good men. Considering the loss which the public will sustain;
all respect is due to their remains ; the righteous shall be had in
everlasting remembrance.
CHAPTER IV.
In which we have an account of the barbarous murder of Ishboshetli,
and the punishment of the murderers, by David.
1 xxND when Saul's son heard that Abner was dead in Hebron,
his hands were feeble ; having lost his counsellor aiid general, his
spirits and courage Jailed him : and all the Israelites were trou-
bled, lest thei/ should be embroiled in new wars.
2 And Saul's son had two men [that were] captains of bands,
the captains of his guard ; persons of his tribe, whom he had ad-
vanced and placed confidence in: the name of the one [was] Ba-
anah, and the name of the other Rechab, the sons of Rimnion a
Beerothite, of the children of Benjamin : (for Beeroth also was
reckoned to Benjamin: 3 And the Beerolhites fled to Gittaim,
and were sojourners there until this day*.) 4 And Jonathan,
Saul's son, had a son [that was] lame of [his] feet. He was five
years old when the tidings came of Saul and Jonathan out of
* The Benjamites possessed it : but when Saul was slain they fled to Gittaim,
and the Philistines got possession of it. Tiiis was formerly a city of the Gibeonites,
(Joshua ix. 17.), who haying been destroyed by Saul, he gave the city to his re-
lations ; and it is remarkable, that two men of the city who succeeded the Gibe-
onites, cut off Saul's son, the only stay and hope of his house.
VOL. III. M
162 II. SAMUEL. IV.
Jezreel, and his nurse took him up, and tied: and it came to pass,
as she made haste to flee, that he fell, and became lame. And
his name [was] Mephibosheth*. 5 And the sons of Rimmon
the Beerothite, Rechab and Baanah, went, and came about the
heat of the day to the house of Ish-bosheth, who lay on a bed at
noon, according to the custom in hot climates. 6 And tliey came
thither into the midst of the house, [as though] they would have
fetched wheat, tliat is, corn for the soldiers, tcho were maintained
at the king's expense; and they smote him under tlie fiflh [rib:]
and Rechab and Baanah his brother escaped. 7 For \\hen they
caaie into the liouse, he lay on his bed in his bedchamber, and
they smote him, and slew him, and beiieaded him, and took his
head, and gat them away through the plain all night; iioza Abner
was dead, and Ish-hoshetli s kingdom in a tottering situation ; and
but little hopes of advancement front him, they took this step, ex-
pecting an ample rezcjard from David. 8 And they brought the
head of Ish-bosheth unto David to Hebron, and said to the king.
Behold the head of Ish-bosheth the son of Saul thine enemy,
which sought thy life; and the Lord hath avenged my lord the
king this day of Saul, and of his seed \.
9 And David answered Rechab and Baanah, his brother, the
sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, and said unto them, [As] the
Lord liveth, who hath redeemed my soul out of all adversity J,
10 When one told me, saying. Behold, Saul is dead, thinking to
have brought good tidings, I took hold of him, and slew him iu
Ziklag, who [thought] that I would have given him a reward for
his tidings: 11 How much more, when wicked men have slain a
righteous person, %olio had done them no zcrong, but zcas their
friend and patron, and in his own house upon his bed, when he
suspected no danger'^ shall I not therefore now require his blood
of your hand, and take you away from the eardi ? 12 And David
commanded his young men zcho mere his guards, and they slew
them, and cut oif their hands and their feet, and hanged [them]
* This is mrntioned as what cml)ohlened these two men to put Ish-bosheth to
death. IMrphihoshoth was n> ^v only twelve years of aije. and being Lime, was not
liktjly to piiili for the crown, or avenge liis uncle's murder.
t To recommend their service, they put David in mind of Saul's enmity and
persecution of liiin, which they had revenped on his son ; and impudently add, the
Lord hath aren!:;ed the king, wiien it was their own pride and ambition. God had
forbidden all treachery and murder, and David resented it willi indignation.
+ David here exjuesses his {rratitude to God for his deliveiance, ami intimates,
that he needed no wicked acts for his preservation and advancement ; he theu
reminds tliem of what he did to the Amalekitc, who slew Saul at his own desire,
and wlien he was wounded. Trobubly they had heard of this, btu thoucilit David
would not resent it, as Ish-bosheth was a usurper, and not the Lord's anointed.
II. SAMUEL. IV. 163
up over the pool in Hebron, in a public place, to testify Iiis ab-
horrence of the action. But they took the head of Ish-boshelli,
and buried [it] in the sepulchre of Abner in Hebron, a sepukhre
which David had made to honour the meniorij of Abner.
REFLECTIONS.
1. The unhappy accident which happened to Mepliibosheth,
may remind us of the dangers to which infants are exposed, and
should make us thankful for the use of our limbs. His nurse
apprehended the Philistines would seek for him, and she fled in a
fright, and dropped her charge. To such accidents are little
ones exposL'd ; nor are the children of great and good men free
from such dangers. What reason have we to be thankful for all
our near escapes from death, and for the preservation of our
bones ; that none of them are broken, or rendered useless, or less
useful than they otherwise would have been. It is God who
holds us up from the womb, and preserves us through the feeble
and dangerous state of infancy ; all our bones therefore should
say, Who is like unto thee, O Lord.
2. Let the recollection of God's kindness to us, prevent us
from taking any unlawful methods for our own security and ad-
vancement, or being pleased with others who do it for us. David
depended upon God, and found him kind and faithful. He would
not be beholden to any man, especially when taking such unjus-
tifiable methods to serve him. He who has observed the divine
care, and seeks deliverance from heaven, needs not the aid of
treachery : he that believeth tvill not make haste.
3. We may observe the righteous judgment of God on
treachery and villaiiy. Little did these captains think death
would be the reward for their intelligence. But their evil doings
were turned upon their own heads. God abhors bloody and
deceitful men, and they should have no countenance from us.
Such will be the case of those who think to serve the cause of
Christ, the son of David, by war and persecution, by fraud and
rapine ; who, under colour of religion, murder princes, break
solemn contracts, and act deceitfully and treacherously. * But,
(as Mr. Henry observes), however men may canonize such
methods of serving Christ and the catholic church, Christ will
let them know another day, that Christianity was not intended to
destroy humanity ; and they who think thus to merit heaven, shall
not escape the damnation of hell.
Ma
164. n. sa:\iuel. v.
CHAPTER V.
David is anointed king by all Israel ; he takes Jerusalem ; ami carries
on a successful war against the Philistines.
1 i- HEN came ambassadors from all the tribes of Israel to
David unto Hebron, and spake, saying. Behold, \ve [are] thy
bone and tliy flesh ; this rcas a reason zchjj they should choose him,
and a proof that he ivas qiialifed hij laze, being one of their bre-
thren. 2 Also in time past, when Saul was king over us, thou
wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel ; and the Lord
said to thee. Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be
a captain over Israel ; the strongest reason teas the divine desig-
nation, that he should feed, that is, rule and govern Israel, and
watch over them, as a shepherd over hisfocks. 5 So all the elders
of Israel came to the king to Hebron ; the ambassadors, having
met with such a favourable reception, made their report, and the
leading men of authority in every tribe came to make him king: and
king David made a league with them in Hebron before the Lord,
to govern them justly and kindly, according to the law of God, and
they to obey him constantly and faithfully, according to that law* ;
and they anointed David king over Israel a third timef. 4 David
[was] thirty years old when he began to reign, [and] he reigned
forty years. 5 In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years
and six months : and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three
years over all Israel and Judah.
And 7WZ0, being such a numerous armi/, and having a valiant
commander, and their spirits raised by this princely entertainment,
they were resolved to undertake some great achievement ; 6 And
the king and his men went to Jerusalem unto the Jebusites, the
inhabitants of the land;};: which spake unto David, saying, Ex-
* Tliis \vi>9 (lone before the Lord ; they bound themselves by this solemn league,
by sacrifice, nnd appeal to God, wlio was more immediately present in the con-
gregation of Israel.
f The first time was only a desicnation to the oflice, and was done jiiivately,
(1 Sam. xvi. 13.), the second only over the tribe of Judah, (ch. ii. 4.), tliis third
over all Israel. He was probably anointed by tiie hiuli priest ; anil we read,
1 Chron. xii., that upwards of three hundred and forty thousand came toijeiher on
this occasion, and feasted before the kinjj, with royal mairnificence, for three days.
i Part of this land, beloncinR to the tribe of Judah, was taken before, (Judges
i. bj, but the strongest part, bilongiu^ to the tribe of Benjamin, was not taken
II. SAMUEL. V. 165
cept thou take away the blind and the lame, thou shall not come
in hither: thinking David cannot come in hilher*. 7 Never-
theless David, notzcithatandittg all this boastings took the strong
hold of Zion : the same [is] the city of David, he called it after
his ozon name. 8 And David said on that day, Whosoever gettelh
up to the gutter, and sniiteth the Jebusites, and the lame, and the
blind, [that are] hated of David's soul, [he shall be chief and
captainf :] wherefore they said, The blind and the lame shall
not come into the house J, 9 So David dwelt in the fort, and
called it The city of David ; but not being large enough to contain
his court and guards, he added many other buildings. And David
built round about from Millo and inward §. 10 And David went
on, and grew great, or, as the margin reads it, he went going and
grozving, like a noble river, that swells and enlarges in its progress,
and the Loud God of hosts [was] with him, enlarged his domi-
nions, and gave him prosperity, reputation, and power.
1 1 And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, an
address of congratulation on his accession and the conquest of Jeru-
salem ; and, hearing David was repairing the fort, and enlarging
the citif, he sent him cedar trees, and carpenters, and masons :
and they built David an house ||. 12 And David, reflecting on
till how, Judges i. 21. xix. 10, 11. Josbua xvi. 63. David intending to make
this his capital, and the centre of unity, determined to attack it, and summoued
the city to surrender, according to the law of God.
* Some writers suppose, that this refers to the great strength of their fortifica-
tion, tliat they had need only to set up tiie lame and the blind to defend them.
But this is an improbable sense, because David calls them the hated of his soul,
to distinguish between them and the Jebusites, v. 8. It rather refers to their
idols, which they had set on their walls, as the palladium or statue of Pallas, on
the walls of Troy. The Israelites were near neighbours, and David and his people
might have called them in contempt, the lame and the blind ; who hud eyes, but
could not see ; and hands, but could not handle ; and feet, but could not walk. They
retort upon David in their turn, for his reproach upon their religion ; as if they
had said. As blind as they are, they have eyes to watch us; and as lame as they
arc, they have hands to defend us.
t ^Vhen the assault was made he said, as i Chron. xi. 6., JVhoever smiteth the
Jebusites Jirst, shall be chief' and captain, and let him throw into the gutter, or ditch,
the lame and the blind, that is, throw down their idol gods : and Joab did this, to
regain David's favour.
} Or, because they had said. The blind and the lame shall hinder him, so that he
shall not he able to take the fort, that is, our idol gods shall prevent him. Others
think it refers to the Jebusites, who being as stupid and senseless as their idols,
had said so.
§ Millo was a strong fortress, a royal palace, and armory. The fort was in the
centre, the city within the circle, and Millo in the circumference ; perhaps that
part of the hill which was easiest to attack. It was repaired by Solomon, and
afterwards by Hezekiah. It seems to be a general name for any strong fort or
bulwark. The cxv. psalm was composed on occasion of this victory.
II Tyre was famous for artificers, but the Jews were not, being fanners antl
graziers.
165 II. SAMUEL. V.
the protidcncc of God in subduing his enemies, ond ruisiifg up
friends, and recollecting his proinise, perceived that tlie Lord had
established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his king-
dom for his people Israel's sake.
13 And David took [him] more concubines and wives out of
Jerusalem, after he was come from Hebron : and there were yet
sons and daughters born to David*. 14 And these [be] the
names of those that were born unto him in Jerusalem ; Sham-
muah, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon, Ibhar also, 15 And
Elishua, and Nepiieg, and Japhia, 16 And Elishama, and Eliada,
and Elij)halet.
17 But when the Philistines heard that they had anointed
David king over Israel, all the Philistines came up to seek
David f, and David heard [of it,] and went down to the hold, to
Adullum, where the army might conveniently assemble. 18 The
Philistines also came and spread ihemsaUes in prodigious nuynbcrs
in the valley of Rephaim. 19 And David inquired of the Lord,
saying, Shall I go up to the Philistines ? wilt thou deliver them
into mine hand r And the Lord said unto David, Go up: for I
will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hand ; this was
sufficient encouragement. 20 And David came to Baal-perazim,
and David smote them there, and eaid. The Lord hath broken
forth upon mine enemies before me, as the breach of waters, as
waters which hating once made a breach, widen, till nothing can
statid before them. Therefore he called the name of that place
Baal-perazim, that is, the plain of breaches ; the nameof the place
zcas to put them in mind of God's interposition, see Isaiah xxviii.
21. 21 And there they left their images, which they carried
about with them as their guards and protectors, and David and his
men burned ihcm, according to the command of God. 22 And
the Philistines came up yet again to recover their gods ; probably
with some fresh forces, or other nations confederate with them,
and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim. 23 And when
David inquired of the Lord, he said, Thou shalt not go up;
[but] fetch a compass behind them, and come upon them over
against the mulberry trees ; though he had just gained such a
* He tliouglit to strcnetlien liimself by these nnnierous alliances, and that a
rnniber of cliildien would be his gkuy and sccinity. But it was an niiwortiiy
piece of policy, especially as the king was forbidden to multiply wives though
the number is not ascertained.
t The Philistines did not stir during their civil war, hoping tlicy woidd destroy
one another ; but when they iicard that tiie kingdom was united, tiiat Jenisaleni
was taken, and an alliance foinied with Hiram, they thought it time to stir thtiu-
selvcs, and raised all their forces to go and fight David.
II. SAMUEL. V. 167
vktoiy, yet he would not go without God's order. 24 And let it
be, when ihou hearest the sound of a going, like the noise of
chariots and horsemen, in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then
thou shalt bestir thyself: for then shall the Lord go out before
thee, to smite the host of the Philistines. 25 And David did so,
as the Lord had commanded him; and smote the Philistines
from Geba until thou come to Gazer, to the very borders of their
orcn coitntri/. We are told, 1 Chron. xiv. 17-, the effect this had:
his fame icent through all nations, and his fear fell upon them.
REFLECTIONS.
1. We may here observe, that God makes kings for the sake
of mankind, and not men for the sake of kings. God made
David king, and exalted his kingdom for his people Israel's sake.
So king David thought; and happy would it be for mankind
M'ere all kings of the same mind ; would they but consider that
they are the ministers of God for the good of mankind ; that this
is the end of their appointment, and that the pursuit of this end
is their great duty, and the attaining of it their true glory. How
different are these from the sentiments of many kings 1 They
seem to think their subjects are made for them to tyrannize over
and to fleece them. Kings are appointed as shepherds to feed
and rule ; not to be the tyi ants, but the guardians, of their people.
Let us pray that all kings may think and act thus ; and be thank-
ful if we find that our own does so.
2. The counsel of God, that shall stand. What a great many
hinderances were there to David's settlement on the throne !
He had some competitors, and for a long time great disaffection
among the people ; yet all were broken through ; God determined
that David should rule, and at length brought it about. Faithful
is he who hath promised, and able to effect whatsoever he hath
foretold, however unlikely it may appear to us.
3. In any settlement or advancement, so far from being secure,
let us rather expect trouble and molestation. David was rich,
had a numerous army, was setded in a strong fort, had wives and
children about him, was never so comfortable and happy before,
and seemingly secure. Then came the Philistines, who had
taken no advantage of the distracted state of Israel before ; but
now, when least expected, they made a formidable attack. In
every agreeable scene of life, we should expect alteration, and
168 II. SAMUEL. VI.
not be confident ; for this is a changing world, and he who ex-
pects least from it, is likely to be most happy in it.
4. ^Ve may infer, that God's grace is necessary to quicken our
endeavours. JVhen I he sound is perceived in the mulberry trees,
then bestir thyself. We are not to sit still, and do nothing, under
pretence of dependance upon divine assistance ; but attend to the
motions of God's providence, and the influence of his Spirit.
When God goes before, we should gird up our loins, and follow
him. Wherefore let us n'ork out our own salvation with J ear and
trembling ; for it is God that zcorkelh in us to will and to do of
his own good pleasure.
CHAPTER VI.
David's design to bring up the ark is defeated ; his second attempt was
successful and honourable ; but his joy is abated by the ill temper and
pcrverscness of his wife.
1 xTlGAIN David gathered together all [the] chosen [men] of
Israel, thirty thousand, to whom he made a jyroposal of bringing
up the ark, which had been much neglected in SanTs time *. 2 And
David arose, and went with all the people that [were] with him
from Baale of Judah, or Baalah, that is, Kiijath-jearim ; to bring
up from thence the ark of God, whose name is called by the
name of the Loud of hosts, that dwelleth [between] the che-
rubims, or, as in 1 Chron. xiii. 6., zchose name is called on it.
3 And they set the ark of God upon a new cart, and brought it
out of the house of Abinadab that [was] in Gibeah : and Uzzah
and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drave the new cartf. 4 And
they brought it out of the house of Abinadab which [was] at
Gibeah, acconjpanying the ark of God: and Ahio went before
the ark. 5 And David and all the house of Israel played before
♦ David's heart was so much set upon this, that he could not rest till lie found
a place for it, Ps. cxxxii. The people cheerfully consented to the proposal ; and
a noble assenil)ly was convened of thirty thousand chief men, besi<K's a sreat nud-
titude of common people ; probably it was the feast of tabernacles, l Chron. xiii,
1—4.
t This was contrary to the law, which required them to carry it on th^ir
shoulders. The Philistines had done so, l Sam. vi. n., and they tlioujrht they
might do the same. Their zeal made them hasty and inconsiderate. The ark.
had heen forty-six years in obscurity, perhaps longer; and probably there was not
a priest living, who had seen it removed.
II. SAMUEL. YI. 109
the Lord on all manner of [instruments made of] tir wood,
even on harps, and on psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets,
and on cymbals *.
6 And when they came to Nachon's threshing floor, Uzzali
put forth [his hand] to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for
the oxen, bt/ reason of t/ieir stumbling, shook [it.] 7 And the
anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah ; and God smote
him there for [his] error, or rasJiness ; and there he died by the ark
of God f. 8 And David was displeased, because the Lord had
made a breach upon Uzzah, was deeply grieved at it, and in the
midit of such a solemnity it eclipsed the glory of the day; and he
called the name of the place, Perez-uzzah, that is, the breach of
Uzzah, to this day. 9 And David was afraid of the Lord that
day, and said, How shall the ark of the Lord come to me.'' he
thought himself in danger, and therefore xoaited for further di-
rections. 10 So David would not remove the ark of the Lord
unto him into the city of David : but David carried it aside into
the house of Obed-edom the Gittite, a Levite, who readily re-
ceived if, knowing the ark was a safe and honourable guest, if
treated zcith due respect ; he therefore bid it zcelcome. 1 1 And the
ark of the Lord continued in the house of Obed-edom the
Gittite three months : and the Lord blessed Obed-edom, and
all his household, he had a great increase of cattle and corn.
12 And it was told king David, saying. The Lord hath
blessed the house of Obed-edom, and all that [pertaineth] unto
him, because of the ark of God j;. So David went and brought
up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom into the city
of David with gladness. 13 And it was [so,] that when they
that bare the ark of the Lord had gone six paces, and saw that
there was no danger, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings, to atone for
their past fault, and in thankfulness to God for his goodness.
14 And David danced before the Lord with all [his] might;
and David [was] girded with a linen ephod§. 15 So David
* It is probable he composed the sixty-eighth psalm to be sung on this occasion.
t Uzzah was much to blame, as he must know that none were to touch it
but the priests, upon pain of deatli. Perhaiis he advised this way of carrying
it, and God awfully punished him for his presumption, by makina; his life a
sacritice to the honour of the Mosaic institution, and to recover a reverence for
the ark. But there ib no reason to conclude that lie would be miserable hereafter
on this account.
t From hence they were led to hope that God was reconciled to them. See
1 Chron. xv. l — 3., 12—15. They were sensible of their former error, and re-
solved not to repeat it.
§ This was an honoiuabie garment, being part of the priest's vesture ; and by
170 II. SAxMUEL. VI.
aud all llic house of Israel brought up the ark of the Loud witli
shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet. l6 And as the
ark of the Lord came into the city of David, Michal Saul's
daughter looked through a window, and saw king David leaping
and dancing before the LoiU) ; and she despised him in her heart,
shmved some of her father's spirit, imagining he degraded himself
by putting off his ornaments, anddaricing before the people.
J 7 And they brought in the ark of the Lord, and set it in his
place, in the midst of the tabernacle that David had pitched for
it, not the old tabernacle, that zcas gone much to decay, except some
of the curtains; and David offered burnt ofterings and peace
otferiiigs, before the Lord, he made supplications for himself
and the people. 18 And as soon as David had made an end of
offering burnt offerings and peace offerings, he blessed the
people in the name of the Lord of hosts, prayed for their
jieace and prosperity; and probably on this occasion the sixty-
seventh psalm zcas composed and sung. 19 And he dealt among
all the people, [even] among the w^hole multitude of Israel, as
■well to the women as men, to every one a cake of bread, and
a good piece [of flesh,] and a flagon [of wine.] So all the
people departed every one to his house, highly pleased with the
bounty and munificence of their prince.
20 Then David returned to bless his household, to pray with
them and for them. He governed his family, as zcell as his king-
dom, zcell. And Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet
David, and said. How glorious was the king of Israel to-day, who
uncovered himself to-day in the eyes of the handmaids of his
servants, as one of the vain fellows shamelessly uocovereth him-
self*! 21 And David said unto Michal, [It was] before the
Lord, which chose me before thy father, and before all his
house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the Lord, over
Israel: therefore will I play befoic the Lord. 22 And I will
weaiin;: it lie expressed his williiiiiness to appear as tlie meanest servant of Croil.
And so great was his pleasure on this occasion, tiiat he leaped or danced for joy,
in tiie lieidit of his alVecfion and tiie warmth of his gratitude. It was a very na-
tural expression of the greatness of his joy.
* Michal could not stay to reprove Da\id in private, but went out to meet him,
and took a public opjiortmiity to expose him, and herself, more. It shocked her
pride to see her husband, the king of Isra<;l, demeaning; himself so ; puttinj; off
his royal robes, joining with the mob, and exposing himself to every girl who went
to see the procession, as any vain fellow, that had lost all sense of decency and
shame. This was a very unjust aspersion upon David, and he thought it proper
to take down her pride, by putting her in mind that God had rejected her family,
and chosen him to be king; and therefore he coidd uever do loo much to e\piess
his thunkfulne.}3 to God.
ir. SxVMUEL. VI. 171
yet be more vile than tlius, and will be base in mine own sight :
and of the maid servants which thou hast spoken of, of them
shall I be had in honour*. 23 Therefore, on account of this
proud, petulant, and ungodly spirit, Michal the daughter of Saul
had no child until the day of her death, ivhick zms a great affliction
to her, as she zc'as a person of the greatest digniti/, and her son
would prohabltf have been heir to the croion.
REFLECTIONS.
1. The return of the ark from obscurity, and the reviving of
God's public ordinances and worship, are occasions of great joy
to all pious people. David was not easy till he had contrived and
executed some scheme to bring home the ark; all Israel cheer-
fully concurred, and the ceremony was performed with great joy.
It is a great happiness to a nation, when the restraints of public
worship are taken off, and when the civil power supports and
encourages religion. We should be thankful for the revival of
neglected ordinances. When religion is openly and freely pro-
fessed, and had in reputation, it is deservedly matter of the
greatest joy.
2. The awful story of Uzzah's death, should teach us to reve-
rence the INIost High, to speak honourably of him and his wor-
ship, and show the greatest respect to whatever relates to him or
his service. It is an awful illustration of that truth, / zcill he
sanctified in all them that drazo nigh unto me, and before all the
people I will be glorified. Uzzah's intention was good, but the
action was bad. In all matters of worship we should keep close
to our rule, reverence God's sanctuary, and not be rash ivith our
mouths to utter any thing before the Lord; but since God is holy
and jealous, we should serve him with reverence and godly fear.
3. Let us learn from the example of Obed-edom, to give the
ark a hearty reception into our houses, as the way to secure God's
blessing. Let us set up the worship of God there, and invite him to
dwell with us. He is a good guest, and all about us will fare the bet-
ter for him. The greatest men should not think this below them.
* As if he had said, Instead of being discouraj^ed, I will ro on in it, as nothing
is too mean to stoop to for God's honour; and instead of l)oii!g slighted, I shall
be honoured by the people ; they will think better of me for my afl'ability and
pious zeal, and on this account I value tlie esteem of the meanest, nipre tlian all
your praise, if I must gain it by neglecting God's service.
172 II. SAMUEL. VI.
David acted as his own chaplain, and blessed his household. It is
the highest honour to worship God ; and another day he will say
to those who sincerely do so, Well done, good ami failhf id servants,
enter ye into tliejoy of your l.ord.
4. A good use is made of divine judgments, when we are
brought to repentance and reformation by them. ^^ e should fear
them ourselves, as David did, and rectify our errors as soon as we
are sensible of them. Afflictions answer the design intended by
them, if they promote humility for what is amiss, and double our
care to please God and keep close to the rule of duty. Before 1
was afflicted I zcent astray, but now I have kept thy zcord.
5. There is reason to lament that this worthy, pious man, was
yoked to a termagant, and ill-natiued, woman. Michal, David's
wife, first scorned him in her heart ; and when he came home to
bless his household, scolded him, and publicly called him a fool
and a shameless fellow. This was highly ungrateful to Daviil,
after the affection he had showed her, and the terms he had made
to bring her back. He would not accept the crown without her.
It was higidy imprudent to censure her husband in that public
way ; and highly impious to reproach him for his piety and devo-
tion. Her charge was absolutely false, for the story shows, that
being girded with a linen ephod, thcre^was nothing indecent in his
dress or behaviour. We may justly retort her words and say,
How glorious was the king of Israel's wife, when she made such a
foolish and ungodly speech! Poor David! after all his zeal and
joy, to meet with such a reception at home ! See to what lengths
pride and passion will lead persons. Let all guard their hearts
and not censure others for devout and pious practices. And let
every wife especially see that she reverence her husband, and not
speak unadvisedly rcith her tongue.
6. We may learn from the example of David, what use to make
of those reproaches which men throw upon us for our religion.
Let us take great care to approve ourselves to God; and if we do
so, it signifies little what men say of us. They often call devotion
enthusiasm and folly, and the warmth of it rage and madness.
But let not this move us. David's was a noble resolution, worthy
to be imitated. If this is to be vile, / mil yet be more vile. In-
stead of being discouraged by such reproaches, let us set our
faces like a flint. If Satan and his agents take ever so much
pains to shake our religion, or shame us out of it, let us hold it so
much the faster, and be the more resolute in it. To encourage us
to this, remember what David adds, that this is on the whole a
II. SAMUEL. VII. I7;3
sure way to gain reputation. Resolute piety will have its praise.
Those that honour God, he will honour ; hut those that (kspise hint,
liis servants and worship, shti/l be lightli/ esteemed.
CHAPTER VII.
We have here God's gracious acceptance of David's purpose to buiUl him
an house, and his pi"omise thereupon, with David's prayer and thanks-
giving.
1 ixND it came to pass, when the king sat in his house, reflect-
ing on the meanness of God's habitation, and the splendour of his
own, and the Lord had given him rest round about from all his
enemies*; 2 That the king said unto Nathan the prophet, whose
advice he was desirous to have, See now, I dwell in an house of
cedar, but the ark of God dwelleth within curtains. 3 And Nathan
willing to encourage any scheme for the glory of God, said to the
king, Go, do all that [is] in thine heart; for the Lord [is] with
thee ; he anszcered as a man, and not as a prophet.
4 And that the error might be corrected, and David, not he dis-
appointed after the ivork teas begun, it came to pass that night, that
the word of the Lord came unto Nathan, saying, 5 Go and tell my
servant David, Thus saith the Lord, Shalt thou build me an
house for me to dwell inf? 6 Whereas I have not dwelt in [any]
house since the time that I brought up the children of Israel out
of Egypt, even to this day, but have walked in a tent and in a
tabernaclej;. 7 In all [the places] wherein I have walked with
all the children of Israel, spake I a word with any of the tribes of
Israel, any of the judges, or those whom I commanded to feed my
people Israel, saying. Why build ye not me an house of cedar?
and therefore thou shouldst not have attempted it without a special
order from me. 8 Now theiefore so shalt thou say unto my ser-
* God had promisod, that when the people were settled, he would choose him-
self a place, to put liis name there, and David thouglit this was the time.
t Tiiis implies that he shnuld not do it ; and the reason is given in aiiotiicr place,
David had shed much blood, and had more wars before him. But lie miijht pre-
pare the ceiling, settle the Levites,and get materials ready for his sou to do it.
X The tabernacle was built with boards and pillars, and covered witli fine linen
and hangings. This is given as another reason; that there was no absolute need
of it at present, since God had done so long without it.
174 II. SAMUEL. VII.
vant David, Thus saith the Lord of hosts, I took thee from the
sheepcote, from following the sheep, to be ruler over my people,
over Israel: 9 And I was with thee whithersoever thou wenlest,
in tlie time of tJiij batiibhmej/t, and have cut off all thine enemies
out of thy sight, and have made thee a great name, like mito the
name of the great [men] that [are] in the earth, I have made thee a
great prince, and a celebrated connnaader. 10 Moreover, I will
appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, that
they may dwell in a place of their own, and move no more ; neither
shall the children of wickedness, their idohitroiisueigh'bours, afiAict
or distress them any more, as beforetime, zchen the judges ruled,
1 1 And as since the time that I commanded judges [to be] over
my people Israel, and have caused thee to rest from all thine ene-
mies. Also the Loud telleth thee that he will make thee an
house, establish the kingdom in thij family, from one generation to
another. 12 And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep
with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, M'hich shall
proceed out of thy bowels, one ziho is not yet born, and 1 will es-
tablish his kingdom. 13 He shall build an house for my name,
and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever, that is, for a
long time. 14 1 will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he
commit iniquity, 1 will chasten him with the rod of men, and with
the stripes of the children of men, with moderation and gentleness,
suited to human frailly, and as men ore wont to correct their chil-
dren. 15 But my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I
took [it] from Saul, whom I put away before thee; the kingdom
shall continue in thy family, and not be removed, as it was from
Saurs. 16 And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established
for ever before thee, thine eyes shall see it ; and thy throne shall
be established forever*. 17 According to all these words, and
according to all this vision, so did Nathan speak unto David,
with the utmost fdelity and impartiality]'. Thus God graciously
s(ftened the refusal, by the kindest promises and assurances of his
own long continuance in earthly prosperity, of God's remarkable
and long-continued favour to his posterity, and that the kingdom of
Christ should arise out of it.
J8 Then went king David in, and sat before the Lord, musing
on his great goodness, and he said, Who [am] I, O Lord God?
* It appears, t'roni vcr. 14 , that this promise iinmcfiiately rcfors to Solomon and
Iiis PHccessor, hut ultimatolv to Christ, who was the seed of David, Iht). i. 5.
Christ should bnihi a nobler" temide, the church of God, and his kingdom shall be
estahlishetl for ever.
t Nathan was not nsliatned to retract his own words, now lie was taught better.
II. SAMUEL. VII. 175
and what [is] my house, that thou hast brought me hilhei^io r
19 And this was yet a small thing in thy sight, O Loud God;
but thou hast spoken also of thy servant's house for a great while
to come. And [is] this the manner of man, O Lokd God .> t
deal so howitifnUy with obscure, undeservitig men ? And what cai'
David say more unto thee? hozc can I utter mij tkauJcfulriessI for
thou, Loud God, knowest thy servant, seest the zcorkiiigs of
gratitude, which I cannot express. 21 For thy word's sake, and
according to thine own heart, hast thou done all these great
tilings, ail these promises hy Samuel and ISathan, arc the effects
of thy good will, to make thy servant know [them,] that is, how
■much thou hast loved me, and, as it folloivs, thy greatness and
goodness. 22 Wherefore thou art great, O Loud God : for
[there is] none like thee, neither [is there any] God besides thee,
according to all that we have heard with our ears. 23 And what
one nation in the earth [is] like thy people, [even] like Israel,
whom God went as it loere from heaven to redeem for a people
to himself, and to make him a name, to let all the world know
what a great and poxoerful Being he is ; and to do for you great
things and terrible, for ihy land, before thy people, which thou
redeemedst to thee from Egypt, [from] tlie nations and their
gods ? hy the destruction of the Egyptians, and subduing the
Canaanites before you. 24 For thou hast confirmed to thyself,
entered into covenant with, thy people Israel [to be] a people unto
thee for ever: and thou. Lord, art become their God. j4fter
this thankful acknoiolcdgment David makes his humble prayer.
25 And now, O Lord God, the word that thou hast spoken
concerning thy servant, and concerning his house, establish [it]
for ever, and do as thou hast said. 26 And let thy name be
magnified for ever, saying. The Lord of hosts, [is] the God
over Israel : and let the house of thy servant David be established
before thee ; he desires this, not merely on his oivn account, but
for God's glory. 27 For thou, O Lord of hosts, God of Israel,
hast revealed to thy servant, saying, I will build thee an house:
therefore hath thy servant found in his heart to pray this prayer
unto thee. 28 And now, O Lord God, thou [art] that God,
and thy words be true, and thou hast promised this goodness unto
thy servant : thus he acknowledges God's goodness, Jidelity, and
unchangeableness. 29 Therefore now let it please thee to bless
the house of thy servant, that it may continue for ever before
thee: for thou, O Loud God, hast spoken [it] and with thy
blessing let the house of thy servant be blessed for ever. Through
1^6 II. SAMUEL. VII.
^'I^' wJiok David's heart seems so full of gralilmk, that he cannot
Jhid words su(Jicient to acknozcledge the goodness of God, or to
Express his assurance of his faithfulness.
REFLECTIONS.
1. From hence we learn, that it is our duty to inquire what we
can do for God and his worship. David was no sooner at rest,
than he began to contrive what he should do to show his gratitude
to God, He did not inquire how to provide portions for his
children, or enlarge his dominions ; but what he should do for
God and his ark, and to promote his glory. When God re-
markably favours us, we should inquire, what shall we render to
him ? When we are at rest, and can sit at ease in our houses,
we should do so much the more for God and his house. Let
us ever maintain a generous, public spirit, and always abound in
good deeds for the house of our God.
2. It is our duty to animate others to holy duties and active
services, as Nathan commended David. Let us encourage the
good purposes of others, forward every good design, and thus
provoke one another to love and to good zcorks.
3. God's promise to be with his people, is very gracious and
very encouraging. What is promised concerning Solomon, is
applicable to all christians. God is their father, they are his
children ; if they are dutiful and obedient, they shall find him
kind ; if they commit iniquiti/y he will chasten them xvilh the rod of
men, of old men, who are remarkably tender to their children.
We see here, that afflictions are articles of God's covenant, and
pledges of his parental love ; he corrects with all tenderness and
compassion, but does not disinherit us, does not take away his
loving-kindness. Let us therefore honour our Father, and be in
suhjeclion to him and live.
4. This example of grateful, humble, believing, fervent prayer,
is worthy of our imitation. David's heart was full ; he poured it
out in broken accents ; could not say too much to express his
humility and gratitude. Warm affections should be working in
all our devotions; and if the heart is deeply impressed, it will
show itself. Out of the fullness of the heart the fnouth speaketh.
Let us cultivate a fervent, devout spirit; then shall he that is
feeble be as David.
5. Low and abasing thoughts of ourselves, arc especially proper
II. SAMUEL. VIII. 177
when we are receiving peculiar favours from God. David was a
man of very considerable rank, piety, valour and prudence ; but
when he appeared before God, he said. Who am /? He was
sensible of his meanness amidst the highest advancement. When
God is remarkably kind, we should be remarkably humble.
6. The greatness of the divine favour to us, may well fill our
minds with astonishment and surprise ; that God should deal so
with man, a mean, unprofitable, guilty creature, who deserves
nothing, and has forfeited all. Is this the manner of man, O Lord
God! to treat rebels and enemies so favourably ? Lord, tvhat is
man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man ^ that thou
shouldst visit him ^^
7. After the example of David, good men should be very much
concerned to secure the blessing of God upon their families, and
be grateful for every instance in which it is bestowed. The best
entail is the blessing of God ; and this should be diligently sought.
Children should be instructed, and prepared for it, and taught to
value it, and seek it for themselves. David's prayer is a proper
one for every head of a family to put up every day. It is the
language of holy desire and humble faith. God's blessing is all
in all to the happiness of our families ; and if he blesses, we shall
he blessed ; for ivhom he blesses, is blessed indeed.
CHAPTER VIII.
In wliich is an account of David's success in five several wars.
1 ixND after this, his resolution to build God's house, it came to
pass, that David smote the Philistines, and subdued them : and
David took Metheg-ammah, or, the bridle of Ammah ; a place
of great strength, xehich was a curb on the country and the towns
under its jurisdiction, out of the hand of the Philistines. 2 And
his second war teas rcith the Moabites, and he smote Moab, and
measured them with a line, casting them down to the ground ;
even with two lines measured he to put to death, and with one
full line to keep alive*. And [so] the Moabites became David's
* Some suppose those here mentioned were prisoners of war, and that he laid
down this line of conduct, to destroy two thirds. But I ratlier think it refers to
his destroying tiicir fortifications and strong cities -, and tliat he had two lines of
conduct ; the one was to put to death those that were obstinate, and refused the
VOL. III. N
178 II. SAMUEL. VIII.
servants, [and] brought gifts. S David smote also Hadadezer, the
son of Rehob, king of Zobah, as he went to recover his border at
the river Euphrates. His third war reus zcith the Si/rians, Zobah
lay north-cast, and Euphrates was the utmost bounds promised to
Canaan. 4 And David took from him a thousand [chariots,] and
seven hundred horsemen, that is, ranks of horsemen, having ten
in a rank, which make up the seven thousand mentioned, 1 Chron.
xviii. 4., and twenty thousand footmen : and David houghed all
the chariot [horses,] but reserved of them [for] an hundred
chariots, cr rather, he destroyed all their chariots but an hundred.
5 And when the Syrians of Damascus came to succour Hada-
dezer king of Zobah, David slew of the Syrians two and twenty
thousand men*. 6 Then David put garrisons'in Syria, of Da-
mascus : and the Syrians became servants to David, [and] brought
gifts. And the Lord preserved David whithersoever he went.
7 And David took the shields of gold that were on the servants
of Hadadezer, or, with the servants, that is, committed to their
custody, being more for shozv than use ; and he brought them to
Jerusalem. 8 And from Betah, and from Berothai, cities of
Hadadezer, king David took exceeding much brass.
10 When Toi king of Hamath heard that David had smitten
all the host of Hadadezer, 1 1 Then Toi sent Joram his son unto
king David, to salute him, and to bless him, because he had fought
against Hadadezer, and smitten him : for Hadadezer had wars
with Toi. And [Joram] brought with him vessels of silver, and
vessels of gold, and vessels of brass, as presents to David, which
were all jiut into the treasury : which also king David did dedi-
cate unto the Lord, with the silver and gold that he had de-
dicated of ail nations which he subdued; 12 Of Syria, and
of Moab, and of the children of Annnon, and of the Philistines,
and of Amalek, and of the spoil of Hadadezer, son of Rehob,
king of Zobah. 13 And David gat [him] a name when he re-
turned from smiting of the Syrians in the valley of salt, [being]
eighteen thousand [men ;] here he commanded in person, and was
particularly active.
14 And he put garrisons in Edom ; throughout all Edom put
he garrisons to keep them in subjection, and all they of Edouj
became David's servants ; thus the elder served the younger,
offers of mercy ; and the other was, to save all that submitted, or tliat would have
submitted if tlieir officers and coiuinauders would have givcu them kavi.'. These
became tributary, Numb. xxiv. 17.
* These were the northern Syrians, who came to help the king of Zobali. Tiiis
was David's fuiirtii war.
II. SAMUEL; VIII. 179
according to the prophecy in Gen. xxv. 23. And the Lord pre-
served David whithersoever he went.
15 And David reigned over all Israel without disturbance, and
David executed judgment and justice unto all his people, he
took care that justice was regularly administered. l6 And Joab
the son of Zeruiah [was] over the host ; and Jehoshaphat the son
of Ahilud [was] recorder, or writer of chronicles*; 17 And
Zadolc the son of Ahitub, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar,
[were] the priests f; and Seraiah [was] the scribe, or secretary
of state ; 18 And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada [was over] both
the Cherethites and the Pelethites, old experienced soldiers, which
were the life guards, and Benaiah was the captain of them ; And
David's sons were chief rulers, over the other ojficers, in places of
the greatest authority and dignity.
REFLECTIONS.
1 See how carefully David observed the law of God. He
did not multiply horses and chariots, he destroyed them. This
was contrary to human policy ; but he depended on Jehovah for
protection. This is a worthy example for all princes, and indeed
for all men, to make God's will the rule of their actions ; it is the
wisest and safest way.
2. We may observe that the wealth of sinners is often laid up
for the just. These kingdoms were suffered to flourish long, that
their wealth might all be drained for Israel. When wicked men
prosper, the world often wonders ; but at length the scene opens
and discovers that all is for the good of God's people, and the
prosperity of the church.
3. Let us learn from the example of David, to consecrate our
best to God's service, and honour him with whatsoever he hath
blessed us. All the spoils and presents of David were devoted
to God, were preparations for the temple, to build and enrich
that. He was not intent on enriching his palace, or family, and
adorning his armory, but God's house. We should imitate his
great zeal and devotion; and abound in works of piety and
charity. Our merchandise and hire should be holiness to the Lord;
* The eastern princes used to record all circumstances of note during their
reign, and keep a daily journal. This was an important office, as those who
filled it were let into all the secrets of state.
t Some suppose, that Zadok was set up by Saul, when Abiathar fled to
David ; but probably these were two commanders of the priests, the heads of the
two families, or courses, into which Pavid divided theui.
N 2
180 ll. SAMUEL. IX.
consecrating our gain vnto the Lord, ami our substance unto the
Lord of the rchole earth. Thus David did, and he was not at all
the poorer for it ; nay, he v as the richer, and left his son on the
throne, tlie richest prince then in the world.
CHAPTER. IX.
Daviii, ill pratitudo for Jonathan's kindness, makes inquiry after the
house of Saul, and discovers Mephiboshetli ; receives him in the most
friendly manner, and provides for him and his.
1 And David said, Is there yet any that is left of the house
of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake*?
2 And [there was] of the house of Saul a servant whose name
[was] Ziba, 7ohom David remembered, and thought he might gite
him some information. And when they had called him unto
David, the king said unto him, [Art] thou Ziba ? And he said.
Thy servant [is lie.] 3 And the king said, [Is] there not yet any
of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God unto
him } that is, great kindness, or kindness agreeabh/ to the oath,
] Sam. XX. 14. And Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet
a son, [which is] lame on [his] feet. 4 And the king said unto
hhn. Where [is] he ? And Ziba said unto the king. Behold, he
[is] in the house of Machir, tlie son of Ammiel, in Lo-debar,
beyond Jordan. 6 Then king David sent, ^jro^^/^/y /'j/ Ziba,?a\*\
fetched him out of the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel,
from Lo-debar. 6 Now when Mephiboshelh the son of Jona-
than, the son of Saul, w as come unto David, he fell on his face,
and did reverence. And David said, Mephibosheth. 7 And
lie answered. Behold thy servant! And David said unto him.
Fear not t; for I will surely show thee kiiuhu'ss for Jonathan
thy father's sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy
* David has been cliarfied with iinkindiicss, because he did not do this sooner.
But perhaps it wouhl not liave been prudent, till the kingdom was well estal>li>hed.
He now made the intiuiry, that lie nii<;ht fiiKil his covenant of friendship with
Jonathan, which extended to liis posterity.
t Mephiboshetli seems to have been in some confusion and terror; he iniiiht
not have heard of the oath, and therefore was alraid lest this was some contrivance,
to insnare and destroy him, lest he might make some pretensions to the kingdom ;
and therefore David says, Fear not.
II. SAMUEL. IX. 181
father, all thy paternal inheritance^ , and thou shalt eat bread at
my table continually, as one of my own children. 8 And he
bowed himself wjVA great gratitude and humility, and said, What
[is] thy servant, that thou shouldst look upon such a dead dog
as [I am .?] such an abject , insignijicant, contemptible creature ?
9 Then the king called to Ziba, Saul's servant, and said unto
Jiini, I have given unto thy master's son all that pertained to
Saul and to all his house; have settled f he family estate upon him.
10 Thou therefore shalt be his steivard, and thy sons, and thy ser-
vants, shall till the land for him, and thou shalt bring in [the fruits,]
that thy master's son may have food to eat, for the support of his
family, and to save him trouble: but Mephibosheth thy master's
son shall eat bread alway at my table. Now Ziba had fifteen
sons and twenty servants, who were able to manage this large
estate. J 1 Then said Ziba unto the king, According to all that
my lord the king hath commanded his servant, so shall thy ser-
vant do. As for Mephibosheth, [said the king,] he shall eat at
my table, as one of the king's sonsf. 12 And JSlephiboshcth had
a young son, whose name [was] Micah J. And all that dwelt in
the house of Ziba [were] servants unto Mephibosheth, atul ac-
countable to him for ail the product of the estate. 13 So Mephibo-
sheth dwelt in Jerusalem : for he did eat continually at the king's
table; and was lame on both his feet, and therefore might seem
to be a dishonour to it. This way of living gave the king a daily
opportunity of expressing his gratitude and friendship for Jonathan,
and of perpcluati)ig that friendship beizceen their posterity.
REFLECTIONS.
1. It is the duty of wise and good men to seek for oppor-
tunities of doing good, especially to the families of their friends.
A liberal sonl deviseth liberal things. David did not think it
enough to serve them if they came in his way ; he inquired after
them. Let us inquire if there are any of Christ's poor, any we
* This was vc'rylar:;e, and cither was confiscated on Isliboshcth's rclnllion, or
came to David in iii;lit of liis wife, according to tlie law of God, as Maul's sons
l)y liis wives wcie all dead, and he did not know of this branch of the family, who
Tvas concealed.
f David's heart so overflowed with joy because it was in his power to do honour
to one of Jonathan's posterity, tliat lie internipled Ziba with a second declaration,
he shall cut at mi/ talile.
% He had afterwards a largf^ family, as we fiul in Chronicles, who kepi up the
icniembrance of that wortliy man Jonatliun.
182 II. SAMUEL. IX.
can show kindness to for his sake. Let us consider what we can
do for him to whom we are so much obliged. We should espe-
cially be kind to the families of our friends, to those who have
behaved worthily in their day, and have been particularly kind to
us, and familiar with us. Ifwe are able, and they are low, let
us not forget or overlook them, but be so much the readier to
help them. If there should be no solemn league, as in the present
case, yet the law of friendship requires us to be kind to the repu-
tation, the memory, and the descendants of those who have been
our friends. This shows a truly generous spirit : a friend loveth
at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
2. We learn from Mephibosheth, with what temper to receive
the distinguishing favours of heaven. There is a great resem-
blance between his case and ours. As christians, we are adopted
into God's family, and invited to his table. We have reason to
receive this favour with the deepest humility, and the greatest
admiration of his condescension and grace. We have greater
favours conferred on us than Mephibosheth had ; nobler enter-
tainments, greater honour, and a better estate, even the kingdom
of heaven. We are not only restored to the inheritance our
father Adam lost, but to an inheritance incorruptible and unde-
filed, and that fadeth not atoay : and we had less reason to expect
such a favour. Mephibosheth was the son of Jonathan, David's
friend, who behaved well. But we are children of rebellious
parents, and by our personal revolt have exposed ourselves to
the divine displeasure; and as the honour which God shows us is
so much superior, so much the deeper should be our humility.
Lord, what is thy servant! But no words are sufficient to express
our meanness, or the matchless grace of our God and Saviour.
Lord, what is man, that thou art mindful of him! or the son of
man, that thou shouldst visit him?
II. SAMUEL. X. 183
CHAPTER X.
In which is an accounl of the disgraceful treatment of David's messen-
gers who were sent to comfort Hanun on the death of his father, and
of several victories obtained by David's forces over the Ammonites
and Syrians.
1 And it came to pass after this, that the king of the chiklren
of Amuion died, and Hanun his son reigned in his stead. 2 Tlien
said David, I will show kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash,
as his father showed kindness unto me; being an enemy of SauVs,
he probably had protected David, and sent him supplies, during
his banishment. And David sent to comfort him by the hand of
his servants for the death of his father. And David's servants
came into the land of the children of Amnion. 3 And the princes
of the children of Ammon said unto Hanun their lord, Thinkcst
thou that David doth honour thy father, that he hath sent com-
forters unto thee ? hath not David [rather] sent his servants unto
thee, to search the city and to spy it out, where the city is weakest,
and to overthrow it? 4 Wherefore Hanun took David's servants,
and shaved off the one half of their beards, and cut off" their gar-
ments in the middle, [even] to their buttocks, and sent them
away*. 5 When they told [it] unto David, he sent to meet them
zcith clothes and other necessaries, because the men were greatly
ashamed : and the king said. Tarry at Jericho until your beards
be grown, and [then] return 'K
6 And when the children of Ammon saw^ that they stank
before David, zcere become odious to him, the children of Ammon
* This was a very great indignity, for tiie beard was then reckoned an orna-
ment. It was a common punislinient among the eastern nations, on cowards or
adulterers, to cut off their beards. Rut he cut off their garments also; and as
they wore no breeches or drawers, it exposed them to shame. This was probably
done ill contempt of their religion and laws. See Lev. xix. 27., Isaiah xx. 4.
xlvii. 2, 3. It was also an offence against the laws of gratitiide and hospitality,
and contrary to the laws of nature and nations.
t There were but a few houses or cottages where Jericho formerly stood, the
city not being rel)Hilt. Tiiis was a proper place to hide their siiame; and they
were not to return in their present situation, lest persons of their rank and quality
should be reproached and ridiculed, and their otfice be brought into contempt.
David resented the affront ; but considering it as the effect of youthful vanity and
rashness, he made no preparation for attacking them, but waited to see what they
would do, and whether they would take any steps towards expiating the iiijui-y.
184< II. SAMUEL. X.
sent and hired the Syrians of Beth-rehob, and the Syrians of Zoba,
twenty thousand footmen, and of king Maacah a thousand men,
and of Ish-tob twelve thousand men, ^cho all readily joined to
revenge the injuries David had done them, and prevent his in-
creasing greatness. 7 And when David heard of [it,] he did not
zcaitfor their attack, but he sent Joab, and all the host of the
mighty men to attack them. 8 And the children of Amnion
came out, and put the battle in array at tiie entering in of the
gate of Mcdeba, a city in the tribe ofHeuben: and the Syrians
of Zoba, and of Rehob, and Ish-tob, and Maacah, [were] by
themselves in the field. Q When Joab saw that the front of the
battle was against him before and behind, he chose of all the
choice [men] of Israel, and put [them] in array against the Sy-
rians, who were the strongest and most xaliant : 10 And the rest
of the people he delivered into the hand of Abishai his brother,
that he might put [them] in array against the children of xYmmon.
11 And he said, If the Syrians be too strong for me, then thou
shalt help me : but if the children of Ammon be too strong for
thee, then I will come and help thee, each were to keep detach-
ments in readiness to help the zceaker. 12 Be of good courage,
and let us play the men for our people, and for the cities of our
God: and the Lord do that which seemeth him good; let us
behave ourselves valianlli/, be resolute for the preservation o/' our
country, and leave the event to God. 13 And Joab drew nigh,
and the people that [were] with him, unto the battle against the
Syrians ; he thought it most prudent to attack the mercenary troops
frsf, as they were most likely to give way : and they tied before
him. 14 And when the children of Ammon saw that the Syrians,
vpon whom thei/ placed their chief dependence, were fled, then fled
they also before Abishai, and entered into tlie city yb?" sajiti/.
So Joab returned from tlie children of Ammon, and came to Je-
rusalem ; finding the season too Jar advanced to pursue the victcyry,
he returned home.
15 And when the Syrians saw that they were smitten before
Israel, they gathered themselves together ; Jery/vwo- that David
would fill upon them for assisting his enemies, they were resolved
to be bej'orehand with him. l6 i\nd Hadarezer sent, and brought
out the Syrians that [were] beyond the river : and they came to
Helam; and Shobach the captain of the host of Hadarezer [went]
before them. 17 And when it was told David, he gathered all
Israel together, and went to command in person, and passed over
Jordan, and came to Helam. And the Syrians set themselves in
II. SAMUEL. X. 185
array against David, and fought with him. 18 And the Syrians
fled before Israel; and David slew [the men of] seven hundred
chariots of the Syrians, and forty thousand horsemen, and smote
Shobach* the captain of their host, who died there. 19 And
when all the kings [that were] servants to Hadarezer saw that
they were smitten before Israel, they made peace wiih Israel, and
served them, became subject to David, and paid tribute. So
the Syrians feared to help the children of Ammon any more.
REFLECTIONS.
1. We are taught, from the example of David, to be grateful
for kindnesses received. Nahash was a monster of cruelty, and
used the Israelites very ill ; but as he was kind to David, though
his motive for doing so was only to vex Saul, he was willing to
show his gratitude. No vileness in the author of a benefaction,
can cancel the gratitude due for it. When we receive a kindness.
Me are not to inquire into the principle from whence it flows, or
the grounds of it. If the Pharisees gave alms through pride, the
receiver was bound to be thankful. Whatever men's hearts arc,
we are to look to their hands ; and repay, not what they meant,
but what they did ; return the kindness according to our ability.
And if our benefactors are dead, we should do it to iheir
children.
2. We may observe, that what is well meant may be ill inter-
preted, and receive a base return; so it was here. It is hard for
wicked, seliish men, to think well of others. They judge of others
by themselves, and are ready to suspect some seliish design.
This suspicious temper argues a very bad mind. If we are so
treated, it is no great wonder, for it was so of old. The more we
are convinced of the absurdity and iniquity of such practices, the
more careful we should be not to treat otiiers so. The soul of
the wicked desireth evil, his neighbour Jindeth no favour in his
eyes.
3. We may reflect, what an unhappy thing it is for a young
prince to have evil counsellors about him. Hanun had but little
experience, and was not very able to judge for himself; therefore
* This vvovd also signifies chariot and charioteer, which occasions some ambi-
guity. Probably he slow about an eq'.ial numi)er of cacli, forty thousand horse
and foot ; and thus extended his conqucsli to the great river, according to the
promise and prophecy to Abraham.
186 II. SAMUEL. X.
he was disposed to hearken to the advice of others. It is very
unhappy for a nation when this is the case. Who can tell what
quarrels and sorrows such may bring upon themselves, and the
whole kingdom, and all its allies. Let us earnestly pray, that
God may direct in the choice of those who counsel young prin-
ces ; that they may be wise and upright ; know and pursue, not
what will gratify their own ambition, selfishness, and revenge,
but what will tend to the credit of the prince, and the welfare
of the nation.
4. Great dangers sometimes Inspire bad men with true senti-
ments of courage and piety. Joab, excepting some actions, be-
haved like a prudent, valiant general, and shone as a great man.
Here he talks like a good man ; even David himself could scarce
have talked better. He argues from the most just and influential
topics ; not from private glory or advantage, but from the honour
of God, the safety and credit of Israel ; and under a deep sense
of an over-ruling providence, piously leaves the success with
God. Oh that our commanders would imitate his example ! Zeal
for God and religion, and the cause of liberty and our country,
are the best arguments to inspire men with ardour and courage.
5. We learn from these Syrians, to avoid those snares and
dangers by which we have been already injured. When the
Israelites had smitten the Syrians, they forsook their old allies, and
made peace. When we have smarted for our folly in some in-
stances, by our indulgences and confederacies, let us take
warning, and not engage in them any more. Experience is never
good till it is bought ; many buy it very dear, and suffer much
before they have learned it; but it is better late than never. I^et
sinners, the enemies of God, act thus. If they have opposed him,
and strove with their Maker, as all sinners do, let their afiiictions,
their fears, their terrors of conscience, and disappointment in
creature comforts, make them solicitous to retreat in time, to
make peace with him, and become his servants ; otherwise their
iniquity will be their utter and everlasting ruin.
II. SAMUEL. XI. 187
CHAPTER XI.
In the last chapter we left David in the midst of glory and success ; but
here a very melancholy story opens upon us, the sin of David in the
affair of Bath-sheba and Uriah.
1 And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the
time when kings go forth [to battle,] that is, in the spring, that
David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel ; and
thfey destroyed the children of Aniraon, and besieged Rabbah,
their royal city. But David tarried still at Jerusalem, he began
to indulge himself in ease and pleasure. 2 And it came to pass in
an evening-tide, that David arose from off his bed, rvhere he had
laid down to sleep, as is usual in hot countries at that time of day,
and he walked upon the roof of the king's house : and from the
roof he saw a woman washing herself in her chamber; and the
woman [was] very beautiful to look upon. S And David sent
and inquired after the woman. And [one] said, [Is] not this
Bath-sheba, the daughter of Eliam, the Avife of Uriah the Hittite ?
He was one of David's guards, and was originally an Hittite, but
noiv a proselyte to the Jewish religion. 4 And David sent mes-
sengers, perhaps on pretence of other business, and they took her ;
and she came in unto him, and he lay with her ; for she was pu-
rified from her uncleanness : and she returned unto her house *.
4 And the woman conceived, and sent and told David, and
said, I [am] with child f. 6 And David sent to Joab, [saying,]
Send me Uriah the Hittite. And Joab sent Uriah to David.
He was a proper person to be sent, being a considerable officer, and,
the Jezcs say, Joab^s armour-bearer. 7 And when Uriah was
come unto him, David demanded [of him] how Joab did, and
how the people did, and how the war prospered, whether there
was any probability of their taking the city. 8 And David said
to Uriah, Go down to thy house, and wash thy feet, refresh thyself
after the fatigues of the journey. And Uriah departed out of
* It is difficult to say liow far she was to blame ; but he was certainly the
greatest criminal who seduced her, if I had said forced her, the original word
would bear me out, as it generally signifies an incapacity of resistance.
t She was in danger of death by the law of God, as an adulteress, and therefore
consulted with David how they might contrive a way to hide their shame, and she
to avoid punishment.
188 II. SAMUEL. XI.
the king's house, and there followed him a mess [of meat] from
the king, in token of' extraordinary favour and kindness, that he
might go home and feast with his xcife. 9 Biit Uriah slept at the
door of the king's house, in a guard chamber, with all the servants
of his lord, and went not down to his house. 10 And when
they had told David, saying, Uriah went not down unto his house,
David said unto Uriah, Caniest thou not from [thy] journey?
why [then] didst thou not go down unto thine house ? He gave
him a kind rebuke for 7iot taking more care of himself , intitnating
that he did not expect him to keep ivalch. 1 1 And Uriah made a
brave, and truly soldier-like reply, and said unto David, The
ark, and Israel, and Judah, abide in tents 5 and my lord Joab,
and the servants of my lord, are encamped in the open fields ;
shall I then go into mine house, to eat and to drink, and to lie
with my wife ? [as] thou livest, and [as] thy soul liveth, I ^iil
not do this thing *. 12 And David said to Uriah, Tarry here
to day also, and to-morrow 1 will let thee depart, under pretence
that he could not get his despatches ready, but really hoping, that
heins so Ions: near so amiable a woman, would en^aa^e him to visit
her. So Uriah abode in Jerusalem that day, and the morrow.
13 And when David had called him, he did eat and drink before
him ; and he made him drunk, hoping that he would then have
gone home i", and at even he went out to lie on his bed with the
servants of his lord, but his resolution wasjixed, and he went not
down to his house.
14 And it came to pass in the morning, that David wrote a
letter to Joab, and sent [it] by the hand of Uriah. 15 And he
wrote in the letter, saying, Set ye Uriah in the forefront of the
hottest battle, and retire ye from him, that he may be smitten,
and die J. 16 And it came to pass, when Joab observed the
city, that he assigned Uriah unto a place where he knew that
valiant men [were,] he set him to take a part of the city which he
* Uriah could not think of indtiUing liimsclf, wliile his fellow-soldiers were
exposed to so many iiardshijts. His solemn immncr of pronouncing this, one would
tlnnk siionld have tonched David to the heart for his having abused so brave a
man, and indidgcd himself in \nila\vitd pleasmes, while this brave soldier was so
willing to endure hardships, and deny liimself innocent gratificalious.
-|- There is no reason to believe that he suspected what had passed between
David and his wife ; but the hand of Providence v.as counter-plotting David's
designs, in order to bring his sin to light.
+ David formed this liorrid contrivance in order to have him slain, and tinis, if
possible, prevent the infamy and punishment of his wife, and liide his own sin
and shame. Uriah liimself took this despatch to Joab ; and if he had suspected
the matter, he would have opened the letter.
II. SAMUEL. XI. 189
kneza would be valiantli/ defended. 1 7 And the men of the city
went out, and fought with Joab : and there fell [some] of the
people of the servants of David ; and Uriah the Hittite died also.
The besieged made a sally, slew some of the soldiers, and the king's
guard, and this brave man among the rest *.
18 Then Joab sent and told David all the things concernino-
the war; hoiv he had manasied, and zchat ill success they had in
the last attack : 19 And charged the messenger, saying, When
thou hast made an end of telling the matters of the war unto the
king, 20 And if so be that the king's wrath arise, and he say
unto thee, Wherefore approached ye so nigh unto the city when
ye did fight ? knew ye not that they would shoot from the wall ?
21 Who smote Abimelech the son of Jerubbesheth ? did not a
woman cast a piece of a millstone upon him from the wall, that he
died at Thebez ? why went ye nigh the wall ? then, tJiat the king
may knoio tvhy tve undertook such a desperate attack, say thou,
Thy servant Uriah the Hittite is dead also.
22 So the messenger went, and came and showed David all
that Joab had sent him for. 23 And the messenger said unto
David, Surely the men prevailed against us, and came out unto
us into the field, and we were upon them even unto the entering
of the gate. 24 And the shooters shot from off the wall upon
thy servants ; and [some] of the king's servants be dead, and
thy servant Uriah the Hittite is dead also'f'. 25 Then David
said unto the messenger. Thus shalt thou say unto Joab, Let
not this thing displease fior dishearten thee : for if is only the fate
of war, the sword devoureth one as well as another : make thy
battle more strong against the city, and overthrow it : and en-
courage thou him.
26 And when the wife of Uriah heard that Uriah her husband
was dead, she mourned for her husband, probably seven days, as
zcas usual on such occasions']^. 27 And when the mourning was
past, David sent, and fetched her to his house, and she became
* Joab is generally thought to be much to blame in execntiiis; the king's orders;
but he might be innocent. He periiaps imagined that Uriah had been guilty of
some notorious crime, for which David, consulting Uriah's honour as an officer,
would not punish him openly, but chose that he should die serving his country,
in the i)td of honour.
t The messenger put it in a different light; that the Ammonites made a sally,
and f>t first were too hard for the Israelites ; but they rallied and pursued them
to tlie city, and in the height of the pursuit, came too near tlie walls ; from whence
tiie archers destroyed some of the guards, and Uriah among the rest.
X She has been charged with hypocrisy for mourning ; but I see no reason for
this. It is probable she tiiought he fell by tlie common fate of war ; and if he
made her as good a husband, as he did a soldier, he deserved her highest esteem.
190 II. SAMUEL. XI.
his wife, and bare him a son*. But the thing that David had
done displeased the Lord; his adultery, the muTder of Uriah,
atid marrying Bath-sheba, were very displeasing to God.
REFLECTIONS.
1. Therk is great reason to lament that a good man should
be guilty of such horrid crimes. Is this David ? the man after
Cod^s own heart '^ Is this he, whose heart smote him when he
only cut off the skirt of Saul's garment .? Is this he, who had so
many wives .' who was a king, and should have set a better ex-
ample P What! David seduce a woman of good reputation, emi-
nent for her wisdom and piety, (as the latter end of Proverbs
plainly shows), the wife of one of his brave ofiicers, when he was
doing his duty, and contrive his murder so deliberately, and the
destruction of others with him.'' to the joy of the Ammonites, and
the grief of all pious Israelites who heard of it. A melancholy
story indeed is this. Tell it Jiot in Guth, publish it not in Askelon,
lest the nncircumcised triumph. The scriptures faithfully relate
this shameful miscarriage of one of its greatest heroes ; which is
at once an evidence of their sincerity, and an awful warning to
all, even to the best of men. It was written for our learning,
that he Ziho thinketh he standeth, may take heed lest he fall.
Therefore,
2. We should learn hence, to avoid all occasions of sin, and
quench the first sparks of temptation. Had David been with his
army, as he undoubtedly should, he would have escaped this blot.
Had he been at his harp, or his psalms, at almost any thing but
being idle, he had not fallen. Had he checked the temptation at
first, turned away his eyes from the tempting object, and given
himself to prayer, he had overcome the temptation. May we
avoid every thing which may be an occasion of sin, and an incen-
tive to fleshly lusts; especially idleness, and a love of sloth.
Let us mind the duties of our station; make a covenant with our
eyes; and if we woulil be safe, we must zcatch as well as pray,
that we enter not into temptation.
3. See the mischievous consequences of sin ; how one leads
to another; and what vast evil one act of vice is often big with;
♦ It was indocrnt for him to marry her so soon ; but he tlioiijjht it necessary,
to hiile Uicii shame, an<l skietn her liom a eriniinal process. Tims far things went
oil upon ilu wliole a.s Duvid ilesireil, but tlie chapter concludes with an awful
M-uUiii e.
II. SAMUEL. XII. 191
how much one sin needs another to cloak and conceal it. Adultery
must be covered with treachery, making Uriah drunk and then
murdering him. The way of sin is down hill; a man knows
not where he will stop. The beginnings of sin ought to be
dreaded; and the appearances of it avoided; for who can tell
where it will end ? Let us daily pray, Lord, lead us not into temp'
tation, but deliver us from evil.
4. We learn, that God observes the sins of his own people
with great displeasure. He must see it and be displeased with it
in every one : but the sins of his peculiar people are most of all
displeasing, because there is so much of ingratitude and treachery
in them. If any therefore, are so presumptuous and wicked as to
encourage themselves in sin by this example, or to palliate their
crimes, by pleading what David did, let them know that the dis-
pleasure of almighty God will follow them. And the sacred his-
torian, in the account of the unparalleled evils which came on
David's family, jea, he himself, in his penitential Psalm (Psalm li.)
composed on this occasion, has shown us what an evil thing sin is,
and what bitterness it will be in the end. Stand in awe, therefore,
and sin not.
CHAPTER XII.
We have in this chapter David's repentance for his great sin; Nathan's
parable; the application of it to David, and the judgment threatened
to his family; the child's death; the birth of Solomon; and the
taking of Rabbah.
1 And the Lord sent Nathan unto David*. i\nd he came
and said unto him in a parable f, There were two men in one
city ; the one rich, and the other poor. 2 The rich [man] had ex-
ceeding many flocks and herds : 3 But the poor [man] had no-
* This was after the child was born, when the thing was known, and came to be
publicly talked of. It is probable that David repented before this; but Nathan
was sent to bring him to a public acknowledgment, that he might give glory to
God, and be a warning and admonition to others.
t This was a prudent and respectful way of reproving, and after the manner of
the easterJi nations, by which David was brought to condemn himself. As this
was the great design, it was not necessary that there should be an exact resem-
blance in every particular. Some things were only ornamental. Nathan had
been used to come on tiicsc occasions, to complain of irregularities in the king-
dom, and see that tlie king did justice to the injured.
192 II. SAMUEL. XII.
thing, save one little ewe lamb, \vhich he had bought and nou-
rished up: and it grew up togclhtr with liini, and with liis chil-
dren ; it did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and
lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter, exceedingly
dear and beloved. 4 And there came a traveller unto the rich
man, and he spared to take of his own flock and of his own herd
to dress for the wayfaring man that w as come unto him ; but took
the poor man's lamb, and dressed it for the man that was come
to him*. 5 And David's anger was greatly kindled against the
man; and he said to Nathan, [As] the Lord liveth, the man that
hath done this [thing] shall surely die, or is zcort/ii/ to die, because
there teas so much cruelty iu it, being done out oj wantonness and
tyranny, and not from any necessity. 6 And he shall restore the
lamb fourfold, according to the lazo, Exodus xxii. 1 ., because he
did this thing, and because he had no pity. 7 And Nathan said
to David, Thou [art] the man ; that guilty person thou hast ac-
cused and condemnedf. Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, I
anointed thee king over Israel, and 1 delivered thee out of the
hand of Saul ; 8 And I gave thee thy master's house, and thy
master's wives into thy bosom, and gave thee the house of Israel
and of Judah ; and if [that had been] too little, I would more-
over have given thee such and such things. 9 Wherefore then
hast thou despised the commandment of the Lord, to do evil
in his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword,
contrived the murder of that brave man by the sword of the enemy ;
and hast taken his wife [to be] thy wife, and hast slain him with the
sword of the children of Amnion ; he repeats this, intimating that
he had murdered him that he might take his wife, which zras con-
trary to the laze against multiplying zcires. 10 Now therefore
the sword shall never depart from thine house ; because thou
hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to
be thy wife |. 11 Thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will raise
up evil against thee out of thine own house, and 1 will take thy
* He niiplit have added, and lie shiv the poor man that he mij^ht not tell ; but tliis
would have brou;;lit tlie case too close, and David would have seen it too soon.
t The prophet here speaks, not as a petitioner for the poor man, but as an am-
bassador from the God of heaven. David's sin was ajigravatcd by all his oblig^a-
tions to God, in raisinj; him to yncii dignity from low circumstances ; lie had civcn
him Saul's estate and family to dispose of as he pleased, and dominion over all the
twelve tribes; and if that was not enough, he might only have ;isked, and God
would have given liini such things as he wanted, and could reasonably desire.
t This sentence was fulfdled in the death of Absalom, Aninon, and Adonijah,
who all fell by the sword, and so did many of his remote (lesceiichmts, especially
when the whole royal lionse, except one, was slain by Atiialiah; and Zcdckiaii's
sou was slain before his eyes.
ir. SAMUEL. XII. 19;}
wives before thine eyes, and give [them] unto thy nojohbour, to
one w!io is most near to i/iee*, and he shall lie with thy wives in
the sight of this sun. 12 For ihou didst [it] secretly : but I will
do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun. 13 And
David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the Lounf,
Anil Nathan said unto David, The LoitD also hatli put awav thy
sin ; thou shalt not die, rieitJier eternallj/, nor by any sudden stroke
or judgment, according to thy own sentence, ver. 5 J. 14 FIow-
beit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the
enenjies of the Lord to blaspheme,, and reproach religion, as if
it countenanced such practices, the child also [that is] born unto
thee, shall surely die. By this God vindicated his oicn justice,
maintained the truth and purity of his religion, and let the world
see how much he teas displeased zcith David's crime.
15 And Nathan departed unto his house. And the Lokd
struck the child that Uriah's wife bare unto David, and it was
very sick. 16 David therefore besought God for the child;
and David fasted, and went in, to his closet, or some retired place,
and lay all night upon the earth. 17 And the elders of his house,
the principal ofjicers about his court, arose, [and went] to him, to
raise him up from the earth, and entreated him not to give zvay to
excessive grief] but take care of his health : but he would not,
neither did he eat bread with them as u.uial, but Justed, zcept, and
prayed, in hopes that the threatejiing was only conditional^.
IS And it came to pass on the seventh day after it fell ill, that
the child died. And the servants of David feared to tell him
that the child was dead : for they said, Behold, while the child
was yet alive, we spake unto him, and he would not hearken
unto our voice : how will he then vex himself, if we tell him that
the child is dead? 19 But when David saw that his servants
* This was liis own son Absalom, wlio spread Iiis tent probably on the very
house-top from whence David saw Bath-slieba, and debauched his fatliers wives
iu the sigiit ol all Israel. See chap. xvi. 2j.
t Perhaps David did not say much more than this npon the occasion ; Ills heart
was so I'tili that he cried out in a truly penitent manner, with bhishinj,' and tears, /
Aare sinned against the Lord. And God seeing his repentance was sincere, directed
Nathan to assure him of pardon tiiereupon.
* Lonit precediiij; repentance might (pialify him for this display of merer. Tlie
thirty-second, and other penitential psalms, seem to pro\ e this. But as the sin was
public, so the repentance must be; and he composed the litty-first psalm lo bo
sung publicly in the tabernacle, while he prostrated himself before the throne of
mercy.
? Perhaps he was the more earnest on this occasion, partly because he consi-
dered the child's death as a pmiishraent for his sin, and partly out of his great love
to Bath-sheba. Besides, we are sometimes ready to value tilings according to the
distress and trouble which thev cost us-
VOL. III. U
194. II. SAMUEL. XII.
whispered, David perceived tliat the child was dead : therefore
David said unto his servants, Is the child dead? And they said,
He is dead. 20 Then David arose from the earth, and washed,
and anointed [himself,] and changed his apparel ; zcith great resig-
nation and resolution he put off his mourning habit, and came into the
house of the Lord, in the tent ivhich was provided fur the ark, and
worshipped, returned thanks for the pardon, expressed his submissioJi
to the divine will, and entreated God to moderate and sanctify the
affliction ; then he came to his own house ; and when he required,
they set bread before him, and he did eat. 21 Then said his
servants unto him. What thing [is] this that thou hast done?
thou didst fast and weep for the child, [while it was] alive ; but
when the child was dead, thou didst rise and eat bread. 22 And
he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and w cpt : for I
said. Who can tell [whether] God will be gracious to mc, that the
child may live*? 23 But now he is dead, wherefore should I
fast ? can I bring him back again ? rather let me prepare tofolloiv
him, for I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.
24 And David comforted Bath-sheba his w'lie, who ivas greatly
distressed for her sin, and the loss of her child, and lie went
iu unto her, and lay w ith her : and she bare a son, and he called
his name Solomon, that is, peaceable, because he xcas to enjoy a
peaceable reign, \ Chron. xxii. 9-? and the Lord loved him.
23 And, as a token of reconciliation to father and mother, and
love to the child, he sent by the hand of Nathaii the prophet; and
he called his name Jedidiah, that is, beloved of the Lord, because
of the Lord.
2G And Joab fought against Rabbah of the cliililrcn of Amnion,
and took the royal city ; made such a breach, that that part of the
city wherein the royal palace stood, zchich was compassed with wa-
ters, might easily be taken-\. 27 And Joab sent messengers to
David, and said, I have fought against Rabbah, and have taken
the city of waters, got possession of the lower parts of it, and the
soldiers have retired to the npper and stronger parts. 28 Now
therefore gather the rest of the people together, and encamp
against the city, and take it : lest I take the city, and it be called
after my name. Joab loved his prince and endeavoured to raise
* This was a truly heroic and religions reason ; while the child was alive there
was some iiope that God woidd reverse the seiilcnre, there was room lor |)r:i\er.
t Some tliink this was done before David's repentance, and the birth of Solo-
mon ; but I rather think the siei^e helil out so long, as tlie city, which the word
signilies, was a large aud strong place, and a royal city, where the palace was.
II. SAMUEL. XII. 195
hisg/o)'}/, and lie knew the city must soon surremlcr if the renters
were cut of)'*. And David, according to Joab's advice, gathered all
the people together, and went to Rabbah, and fought against it,
and took it by storm. 80 And he took their king's crown from
off his head, the weight, that is, the value, whereof [was] a talent
of gold with the precious stones '1": and it was [set] on David's
head. And he brought forth the spoil of the city in great abun-
dance. 31 And he brought forth the people that [were]
therein, and put [them] under saws, and under harrows of iron,
and under axes of iron, and made them pass through the brick
kiln: and thus did he unto all the cities of the children of Ammon:|:.
So David and all the people returned unto Jerusalem.
REFLECTIONS.
1. Tins instance of God's forgiving goodness, is a great en-
couragement to true penitents. David's was a complicated and
aggravated iniquity. But when the heart is truly humble and pe-
nitent, God forgives. This may give encouragement to the great-
est sinners to hope in the divine mercy, if their hearts are contrite,
if they abhor and have forsaken their sins. Let the wicked, there-
fore, forsake his zcai/, and the unrighteous man his thoughts, and
turn unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him.
2. The sins of God's people are peculiarly shameful in them-
selves, and displeasing to God, as they give his enemies occasion
to blaspheme. We may suppose that the profane Israelites now
triumphed. Is this your professor? This the sweet psalmist of
Israel ? Let those who profess religion, and a relation to God,
walk circumspectly, and not give occasion to those who seek for
it. l^hose especially, \\\\o make any particular profession, should
be peculiarly cautious, and give no occasion to the enemies of our
worship to speak reproachfully. If after iniquity, God should
* Polybins tfUsiis tliat Atitioclms iliil so by it some hundred years after this.
■f This crown was worth several llioii.saud pounds, sonic say, five thousand at
least.
+ It has bceu the opinion of some persons, lliat this expression relates to the
severity witli which David treated them, and tliey vindicate liis doing so, tVom va-
rious considerations. Hut it may signify only putting them under sncii labours,
and making slaves of them to do hard and servile work. So we speak of laying
ii'cn under tribute. It is a common m«dc of speech in sevcr.il hinguagcs.
The Frencli ]5iMc printed at Geneva, 1805, is thus translated into English:
" He biought forth flic iulialiitants, and applied some to the labour of .s.iws, of
harrows of iron and axes ot iron, and oUiers to the labour of bricks." — Vide
Cent. Mag. for June 1S12, p. .'J^?.
O 2
196 II. SAMUEL. Xlll.
forgive, vet lie may see it necessary to animadvert upon it in this
world ; he may bring upon us such heavy calamities, as may im-
bitter our whole lives. This was the case with David. Let pro-
fessors of religion, therefore, be very careful so to behave, that
they may at once secure the favour and friendship of almighty
God, and adorn the doctrine of God, by a holy life and conversa-
tion.
3. The arguments by which David composed his own mind
after the death of his child, are very proper for us when mourning
the death of desirable children. It was a very solid consideration,
that all his grief could not recover his child. It is a very wise
thought, though not a very comfortable one, that it is all in vain
*o weep and sorrow ; there is no help in us. This shows the ne-
cessity of endeavouring to compose our minds, and not to give a
loose to our passions. He further reflected, that he should quickly
go after it. Considering himself as a mortal creature, he saw the
folly of excessive grief. When friends die, we should think of
our own death ; how quickly we shall go after them : therefore we
have something else to do than spend our time in fruitless sorrow.
The words intimate further, that, looking beyond the grave, he
saw something to assuage his grief, some views of future happi-
ness. The prospect of meeting our fellow-creatures again, and
being for ever with them, is a source of comfort and joy when
they are taken away. Let us therefore be patient in tribulation,
and be in subjection to the Father of spirits, and live.
CHAPTER XIIL
Nathan had told David, that God would raise up evil in liis house, and
here the threatening began to be fulfilled. Amnon defilith Ids sister,
and is murdered by Absalom's order.
1 And it came to pass after this, that Absalom the son of
David had a fair sister, whose name [was] Tamar; and Anmon
the son of David loved her. Amnon was David's eldest son, and
heir to the crown. 2 And Amnon was so vexed, that he fell sick
for his sister Tamar, the violence ofhis passion injured his health;
for she [was] a virgin ; and Amnon thought it hard for him to do
any thing to her ; the terror of indulging it increased his disorder.
II. SAMUKL. XIII. ID7
3 But Amnon had a friend, a first cousin, who zcas very iritimaie
rvffh him, whose name [was] Jonadab,the son of Shimeah David's
brother : and Jonadab [was] a very subtil man ; very artful in
finding out means to accomplish his ends, and he pumped out the fatal
secret. 4 And he said unto him, Why [art] thou, [being] the
king's son, lean from day to ihy,pale, tmn, and dejected, seeing thou
art the king's son, and may est command thy desires, and not he
under the restraint of ordinari/ men : wilt thou not tell me, and
open thy whole heart to thi/ friend? And Amnon said unto hitn, I
love Tamar, my brother Absalom's sister. 5 And Jonadab said
imto him. Lay thee down on thy bed, and make thyself sick : and
when thy father cometh to see thee, say unto him, I pray thee,
let my sister Tamar come, and give me meat, and dress the meat
in my sight, that I may see [it,] and eat [it] at her hand*. 6 So
Amnon lay down, and made himself sick : and when the king was
come to see him, Amnon said unto the king, I pray thee, let Tamar
my sister come, and make me a couple of cakes in my sight, that I
may eat at her hand ; she is so dear unto me, that I shall eat any
thing the better for being her dressing. 7 Then David sent home
to Tamar, saying, Go now to thy brother Amnon's hou^e, and
dress him meat. 8 So Tamar, like an obedient daughter, a kind
sister, and a good housewife, went to her brother Amnon's house;
and he was laid down. And she took flour, and kneaded [it],
and made cakes in his sight, and did bake the cakes. 9 And she
took a pan, and poured [them] out before him ; but he refused to
eat, pretending that he had no appetite, was grozm worse, and
could not bear company, he would therefore retire into an inner
chamber, and there try to eat. And Amnon said, Have out all
men from me. And they went out every man from him. 10 And
A mnon said unto Tamar, Bring the meat into the chamber, that
I may eat of thine hand. And Tamar took the cakes which she
had made, and brought [them] into the chamber to Amnon her
brother ; her ozcn innocetice and near relationship to Amnon made
her think herself secure. 1 1 And when she had brought [them]
unto him to eat, he took hold of her, and said unto her, Come,
lie with me, my sister; he threio off the mask, and made an infa-
mous attempt on her virtue. 12 And she reasoned with him, and
* This wicked courtier, instead of reproving him and turning his thoughts some
otlior way, furnished him with an expedient to gratify his passion. He must feign
himself sick ; and when his father came to see him, complain of his stomach, that
he wanted sonietliing nice, which must be prepHr<xl in his presence, by a person
for whom he had an higii esteem. This was a plausible pretence for seenig her at
his own house.
1^8 II. SAMUEL. XIII.
answered him in the most pertinent manner, Nay, my brother, do
not force me, for no such thing ought to be done in Israel; do
not thou this folly. 13 And J, whither shall 1 cause my shame to
go r and as for thee, thou shall be as one of the fools in Israel.
JVovv therefore, I pray thee, speak unto the king ; for he will not
withhold me from thee*. 14 Howbeit he would not hearken
unto her voice : but, being stronger than she, forced her, and lay
with her, determined to gratify Iiis brutal passion, to the insu-
perable injurij of Jiis amiable and virtuous sister.
15 Then Amnon, in consequence of her reproaches, and his
own conscience recoiling, hated her exceedingly, zchen he should
have hated himself; so that the hatred wherewith he hated her
[was] greater than the love wherewith he had loved her. And
Anmon, instead of nsifig any means to sooth her grief, said unto
her. Arise, be gone. l6 And she said unto him, [There is] no
cause ; this evil in sending me away [is] greater than the other
that thou didst unto me f. But he would not hearken unto her.
17 Then he called his servant that ministered unto him, and
said, Put now this [woman] out from me, and bolt the door after
lier; this zcas barbarous and cruel usage, as if she had been an
impudent intruder. 18 And [she had] a garment of divers colours
upon her: for with such robes were the king's daughters [that
were] virgins apparelled. Then his servant brought her out, and
bolted the door after her.
19 And l^amar put ashes on her head, and rent her garment
of divers colours that [was] on her, and laid her hand on her
head, and went on crying, zcith all the expressions of the greatest
grief and deepest distress. 20 And Absalom her brother, to whose
house she zccnt, said unto her. Hath ^Vnmon thy brother been
with thee ? but hold now thy peace, my sister : he [is] thy
brother ; regard not this thing J. So Tamar remained desolate in
her brother Absalom's house, in a forlorn and mournful condition.
* Tamar licrc pleaded, that she was a near relation ; that she would not siih-
init without vioUnne ; tliat s'j.rh a thiiif; oii<;ht Hot to he done in Israel, a nation
(Icvottd to God ; that it would be an insnperal)le di.-lionoiir to her ; that she could
neitlier drive away her shame, nor hide it ; that he woidd lose his reputation, and
perhaps his crown, and he considered as a man void of all religion, honour, and
humanity. IJut finding all this would not do, slie intimated, that he was his father's
• iarlini;, and he would deny liim nothinir, and would therefore pive her to him for his
wife. (She urijcd any thins; to divert iiini from his purpose, and deliver herself from
the present danger ; but all was in vain.
t It was not a ic'i'ater sin, but a Lireater mischief, because it would publish
her shame, and be a public scandal on the whole family. The first injury nli^bt
be cou'icaled and repented of ; th^ second was dclibciate, and would bring re-
proach on himself, ou her, and on the religion and people of (iod.
J Absalom covered Iiis suspicious in the inojl decent and prudent pinuac ; and
II. SAMUEL. XIII. 199
21 But wlien kinj^ David heard of all these things, he was
very wroth, and no wonder ; but he did not punish him, as he ought
to have done. 22 And Absalom spake unto his brother Amnon
neither good nor bad about this matter ; he did not so much as let
him know that he was offended, but cherished his haired, and me-
ditated revenge: for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had
forced his sister Tamar. 23 And it came to pass after two full
years, harbouring all the while his wicked project and waiting a
fair opportunity, that Absalom had sheep-shearers in Baal-hazor,
which [is] beside Ephraim : and Absalom invited all the king's
sons to the sheep-shearing and festival. 24 And Absalom came
to the king, and said. Behold now, thy servant hath sheep-
shearers ; let the king, I beseech thee, and his servants go with
thy servant ; he invited the king and his family to go, to avoid
suspicion. 25 And the king said to Absalom, Nay, my son, let us
not all now go, lest we be chargeable unto thee. And he pressed
him : howbeit he would not go, but blessed him ; thanked him
for his invitation, and xoished them much joy in their feast.
26 Then said Absalom, If not, I pray thee, let my brother
Amnon go with us. And the king said unto him, Why should he
go with thee*? 27 But Absalom, that there might be no ground
of suspicion, pressed him, so that he let Amnon and all his brothers
the king's sons go with him. 28 Now Absalom had commanded
his servants, saying, Mark ye now when Amnon's heart is merry
with wine, and when I say unto you, Smite Amnon ; then kill
him, fear not : have not I commanded you ? be courageous, and
be valiantf. 29 And the servants of Absalom did unto Amnon
as Absalom had commanded. Then all the king's sons arose, and
every man gat him up upon his mule, and fled, fearing he toould
destroy the whole royal family.
.'JO And it came to pass, while they were in the way, that
tidings came to David, saying, Absalom hath slain all the king's
sons, and there is not one of them left. One of the attendants
seeincr Amnon slain, concluded all the rest imuld share the same
to spare her blushes he prevented her answering, and advised iier to be composed,
because the oifcnder was her brotlier. He knew Amiion's character to be a
bad one, or he never would have suspected that he could be guilty of such a
thing.
* Amnon being the eldest son, he would siiew liini respect, and it would be
an honour to his company ; but the king waved this also, probably from the same
principle, that Absalom might not run to too great an expense at the shearing.
t Absalom knew his brother was a debauchee ; lie thou!)cht he would be drunk,
and at such a time less suspicious, and less fit to make resistance. He likewise
thought his authority would be sufficient to viiulicatc hi? servants, aud had pro-
bably some view to the crown, as well as revenge.
200 II. ISAAIUEL. Xllf.
fatCf and came and told David so. 31 Then the king arose, and
tare liis garments, and lay on the eartli ; and all his servants stood
by with their clothes rent. 32 And Jonadab, the son of Shinieah
David's brother, answered and said, Let not my lord suppose
[that] they have slain all the young men the king's sons; for
Amnon only is dead : for by the appointment of Absalom this
hath been determined from the day that he forced his sister Tamar.
33 Now therefore let not my lord the king take the thing to his
heart, to think that all the king's sons are dead : for Amnon only
is dead*. 34 But Absalom fled. And the young man that kept
the watch lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came
much people by the way of the hill side behind him ; theif came
a round-about way to prevent their being perceived, as they still
thought themselves in danger. 35 And Jonadab, who went out to
see, came in with the news, and said unto the king, Behold, the
king's sons come: as thy servant said, so it is. SQ And it came
to pass, as soon as he had made an end of speaking, that, behold,
the king's sous came, and lifted up their voice and wept : and the
king also and all his servants wept very sore.
37 But Absalom fled, and went to Talmai the son of Am-
mihud, king of Geshur, his motliers father, chap. iii. 3., and
[David] mourned for his son every day, for Amnon who teas so
treacherously slain. 38 So Absalom fled, and went to Geshur,
and was there three years. 39 And [the soul of] king David
longed to go forth unto Absalom : for he was comforted concern-
ing Amnon, seeing he was dead ; at length his ajjection for Ab-
salom got the better of his fruit less grief for Amnon ; and, unwilling
to leant the comfort of both his sons, he was solicitous to see Ab-
salom again, and be reconciled to him, if he could tell how to do it
without impeachment of his honour and justice.
REFLECTIONS.
1. What a dangerous enemy is a subtil and wicked friend!
Such was Jonadab to Amnon : he flaltcred and encouraged him
in his wickedness, against law and conscience, and all the good
principles by which the mind can be influenced. It is bad for
any, especially for young men, when their friends and com-
* Jonadab concluded this must bo tlio case, from liavini: licard Absalom express
his pnrjjoso ofri'vonge, and never lu'ard otanv (|uarrel witli the rc<it of the family,
lift speaks oftbe horrid villatiy whicii ho himself had contrived, wiili nnparalleled
inipudeiicf, a? what t,'ave him no concern.
II. SAMUEL. XIII. 201
panions, instead of reproving and admonishing ihcin, and warning
them of tlie danger of fleshly lusts, are their counsellors to do
wickedly, and forward them in evil ways. Young persons should
be careful in the choice of companions, lest tJiey learn their way,
follow their counsel, and get a snare to their souls. My son, if
sinners entice thee, consent thou not. If they say, Come with us,
let us lay wait for blood, cast in thy lot among us. My son, walk
not thou in the way with them, refrain thy foot from their path :
for their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.
2. Following business and good husbandry, is no way un-
becoming the greatest personages. Absalom, though the king's
son, had his farm, and his sheep-shearing. His sister was as
eminent for her good housewifery as for her beauty, and did not
think domestic employments were beneath her : she was not afraid
of spoiling the beauty of her face, or the whiteness of her hands,
by kneading and baking. Business is not beneath the greatest
gentleman ; domestic employments are not below the finest lady,
and it is unhappy for many families in this day that pride and
idleness so much prevail ; that sons and daughters learn dressing,
gaming, and dancing, and every thing but wisdom, diligence and
good housewifery. Let parents and young people think of the
wise consideration which David suggests in v. 25., and set out
moderately in the world. Especially let them not be fond of
making entertainments, and inviting those who must necessarily
put them to great expense.
3. See the mischievous effects of unbridled passions ; what
desperate lengths they carry men to, and what dreadful conse-
quences they involve men in. Amnon could never have behaved
thus, if he had not been an abandoned fellow. To what infamous
lengths did his brutal passion lead him ! What dreadful agonies
of conscience and horror must he have felt, when he could not
bear the sight of his injured sister. But he knew all the guilt lay
upon himself. He had brought ruin on his amiable sister, distress
upon his pious father, and scandal on all Israel. May we learn
to resist temptation ; avoid cherishing any thought, or harbouring
any desire that is criminal ; for whether gratified or not, they will
be our torment. Let young people especially fee youthful lusts,
be sober-minded, and keep themselves pure, their minds unspotted,
and all their ideas chaste : and watch and pray, that they enter
not into temptation.
4. We see here how abominable malice and revenge are. What
infamous characters were both David's sons ; Absalom hated
202 II. SAMUEL. XIV.
Amnon, and concealed it for two years, witliont showing any
signs of it. He cloaked his wicked design with the pretence of
civility and kindness. See into what a devil indulged malice and
ill-nature can turn a man. What a torment must he have been to
himself for those two years. Let us guard against a revengeful
spirit. However we may be injured, we are forbid to revenge
ourselves. Guard against rancour and hatred ; for he that hateth
his brother, is a murderer; and we know that «o murderer hath
eternal life abiding in him.
CHAPTER XIV.
In the former chapter Absalom was oullawcd ; in this we have the
method Joab took to have him restored; by artifice he gains judgment
in his favour, and has orders to bring him home; he returns to court,
and his person is described.
1 i\OW Joab the son of Zeruiah perceived that the king's heart
[was] towards Absalom ; that the king longed to see him, but
wanted a fair pretence. 2 And Joab sent to Tekoah, and fetched
thence a wise woman, and said unto her, I pray thee, feign thyself
to be a mourner, and put on now mourning apparel, and anoint
not thyself with oil, but be as a woman that had a long time
mourned for the dead * : 3 And come to the king, and speak on
this manner unto him. So Joab put the words in her mouth.
4 And when the woman of Tekoah spake to the king, she fell
on her face to the ground, and did obeisance, and said. Help. O
king. 5 And the king said unto her. What aileth thee .'' And
she answered, I [am] indeed a widow woman, and mine husband
is dead. 6 And thy handmaid had two sons, and they two strove
together in the field, and [there was] none to part them, but the
one smote the other, and slew him ; she pretended she had lost her
husband and one son, and ztas in great danger of losing the other.
7 And, behold, the whole family is risen against thine handmaid,
and they said. Deliver him that smote his brother, that we may
* Joab colli lived this niattor in oiilcr to ingratiate liiuisiif with David, and
with Absalom, who was licir to ilie crown. He cliosc a woman, as tliov more
easily express tlieir passions, ami i;ain pity to their niisfortiinos ; he hroiijjiit her
iVoin a (hslance, that iUv king nii-iht not ininicilialely send lo iiniuirc into the case.
She appeared in the habit of a luouiuei.
II. SAMUEL. XIV. 203
kill him, for the life of his brother whom he slew ; and we will
destroy the heir also, and then the inheritance zcill he theirs: and
so they shall quench my coal which is left, mi/ only remainin<r
comfort, zehich is like a single coal in a heap of ashes, and my only
hope of enkindling others, and shall not leave to my husband
[neither] name nor remainder upon the earth. 8 And the king
said unto the woman, Go to thine house, and I will give charge
concerning thee, that thy son may he secured. 9 And the woman
of Tekoah said unto the king. My lord, O king, the iniquity [be]
on me, and on my father's house ; if I have given wrong informa-
tion, I and my family mil bear the guilt and punishment, and the
king and his throne [be] guiltless. 10 And the king said, Who-
soever saith [aught] unto thee, or attempts to seize thy son, bring
him to me, and he shall not touch thee any more. 11 Then
said she, I pray thee, let the king remember the Lord thy God,
thy promise made in God's presence, that thou wouldst not suffer
the revengers of blood to destroy any more, lest they destroy my
son. And he said, [As] the Lord liveth, there shall not one
hair of thy sou fall to the earth. Thus she artfully dreiv him to
confirm it by an oath, that she might be entirely satisfied. 12 Then
the woman said. Let thine handtnaid, I pray thee, speak [one]
word unto my lord the king. And he said, Say on. 13 And
the woman proceeded to open the meaning of the parable, and said,
Wherefore then hast thou thought such a thing as 1 have been
speaking of against the people of God ; the whole commonwealth
of Israel, who are affected and grieved at Absalonis exile? for the
king doth speak this thing as one which is faulty, in that the king
doth not fetch home again his banished, ivho is a greater loss to
Israel than my son can be to me. Nothing could excuse this bold-
ness but her knowledge of David's affection for Absalom. 14 For
we must needs die, all must die, Amnon is irrecovcrabli/ gone, David
must die, and the kingdom are in distress for a successor tvho is
noxo banished from us, and zee [are] as water spilt on the ground,
which cannot be gathered up again ; neither doth God respect
[any] person ; yet doth he devise means, or, because God hath not
taken axoay his life, he hath also devised means that his banished
be not expelled from him; he hath not immediately destroyed
jlbsalom, he hath left room for mercy, hath provided cities of
refuge, and thus shore n his paliince and clemency. 15 Now there-
fore that i am come to speak of this thing unto my lord the king^
[it is] because the people iiave made mc afraid, by their unea-
siness and discontent : and thy handmaid said, 1 will now speak
2(}i n. SAMUEL. XIV.
unto the king ; it may be that the king will peiforni the request
of his handmaid. 16 For the king will hear, to deliver his hand-
maid out of the hand of the man [that would] destroy me and
my son together out of the inheritance of God; if lie would save
her son for her sake, much ?fiore Absalom for the people's sake.
17 Then thine handmaid said, The word of my lord the king
shall now be comfortable : for as an angel of God, so [is] my
lord the king to discern good and bad, to distinguish between a
reasonable and an unreasonable request: therefore the Lord thy
God will be with thee, zcill direct thee to judge aright, and incline
thee to show mercy. 18 Then the king answered and said unto
the woman, Hide not from me, I pray thee, the thing that I shall
ask thee. And the woman said. Let my lord the king now speak-
19 And the king, tlniddng she durst not venture on this without
being set on by some greater person, said, [Is not] the hand of
Joab with thee in all this? He thought Joab was most likely, as
he was Absalom's friend. And the woman answered and said,
[As] thy soul liveth, my lord the king, none can turn to the right
hand or to the left from aught that my lord the king hath spoken :
for thy servant Joab, he bade me, and he put all these words in
the mouth of thine handmaid : 20 To fetch about this form of
speech hath thy servant Joab done this thing : and my lord [is]
wise, according to the wisdom of an angel of God, to know all
[things] that [are] in the earth ; fnding it in vain to dissemble, she
freely acknowledges it, and pays a fine compliment to David, zcho
could so easily see through the desigJis of men.
21 And the king said unto Joab, Behold now, I have done
this thing: go therefore, bring the young man Absalom again,
22 And Joab fell to the ground on his face, and bowed himself,
and thanked the king : and Joab said. To-day thy servant knoweth
that I have found grace in thy sight, my lord, O king, in that the
king hath fulfilled the request of his servant*. 23 So Joab arose
and went to Geshur, and brought Absalom to Jesusalem.
24 And the king said, let him turn to his own house, and let
him not see my face. So Absalom returned to his own house,
and saw not the king's face. David would not permit him to come
to cotirt, but resolved still to mortify and punish him, to show the
people his detestation (f the horrid crime he had committed.
25 But in all Israel there was none to be so much praised as
* Joab acknowlodgrs it as tlic areatcst oblif^ation tlie kiinj coiilil confer upon
hiiii, and a mark of his special lavonr ; llimii;li at llie same time lie knew if was
thegicatc^t kindness lliat could he done to tin. king, ll was a tim [>iccc of Hat-
teiy and addic>s from this artful coui tier.
II. SAMUEL. XIV. 205
Absalom for his beauty : from the sole of his foot even to the
crown of his head there was no blemish in him. C6 And when
he polled his head, (for it was at every year's end that he polled
[it :] because [the hair] was heavy on him, therefore he polled it :)
he weighed the hair of his head at two hundred shekels after the
king's weight*. 27 And unto Absalom there were born three
sons, and one daughter t, whose name [was] Tumar : she was a
woman of a fair countenance.
'dS So Absalom dwelt two full years in Jerusalem, and saw not
the king's face. 29 Therefore Absalom sent for Joab, to have
sent him to the king, but he would not come to him: and when
he sent again the second time, he would not come J. 30 There-
fore he said unto his servants, See, Joab's field is near mine, and
he hath barley there; go and set it on fire. And Absalom's ser-
vants set the field on fire. 31 Then Joab arose, and came to
Absalom unto [his] house, lo expostulate with him, and said unto
him, Wherefore have thy servants set my field on fire ? 32 And
Absalom answered Joab, Behold, I sent unto thee, saying. Come
hither, that I may send thee to the king, to say. Wherefore am I
come from Geshur? [it had been] good for me [to have been]
there still : now therefore let me see the king's face; and if there
be [any] iniquity in me, let him kill me §. S3 So Joab came to the
king, and told him : and when he had called for Absalom, he
came to the king, and bowed himself on his face to the ground
before the king : and the king kissed Absalom, and loas recon-
ciled to him.
REFLECTIONS.
1. The remembrance of God's forbearance and long-suffering
towards sinners, will have an happy influence to promote re-
ligion, especially those branches of it, clemency and mercy.
God does not execute his sentence against them immediately;
* The weight of his hair, as here mentioned, was prodii^'ioiis, upwards of three
pounds. Though I think it may rather refer to its vahic, as ihe word signifies
both the weight of goods, and the vahie of money.
t These probably died young, for we read afterwards that he liad none.
J Absalom had ambitions designs in his head, which could not be clTected
whilst he was kept from court. But Joab, like an old politician, would not go to
him, fearing the king would be angry if lie should press iiiin, or lest Absalom's
popula'ity should eclipse him, and lessen his share in the kiii:,''s favour.
§ He expresses no sense of any injury done to Joab, and is ansr>' that he did
not come when he desired him. He then sends him with an impudtnt message to
the king, to let him know that he had rather die than not see hini. It was pie-
Mimption on his father's fondness for him that made iiiui talk m this high strain.
206 II. SAMUEL. XV.
he has made provisions to bring lionie his banished seed, to re-
store sinners ; and lias appointed sacrifices under the law, and
the suflferings of Christ under the gospel, for this kind purpose.
This is a proper expedient and an honourable way of doing it.
Let sinners therefore remember, that it is their own fault if ihey
are not restored. This should lead us to be merciful and com-
passionate, even as our Father in heaven is merciful. Beloved, if
God so loved ns, zee ought also to love one another.
2. We see that a handsome person sometimes covers a de-
formed soul, ver. 25. But in all Israel there was none to be so
much 2)raised as Absalom for his be.autu. Nothing is said of his
wisdom and piety; he was only the line gentleman. His out-
side beauty concealedvi proud, base, malignant soul. This would
be a poor commendation of a woman, much less so of a man.
Let us not be proud of external accomplishments, but seek the
beauties of the mind, the ornaments of wisdom, virtue, meek-
ness, and humility. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but
every one zcho feareth the Lord shall be praised.
3. See how wise and good men may be deceived and imposed
upon by their children, especially when they are over fond of
them. David forgave Absalom's horrid crime, admitted him to
favour, and cherished a viper in his own bosom. Affection
blinds the eyes. Parents should judge wisely and cautiously,
even of their own children, and treat them according to their
deserts ; else they will prove a grief of heart to them, as this
proud wretch did to David, as we shall see afterwards ; and, if
they prove rebellious and disobedient, the more fond thev are oi
them, the greater will be their torment and vexation.
CHAPTER XV.
In which is an account of Ahsuli)in's ri-boUion ; of Duvid's flight from
Jerusalem, and settling some schemes to di-foat the insurrection.
1 And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared hiin
chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him*. 2 And
Absalom rose up early, to shew self-denial, diligence, and concern
for the public good, and stood beside the way of the gate : and
* Some suppose lie took advaiitajrc of David's sickness to do litis, and bv a
piaiul c<iuipage to aliract the eyes and minds of liic people to him as David'.i
sncrc'sor.
II. SAMUEL. XV. 207
it was [so] that when any man that liad a controversy came to the
khig for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of
what city [art] thou? And he said, thy servant [is] of one of
the tribes of Israel ? And Absalom said unto him, See, thy mat-
ters [are] good and right*, but [there is] no man [deputed] of
the king to hear thee ; the king is old and injirm, his counsellors
are bad, and his ministers ivicked. 'This was a false and vile insi-
nuation. 4 Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge
in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might
come unto me, and I would do him justice. Absalom, to humble
his pride, had no post ; hut he pretended to have a public spirit,
that he zvas willing to serve every one, and that justice was not
done. 5 And it was [so,] that when any man came nigh [to him]
to do him obeisance, and honour him as the king's son, he would
not permit him to bow himself, but showed the greatest affabilitif
and affection, and he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed
him. 6 And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came
to the king for judgment : so Absalom stole the hearts of the men
of Israel ; his beautiful person, being heir-apparent, and all these
artful insinuations, gained their affections.
7 And it came to pass after forty years from David's anoint-
ing, and four years after his reconciliation with his father, (as
Josephus and the ancient versions tell us), that Absalom said unto
the king, I pray thee, let me go and pay my vow, which I
have vowed unto the Loud, in Hebron ; he pretended piety, the
more easily to gain his father s consent. 8 For thy servant vowed
u vow while I abode at Geshur in Syria, saying. If the Lord
shall bring me again indeed to Jerusalem, then I will serve the
Lord. He adopted the patriarchal style, and intimated, that
though he was tempted by his grandfather and his court to serve
the gods of Geshur, yet he continued steady to Jehovah. Q And
the good king, delighted at this, said unto aim. Go in peace.
So he arose, and went to Hebron f. 10 But Absalom sent spies
throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, As soon as ye hear
the sound of the trumpet, then ye shall say, Absalom reigneth in
Hebron ; this will animate them to come to my standard. 1 1 And
with Absalom went two hundred men out of Jerusalem, [that
* Absalom upon a very s^liijlit licaring jravc jndanicnt in liis favour, niid if the
cause was for him, it would coiifiriu his oi)iiiioa of Ab^nloni's wisdonj ; hut if
awainst him, he would think it would have been belter if .Absalom had been liic
judge.
t Here he was born, and here David began liis reign. It was the chief city of
the tribe of Judah, next to Jerusalem ; much celebniicd in the patriarciiiil
times, and famous for its high places, where theys;iil acrifued.
S08 11. SAMUEL. XV.
were] called to grace the so/cninif^/ and parta/.e of the feast ; they
were men of Jorlune and reputation, a)id his father's friends, that
he might suspect nothing: and they went in their siinplicity, and
they knew not any thing; they zcent on/j/ to zcait on him as the
king's son, not in the least suspecting his design. 12 And Absa-
lom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counsellor, from
his city, [even] from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices*. And
the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continnally
with' Absalom ; they came under pretence of joining in the sacri-
fice, and honouring the king's son in these acts of religion.
13 And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts
of the men of Israel are after Absalom. 14 And David said
unto all his servants that [were] with him at Jerusalem, Arise,
and let us flee; for we shall not [else] escape from Absalom:
make speed to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly, and bring
evil upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the sword t-
15 And the king's servants said unto the king, Behold thy ser-
vants [are ready to do] whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint.
If) And the king went forth, and all his household after him.
And the king left ten women, [which were] concubines, to keep
the house ; supposing that their sex and relation to him, would
preserve them from insult. 17 And the king went forth, and all
;he people after him, on foot, in mourning condition, and tarried
in a place that was far off, to refresh themselves, to wait for
others to come up, and put them in order. 18 And all his servants
passed on beside him, and all the Cherethites, and all the Pele-
thites, and all the Gittites, six hundred men which came after
him from Galh, passed on before the king.
19 Then said the king to Ittai the Gittite, to tri/ his fdelity.
Wherefore goest thou also with us.' return to thy place, and
abide \\\\\\ the king, that is, with Absalom : for thou [art] a
stranger, and also an exile. 20 Whereas thou earnest [but] yes-
terdav, should I this day make thee go up and down with us, and
expose thee and thy people to toil and hardship'^ seeing I go
whither I may, am quite in an unsettled and dangerous situation,
* Ahitlioplul was capable of (loin;; great mischief, as lie was one of David's
privy-councillors. Some .suppose tliat lie was amrry at Davids aft'air with Bath-
slieba, who was his graiid-daiifiliter. He was too cimniiig to think of comins; till he
saw what people joi«e<i Absalom, and whether iiis scheme was likely to Miceeed.
f David chose to leave Jerusalem that he might prevent a surprise, and no'
expose it to the horroi-s of a siege. He did not know how it.Mtood allerted to
liim, as Absalom had many adherents there. He could nu)re easily raise an
army in the country, where neitiier the morals nor the political principles of the
people were so much corrupted.
II. SAMUEL. XV. 209
return thou, and take back thy brethren : mercy and truth [be]
with thee. 21 And Ittai answered the king, and said, [As] the
Lord liveth, and [as] my lord the king livcth, surely in what
place my lord the king shall be, whether iu death or life, eveii
there also will thy servant be. Tins shozcecl great courac^e and
Jldelitif in a stronger, when the king's onm son was a rebel. 22 And
-David said to Ittai, Go and pass over. And Ittai the Gittite
passed over, and all his men, and all the little ones that [were]
with him. 23 And all the country wept with a loud voice, to
see a brave, just, and pious prince reduced to such extremities ; and
all the people passed over: the king also himself passed over the
brook Kidron, and all the people passed over, toward the way of
the wilderness.
24 And lo Zadok also, and all the Levites [were] with him,
bearing the ark of the covenant of God; as the token of the divine
presence, in order to consult it on proper occasions, and hoping to
draw the people after it; and they set down the ark of God ; and
Abiathar went up to a hill, until all the people had done passing
out of the city. 25 And the king said unto Zadok, Carry back
the ark of God into the city : if I shall find favour in the eyes of
the Lord, he will bring me again, and show me [both] it, and
his habitation ; as reverence for the ark might save the priests from
Absalom's resentment, and persuade the people to return to their
duti/. 26 But if he thus say, I have no delight in thee; behold,
[here am] I, let him do to me as seemelh good unto him ; I am
readif to submit to his zcill, sensible of my ill deservings. 27 The
king said also unto Zadok the priest, [Art not] thou a seer, a pro-
phet, and a wise, discerning man, who might sift Absalom's coutt-
sellors, and remind the people of their fealtijl return into the city
in peace, and your two sons with you, Ahimaaz thy son, and
Jonathan the son of Abiathar. 28 See, I will tarry in the plain
of the wilderness, until there come word from you to certify me
zohat Absalom's designs are, and ivhich tcay he tvill steer his course.
29 Zadok therefore and Abiathar carried the ark of God again to
Jerusalem : and they tarried there. Thus David sent back the
ark, choosing rather to trust God than it. 30 And David went
up by the ascent of [mount] Olivet, and wept as he went up, and
had his head covered, and he went barefoot* : and all the people
* He did this, to express liis deep hnmiliation, shame, and concern. He wept
for his own sins, and for the nnnatural bcliaviour of liis son, and tlic marks of
divine displeasure that attended it,
VOL. III. y
210 II. SAMUEL. XV.
that [was] with him covered every man his head, and they went
up, weeping as they went up.
31 And [one] told David, saying, Ahithophel [is] among the
conspirators with Absalom *. And David said, O Lord, I pray
thee, turn the counsel of Aliitliopliel into foolishness ; either in-
fatuate him to give foolish counsel, or let it he rejected or defeated
as such. 32 And it came to pass, that [when] David was come
to the top [of the mount,] M'here he worshipped Godf, behold,
Hushai the Archite came to meet him, with his coat rent, and
earth upon his head : 3^ Unto whom David said. If thou passest on
with me, then thou shall be a burden unto me, being old, and fitter
for counsel tha)i for war. 34 But if thou return to the city, and
say unto Absalom, I will be thy servant, O king ; [as] 1 [have
been] thy father's servant hitherto, so [will] I now also [be] thy
servant: then maycst thou for me defeat the counsel of Ahitho-
phel. S5 And [hast thou] not there with thee Zadok and Abiathar
the priests ? therefore it shall be, [that] what thing soever thou
shalt hear out of the king's house, thou shalt tell [it] to Zadok
and Abiathar the priests. 36 Behold, [they have] there M'ith
them their two sons, Ahimaaz Zadok's [son,] and Jonathan Abi-
athar's [son :] and by them ye shall send unto ine every thing
that ye can hear. 37 So Hushai David's friend came into the
city, returned so secretlij that it was not knoicn he had gone out to
David ; and Absalom came into Jerusalem J.
REFLECTIONS.
1. Tins story should instruct parents to guard against excessive
fondness for their children, or indulgence of them, especially
when they discover a bad spirit, and practise wickedness. They
should not raise their expectations too high ; should keep them
especially from pride, and never indulge a proud humour, which
is a source of many ovils, and sometimes the ruin of youth.
Absalom was probal)ly tlattered for his beauty, and his being
heir to the crown. This promoted thnt pride which goeth before
destruction, and that haughty spirit which goeth before a fall.
* This touched him vuiy sensibly, bccaiist' he wag a wise man, and knew Davids
secrets, and he took liim for liis friend, see Psalm xli, 9.
t This was the very spot where Cinist wept ; there David was looking; towards
Jerusalem, tiieark, and the Jimiso of God, and prayiui;; Ood lieard, and sent
Hushai to him, (Joshna xvi. 2.), whom lie could trust in these circunistanres.
t It was now that David penned the third psalm, aud probably the forty-third,
where we may see the state of his mind at this time.
II. SAMUEL. XV. 211
2. We see that those are often most ambitious of honour and
preferment, who are least fit for it. O that I zoere a judge. Such
a cool, deHberate villain was not likely to do justice, who had
violated all the bonds of duty, gratitude, and religion. Humble
and modest men are the most fit persons for advancement ; who
will discharge their duty faithfully, bear their honours and cre-
dentials humbly, and not think of themselves more highly than
they ought to think.
3. Tyrannical and factious spirits labour to support their own
interest, and further their schemes, by aspersing the administra-
tion, and begetting an ill opinion of it. The whole history of
David shows, that Absalom's complaint of want of justice was
an ill-grounded and an abominable falsehood. Thus men often
cry out of grievances, and want of redress, when all that they
\Tant is preferment, and to get into places of profit and trust.
Those who have made the least observation on public affairs,
must have seen many instances of this. Men often cover ill
designs with specious names ; and pretend zeal and concern for
liberty and the public, when it is frequently no more than the
gratification of their own pride and covetousness which they aim
at. They are presumptuous, self-willed, and 7Wt afraid to speak
evil of dignities.
4. The greatest affliction of a good man is to be driven from
the house and ordinances of God. David speaks of this most
feelingly. He parted with the ark reluctantly, and earnestly
desired, if it were the will of God, to see it again. Those cir-
cumstances which drive holy men from God's house and ordi-
nances, are peculiarly grievous ; and their language then is, W/ien
shall I come and appear before God in Zion ? How amiable are thy
tabernacles! A day in thy courts is better than a thousand.
3. Whatever circumstances a good man is in, he will patiently
and cheerfully submit to the will of God. He may pray, and
desire that God would remove his sorrow, and restore this or the
other comfort ; but if God thinks best that he should be humbled
and disappointed, his language should be, as in ver. 26., let him,
do to me as seemeth good unto him. This should be our temper :
and in proportion to our trust in God's providence, and concern
to practise our duty, will this temper appear reasonable ; it wdl
become easy and agreeable ; and be an abundant equivalent for
the sorrow we endure, and the comfort of which we are de-
prived.
P 2
212 II. SAMUEL. XVI.
CHAPTER XVI.
David in the last chapter was flying, and Absahun in Jeiusaloni; in
this we have a further account of their affairs.
] And u hen David was a little past the top [of the hill,] moioit
Olivet, behold, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth met him with
a couple of asses saddled, and uj)on them two hundred [loaves] of
bread, and an hundred bunches of raisins, and an hundred of
snn)nier-fruit3, or Jigs, and a large leathern bottle of wine. 2 And
the king said unto Ziba, What meanest thou by these.' And Ziba
said, The asses [be] for the king's household, his reives and children,
when tired, to ride on, and the bread and summer-fruit for the
young men, the king's attendants, to eat, and the wine, that such
as be faint in the wilderness may drink; thongh the things I have
brought be too mean for thyself, yet they may be of some use for thy
familij: this zcas a very seasonable present, noiu they zcere entering
the ziilderness ofJndea. 5 And the king said, And where [is]
thy master's son Mephibosheth*? And Ziba said unto the king,
Behold, he abideth at Jerusalem : for he said, To-day shall the
liouse of Israel restore me the kingdom of my father 'j-. 4 Then
said the king to Ziba, Behold, thine [are] all that [pertained] unto
Mephibosheth, which he hath forfeited by treason. And Ziba
said, I humbly beseech thee [that] I may fmd grace in thy
sight, my lord, O king; intimating, that he valued the hinges favour,
more than any gift he could bestow upon him^.
5 And when king David came to Bahurim, in the tribe of Ben-
jamin, behold, thence came out a man of the family, or a distant
relation, of the house of Saul, whose name [was] Shimei, the son
of Gera : he came forth, ami cursed still as he came, thinking it
* David l)cinii; uncertain wlictlicr tiie pirsont was Ziba's own, or from ^Irplij-
boshcih, iii(|iiircs why he did not come and share his fortune, since he had been
80 kind to iiini.
t Mephibosbetli tliouyilit tho family of David was broken, and that the people,
when torn by civil wars, and their country wasted, would be glad to have a king of
Saul's house, of which he was the eldest branch.
t Ziba has been called a false villain, and David censured for his rashness ; but
there is no evidence in tiie sacred stoiy, but what Ziba said was true. Mephi-
bosheth appears to nic to have formed this scheme, which will more fully ajipear
afterwards, when Mepliibosbeth comes to be examined.
II. SAMUEL. XVI. 213
would he pecidiarhf grievous to David now, and that Providence
justified his conduct. 6 And he cast stones at David, and at all
the servants of king David : and all the people and all the mighty
men [were] on his right hand and on his left; his rage and ma/ice
transported him to madness, as the historian hints when he observes
how tvell David was guarded. 7 And thus said Shimei when he
cursed, Come out, come out, thou bloody man, and thou man of
Belial ; or rather, get out, that is,from the kingdom, from zvhich thou
deservest to be expelled. 8 The Lohd hath returned upon thee all
the blood of the house of Saul, in whose stead thou hast reigned;
and the Lord hath delivered the kingdom into the hand of
Absalom thy son : and, behold, thou [art taken] in thy mischief,
because thou [art] a bloody man*. 9 Then said Abishai,
David's nepheiv, the son of Zeruiah unto the king, Why should
this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray
thee, and take oif his headf. 10 And the king said. What have
1 to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah ? so let him curse, because
the Lord halh said unto him, Curse David, hath given him
an opportunitij to vent the malice of his heart, to reproach and
humble me. Who shall then say to God, xcho hath permitted this,
Wherefore has thou done so + ? 11 And David said to Abishai,
and to all his servants. Behold, my son, which came forth of my
bowels, seekelh my life: how much more no\v [may this] Ben-
janiite [do it r] let him alone, and let him curse; for the Lord
hath bidden him, hath permitted this os part of my punishment;
I will submit to God's ivill and prepare for greater evils. But, 12 It
may be that the Lord will look on mine affliction, and that the
Lord will requite me good for his cursing this day ; he durst not
be confident, knowing his own fault ; but he had some hope that
God zoould be as gracious as this man was malicious, and that his
humble submission, might excite the divine compassion. 13 And as
David and his men went by the way, Shimei went along on the
hill's side over against him, and cursed as he went, and threw
stones at him, and cast dust; David's passing on without taking
* This was perfect railing, for David had shed 'none of their blood, but the
blood of tliose who di<l it. He represents liim as a usurper and a Ij rani ; and
mentions Absalom's rebelhon to sting and vex him.
t Tiiere was excellent discipline in David's army, or else he would scarce liave
asked leave. And David ani^wored witli some warmtli ; perhaps Joah his brother
joined in the request; at least it reflected cu him, \\hosc nmrder of Abucr was
one cause of this reproach.
i David knew his guilt in the murder of Uriali, and on this account he was a
bloody man, he therefore patiently aiid humbly subiuittedto it.
214. II. SAMUEL. XVI.
any notice, made this madman the more outrageous. 14 And the
king, and all the people that [were] with him, came weary to
Bahurim, and refreshed themselves there.
15 And Absalom, and all the people the men of Israel, came
to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him. l6 And it came to pass,
when Hushai the Archite, David's friend, was come unto Ab-
salom, that Hushai said unto Absalom, God save the king, God
save the king; a common compliment, zchich Absalom took as in-
tended/or himself. 17 And Absalom said unto Hushai, [Is] this
thy kindness to thy friend*'' why wentest thou not with thy friend?
18 And Hushai said unto Absalom, Nay; but whom the Lord,
and this people, and all the men of Israel, choose, his will I be,
and with him will I abide f. 19 And again, whom should I serve?
[should I] not [serve] in the presence of his son ? as I have served
in thy father's presence, so will 1 be in thy presence;};.
20 Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give counsel among
you what we shall do. 21 And Ahithophel said unto Absalom,
Go in unto thy father's concubines, which he hath left to keep
the house; and all Israel shall hear that thou art abhorred of thy
father : then shall the hands of all that [are] with thee be strong §.
22 So they spread Absalom a tent upon the top of the house,
the place from zchence David had seen Bath-sheba : and Absalom
went in unto his father's concubines in the sight of all Israel ;
thus Nathan's prophecy zcas fulfilled, eh. xii. 11. 23 And the
counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those days, [was]
as if a man had inquired at the oracle of God: so [was] all the
counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom. The
reason why this hellish counsel loas so much approved xvas, his hi&h
reputation ; but in this he appeared rather as an oracle of the devil,
than as an oracle of God.
* Absalom Imd sense enough to know it was inhuman and ungrateful to forsake
a friend in distress. He does not say, to mi/ father, that would liave been a heavy
reproacli upon himself.
t This was an artful .^peerh. He neither prays personally for Absalom, nor
promises liini allcfriance. He intimates that In- \Mts not governed by jirivate af-
fection, but considered the voice of the people as the voice of God ; and was
bound to prefer the public g >od to private atiectiou and obligation.
i Hushai insinuates here, tVat his friendship was not entirely alienated from
David, because it was transtlrred to his son ; and that he should not oU'end against
David by giving iiim good counsel. The bait took, and Hushai was admitted to
liis council.
§ Ahithophel was a wicked conn.s'^Mor indeed: he sticks at nothing to accom-
plish his end. His design was to make tho br'ich irreparable, that there migiit
be no prospect of reconciliation, and that the people might tight desperately.
Whereas, if a reconciliation took place, all who joined Abialom would probably
bave l)ccn put to death.
II. SAMUEL. XVI. 215
REFLECTIONS.
1. We here see to what an height of folly and wickedness a
spirit of malice and revenge may carry a man. Shimei abused
David, cursed him, belied him, threw stones at him, though he
was so well guarded, and he did it at the hazard of his life. Pas-
sionate men are madmen, and know not what they do. Let us be
careful to rule our own spirits, pray for divine grace to guard us,
and resist the first risings of wrath and revenge ; for we know
not how far we may be transported, what evil we may do, or
what injury we may suffer.
2. We learn, that the most innocent persons may be falsely cen-
sured and basely abused: so David was. He had more than
once spared Saul's life, was at a distance when he was slain,
was kind to Mephiboshetli, and punished those that murdered
Ishbosheth; yet all was laid to his charge. We should not think
it strange if we are falsely accused, and condemned, by rash and
passionate men, who regard neither what they say nor do.
3. Humble, tender spirits will turn reproaches into reproofs,
and own the hand of God in them. David knew his guiltiness in
other things, and therefore humbly submitted. And so should we
in like circumstances. We have been guilty of other crimes, if
not of those for which we are reproached, and God thus brings
them to remembrance. His hand strikes us by the hand or tongue of
an enemy. The strife of tongues calls us to repentance and hu-
miliation. Instead of being provoked, we should endeavour to
get good by it, and imitate the example of David in patience and
submission ; and a greater than David, even Christ, who, when he
was reviled, reviled not again.
4. Many excel in worldly \.isdom, who have no religion at all.
Ahithophel was an infamous character, though so much reve-
renced and trusted as a profound politician. Wisdom is good,
and sagacity useful; but honesty is the best policy. The fear of
the Lord is true wisdom, and a good underslanding have all thci/
that keep his testimonies.
^
216 II. SAMUEL. XVII.
CHAPTER XVII.
Ahithophel's counsel is overthrown by Ilusliai's, according to God's
appointment ; secret intelligence is sent to Daviil ; and Ahithophel
hangcth himself.
1 Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Let me now
choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after
David this night *. And I will come upon him while he [is]
weary and weak-handed, weary zcith the march, dejected by the re-
beUion,and before his forces are come together, and will make liim
afraid, strike terror i)tto him by the suddenness of the attack ; and
all the people that [are] with him shall flee; and I will smite the
king only, and spare the people: 3 And I will bring back all the
people unto thee : the man whom thou seekest [is] as if all re-
turned ; he being once taken out of the way, the rest loill presently
submit to thee: [so] all the people shall be in peace, and an end
be put to the zcar at once. 4 And the saying pleased Absalom
well, and all the elders of Israel t. 5 Then said Absalom, Call
now Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear likewise what he
saith ; though this counsel was universulh/ agreeable, yet .4bsalo)n
wished to hear HushaVs opinion. C) And when Hushai was come
to Absalom, Absalom spake unto him, saying, Ahithophel hath
spoken after this manner: shall we do [after] his saying: if not,
speak thou, give thy opinion freely. 7 And Hushai said unto
Absalom, The counsel that Ahithophel hath given [is] not good
at this time, a/// not suit present circumstances. 8 For, said Hu-
shai, thou knowesi thy father and his men, that they [be] mighty
men, and therefore not so easily surprised and vanquished as Ahi-
thopJiel supposes ; and they [be] chafed in their minds, as a bear
• A council was called, and it was aj^rccd tliat David and Ids adherents slioiiM
be cut otr. The (jnestion, was, iiow it .•>houid be done. Aliithopliel coiitriveil
Ijefore diat the rehelhon niii;lit he continued ; here, tliat it ini^lit end in vietoiy.
For tliis pur|>o!-e he would liave a thousand elioice men out of each tribe ; and lest
Absalom should »|>are his t'atlier, or come to an a'^rccnient \\itli him, he would head
the expedition hnnsclf and set out that very night.
t It was good counsel upon Absalom's scheme. Tiic sooner the attack was
made, the more likely it would be to succeed ; it suited Ab.-alom's inclination ; he
could pursue his ple.isures at home without bein^ lundered ; Ahithophel would i.ike
the execution of it upon himscll, and save him from imbruini.' his hands ni his fa-
ther's blood, which iouie small remains of humanity might make him wish to
avoid.
II. SAMUEL. XVII. 217
robbed of her whelps in the field : and thy father [Is] a man of
war, and will not lodge with the people, they are old experienced
soldiers, used to hardship, and are desperately enraged. 9 Be-
hold, he is hid now in some pit, or in some [other] place, so that
you uill not he likely tojind him; or if you do, his men willfivht
desperately for him : and it will come to pass, when some of
them be overthrown at the first, that whosoever heareth it will say
There is a slaughter among the people that follow Absalom : this
will strike a panic into the rest. 10 And he also [that is] valiant,
whose heart [is] as the heart of a lion, shall utterly melt : for all
Israel knoweth that thy father [is] a mighty man, and [they] which
[be] with him [are] valiant men, who mil pursue their victory with
the greatest resolution. 11 Therefore I counsel that all Israel,
that is, all the fighting men, be generally gathered unto thee, from
Dan even to Beer-sheba, as the sand that [is] by the sea for mul-
titude; and that thou go to battle in thine own person, to encou-
rage them with thy presence, and to have the honour of the victory ;
zchich, he suggests, Jhithophel tvould deprive him of. 12 So shall
we come upon him in some place where he shall be found, and
we will light upon him as the dew falleth on the ground, insensibly^
plentifully, and universallt/* ; and of him and of all the men
that [are] with him there shall not be left so much as one,
toe shall thus leave wo place unsearched, and shall find him wherever
he is. 13 Moreover, if he be gotten into a fortifed city, then
shall all Israel bring ropes to that city, and we will draw it into
the river, until there be not one small stone found there +. 14 And
Absalom and all the men of Israel said. The counsel of Hushai
the xVrchite [is] better than the counsel of Ahithophel. Absalom's
men, having a bad cause, were cowardly, and liked this scheme be-
cause there zoas less danger in it ; but the historian takes notice that
the hand of the Lord zcas in it ; they intended one thing, and he
another. For the Loud had appointed to defeat the good coun-
sel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the Lord might bring evil
upon Absalom.
15 Then said Hushai unto Zadok and to Abiathar the priests,
Thus and thus did Ahithophel counsel Absalom and the elders ot
Israel; and thus and thus have I counselled. 16 Now therefore
send quickly, and tell David, saying. Lodge not this night in the
* This is a beautiful simile of a large army overspreading a country.
t All Husliai wanted by this advice was, to -lain time for David to catlicr liis
forces and put tlieni in order ; and as it suited Absaloni's \anity and trneliy, he
readily fell in with it.
-218 II. SAMUEL. XVII.
plains of the wilderness, but speedily pass over; lest the king be
swallowed up, and all the people that [are] with him ; lest Absalom
change his measures, and follow Ahithuphel's advice. 17 Now Jona-
than and Ahiniaaz stayed by Eu-rogel, the fuller s fountaiujiox they
might not be seen to come into the c'ity,being well known, aiul the
friends of David; and a wench went, under pretence of fetching water,
and told them; and they went and told king David. 18 Neverthe-
less a lad, one of Absalom's spies, saw thejn, and told Absalom :
but they went both of them away quickly, and came to a man's
house in Bahurim, who was a friend of David's, which had a drj/
well in his court; whither they went down. 19 And tiie woman
took and spread a covering over the well's mouth, and spread
ground com thereon, to drj/ in the sun, and the tiling was not
known. 20 And when xVbsalum's servants, who were sent to pur-
sue them, came to the woman to the house, they said, Where [is]
Ahimaaz and Jonathan ? And the woman said unto them, They be
gone over the brook of water. And when they had sought and
could not lind [them], they returned to Jerusalem. 21 Audit
came to pass, after they were departed, that they came up out of
the well, and went and told king David, and said unto David,
Arise, and pass quickly over the water : for thus hath Ahithophel
counselled against you, and they did not knoze but this counsel zcould
be follo7ved. 22 Then David arose, and all the people that
[were] with him, and they passed over Jordan : by the morning
light there lacked not one of them that was not gone over Jordan ;
so that though it was in the night, not one of them deserted, or in
the hurry of passing the river not one was lost, xchich zvas a remark-
able jxrovidence.
23 And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not follow-
ed*, he saddled [his] ass, and arose, and gat him home to his house,
to his citv, and put hi&' household in order, and hanged himself,
and died, and was buried in the sepulchre of his father. 24 Then
David came to Mahanami, in the tribe of Gad. And Absalom,
after he had gathered a gren'' army, according to Ilusluii'scoun.'icl,
V. 11., passed over Jordan, h'JjFwid all the men of Israel with him.
25 And Absalom made Amasa Ids cousin captain of the host
instead of Joab: which Amasa [was] a man's son, whose name
[was] Ithra, or Jetlwr, an Jshmaelite In/ birth but an Israelite bi/
* Wlicii Aliilhophel saw wliich way tliiii£;s unc goiiii;. and tli.it David woiiltl
Rain time, he concludi'd that he woiihl -.'ft the belter, and that llie sloini wnnUI
fall on Inni, on aeeoinit of his treaehery and execrable advice. He was alsu vexed
to see himself sliuihted, his wise counsel rejected, aud all liis lioi)eliil prospects
l)lasted at once.
11. SAMUEL. XVII. 219
religion or profession, that went in to Abigail the daughter of Na-
hash, sister to Zeruiah, Joab's mother, and David's nephew, being
his sister's son. 26 So Israel and Absalom pitched in the land of
Gilead.
27 And it came to pass, when David was come to Mahanaim,
that Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Am-
mon*, and Mach'ir, the guardian of Mephibosheth, the son of Am-
miel of Lo-debar, and Barziilai the Gileadite of Rogelim, a man
of great age, great wealth, and i/et great piety and generosity of
heart ; all these £8 Brought beds, and basons, and earthen vessels,
all household stuff and furniture that was necessary, and wheat,
and barley, and flour, and parched [corn,] and beans, and lentiles,
and parched [pulse,] 29 And honey, and butter, and sheep, and
cheese of kine, for David, and for the people that [were] with
him, to eat, supplies for man and beast: for they said, The people
[is] hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness ; these things
therefore zcill be welcome to them; and their being so cheerfully
brought, was a strong proof of affectionate loyalty, and must have
been peculiarly pleasing to David.
REFLECTIONS.
1. See to what lengths of wickedness ambition will carry men.
It cancels all the ties of relation, gratitude, and duty; it made
this rash, mad youth thirst for his father's blood; even his throne
and his kingdom would not satisfy him without that. He felt no
reluctance at Ahithophel's horrid scheme. May we guard against
ambition and pride, and cultivate the humble graces of the gospel;
that we may with confidence appeal to God, that our hearts are
not haughty, nor our eyes loftij.
2. We learn, that the providence of God over-rules the coun-
sels of men to serve his own purposes. Ahithophers counsel was
good for Absalom, Hushai's for David ; but it appears, from v. 14.,
that God had determined before to defeat Absalom's schemes,
and therefore frustrated the former, and inclined them to hearken
to the other, though against all the principles of sound ])olicy.
God has the hearts of all men in his hand ; presides over the
counsels of men, and whatever they determine, his counsel shall
* He was probably made jrovenior of tlie couuf ry, in tlie i ooin of llantin liis
brother, who had treated David's anilras-sadors so ill. Ho tiiij;ht disani'rove that
indignity, and sliowcd his giatitude by coming so seasonably to David's relief.
220 II. SAMUEL. XVIII.
stand. This is an encouragement for all who fear God to commit
their way to him, and trust in him to bring it to pass.
3. Observe in Ahithophel, the sad end of pride and disap-
pointed expectations. The people believed him to be an oracle,
and he thought himself so. And now, to see his counsel neg-
lected, upon which his safety and provision depended, mortified
him to such a degree, that he could not bear it; and while his
soul was loaded with all the horrors of guilt, treachery, rebellion,
incest, parricide, he destroyed himself; and to prevent any pos-
sibility of repentance, died in the very act of self-murder. So
perished the great politician of that age. He had wisdom enough
to govern a state, but not to rule his own spirit. He had com-
posure enough to set his house in order, but not to check his
passions, or bear a disappointment. He took great care of his
house and family, but none for his soul. Thus died Ahithophel,
as a fool dieth. Oh let not the wise man g^ory in his tvisdom, nor
the strotig man in his strength ; but let him that glorieth glory in
the Lord.
4. God often raises up friends to his people when they are in
the greatest distress. So he did to David here, Shobi and
ISIachir, and Barzillai. What a comfort was it to him in his
sorrow and banishment, to find friends, and such friends, who
furnished him with such suitable and seasonable supplies. O
fear the Lord, ye his saints, for there is no tcant to them that fear
him. Blessed is the man who putteth his trust in the Lord, and
whose hope the Lord is. The lions may lack, and suffer hunger:
but they that seek the Lord shall not zca/it any good thing.
CHAPTER XVIII.
Wc iiavc here David's preparation to engage the rebels ; the deleat of
Absalom's forces; his death and burial ; and the news of the victory
brought to David.
1 And David numbered the people that [were] with him, and
set captains of thousands and captains of hundreds over them.
Q. And David sent forth a third part of the people under the hand
of Joab, and a third part under the hand of Abishai the son of
Zcruiah, Joab's brother, and a third part under the hand of Ittai
II. SAMUEL XVIII. 221
the Gittite. And the king said unto the people, I will surely go
forth with you myself also. 3 But the people, remembering
AhithopheV s advice, to smite the king only, and concluding that
his life tt'fls chiefly aimed at, answered, thou shall not go forth :
for if we flee away, they will not care for us ; neither if half of us
die, will they care for us : but now [thou art] worth ten thousand
of us ; it would be more injury to the kingdom and more advantage
to the enemy if he tvas slain, than thousands of them; but if he
lived he would be able to raise new forces to oppose their design :
therefore now [it is] better that thou stay there and succour us
out of the city. 4 And the king said unto them, What seemeth
you best, I will do*. And the king stood by the gate side eti-
cour aging and praying for them, and all the people came out by
hundreds and by thousands. 5 And the king commanded Joab
and Abishai and Ittai, saying, [Deal] gently for my sake with the
young man, [even] with Absalom, as if his fault was rather to be
imputed to his youth than his nature ; from paternal affection, and
a pious concern that he might live to repent of his folly and wick-
edness, he desires to save him. And all the people heard when
the king gave all the captains charge concerning Absalom.
6 So the people went out into the field against Israel : and the
battle was in the wood of Ephraim ; 7 Where the people of
Israel were slain before the servants of David t ; and there was
there a great slaughter that day of twenty thousand [men.] 8 For
the battle was there scattered over the face of all the country:
and the wood devoured more people that day than the sword
devoured ;{;.
9 And Absalom met the servants of David, loho it should seem
made no attempt to seize him. And Absalom rode upon a mule
and fled hastily ; and the mule went under the thick boughs of a
great oak, and his head caught hold of the oak, and he was
taken up between the heaven and the earth ; and the mule that
[was] under him went away. 10 And a certain man saw [it,] and
told Joab, and said. Behold, I saw Absalom hanged in an oak.
* This freed Iiis mind from the rehictauce lie must feel in going out against one
of his own subjects, and fighting against his son ; and no doubt Providence over-
ruled it, that lie might not interpose to sive Absalom's life.
t One body of David's forces came out of the wood, the other lay in ambusli
on the skirts of it. The men who came out of the wood seeming to lly before
Absalom into the wood again, he piusued them ; upon which the other part of
David's army closed in, and thus Absalom and his people were hemmed iu and
easily destroyed.
X This was perliaps by tliickcts, or bogs and pits, or wild beasts in (he caves ;
by one means or other more were destroyed by the wood, than in the action
itself.
222 11. SAMUEL. XVIII.
1 1 And Joab said unto the man that told him, And behold, thou
savvest [him,] and why didst thou not smite him there to the
ground r and I would have given thee ten [shekels] of silver, and
a girdle*. 12 And the man said unto Joab, Though I should
receive a thousand [shekels] of silver in mine hand, [yet] would
I not put forth mine hand against the king's son; for in our hear-
ing the king charged thee and Abishai and Ittai, sayiiisj, Beware
that none [touch] the young man Absalom. 13 Otherwise I
should have wrought falsehood against mine own life : for there
is no matter hid from the king, and thou thyself wouldst have set
thyself against [mef.] 14 Then said Joab, 1 may not tarry thus
with thee ; it is no time to stand talking here. And, concluding
there zcould be no peace to the kingdom, nor safely to himself and
David's adherents, if Absalom survived, he took three darts in his
hand, and thrust them through the heart of Absalom, while he [was]
yet alive in the midst of the oak. 15 And ten young men that bare
Joab's armour compassed about and smote Absalom, and slew
him. 16 Joab blew the trumpet, sounded a retreat, thinking the
people would return to their allegiance now they had no one to
head them ; and the people returned from pursuing after Israel :
for Joab held back the people. 17 And they took Absalom, and
cast him into a great pit in the wood, and laid a very great
heap of stones upon him, as a monument of fame%: and all
Israel fled every one to his tent.
18 Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and reared up for
himself a pillar, (see chap. xiv. 27.), something like the Egyptian
pyramids, which [is] in the king's dale, near Jerusalem; for he
said, 1 have no son to keep my name in remembrance : and he
called the pillar after his own name : and it is called unto this
dav, Absalom's place. There no doubt he intended to he buried,
hut Providence provided him a different kind of grave.
19 Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok, Let me now run,
and bear the king tidings, how that the Lord hath avenged
him of his enemies § 20 And Joab said unto him, Thou shall
* A captain's commission, tlcnoted by giving him a militar}' girdle or sash. See
Isa. xxii. 21.
t He intimates here, that it would not only have been disobedience to the kinjr,
but Ik; would liavc run the hazard of his own lite; even Joab himself wouhi have
been as forward as any one to have informed against him, and to ingratiate him-
self with the king by accusinf; tiic man wiio had slain his son.
i Some of the Jews say, it still remains ; and that it was a cnstom for every
passenger to tiirow a stone at it, sayinj;, Thus it shall be done to a rebellions son.
$ There must bo good discipline in the army, vvheu even Aliimaaz durst not
run on such an occasion without leave.
II. SAMUEL. XVIII. 22S
not bear tidings this day, but tliou shall bear tidings another
day : but this day thou shall bear no tidings, because the
king's son is dead*. 21 Then said Joab to Cushi, Go tell
the king what thou hast seen. And Cushi bowed himself unto
Joab, and ran. 22 Then said Ahiniaaz the son of Zadok yet
again to Joab, But howsoever, let me, I pray thee, also run
after Cushi. And Joab said. Wherefore will thou run, my son,
seeing thai thou hast no tidings ready ? 23 But howsoever,
[said he,] let me run. And he said unto him. Run. He was
zeilling to go, whatever the consequences might he^ not from the
hope of reward, but being tvilling to bring good tidings to the king,
whom he loved, and out of prudence and tenderness to prepare him
for the news of Absalom's death. Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of
the plain, and overran Cushi, who went the straight road over the
mountains; being on level groniul he got sooner. 24 And David
sat between the two gates : and the watchman went up to the
roof over the gate unto the wall, and lifted up his eyes, and
looked, and behold a man running aloue. 25 And the watchman
cried, and told the king. And the king said, If he [be] alone,
[there is] tidings in his mouth, good tidings ; because, if the army
was rouiedy many zcould have come ft/ ing from different wui/s. And
he came apace, and drew near. 26 And the watchman saw
another man running : and the watchman called unto the porter,
and said, Behold [another] maji running alone. And the king
said, He also bringeth tidings. 27 And the watchman said,
Methinketh the running of the foremost, is like the running of
Ahimaaz the son of Zadok, zoho teas remarkable for his speed.
And the king said, He [is] a good man, and cometh with good
tidings ; a good soldier, and would not run aioay like a cmvard,
and one that loves me well, and therefore would not afflict me with
evil tidings. 28 And Ahimaaz called, and said unto the king,
All is well : before he came up to sai/ any thing particular, he
cried out in triumph, all is well; and then, icith the reverence
of a loyal subject, he fell down to the earth upon his face before
the king and, with the piety of a priest, he said, Blessed [be] the
Loud thy God, which hath delivered up the men that lifted up
their hand against my lord the king. 29 And the king said, Is
the young man Absalom safe ? He expressed no joy till he had
heard how it had fared zcith Absalom, And Ahimaaat answered,
* Joab knew David better than Aln'maaz did ; he was sensible it would be nn-
wolconie news, and lessen Daviil's regard for him, therefore he chose to send sonic
other person.
224. II. SAMUEL. XVIII.
When Joab sent the king's servant, and [me] thy servant, I saw
a great tumult, but I knew not what [it was*] 30 And the
king said [unto him,] Turn aside, [and] stand here. And he
turned aside, and stood still. 31 And, behold, Cushi came;
and Cushi said, Tidings, my lord the king: for the Loud hath
avenged thee this day of all them that rose up against thee ; he
says nothing of Absalom. 32 x\nd the king said unto Cushi, [[s]
the young man Absalom safe? And Cushi answered. The ene-
mies of my lord the king, and all that rise against thee to do
[thee] hurt, be as [that] young man [is.] He told him in the
most decent manner that he was dead, yet so as to express his good
wishes for the king, whilst he informed him of this affecting
stroke. And the king was much moved ,• he did not stay to hear
the circumstances or extent of' the victory, or the manner of Ab-
salom's death, but retired immediately to give vent to his grief] and
went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept : and as he went
up the stairs he bemoaned himself, and thus he said, O my son
Absalom, my son, my son Absalom ! would God I had died for
thee, O Absalom, my son, my son! The words are full of passion,
the effect of excessive loce and grief; one zcould hope of deep concern
also, at the recollection of his heinous wickedness, and for his ever-
lasting'state; else we can scarcely think that David, zvith all his
partial fondness, would have been so much affected, or wished to
have died for him.
REFLECTIONS.
1. We infer hence, that it is the part of wisdom to hearken to
the advice of inferiors, and to follow it when it is founded on good
reasons. Thus David did in hearkening to the remonstrances of
his servants against his going to battle. Stiffness and obstinacy
are mischievous qualities; but they are too commonly the fault
of superiors, are founded upon a bad principle, — pride, and are
generally productive of hurtful consequences. In the multitude
of counsellors there is safety.
2. See in this story, the miserable end of an undutiful and
rebellious son ; and let all children and young people hear and
fear. This infamous wretch, Absalom, met with his death in a
very surprising and uncommon manner. There are many ways
* Aliimaaz did know of Absalom's dcatli, but was not acquainted with the par-
ticiilars of it ; he leaves the matter doubtful, as CiLshi was to inform ll;e kin-.' of
that matter ; he i^ives him room to expect tlie worst, and so prepares his mind for
wliat the next messenger was to sav.
II. SAMUEL. XIX. 225
of being slain in battle ; but this was an unheard-of instance, and
was designed to make his punishment more remarkable, and the
hand of Providence in it the more apparent. How quickly did his
rebellion come to an end, and all his gay dreams vanish ! His
pillar of honour was turned into a monument of shame ; his
beauty perished in the dust, and his memory rotteth. How awful,
and yet how righteous was the judgment of God on this wicked
son ! God is still displeased with undutiful children ; and he will,
either in this world or another, make their plagues wonderful.
Honour, therefore, thy father and thy mother ; that thy days may
be prolonged in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.
3. What a dreadful shock does the death of a wicked child give
a pious parent ! How terribly was David's heart wounded, to
think of his son going down to destruction with such multiplied
and aggravated guilt upon his head. He M'as willing to have
died for him, to save him from such complete and hopeless ruin.
Let parents, to prevent such painful reflections, take care to brifig
up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and
guard against that excessive fondness for them, which prevents
their correcting and restraining them when they do evil, and which
was at once the ruin of Absalom, and the grief of David. And
may we earnestly pray, that God would give to our children an
upright heart, that they may know and serve the God of their
fathers with a perfect heart and a zvilling mind, that it may be
well with them for ever.
CHAPTER XIX.
David ceaseth to mourn through Joab's influence, and returns to his
kingdom ; Shimei meets him, and is pardoned ; he has an interview
with Mephibosheth and Barzillai; and an unhappy contest arises be-
tween the tribes about bringing him home.
1 And it was told Joab, Behold, the king weepeth and mourn-
eth for Absalom. 2 And the victory that day was [turned] into
mourning unto all the people, it cast a damp upon tJieirjoy : for the
people heard say that day how the king was grieved for his son ;
and they were afflicted with him. 3 And the people gat them by
stealth that day into the city, as people being ashamed steal away
VOL. III. Q
226 II. SAMUELi, XIX.
when they flee in battle*. 4 But the king covered hi8 face, like
a deep mourner, who zcould neither see nor be seen, and the king cried
with a loud voice, O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!
5 And Joab came into the house to the king, anci said, Thou hast
shamed this day the faces of all thy servants, as if theif had com-
mitted some crime and zcere ashamed to show their faces, and hast
disappointed their hopes oj' praise and rezcard, which this day have
saved thy life, and the lives of thy sons and of thy daughters, and
the lives of thy wives, and the lives of thy concubines ; all of
which Absalom struck at; 6 In that thou lovest thine enemies,
and hatest thy friends. For thou hast declared this day, that thou
regardest neither princes nor servants : for this day I perceive,
that if Absalom had lived, and all we had died this day, then it
had pleased tliee vvell ; by this strange and preposterous conduct
thou hast in effect declared, that thou hast no concern fur them or
for any body but Absalom, and that thou hast no pleasure in their
safety or success. 7 Now therefore arise, go forUi, and speak
comfortably unto thy servants, thank them for their service, and
congratulate them on their success: for I swear by the Lord, if
thou go not forth, there will not tarry one with thee this night :
and that will be worse unto thee than all the evil that befel thee
from thy youth until now ; than all the evils of his youth, when he
had friends and companions about hinrf. 8 Then the king arose,
and sat in the gate. And they told unto all the people, saying.
Behold, the king doth sit in the gate, the place of concourse and
Judgment. And all the people came before the king, to congra-
tulate him, and prof ess subjection and allegiance to him; for Israel
had fled every man to his tent.
9 And all the people were at strife throughout all the tribes of
Israel, blaming one another for beginning and encouraging the rebel-
lion, and their remissness in bringing the king back, saying, The king
saved us out of the hand of our enemies, and he delivered us out
of the hand of the Philistines ; and now he is fled out of the land
for Absalom. 10 And Absalom, whom we anohited over us, is
dead in battle. Now therefore why speak ye not a word of
bringing the king back ? This uuis addressed to their elders and
rulers,
* They did not enter in triiini|)li, but l)y some secret way, :is if tliey liad lost
the battle; not tiirouglt the j;;ate, lest David should look' upon them with an
evil eye, as those who had kilkd liis beloved son.
+ This was insolent and unconrtly lanfi;ii»ige ; but Joab thouglit this warmth
necessary, to rouse David from his lethargy, and preserve him from impending
mischief; and it had the desired effect.
II. SAMUEL. XIX. 227
1 1 And king David sent to Zadok and to Abiatliar the priests,
saying, Speak unto the elders of Judali, saying, Wiiy are ye the
last to bring the king back to his house ? seeing the speech of all
Israel is come to the king, [even] to his house* ? 12 Ye [are] my
brethren, ye [are] my bones and my flesh ; wherefore then are ye
the last to bring back the king ? You stand in the nearest relation
to Jmn, and therefore should be the first to shoiv him respect. 1 3 And
say ye to Aniasaf, [Art] thou not of my bone, and of my flesh?
God do so to me, and more also, if thou be not captain of the
host before me continually in the room of Joab. He mentions
his relationship to him, as zehat disposed him to pardon, and pro-
mises him preferment in the room ef Joab, to humble his insolence
and punish his disobedience. 14 And he bowed the heart of all
the men of Judah, even as [the heart of] one man; so that they
sent [this word] unto the king, Return thou, and all thy servants,
who are ready to receive thee and return to their obedience. 15 So
the king returned, and came to Jordan. And Judah came to
Gilgal, to go to meet the king, to conduct the king over Jordan.
IG And Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite, which [was] oi
Bahurim, hasted and came down with the men of Judah to meet
king David. 17 And [there were] a thousand men of Benjamin
with hhn, and Ziba the servant of the house of Saul, and his
fifteen sons and his twenty servants with him; and they went
over Jordan before the king J. 18 And there went over a ferry
boat to carry over the king's household, and to do what he thought
good. And Shimei the son of Gera fell down before the king,
as he was come over Jordan; 19 And said unto the king, Let
not my lord impute iniquity unto me, neither do thou remember
that which thy servant did perversely the day that my lord the
king went out of Jerusalem, that the king should take it to his
heart. 20 For thy servant doth know that I have sinned : there-
* As things were not entirely brought to order after such confusion, David
judged the advice and interposition of some people of wisdom, weight, and in-
fluence were necessary to effect it, and tlierefore sent to the priests, as being his
friends and men of authority, wlio were proper to negotiate the business with tlie
elders of Judah. Perhaps many of that tribe had joined Absalom ; which was
peculiarly ungrateful, considering David's kindness to them. They might despair
of pardon, and therefore were backward in the matter. He let them know that
others were ready to do it, and wondered that they, of all the tribes of Israel,
were so backward.
f Amasa was his nephew, whom he was particularly desirous to bring over to
his interest, and wlio (judging his own case desperate) might persuade Juilah to
hinder or delay the king's return.
% Shimei brought a thousand men with him, to show his power and influence,
and hoped, by bringing so considerable a body, to secure his pardon. He went
over Jordan to show peculiar respect, and passed over before the king.
Q2
328 II. SAMUFX. XIX.
fore, behold, I am come the first this day of all the house of
Joseph to go down to meet my lord the king *. 21 But Abishai
the son of Zeruiah answered and said. Shall not Shimei be put to
death for this, because he cursed the Lord's anointed? 22 And
David gave him a reproof becoming a great and good king, and
said. What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah, that ye
should this day be adversaries unto me; ttrge me to act against
my own inclinations, to make others fear execution, and set the
people against 7ne? shall there any man be put to death this day
in Israel ? shall any thing sully the glory of this day, and be
cause of lamentation in this time of iniiversal joy? for do not I
know that I [am] this day king over Israel? Not over a party in
it, but over all Israel, and have poicer to punish and pardon whom
I please? 23 Therefore the king said unto Shimei, Thou shalt
not die at this time, and merely upon account of zchat is past.
And the king sware unto him, coifirmed it with an oath, and
bound him to his good behaviour.
24 And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet
the king, and had neither dressed his feet, nor trimmed his beard,
nor washed his clothes, from the day tiie king departed until the
day he came [again] in peace; thus seeming as if he was greatly
affected at the king's exile. 25 And it came to pass when he
was come to Jerusalem to meet the king, that the king said unto
him. Wherefore wentest not thou with me, Mephibosheth ? as
justice, gratitude, prudence, and a regard to thi/ own interest re-
quired, lest Absalom should have destroyed thee as a competitor.
26 And he answered. My lord, O king, my servant deceived me:
for thy servant said, I will saddle me an ass, that I may ride
thereon, and go to the king; because thy servant [is] lamei*.
27 And he hath slandered thy servant unto mv lord the king;
but my lord the king [is] as an angel of God : do therefore [what
is] good in thine eyes. 28 For all [of] my father's house were
but dead men before my lord the king : yet didst thou set thy
* He plciided, that he came first to submit to liim ; and it is remarkable that
he ca\h hin)iv\( nf the house of Joseph, being a Benjamite, of tlie family of Saul.
He wonhl have conic ill reeonniieiided to David under ihat character, therefore
he mentions thehousc of Joseph, a tribe of the nearest akin to tiie other, Benjamin
being his beloved brother.
f This is a very lame excuse, for he might have had another beast ; he could
probably find one now to meet the king ; he might have applied to David for one ;
he ate at his table ; he must know when he went ; there was time enough, be-
tween the preparation for tlie king's flight, and Absalom's coining to Jerusalem ;
there was no reason why he, should not have gone ; it would have been far better
than to have staid in that bcastiv manner at home. But he complained that his
servant had used him ill.
II. SAMUEL. XIX. 229
servant among them that did eat at thine own table. What riaht
therefore have 1 yet to cry any more unto the king * ? 29 And
the king said unto him, Why speakest thou any more of thy
matters? I have said, Thou and Ziba divide the land. David
was not willhig to hear avy more of the matter, confirms the former
appointment of Ziba to be his steward, and restores him half the
estate without ani/ trouble or expense to him. SO And Mephibo-
sheth said unto the king, Yea, let him take all, forasmuch as my
lord the king is come again in peace unto his own house; he
answers tvith prodigious zeal, that he was content with any thino-,
since the king teas returned so/ef.
31 And Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim, and
went over Jordan with the king, to conduct him over Jordan ; he
came to pay his respects, and to bring him part of the way, having
hospitably entertained him. 32 Now Barzillai was a very aged
man, [even] fourscore years old : and he had provided the king
of sustenance while he lay at Mahanaim ; for he [was] a very
great man ; a rich man, and had a very generous heart. 3S And
the king said unto Barzillai, Come thou over with me, and 1 will
feed thee with me in Jerusalem, as a particular friend andfavoU'
rite. 34 And Barzillai said unto the king, How long have I to
live, that I should go up with the king unto Jerusalem? A very
wise, pious, and grateful reply. He was unfit to travel so far, he
had but a short time to live ; another reason was. So I [am] this
day fourscore years old : [and] can I discern between good and
evil? can thy servant taste what I eat or what I drink? can I
hear any more the voice of singing men and singing women?
wherefore then should thy servant be yet a burden unto my lord
the king J? 36 Thy servant will go a little way over Jordan
* He could not but acknowledge the king's kindness to him, and tlierefore he
had no right to cry to the king, which he would have done, and should have done,
if he had been slandered ; but the meaning seems to be, tliat he submitted to the
king's clemency, and hoped from his well-known goodness thai he would forgive
him.
t There is no reason to believe that Ziba had slandered him, but tJiat the
charge against him was true. The neglect of his dress, and his expressions of
zeal and concern, might only be to cover his intentions if the thing luid miscarried.
David was now disposed to pardon every one, especially a descendant of Saul, on
account of Sbimei's aspersion, and his oath to Jonathan. If Mcpliibosbetli was
indeed innocent, I think David's affection for him would have eugaged him to
punish Ziba, according to the law of God against a false witness, Deut. xix. 19.
For Mephibosheth's innocence, we have only his own testimony ; for Ziba's, we
have David's. His coming to him seems to have been quite disinterested; and
David's not punishing him, confirms it. Therefore the outci-y made against David
is unjust, and has no foundation : but he appears in this atfair as an eminent ex-
ample of clemency and forgiveness.
t The king's kindness would be ill bestowed upon him, as bis relish for the
230 II. SAMUEL. XIX.
with the king : and why should the king recompense it me with
such a reward ? He uas desirous of expressing his dutiful ajj'ection
as Jar as he was able, but had no expectation of a rexoard, for he
had done nothing but his dutt/. 37 Let thy servant, I pray thee,
turn back again, that I may die in mine own city, [and be buried]
by the grave of my father and of my mother. His fourth reason
was, that he was wiUing to spend his remaining days at home, and
be buried with his ancestoi's ; but that he might not seem rude, he
desires the king to transfer the kindness intended him, to his son.
But behold thy servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the
king; and do to him what shall seem good unto thee. 33 And
the king answered, Chimham shall go over with me, and I will
do to him that which shall seem good unto thee : and whatsoever
thou shah require of me, [that] will I do for thee : he leaves it to
the old gentleman's choice, and intimates that if he had any petition
to make afterwards, he might be sxire it should be granted. 39 And
all the people went over Jordan. And when the king was come
over, the king kissed Barzillai, and blessed him ; and he returned
imto his own place. He took his leave of him with great affec-
tion; thanked him and prat/ed for him, and took Chimham with
him. In Jeremiah xli. 7., we read of an inheritance of his at Beth-
lehem; probably David gave him part of his pater?ial inheritance.
40 Then the king went on to Gilgal, and Chimham went on with
him : and all the people of Judah conducted the king, and also
half the people of Israel; the people of Judah came entirely and
unanimously, and the haf of Israel; perhaps those on the other
side Jordan ; and the other tribes at length cayne in.
41 And, behold, all the men of Israel came to the king, and
said unto the king, Why have our brethren the men of Judah
stolen thee away secretly, and not desired our assistance and con-
sent ; it was a public act, and there should have been a convention
of the states; and have brought the king, and his household, and
all David's men with him, over Jordan .'' 42 And all the men of
Judah answered the !T)en of Israel, Because the king [is] near of
kin to us : wherefore then be ye angry for this matter r have we
eaten at all of the king's [cost f] or hath he given us any gift ?
They plead their relation to their king, that they had no private
gain, it was only to testify their duty and affection. 43 And the
pleasures of a court and of Uie senses was almost gone; besides, he would ratlier
be a burden than of any service, and woidd only stand in t!ie way of those wlio
uiiRbt be .tseful. See Ohton's Discourses to the Jged, L))«»c. II. ou Barztllai's
Refusal of David's Invitation.
II. SAMUEL. XIX. 231
men of Israel answered the men of Judah, and said, We have ten
parts in the king, Simeon being intermixed zcith Judah, probably
came ivith them, and we have also more [right] in David than ye:
why then did ye despise us, that our advice should not be first
had in bringing back our king ? we ought to have been consulted
in an affair of such consequence, and esteem ourselves slighted and ill
used. And the words of the men of Judah were tiercer than
the words of the men of Israel; the quarrel increased, and the
men of Judah ivere more hot and passionate; and this foolish
difference occasioned a new rebellion^ as we shall find in the next
chapter.
REFLECTIONS.
1. We hence learn, that there is danger of our passion and
grief becoming excessive, and it is our duty to restrain it, Whoever
may reprove us for it. Though Joab was rude in his reproof,
David was so far influenced by him as to appear in public. It
was an absurd passion, especially when the people were so reso-
lute, and God had been so gracious. Let us learn to guard our
minds against excessive transports of grief, or any thing which
may lead us to neglect our duty, though we should be reproved
for it in an unbecoming manner by our inferiors, or with heat.
Let us not consider who the reprover is, but the reproof, and
endeavour to amend what is amiss.
2. Good services for the public will be remembered and ac-
knowledged, though they seem for a time to be forgotten. David's
people rebelled against him ; but at length they began to recollect
his services to them, in delivering them from their enemies, parti-
cularly the Philistines, and saw their own ingratitude. We ought
generously to serve mankind, and labour to promote their hap-
piness, whether they are grateful or not. But this is our encou-
ragement, that all are not insensible, all are not ungrateful, and
they who are so at present, will probably come to a better mind.
Above all, God is never unmindful ;yie is not unrighteous to forget
our labours of love.
3. Men often blame others for backwardness to a good work,
when they are really to blame themselves. The people of Israel
were at strife who it was that began the rebellion; the people
blamed the elders, and the elders the people : they look as much
time in censuring one another for not bringing the king back, as
232 II. SAMUEL. XIX.
would have done the business ; and they should heartily have
joined in it. It is easier to find fault, than to mend. If each in
his respective station would set about reforming his own manners,
and those that are about him, instead of condemning the tardiness
and Inkevvarmness of others, things would soon grow better, and
the world be greatly mended.
4. We have a lively example of clemency and gratitude in
David's forgiving Shimei, and overlooking Mephibosheth's ill
design, and great ingratitude. Thus his throne was established
hy mercy. It is great, and the best prerogative of kings, to forgive.
His gratitude to Barzillai, for his hospitality, deserves praise and
imitation. Let us be always ready to return kindness, and be
grateful to our friends and benefactors, especially those who
have helped us in times of distress. No future wealth, honour,
or ease, should make us forget them and our obligations to
them.
5. We have in Barzillai an example for aged persons to re-
strain their desires after any temporal good. 1 go to court! It is
time for me to think of going to my grave. My relish for di-
versions, and the delights of a court, are gone ; and my capacity
for business almost gone too. Let me return home, to set my
house and heart in order, and prepare for my long home. Let
the aged learn from this venerable old man, what their disposition
should be; to have as little to do with the world as possible; to
contract their business ; to lay aside their schemes and projects
for this world; and be dead to all the delights of sense; to think
much of dying; and be daily preparing for their last awful
change.
tj. Aged persons should not grudge young ones those employ-
ments which they are unfit for, or are unsuitable to their declining
circumstances in life. Let Chimham go; he is young, and fit for
business ; he can relish the hurry and pleasures of a court. It is
very unreasonable for aged persons to tie up those that are young
to their own necessary confinement, or debar them of innocent
and lawful amusements ; this is doing them harm, and prejudicing
youth against all their wisest instructions and most friendly
counsels.
7. We learn here the origin and consequences of strife. The
origin is pride; the bad consequences, violent passions, angry
words, and injuries. The people of Israel and Judah, through
pride and impatience of contempt, quarrelled about a punctilio;
they could not bear what seemed to b« a slight. Only by pride
II. SAMUEL. XX. 23S
Cometh contention. The men of Judah were fiercer than the men
of Israel, though in fact they were to blame for taking such steps
without their brethren. Men too often supply in passion what is
wanting in reason and argument. And it may be observed, that
those whose words are fiercest, have generally least truth and
reason on their side. But let all such angry, passionate persons
know, that God takes notice of every fierce word they speak, as
he did of the people of Judah, and is highly displeased with it.
Therefore, to prevent all the ill consequences of strife to our-
selves, our brethren, and our religion, let us rule our spirits, and
bridle our tonsrues.
CHAPTER XX.
Gives an account of Sheba's rebellion, and his destruction ; and of
David's great officers.
1 i\.ND there happened to be there when the difference related
in the former chapter happened, a man of Belial, whose name
[was] Sheba, the son of Richri, a Benjamite; a turbulent, furious
man, probably one of SauVs family, and Absalom's captain; and
he blew a trumpet, and said, We have no part in David, neither
have we inheritance in the son of Jesse * : every man to his tents,
O Israel ; let us go from him, and choose another king. 2 So
every man of Israel went up from after David, [and] followed
Sheba the son of Bichrif: but the men of Judah clave unto
their king, from Jordan even to Jerusalem, 7iot a man of them
forsook him.
3 And David came to his house at Jerusalem ; and the king
took the ten women [his] concubines, whom he had left to keep
the house, and put them in ward ;j:, and fed them, but went not
in unto them. So they were shut up unto the day of their death,
living in widowhood.
* He here speaks contemptuously of David, and said, If they have ten parts in
David, let them have him altogether.
t This must be taken with limitation ; not all the people, not Shimei and his
men, but the greatest part of tlie people.
t He ordered them to some place of retirement, as they were not fit to appear
abroad, for that would have renewed tlie remembrance of Absalom's wickedness ;
a crime not to be named, and whicli was a reproacli to David aud his house. In
this place David shut them up for life.
234^ ii. SAMUEL. XX.
4 Then said the king to Amasa, Assemble me the men of
Judah within three days, and be thou here present*. 5 So
Amasa went to assemble [tlie men of] Judah: but he tarried
longer than the set time which he had appointed him; thei/ zt'ere
hackzoard tojight his battles, though foncard to attend his retinue
being attached to Joab. 6 And David said to Abishai, Joab's
brother, Now shall Sheba the son of Bichri do us more harm
than [did] Absalom : take thou thy lord's servants, his guard and
standing forces, and pursue after him, lest he get him fenced
cities, and escape us. 7 And there went out after him Joab's
men, his ozcn regiment, and he himself went zvith them as a vo-
lunteer, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and all the
mighty men; David thought himself safo enough without them at
Jerusalem, having the love of the people there: and they went out
of Jerusalem, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri. 8 When
they [were] at the great stone which [is] in Gibeon, a place of
rendezvous for the people of Judah, Amasa went before them, as
commander in chief. And Joab's garment that he had put on was
girded unto him, and upon it a girdle [with] a sword fastened upon
his loins in the sheath thereof; and as he went forth it fell out-f*.
9 And Joab said to Amasa, [Art] thou in health, my brother ?
And Joab took Amasa by the beard with the right hand to kiss
him;]:. 10 But Amasa took no heed to the sword that [was] in
Joab's hand : so he smote him therewith in the fifth [rib,] and
shed out his bowels to the ground, and struck him not again ;
and he died. So Joab and Abishai his brother pursued after
Sheba the son of Bichri. 1 1 And one of Joab's men stood by
him, and said, by command of his master, who feared some con-
fusion might take place, He that favoureth Joab, and he that [is]
for David; [let him go] after Joab; he that would have David
king, and Joab general, let him follozn) J oab . 12 And Amasa was
not quite dead, but wallowed in his blood in the midst of the
highway. And when the man saw that all the people stood still,
he removed Amasa out of the highway into the field, and cast a
cloth upon him, when he saw that every one that came by him
* David took this opportunity to rid himself of Joab's insolence. He tliought
the people would come to their old general, who a|)peared to have great iiifluenc«
anioii? them ; and commands tliem to come within tluee days to receive orders
from him.
t Joab had no armour on, but girded his garment about him in haste, and put
his sword in a large scabbard, that it nii^ht easily fall out when he bowed, which
it seemed to do accidentally, so that there was no suspicion.
X So the easterns do to tliie day.
II. SAMUEL. XX. 235
stood still at this shocking sight, and zcere concerned to see him so
basely murdered. 13 When he was removed out of the liighway,
all the people went on after Joab, to pursue after Sheba the son
of Bichri, not hiozcing that Amasa teas killed.
14 And he, that is, Sheba, went through all the tribes of Israel
unto Abel, a city in the north of Canaan, to excite the people to
arms, and to Beth-maachah, and all the Berites, of the tribe of
Benjamin, his relations and friends, zvho ivere infuenced by him:
and they were gathered together, and went also after him, that isf
Joab, and the soldiers of David followed him. 15 And they came
and besieged him in Abel of Beth-maachah, and they cast up a
bank against the city, and it stood in the trench : and all the
people that [were] with Joab battered the wall, to throw it down.
l6 Then cried a wise woman out of the city. Hear, hear; say, I
pray you, unto Joab, Come near hither, that I may speak with
thee ; her sex and character recommended what she said, and she
came to make a proposal to the general; 17 And when he was
come near unto her, the woman said, [Art] thou Joab? And he
answered, I [am he.] Then she said unto him. Hear the words
of thine handmaid. And he answered, I do hear. 18 Then she
spake, saying, They were wont to speak in old time, saying.
They shall surely ask [counsel] at Abel : and so they ended [the
matter*.] 19 1 [iii« one of them that are] peaceable [and]
faithful in Israel, peaceable and loyal; she speaks in the naw.e of
the city : thou seekest to destroy a city and a mother in Israel ; a
great city, zchich hath many villages under it, here called daughters,
and dependant upon it : why wilt thou swallow up the hihcritancc
of the Lord ? this is doing injury to the public. 20 And Joab
answered and said, Far be it, far be it from me, that I should
swallow up or destroy ; / would not voluntarily do the least
injury. 2 1 The matter [is] not so, you have not been rightly in-
formed: but a man of mount Ephraim, a Benjamite, but dwelling
at mount Ephraim, Sheba the son of Bichri by name, hath lifteil
up his hand against the king, [even] against David : deliver him
only, and I will depart from the city. And the woman said unto
Joab, Behold, his head shall be thrown to thee over the wallf.
* As if she had said, Abel is a place so renowned for wisdom, Ihat if differences
arose, the parties came there and left it to their arbitration, and abided by it as
an oracle ; or, as in tlie margin, they plainly spake in the beirinnhif!, saying. Surely
they will ask of Abel, ami so make an end ; intimating, that joab slioiilii iiave asked
why tliey admitted Sheba, and gently ren'inds him of tlic law of God to propose
capitulation, Ueut. xx, lo. Whereas Joab in tlie height of his rage deterniiued to
take it by storm, witliont sending conditions of peace.
t This woman knew the mind of the citizen?, and thought, a? tliey wtrc loy^JL
236 II. SAMUEL. XX.
22 Then the woman went unto all the people in her wisdom, and
prudenthj treated with them. And they cut off' the head of Sheba
the son of Bichri, and cast [it] out to Joab. And he blew a
trumpet, and they retired from the city, every man to his
tent. And Joab returned to Jerusalem unto the kinjr; he
spared all Sheba's confederates, and returned to inform the king
of his success.
23 Now Joab [was] over all the host of Israel ; he returned
with so much merit and populariti/, and appeared to have such in-
terest in the soldiers, that David durst not displace him : and Be-
naiah the son of Jehoiada [was] over the Cherethites and over the
Peluthites : 24 And Adoram [was] over the tribute*: and Jeho-
shaphat the son of Ahilud [was] recorder, or writer of the chro-
nicles: 25 And Sheva [was] scribe, or secretary of state: and
Zadok and Abiathar [were] the priests : 9.6 And Ira also the
Jairite was a chief ruler about David ; he succeeded Ahithophel as
president of the council.
REFLECTIONS.
1. See the uncertainty of human affairs. David was no sooner
restored to his kingdom, than fresh troubles arose, like clouds
after the rain. We see it often so in private Hfe. Let us there-
fore not be confident, nor think our mountain stands so strong,
that it may not soon be moved. We should habituate ourselves
to self-denial, mortification, and deadness to the world, and fix
our thoughts and hopes on a better. Set your affections on things
above, where Christ sitteth at the right hand of God. Then you
will be better able to bear the changes of life, and be more likely
to improve them.
2. We here see the truth of Solomon's remark, that the begin-
ning of strife is as when one Ictteth out zcater. It' was a little dif-
ference at first between Judah and Israel, who should bring home
the king ; but they perverted one another's words and designs ;
and their trifling quarrel became big with great consequences.
Had each side yielded a little, all had been prevented. Yielding
pacifieth great offences.
they would be glad to save tlieniselvcs from this danger. They could not hinder
Sheba from getting into the city, but they could ciioose to harbour him there.
* Adoram was treasurer, or over the tributes towards building the temple.
He was now very young, and continued all David's and Solomon's time: at lengtli
he was slain by some rebellious Israelites. 1 Kings xii. 18.
II. SAMUEL. XXI. 237
3. What a dangerous thing is an ambitious spirit. Joab again
to gratify his pride, killed his rival : he could not bear disappoint-
ment. This was the greatest treachery, especially as it was in a
critical season. But when pride reigns, reason and conscience
justice and humanity, are all suppressed and silenced. Happy
those in private life, who have not such temptations to pride and
ambition ; and especially happy are those of humble and con-
tented minds.
4. We may infer, that one way for contention to cease is, for
the differing parties to explain themselves. Most disputes are
continued, and grow warm, for want of knowing what is dis-
puted. Joab thought the citizens of Abel were all treacherous
men, and in the heat of passion determined to destroy them with
Sheba, for his offence; but this wise woman cleared up the
matter, and put an end to the rebellion. When people are pre-
judiced against those they differ with, they will not hear what
they have to say, or even condescend so far as to explain them-
selves. But contentions in private life, and differences amono-
relations, and even neighbours, are so shameful and injurious,
that every wise man should be willing to hearken to every thing
that is likely to heal the breach, and promote accommodation.
Study those things that make for peace. FoUozo peace with all
men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.
CHAPTER XXI.
The Gibeonitcs are avenged ; the Philistine giant slain; and the bones of
Saul and Jonathan are buried.
1 X HEN there was a famine in the days of David three years,
year after year*; which theif thought at first teas a common cala-
mity, but zchen it continued so long, they thought it uas judicial,
and in consequence of some extraordinary sin; and David inquired
of the Lord. And the Lord answered, [It is] for Saul, and for
* There are different opinions about tiie date of tiiis story. A Jewish writer
says it was early in David's reign : and this seems probable ; tor it is said, in the
days of David, and not, after these tbhiffs, as in other places. Tlie liistorian having
mentioned Davids sin, goes through the effects of it without interrupting the
story, and then mentions several natural events out of due order of time. This
seems confirmed by comparing ver. ao. with ch. viii. i.
238 II. SAMUKL. XXI.
[his] bloody house, because he slew the Gibeoiiltes*. 2 And the,
king called the Gibeonites 'f', and said unto them (now the Gi-
beonites [were] not of the children of Israel, but of the remnant
of the Amorites; and the children of Israel had sworn unto them,
Joshua ix. 15., and Saul sought to slay them, in his zeal to the chil-
dren of Israel and Judah: souor/u how he mwht do it with some
colour of laze and just iceX:) 3 Wherefore David said unto the Gi-
beonites, What shall 1 do for you? and wherewith shall 1 make
the atonement, that yc may bless the inheritance of the Lord ?
He incjuired uhat satisf action he should make them for the iujury,
that they might pray for the people, and that God might forgive
their sin. 4 And the Gibeonites said unto him, We will have no
silver nor gold of Saul, nor of his house ; neither for us shalt thou
kill any man in Israel, except those afterzcards mentioned. And he
said, What ye shall say, [that] M'ill I do for you. 5 And they an-
swered the king, The man that consumed us, and that devised
against us [thai] we should be destroyed from r»imainiug in any of
the coasts of Israel, () Let seven men of his sons be delivered unto
us, and we will hang them up unto the Loud in Gibeah of Saul,
Zi:hei^e Saul lived before and after he ivas king, to make their punish-
ment more shameful and remarkable, [whom] the Lord did choose,
and therefore his guilt teas the more aggravated. And the king said,
I will give [thean,] that others maij learik to keep God's covenant, and
not oppress strangers. 7 But the king spared Mephibosheth, the
son of Jonathan the son of Saul, because of the Lord's oath that
[was] between them, between David and Jonathan the son of
Saul ; lest he should incur the same punishment as Saul had done-
8 But the king took the two sons of Rizpah the daughter of Aiah,
whom she bare unto Saul, Armoni and Mephibosheth ; and the
five sons of Michal § the daughter of Saul, whom she brought up
* We have no acroiint of this event iu tlie liistory of Saul ; some think it was
when the priests wore slain at Nob, hut the time is uncertain. It is probable he
was directeil to give the Gibeonites such satisfaction as tliey required.
-f- Tliey lived in tlieir own <*ity, and were hewers of wood, and drawers of water.
t Saul pretended that it was neitlier profitable, honourable, nor safe for God's
people to suffer any of those accursed nations to he incorporated with them, and
enjoy the same church privileges as tiiey did. I'he Gibeonites had one city iu
Judah, and three iu lienjamin ; Saul w;inted to have their land, and accord-
ingly destroyed some of tlieui and banished tlic rest, and jrave tiieir possessions to
his children, grandchildren, and kinsmen, l Sam. xxii. 7. His descendants and
relations were instruments in this execution, and therefore it is called his bloody
house ; and they still possessed their lands.
§ Or rather, IMcrab's five sons, the sister of Michal, who Mas to have been
David's wife. She died while they were younjj, and Michal, having no ciiildren,
brought them up. Such were commonly called their children among Uie ancients.
David has been •harged with contriving the denth of these sons, because they
II. SAMUEL. XXI. 239
for Adiiel the son of Barzillai the Meholatliite : 9 And he de-
livered them into the hands of the Gibeonites, and they handed
them in the hill before the Loud : and they fell [all] seven to-
gether, and were put to death in the days of harvest, in the first
[days,] in the beginning of barley harvest.
10 And Rizpah the daughter of Aiuh took sackcloth and
spread it for her upon the rock, fron» the beginning of harvest un-
til water dropped upon them out of heaven, and suffered neither
the birds of the air to rest on them by day, nor the beasts of
the field by night*. 1 1 And it was told David what Rizpah the
daughter of Aiah, the concubine of Saul, had done ; which was a
tacit reproof for his not taking care of the bones of Saul and Jona-
than. !£ And David went and took the bones of Saul and the
bones of Jonathan his son from the men of Jabesh-gilead,
which had stolen them from the street of Bethshan, where the
Philistines had hanged them, when the Philistines had slain Saul
inGilboa: 13 And he brought up from thence the bones of
Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son ; and they gathered the
bones of them that were hanged. 14 And the bones of Saul and
Jonathan his son buried they in the country of Benjamin in Zelah,
in the sepulchre of Kish his father : and they performed all that
the king commanded. And after that God was entreated for the
land, his displeasure zaas turned aioay. See Psalm Ixv.
15 Moreover the Philistines had yet war again with Israel ; and
David went down, and his servants with him, and fought against
the Philistines ; and David waxed faint zcith the combat, the Philis-
tine giant taking him at a disadvantage, and being stronger than he.
l6 And Ishbi-benob, which [was] of the sons of the giant, the
weight of whose spear [weighed] three hundred [shekels] of brass
in weight, his spear s head being about twelve pounds, he being
girded with a new [swordf,] thought to have slain David. 17 But
would be the revival of Saul's family in iiis kingdom. But tliorc is uo ground for
this. It was plainly the will of G ocl, who ordered they should hang so lou^ ; which
was contrary to the law of taki,ng down executed criminals before tlie evening.
And God's sending rain was a plaiii proof that lie was not displeased. If David
was the villain wiiich Clinbh and others think, why did he spare Rlephibosheth and
his family? It was evident those persons had a hand in the Gibeonites' murder,
being of Saul's bloody house; and the Israelites might be justly punished with
famine for joining in the murder, or f&r not opposing it. So that the character of
David is clear from all suspicion.
* Rizpah, by the assistance of her frit-nds and servants, spread a tent near the
bodies, that she might prevent their beini' torn or mangled : prol)al)Iy knowing that
ttiey were to hang there till God, by sending rain, gave evidence of his being re-
conciled to the people.
t Or rather, with a new girdle, that is, advanced to some new military post, was
desirous of the honour of slaying the Israelii es' king.
§40 II. SAMUEL. XXI.
Abishai the son of Zeruiah succoured him, and smote the Philis-
tine, and killed him. Then the men of David sware unto him>
saying. Thou shall go no more out with us to battle, that thou
quench not the light of Israel, who is our guide and glory, and
makes us great aud illustrious. 18 And it came to pass after this,
that there was again a battle with the Philistines at Gob : then
Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Saph, which [was] of the sons of
the giant. 19 And there was again a battle in Gob with the Phi-
listines, where Elhanan the son of Jaare-oregim a Beth-lehemite,
slew [the brother of] Goliath the Gittite, the staff of whose spear
[was] like a weaver's beam. 20 And there was yet a battle in
Gath, where was a man of [great] stature, that had on every hand
six lingers, and on every foot six toes, four and twenty in number;
and he also was born to the giant. 2 1 And when he delied Israel,
Jonathan the son of Shimea the brother of David slew him.
22 These four were born to the giant in Gath, and fell by the
hand of David, and by the hand of his servants ; David's brave men
soon overcame them, though they were so much larger and stronger.
REFLECTIONS.
1. When calamities come upon us, it is good to inquire of
the Lord ; to pray to him, that he would show us the meaning and
intention of such dispensations, lest the great end of Providence
should be defeated, our improvement prevented, and we be ex-
posed to heavier woes. Thus Job prayed, show me wherefore
thou contendest with me.
2. We here see God's regard to public ordinances, and his jus-
tice in punishing perjury. The original treaty was gained by
fraud ; but as it was solemnly sworn to before God, he punished
the breach of it; and where murder is added to perjury, it is pe-
culiarly abominable in his sight. Those who thus profane his
name, and violate the 'r.ost solemn engagements, shall not be held
guiltless; but peculiar marks of divine displeasure shall be inflicted
upon them. Ah inhabitant of Sion is faithful to his engagements ;
though he swears to his own hurt, he changeth not.
3. What is gotten by oppression and treachery does men no
good, but, on the contrary, often brings evil on them and their
posterity. The Israelites were glad to have the Gibeonites' land,
and joined in the king's wicked designs. But famine overtook
them there, and they smarted for their ill-gotten possession. God
II. SAMUEL. XXri. 241
will take the part of those who are oppressed, if restitution is not
made. His vengeance will light upon those who enjoy what is
wrongfully taken from others. Men's dishonest gains hurt their
children, and bring ruin on their posterity. God hears the cry of
the oppressed. But faithfid and honest men enjoy what they have
with comfort. The just man walketh in his integriti/, and his chil-
dren are blessed after him.
4. See the folly of strong men boasting iu their strength*
These men of great bulk and stature were overcome by men of the
common size. They were an easier mark, and would soonest fall
To glory in strength of body, is the glory of an horse or an ox.
1 he glory of a man is wisdom, piety, righteousness, and self-
government: if we are girded with these, they will be our orna-
ment and strength, and zee shall be more than conquerors over our
spiritual enemies, through Him that loved us.
CHAPTER XXII.
This was probably at first only a form ot private devotion, wliich David
used after Iiis victory and success; it was attcrwarils publislu'd, (see
llie eighteenth psalm througliout), to disperse more lively gratitude
and true religion through his dominions.
1 xtLND David spake luilo the Lord the words of this song in
the day [that] the Lord had delivered him out of the hand of all
his enemies, and out of the hand of Saul : 2 And he said. The
Lord [is] my rock, and my fortress and my deliverer; 3 The
God of ujy rock; in him will 1 trust: [he is] my shield, and the
horn of my salvation , my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour;
thou savest me from violence. Bj/ all these beautiful metaphors
David expresses hisjirm dependance upon God and entire conjidence
in him. 4 I will call on the Lord, [who is] worthy to be praised:
so shall I be saved from mine enemies. 5 When the waves of
death compassed me, the floods of ungodly men made me afraid;
G The sorrows of hell compassed me about; the snares of death
prevented me ; he was tike a man sinking, and read// to be over-
whelmed; deadli/ snares and dangers surrounded him, nevertheless
he did not despair, but hoped in God and prat/ed to him ; 7 In my
distress I called upon the Loud, and cried to my God; and he
VOL. III. R
242 II. SAMUEL. XXII.
did hear my voice out of his teni})le, and my cry [did enter] into
his ears. 8 Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations
of heaven moved and shook, because he was wroth. 9 There
went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth
devoured : coals were kindled by it; liis hand was as remarkahltf
appaieut, as if' he had actually destroyed his enemies by tempests,
thunder and lightning. 10 He bovied the heavens also, and came
down ; and darkness [was] under his feet. 1 1 And he rode upon
a cherub, and did fly : and he was seen upon the wings of the
wind, coming with speed and swiftness to my relief. 12 And he
made darkness pavilions round about him, dark waters, [and] thick
clouds of the skies. 13 Through the brightness before him were
coals of fire kuidled. 14 The Lord thundered from heaven, and
the most High uttered his voice. 15 And he sent out arrows,
and scattered them ; lightning, and discomfited them ; immediately
all his enemies were confounded and turned their backs. 16 And the
channels of the sea appeared, the foundations of the world were dis-
covered, at the rebuking of the Lord, at the blast of the breath of
his nostrils. 1? He sent from above, he took me; he drew me out
of many waters ; 18 He delivered me from my strong eueniy [and]
from them that hated me ; from Goliath and the Philistines : for
they were too strong for me. IQ They prevented me in the day
of my calamity; Ahithophel did so by surprise: but the Lord
was my stay. 20 He brought me forth also into a large place, a
state of security and liberty: he delivered me, because he delighted
in me ; God delighted to make him king, and therefore carried him
through all dangers to the crown. 21 The Lord rewarded me
according to my righteousness : according to the cleanness of my
hands hath he recon)pensed me. 22 For I have kept the ways
of the Lord, and have not wickedly departed from my God.
He here describes his own integrity, that he intended no injury to
Saul, no zorong to those ziho rebelled against him, and took no un-
lawful course to preserve himself. 23 For all his judgments [were]
before me : and [as for] his statutes, I did not depart from them ;
he studied God's law as his rule. 24 I was also upright before
him, and have kept myself from mine iniquity ; especially from
destroying Saul, to which he was often tempted, and with which he
was cliarged. 25 Therefore the Lord hath recompensed me
according to my righteousness, hath favoured my righteous <'ause ;
according to my cleanness in his eye-sight. 26 With the merciful
thou wilt show thyself merciful, [and] with the upright man thou
wilt show thyself upright. 27 With the pure, thou wilt show
II. SAMUEL. XXII. 21,3
thyself pure, he will he faithful to fmtlij'ul souls; and with tlic
iroward thou wilt show thyself unsavoury. 28 And the afflicted
people thou wilt save : but thine eyes [are] upon the haughty,
[that] thou niayest bring [them] down ; cross their desicrnx, and
testify thine abhorreme of their practices. 29 For thou [art] nty
lamp, O Lord: and the Lord will lighten my darkness, restore
me to prosperity and advance me to royal dignity, though poor and
mean. 30 For by thee I have run through a troop of armed
men: by my God have I leaped over a wall, scaled the cities and
destroyed the fortif cations of my e7ietnies. 31 [As for] God, his
way [is] perfect ; his ways and methods of providence, though
seemingly perplexed and dark, are perfectly just, and rcill appear
so at last : the word of the Lord [is] tried : he [is] a buckler to
all them that trust in him, good nun have always found him
faithful. Then, to illustrate this in his own case, he breaks out
into the most thankful adoration. 32 F"or who [is] God, save
the Lord ? none of the idols of the heathen are gods: and who [is]
a rotk, save our God ? 7ione can defend his enemies, none can
injure his friends. 33 God [isj my strength [and] power : and
he maketh my way perfect, that is, plain, and removes all mi/
dificuliies. 34 He maketh my feet like hinds' [feet,] to pursue
my enemies stviflly and successfully : and settcth me upon my high
places, defends me against their attacks. 35 He teacheth my
hands to war ; so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms, n/y
strength and deiterity are from God. 36 Thou hast also given
me the shield of thy salvation : and thy gentleness hath made me
great; pardoned my sin, advanced me to this high station, and
secured me in it. 37 Thou hast enlarged my steps under me ; so
that my feet did not slip. 38 I have pursued mine cnenues, and
destroyed them ; and turned not again until I had consumed
them; particularly referring to Absalom's and Sheba's rebel-
lion, which were so speedily and effectually crushed. Si) And f
have consumed them, and wounded them, that they could not
arise : yea, they are fallen under my feet. 40 For thou hast
girded me with strength to battle : them that rose up against me
hast thou subdued under me. 41 Thou hast also given nie the
necks of mine enemies, that I might destroy them that hate me.
42 They looked, but [there was] none to save ; [even] unto the
Lord, but he answered them not. 43 Then did 1 beat them as
small as the dust of the earth, 1 did stamp them as the mire of
the street, [and] did spread them abroad. 44 Thou also hast
delivered me from the strivings of my people, united Israel and
R 2
2M II. SAMUEL. XXII.
Judah under r/je, thou hast kept nie [to be] head of the heathen :
a people [which] I knew not shall serve me ; he had subdued
neighbouring nations, and extended his conquests to kingdoms re-
mote and before unknown. 45 Strangers shall submit themselves
unto me : as soon as they hear, they siiall be obedient unto me;
hearing thefatJie of his victorious arms, tliei/ should submit to him.
46 Strangers shall fade away, and they shall be afraid out of their
close places ; thei/ shall be struck with panic, and distrusting their
forces and strong holds, shall wilUngli/ become tributary to him.
Thus he encourages himself to hope for future favours. 47 The
Lord livcth ; and blessed [be] my rock ; and exalted be the
God of the rock of my salvation : he ascribes all to the pozcer and
goodness of God, and sums up the zcltole b\j saying, 48 It [is] God
that avengeth me of all my enemies, and that bringeth down the
j)eople under me, maketh all Israel to submit to me, 49 And that
bringeth me forth from mine enemies : thou also hast lifted me
up on high above them that rose up against me : thou hast de-
livered me from the violent man, from the Philistines, and his
OTvn subjects, and Saul. 50 Therefore I will give thanks unto
thee, O Lord, among the heathen, and I will sing praises unto
thy name ; / wUl publish this song for the benefit of all my subjects,,
and to lead them to the knowledge of God. 51 [He is] the tower
of salvation for his king : and showeth mercy to his anointed,
unto David, and to his seed for evermore ; he hoped and believed
God would extend his favour to his posteriti/. Here seems a remote
rej'erence to the Messiahj to whom the Jiftieth verse is applied,
Rom. XV. 9.
REFLECTIONS.
1. The general use of this chapter is to excite us to gratitude
and praise for divine mercies, especially extraordinary interposi-
tions of Providence in our favour. New mercies are every day
rising, and call for now songs. Let us praise God in our secret
devotions, and show forth his praises before others. We should
not be ashamed to own our obligations to him, and to express
our gratitude for his mercy. We should take notice of the great-
ness and seasonableness of our deliverances, and trace the hand
of Providence in them, to make our gratitude lively and ac-
ceptable.
2. If we desire the continued favour and interposition of
heaven, let us follow after righteousness. David was rewarded
II. SAMUEL. XXIII. 215
according to it. Tliis is a general maxim in divine proceedings.
The righteous Lord loveth righleousness. With the merciful thou
wilt show thyself merciful, and with the upright man thou zcilt show
thyself upright, ver. 26. Thus we shall pray with humble hope
and confidence. The more we are like God, the more fully we
may be assured of his favourable regards.
3. Let us learn to trust God in future difficulties, and rejoice
in him as an everliving and unchangeable God. The Jx)rd liveth;
and blessed be my rock; and exalted be the God of the rock of my
salvation. This is language well becoming christians, and should
be their joy in every succeeding age. Whatever dangers or
troubles are before us, he is still the same; therefore let him be
trusted in, and exalted.
4. Let us especially rejoice to think that our deliverance is
perfected in Christ. He hath raised us from the greatest trouble,
the sorrows of death, the snares of hell ; as the Captain of our
salvation, he is gone before us, and will give us the victory over
our spiritual enemies. If we light under his banner, and depend
on his grace, he will deliver us now ; and at length bestow com-
plete and everlasting salvation upon us.
CHAPTER XXIll.
Au account of the last words of David, wiiicli wen- delivered by ilie
spirit of prophecy ; a catalogue of David's worthies, and the exploits
of some of the most eminent of them.
I iNOW these [be] the last words of David*. David the sou
of Jesse said, and the man [who was] raised up on high, exalted
to be king of Israel, and the anointed of the God of Jacob, and
the sweet psalmist of Israel t, said, 2 The Spirit of the Loud
spake by me, and his [word] was in my tongue. He here cele-
♦ The last words of eminent samfs and heroes deserve particular notice. Hut
these are peculiarly worthy of attention, as they are introduced in so niagiiificcnt
and awful a manner, immediately before his death, when the ivrophetic spirit was
strong upon him, as it \v:is upon Moses and Jacob in likecircunistanres.
f This title peculiarly belonged to David, as he was the author of most of the
psalms, a composer of the music, and proscribed to tiic pertonm is their several
parts. He invented the instruments that accompanied them, and bore himself a
part ill the performauce.
•246 II. SAMUEL. XXIII.
bratcs the aulliur of his inspiratlo)!, Jcliovah the God of Israel
and tahes notice of his poiverfiif impulse. In the following verse
ue have the prophecy itself, which refers to the Messiah, his spiri-
tual kingdom, and hisfnal triu/nph over the enemies of it. After
this magnificent introduction, he breaks out into a hiiul of transport
of joy and expectation at the prospect before him. 3 The God of
Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me. He that niletli over
men [must be] jtist, ruling in the fear of God, or, as it should be
rendered, The Just one ruling over men, he ruleth in the fear of God.
4 And [he shall be] as the light of the morning, [when] the sun
riselh, [even] a nioriiiiig without clouds ; [as] the tender grass
[springing] out of the earth by clear shining after rain ; he describes
the glorious effects of this dominion, light and knowledge shall
spread abroad over the earth, and that consolation and peace, tchich
deliverance from the dominion of sin and death shall produce*.
Although my house [be] not so with God ; yet he hath made
with me an everlasting covenant ; although the present situation of
myself and family, and the people of God, fall so much short of
this glorious character, yet such a time will come according to
God's covenant, zvhich is ordered in all [things,] and sure ; which
is laid in order as the zcord signifies, and well expresses the gradual
display of that promise in successive revelations of k, and the or-
derly disposition of the several events preceding and preparatory
to the fnal completion of it ; and this he rejoiced in, saying, for
[this is] all my salvation, and all [my] desire ; although he make
[it] not to grow t- G But [the sons] of Belial [shall be] all of
them as thorns thrust away, because they cannot be taken with
hands ; they shall be like thorns or briers, too rough, too strong, to
be touched with a common hand, that is, they shall not be overtaken
with a light and ordinary vengeance ; 7 But the man [that] shall
touch them must be fenced with iron and the staff of a spear,
that is, Christ the Messiah and prince, rcho shall come to execute
vengeance upon them, shall be armed with the instruments of de-
struction, and they shall be utterly burned with lire in the [same]
place; he shall utterly consume them'\,
* Tlicse are not two iinai:cs, Init one, viz., the springing up of grass and floweis
before tlie hri^jlit sunshine of the morning, after refreshing rains in the night ; than
which there is not in all nature a more cheering and delightful scene.
t This should be part of r. (j., where he gives a short but dreadfnl representa-
tion ot the condition of the wicked, and the vengeance that awaits tlieni.
X This is parallel to the second psalm, he shall ridf Uum or hrmk them with a
yd ot iron ; he shall prove as a consuming fire to them, they shall br utterly burnt
up. It expresses the certainly of the action, and ihal lljcre is uo possibdily of
II. SAMUEL. XXIII. 247
8 Tliese [be] the names of the mighty men whom David had :
the Tachmonite that sat in the seat at the council of rear, chief
among the captains, the lieutenant-general ; the same [was] Adino
the Eznite; [he lifted up his spear] against eight hundred, whom
he slew at one time*. 9 And after him [was] Eleazar the son of
Dodo the Ahohite, [one] of the three mighty men with David,
when they defied the Philistines [that] were there gathered toge-
ther to battle, and the men of Israel were gone awav : 10 He
arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his
hand clave unto the sword, bj/ reason of blood which clotted his
hand: and the Lord wrought a great victory that day ; and the
people returned after him only to spoil ; thei/ that zuerejied (vcr. 9.)
returned, after he had done slaying the Philistines, not io fight, but
only to take the spoil. 1 1 And after him was Shammah the son
of Agee the Hararite. And the Philistines were gathered together
into a troop, or, for foraging, where was a piece of ground full of
lentiles : and the people Hed from the Philistines. 12 But he
stood in the midst of the ground, and defended it, and slew the
Philistines, di-ove them back with great loss: and the liOiU) wrouglit
a great victory. 13 And three of the thirty chief, or the three
captains over the thirttj, went down, and came to Davjil in the
harvest time, when it was very hot, unto the cave of Adullam,
(1 Sam. xxii. 21.), and the troop of the Philistines pitched in the
valley of Rephaim, (2 Sam. v. 18.) 14 And David [was] then
in an hold, and the garrison of the Philistines [was] then [in]
Beth-lehem. 15 And David longed, and said. Oh that one
would sive me drink of the water of the well of Beth-lehem,
which [is] by the gate ! not with any intent that they should go for
it, he only expressed hoio glad he should be of a draught of that
toater, of tvhich he was used to drink when a boy. IG And the
three mighty men brake through the host of the Philistines, and
drew water out of the well of Beth-lehem, that [was] by the gate,
and took [it,] and brought [it] to David ; this they did without
saying any thing to him. Perhaps their boldness terrified the Phi-
listines, zcho stood astoinshed to see them : nevcrthele.ss he woidd
not drink thereof, but poured it out unto the Loud, as a thank
offering to God for delivering them. 17 And he said, Be it far
from me, O Loud, that I should do this : [is not this] the blood
of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives.? therefore he
escaping. Tliis seems to he the im-aiiing and si)irit of tliis bt;antit'"l anri instruc-
tive proplu'cy, and tliiis il is parallel to Mai. iv. 1, u., and is ilhistratcd by it-
• He slew tliico hundred of tlinn with iiis own Iinnds (iC'hrou. xi. 11. ), and
50 routed tht- rest, thai Uiey were slain by ollieib of tliv ainiy.
248 II. SAMUEL. XXIII.
would not drink it ; he was sony for his foolish wish, and that
such brave men should be exposed to such inuniueut danger. These
things did these three mighty men together. Then follows their
single exploits. 18 And Abishai, the brother of Joab, the son of
Zeriiiah, was chief among three. And he lifted up his spear
against three hundred, [and] slew [them,] and had the name
amongi three. I9 Was he not most honourable of three? there-
fore he was their captain : howbeit he attained not unto the
[first] three for strength and valour. 20 And Benaiah the sou
of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man, of Kabzeel, who had done
many acts, he slew two lion-like men of Moab : he went down
also and slew a lion in the midst of a pit in time of snow * :
21 And he slew an Egyptian, a goodly man, of great strength,
dexterity and stature : and the Egyptian had a spear in his hand
like a zceaver's beam (I Chron. xi. 23,); but he went down to
him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian's
hand, and slew him with his own spear. 22 l^hese [things] did
Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and had the name among three
mighty men. 23 He was more honourable than the thirty, but
he attained not to the [first] three. And David set him over his
guard. 24 Asahel the brother of Joab [was] one of the thirty ;
Elhanan the son of Dodo of Belh-lehem, 25 Shammah the
Harodite, Elika the Harodite, 26 Helez the Paltite, Ira the son
of Ikkesh the Tekoite, 27 Abiezer the Anelhothite, Mebunnai
the Hushathite, 28 Zalmon the Ahohite, Maharai the Netopha-
thile, 29 Ileleb the son of Baanah, a Netophathitc, Ittai the son
of Ribai out of Gibeah of the children of Benjamin, 30 Benaiah
the Firathonite, Iliddai of the brooks of Gaash, 31 Abi-albou
the Arbathitc, Azmaveth the Barhumite, 32 Eliahba the Shaal-
bonite, of the sons of Jashen, Jonathan, 33 Shammah the Hara-
rite, Ahiam the son of Sharar the Hararite, 54 Eliphelet the son
of Ahasbai, the son of the Maachathite, Eliam the son of
Ahithophel the Gilonite, 35 Hczrai the Carmelite, Paarai the
Arbite, 36 Igal the son of Nathan of Zobah, Bani the Gadite,
37 Zelek the Ammonite, Nahari the Beerothite, armourbearer
to Joab the son of Zeruiah, 38 Ira an Ithrite, Gareb an Ithrite,
39 Uriah the Hittitc : thirty and seven in allf-
• He probably retired into a cave to shelter himself in snowy weallicr, and there
a lion attacked him, wliicli, notwitlistaiiding the disadvantage of the situation, and
tlie fierceness of the heast, he slew.
t There is some ditierence hctvveon tliis list and that in ('hronicles. Some were
llien dead, or had niishehaved, and so lost tlieir rank ; which accounts for the
disacreenunt hetweru them. Oihiis mifjlit be a(hk-d who behaved well after-
ward*, and distiuyuisUcd thcuibclves by iome heroic actions.
II. SAMUEL. XXIII. 249
REFLECTIONS.
1. We should rejoice in the character and office of the Mes-
siah, as here pointed out, and that this prophecy is so far accom-
plished. God hath raised up a King, even this just One, who
ruleth in the fear of God; the Sun of righteousness hath risen upon
us zoith healing under his wings; and we enjoy plenty of spiritual
blessings in him. Let us rejoice that he*liath extended his king-
dom so wide, and shall reign till his enemies become his footstool.
2. Let us rejoice in the security of this everlasting covenant.
It is our comfort in life and death ; it is not only a covenant of
royalty, but of grace, even the sure mercies of David. It is ever-
lasting in its contrivance and continuance ; admirably adapted to
promote the glory of God, and the holiness and happiness of
souls. It is firmly established by the promise of a faithful God,
and Jesus is the surety of it. It is zcell ordered in all things and
sure : as it is all our salvation, let it be all our desire; let us seek
a share in its blessings, and comply with its demands. Then zcill
this God be our God for ever and ever, and our guide even until
death.
3. Let the enemies of Christ and his kingdom dread the effects
of his displeasure. Those sons of Belial who refuse his yoke,
which is so easy, who oppose his interests, and will not submit
to him, shall be entirely destroyed by that fire which is never
quenched. Therefore kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish
from the zcay when his wrath is kirulled but a little.
4. Whatever valour, resolution and success any possess, all
should be ascribed to God. So were the noble exploits of these
brave men, v. 10 — 12, and the Lord wrought a great victory,
though these men were instruments in obtaining it. The hand of
God [should be acknowledged in all the strength, courage, and
skill of men. Let not the strong man therefore glory in his strength,
but let him that glorieth, glory in the Lord.
5. Did the three men here mentioned venture so boldly to serve
David and their country ? How bold and resolute should we hv in
the cause of Christ! lie is the Captain of our salvation; and wc
should be resolute in opposing temptations, and attacking our
spiritual enemies. How courageously should we appear on the
Lord's side, in opposition to abounding vice and wickedness!
250 II. SAMUEL. XXIV.
endeavouring by our example and influence, lo stem the torrent,
and prevent its increase. They observed the least hint of their
prince's mind, and hazarded their lives to gratify it; so ambitious
Mere they to please him. Let us thus attend to the orders of our
Lord, and observe every intimation of his will ; especially as he
puts us upon no desperate service, and requires nothing but what
is reasonable and fit to be done, what ho will assist us in, and
reward us for.
6. Good soldiers of the Lord Jesus Christ should be had in
everlasting remembrance. This catalogue is written for the honour
of these worthies, and tc^excite the emulation of others. Those
that enlist under Christ's banner war a good warfare, and shall all
be had in everlasting honour. Their names ore written in the
Lamb's book of life; and though different degrees of courage and
zeal will have different degrees of honour, yet all shall be ap-
proved and rewarded, and their names mentioned with applause
at the great deciding day. Having been faithful to death, they
shall receive a crown of life. Let us then seek this honour; fght
the good fght of faith, that we muyfnish our course rcithjoy, and
be followers of thenij who through faith and patience inherit the
promises.
CHAPTER XXIV.
The sill of David in numbering the }ieoplc ; the judgment brought upon
the kingdom ; the plague is stayed upon David's repentance ; and an
allar is built to God in memory of the deliverance.
1 And again the anger of the Lord was kindled against
Israel, and he moved David against them, to say, Go, nundjcr
Israel andJudah*. 2 Tor the king said to Joab the captain of
the host, which [was] with him, Go now ihrougii all the tribes ol
Israel, fiom Dan in the north, even to Beer-shcba /// the south,
and number ye the people, that I may know the number of the
people. 3 And Joab said unto the king. Now the J^oun thy
God add unto the people how many soever they be, an hnndied-
* M'c rca«l, in 1 Clnon. xxi. 1., that Satan siifTi^cstcd this «••"• <"'<><1 P'niiillnt
it, Ixcansf his an;;iT was kni«llt<i aj^aiii^l Israel I'or Ihcii rtbi Ihitn, ihiii Iiimiiv,
ami Ihiii- coiilideiRc in tiieii uunibuis and slieiiglh; a lUinu; U>v conniuni in pios
peioub and iicactful kiugiloiua.
II. SAINIUEL. XXIV. 251
fold, and that the eyes of my lord the king niav see [it:] but whv
doth my lord the king delight in this thing, as it xaill be charge-
able, troublesome, and datigerousf 4 Notwithstanding the king's
word prevailed against Joab, and against the captains of the
host, who joined with lain in the remonstrance. And Joab and
the captains of the host went out from the presence of the kin"-,
to number the people of Israel, not being willirig to hazard his
favour, by disputing or disobeying his orders.
5 And they passed over Jordan, and pitched in Aroer, on the
right side of the city that [lieth] in the midst of the river of Gad,
and toward Jazer: 6 Then they came to Gilead, and to the land
of Tahtim-hodshi; and they came to Dan-jaan, and about to
Zidon, 7 And came to the strong hold of Tyre, and to all the
cities of the Hivites, and of the Canaanites : and they went out
to the south of Judah [even] to Beer-sheba. 8 So when they
had gone through all the land, they came to Jerusalem at the end
of nine months and twenty days*. 9 And Joab gave up the
sum of the number of the people unto the king : and there were
in Israel eight hundred thousand valiant men that drew the
sword; and the men of Judah [were] five hundred thousand
menf.
10 And David's heart smote him, after that he had numbered
the people. And David said unto the Lord, I have sinned
greatly in that I have done: and now, I beseech thee, O Lord,
take away the iniquity of thy servant ; for 1 have done very fool-
ishly J. 11 For § when David was up in the morning, the word
of the Lord came unto the prophet Gad, David's seer, his do-
mestic prophet, ivho advised him in difficult cases, saying, 12 Go
and say unto David, Thus saith the Loud, 1 offer thee three
[things ;] choose thee one of them, that I may [do it] unto thee.
This was an instance of the divine clemency, and designed to humble
him the more, by showing how unbecoming his vanity and conceit
* They went south-cast, tlien by the east to the north, so on to the west, and then
tu the south : but they did not number all the people, Benjamin and tlie Levito
were omitted.
t The ditfcience between this account and tliat in i Chron- xxi. 5., is easily re-
conciled, by supposinjj that in one account the militia was reckoned, and not in
the other, which makes their numbers nearly equal. The whole was a prodigious
multitude for so small a tract of land to support.
X Perhaps David's sin lay in doiuj; this without divine direction, or any im-
portant desipi, but from pride and vanity, and confidence in his numbers and
strength. This may be tlio reason why the action is irii|)Ute(i to Sat.in, the trtlli'M
of pride. The people were also guilty in not paying half a shekel ransom for
tl^eir lives, according to the law, Exodus xxx. 12.
§ This should be rendered And, for this was not the reason why David repented.
252 II. SAMUEL. XXIV.
were, zvhen he was so entirely under the divine pozccr. 13 So Gad
came to David, and told him, and said unto liim, Shall seven
years of famine * come unto thee in thy land ? or wilt thou flee
three months before thine enemies, while they pursue thee ? or
lliat there be three days' pestilence in thy land ? now advise, and
see what answer I shall return to him that sent me. 14 And
David )}iade an heroic and religious reply, (Did said unto Gad, I
am in a great strait : let us fall now into the hand of the Loud ;
for his mercies [are] great; and let me not fall into the hand of
man f.
15 So the Lord sent a pestilence upon Israel, from the morn-
ing even to the time irjjpointed J : and there died of the people
from Dan even to Beer-sheba seventy thousand men. lo And
when the angel stretched out his hand upon Jerusalem to destroy
it, the Lord, observing David and the people assembled for wor-
ship, and penitent before him, repented him of the evil, changed
his Xi'aij, and said to the angel that destroyed the people, It is
enough: stay now thine hand §. And the angel of the Loud
was by the threshing-place of Araunah the Jebusite. The angel
appeared like a man, with a drawn sword in his hand, to show that
it was no natural calamity, but an extraordinary judgment . He
stood before a threshing-place on mount Moriah, where Abraham
stood to sacrifce Isaac, and where the temple was afterzcards built.
17 And David spake unto the Lord when he saw the angel that
smote the people, and said, (not to the angel, but to the Lord,)
Lo, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly : but these sheep,
what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, be against me,
and against my father's house. lie rcjiccts like a good man on his
* In Chronicles it is three years' fauunc ; and that perhaps is tlic true reading;
according to tiie ancient version, as it corresponds to three months' flight and
three chijs' pestilence. Tliey were tince great and sore jiuignients.
+ Famine and pestilence were both inmiediatcly from (iods hand ; hnt as
famine was from a natural cause, he seems to refer to pestilence. He desires not
to fall iiuo the liand of men; they were cruel, and would make no distinction
between the good and bad ; this would be more to the dishonour of Ciod, and
stain the glory of Israel. Tiiere was great charity, wisd(jm and goodness in
David's answer. If he had chosen famine, or the sword, he woidd iiave chdscn
ill for his people, but well for himself. He was rich, ami might have had rehcf in
faii)in<;, wlule his subjects were starving. He might have had some strouu' liold or
fortification, while they were exposed to all the horrors of war. He chose wlial
an ancient writer calls ' an evd incident to kings and governors, as well as
Md)jects ;' HO riches nor forces could secure against it.
X The word properly signifies, an assembly, or sacred time; probably the time
of evening prayer.
§ }\y this it api)ears that the plauiie continued only about nine hours, such
<piick work do Judgments make; while Joab was nine months in going Ihrougli
the land, the augel's sword in nine hours did such terrible cxetuliou.
11. SAMUEL. XXIV. 2.53
otcn sill, and not on the people and their rche/lion. Jlis lantruaoe
expresses the greatest affection for them. He prays that the sin
might rather be charged to him and his father's house, that is, his
kindred, who jprohabli/ , instead of dissuading him, encoura<red him
to do it.
18 And Gad came that day to David, and said unio him Go
up, rear an altar unto the Lord in the threshing-floor of Araunah
the Jebusite. He zms afraid to go to Gibeon, nchere the taber-
nacle was, because of the plague, and of the angel destroyiu<i Jeru-
salem in the mean time; and God, in condescension to his fears,
orders the sacrifce to be on the spot. 19 And David, according
to the saying of Gad, went up as the Lord commanded.
20 And Araunah looked, and saw the king and his servants com-
ing on toward him : and Araunah went out, and bowed himself
before the king on his face upon the ground. 21 And Araunah
said, Wherefore is my lord the king come to his servant ? And
David said, to buy the threshing-floor of thee, to build an altar
unto the Lord, that the plague may be stayeil from the people.
22 And Araunah said unto David, Let my lord the king take and
ofl'er up what [seemeth] good unto him; behold, [here be] oxen
for burnt sacritice, and threshing instruments and [other] instru-
ments of the oxen for wood ; dn/ wood, yokes, and threshing instru-
ments, to make the fire with. 23 All these [things] did Araunah,
[as] a king, give unto the king. And Araunah said unto the
king. The Lord thy God accept thee; he should think himself
siijjiciently paid if God would accept the sacrijice. 24 And the
king said unto Araunah, Nay ; but I will surely buy [it] of thee
at a price : neither will I off^er burnt oft'erings unto the Lord
my God of that which doth cost me nothing ; that would be dis-
honourable to God, as if he was not zcorthy if the expense, and a
disparagement to himself, as if he was nmcilling. So David
bought the threshing-floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver*.
And David built there an altar unto the Lord, and oft'ered burnt
oft'erings to implore mercy, and peace offerings, in thankfulness for
the beginning of mercy. So the Lord was entreated for the land,
and the plague was stayed from Israel. IVie angel put up his
sword, and God sent f re from heaven to consume the sacrifce, in
token of his acceptance, 1 Chron. xxi. 26. ; David probab/y composed
the ninety first psalm on this occasion.
* Between five and six pounds ; and for the wliole spot whcicon tlic temple
vias built, and the courts about it, six hundred slicktLs as wc read, i ( hron. xxi.
25., about five himdrod and fifty pounds ; probably much more than it was worth ;
but he did it out of royal bounty, and to reward so generous a nian.
254< II. SAMUEL. XXIV.
REFLECTIONS.
1. We have here an awful instance of the mischievous conse-
quences of pride. There was no real harm in numbering; the
people. It had been done by Moses, and by others after David's
time. But the principle was vanity; he was proud of his forces,
and Jiow trusted in an aim of Jie<ih, and God punished him for it
by the loss of great numbers of them. Pride is always displeasing
to God, and it is just in him to take away that which is the cause
of our pride and boasting. It is lawful to take pleasure in our
comforts and possessions; but if we are proud, and forget God,
he will deprive us of them. Pride goeth before destruction, and a
haughty spirit before a fall.
2. See what an excellent thing it is to have a tender conscience,
which will smite us when we do evil, and reclaim us when we go
astray. The best may err; but if the heart is tender, we shall
soon be recovered ; not contiime under the power of sin, but
quickly tread back the unhappy steps we have taken. We here
see that the eye of God discerns the heart. May we be cautious,
and look well to our own. He does not so much consider the
action, as the principle. Keep thy heart therefore with all dili-
gence, for out of it are the issues of life.
3. We leani the nature and genuine effects of repentance. It
will lead })ersons to own their sin ; that they have sinned greatly,
and done foolishly, and to accuse themselves more than others.
So David. I'hese sheep, tchat hare they done'^ On me he the
inifjuity. Let these escape. It will lead us to seek |)ardon, and
to cry earnestly for it. Too many are ready to extenuate their
sin, saying. It is but a little matter; and are ready to charge
others as greater offenders, especially when public judgnients are
abroad. But humble hearts blame themselves most, and entreat
mercy for themselves and others. The more they see of God's
great mercy, especially in pardoning, the more they are humbled
for sin and resolved against it.
4. Those who profess relation to God, should cultivate a
generous spirit. This was remarkable both in the Jebusitcs and
the Israelites. They strove who should excel, and it was a noble
emulation. Araunah offered generously to the king, thou-h he
was able to pay. David determined not to take advant:»ge of his
II. SAMUEL. XXIV. 255
generosity, but to pay to its full value, and gave a good reason ;
he would not offer to the Lord what cost him nothiiic-. There
is no true religion in a niggardly, covetous breast. Most
men are for a cheap religion ; they do not care how little they
give for God and his service, and are glad if it costs them nothino-.
But God requires and expects that we honour him with our sub-
stance ; and that whatever we do in his service, it should be done
generously, and proportionably to the greatness and goodness of
that God whom we serve. This is the way to secure his blessin*'
with what we have, and to be largely recompensed at the resurrec-
tion of the just. Amen,
THE
FIRST BOOK OF THE KINGS,
CALLED liY THE SEVENTY
THE THIRD BOOK OF THE KINGS.
INTRODUCTION.
These two books of the Kings contain the history of the kings of Israel
and Judah, from Solomon to the Babylonish captivity ; including a
space of near six hundred years : and were probably written by Ezra.
ts^ It will be piopc-r to read tlic tweiify-second cliaptor of ilie first book of
('liiouicli's Ix-fbre tliis, as it ct)[itiiiiis an account of" what ininu'diately followod
when the plague was stayed, and the altar built, and which coiiuects tlie story
with this.
CHAPTER I.
•
Gives an account of David's infirmities in his advanced life ; the attempt
Adonijah made to be king ; Nathan's contrivance to secure the settle-
ment upon Solomon ; his nomination by David, ami advancement to
the throne; and the happy consequence of this, in the confusion of
Adonijah and his party.
1 l\IO\V" king David was old [and] stricken in years; he was
fiozc sevenlj/ years oj' age, and worn out rcith the hardships of his
youth, and his cares, fatigues, and troubles; and they covered him
with clothes, but he gat no heat. 2 Wherefore his servants
said unto him, Let there be sought for my lord the king a young
virgin : a\id let her stand before the king, and let her cherish
him, and let her lie in thy bosom, that my lord the king may get
heat. 3 So they sought for a fair damsel throughout all the
coasts of Israel, and found Abishag a Shunamite, and brought
her to the king. 4 And the damsel [was] very fair, and cherished
the king, and ministered to him : but the king knew her not.
5 Then Adonijah the son of llaggith exalted himself, saying, I
will be king : and he prepared him chariots and horscnien, and
fifty men to riui before him. lie took the advantage uf his father's
I. KINGS, I. 257
age and weakness, atid used those popular methods uhich Absalom
had done. What emboldened him to this was his father's indul-
gence. 6 And his father had not displeased him at any time in
saying, Why hast thou done so? and he also [was a] very goodly
[man ;] and [his mother] bare him after Absalom, therefore he
was next heir vote Absalom was dead. 7 And he conferred with
Joab the^son of Zeruiah, and with Abiathar the priest : and they
following Adonijah helped [him.] The first was disaffected be-
cause Aniasa had been put in his place ; the latter probably be-
cause Zadok had more of the king s confidence than him. 8 But
Zadok the priest, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and Nathan
the prophet, and Shimei, and Rei, and the mighty men wliich
[belonged] to David, his heroes and fiaithful life-guards, were not
with Adonijah. 9 And Adonijah slew sheep and oxen and fat
cattle by the stone of Zoheleth, which [is] by En-rogel ; and
called all his brethren the king's sons, and ail the men of Judah
the king's servants : thej/ pretended to offer a sacrifice^ and to
feast upon it, and none were to come but those zcho icere invited.
10 But Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah, and the mighty
men, and Solomon his brother, he called not. His not inviting
Solomon shozced that he knezo him to be his rival, and zcas ac-
quainted with his designatio?i to the throne.
1 1 Wherefore Nathan spake unto Bath-sheba the mother of
Solomon, saying. Hast thou not heard that Adonijah the son of
Haggith doth reign, and David our lord knoweth [it] not ?
12 Now therefore come, let me, I pray thee, give thee counsel,
that thou mayest save thine own life, and the life of thy son
Solomon ,• for Adonijah will not reckon himself safe zchile he
lives. 1.3 Go and get thee in unto king David, and say unto
him, Didst not thou, my lord, O king, swear unto thine hand-
maid, saying. Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me,
and he shall sit upon my throne I why then dodi Adonijah reign ?
14 Jnd, Behold, while thou yet talkest there with the king, 1 will
also come in after thee, and confirm thy words, and cpucken him
to give immediate orders about the matter. \j And Bath-sheba
went in unto the king into the chamber : and the king was very
old ; and Ahishag the Shunammite ministered unto the kmg.
16 And Bath-sheba bowed, and did obeisance unto the king.
And the king said, What wouldest thou r 17 And she said unto
him. My lord, thou swarest by the Lord thy God unto thine
handmaid, [saying,] Assuredly Solomon thy son sli;ill reign after
me, and he shall sit upon my throne. IS And now, behold,
VOL. III. S
258 I. KINGS. I.
Adonijah reis^neth ; and now, my lord the king, thou knowest [il]
not. She does not accuse David of breaking his oath, but inti-
mates that he 7cas unacquainted with what Adonijah had done.
19 And he hath slain oxen and fat cattle, and sheep in abun-
dance, and hath called all the sons of the king, and Abiathar the
priest, and Joab the captain of the host: but Solomon thy ser-
vant hath he not called. 20 And thou, my lord, O king, the eyes
of all Israel [are] upon thee, that thou shouldst tell them who
shall sit on the throne of my lord the king after him. The Israelites
knowing him to be concerned for their tvelj'are, and that he zcas
a prophet, would expect him to name a successor, and thus pre-
vent disturbances and rebellions. 21 Otherwise it shall come to
pass, when my lord the king shall sleep with his fathers, that I
and my son Solomon shall be counted offenders. She hopes he
would immediately interpose, othentise she and her son would be
considered and punished as traitors, for aiming at tlie kingdom.
22 And, lo, while she yet talked with the king, Nathan the pro-
phet also came in, who zcas ahvays welcome to the king, and
Bath-sheba withdrew. 23 And they told the king, saying. Be-
hold Nathan the prophet. And when he was come in before the
king, he bowed himself before the king with his face to the
ground, he approached with reverence, though he was a prophet.
24 And Nathan said, My lord, O king, hast thou said, Adonijah
shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne*'!' 23 For
he is gone down this day, and hath slain oxen and fat cattle and
sheep in abundance, and hath called all the king's sons, and the
captains of the host, and Abiathar the priest ; and, behold, they
eat and drink before him, and say, God save king Adonijah. He
adds more than Bath-sheba, namely, that they had actualli/ pro-
claimed him king, without either consulting God or David about
it. 26 But me, [even] me thy servant, and Zadok the priest, and
Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and thy servant Solomon, hath he
not called, knowiitg that we are men of fdeliti/, and that there
teas no infuenciug us. 27 Is this thing done by my lord the king,
and thou hast not showed [it] unto thy servant, who should sit
on the throne of my lord the king after himf? 28 Then king
David answered and said, Call me Bath-sheba. And she came
* Nathan knew it mas not so, but thus lie awakens and rouses the king, and il-
lustrates Adonijah's presumption.
»
t In a matter of such iniportanre, Nathan thought David would not act without
his advice, or seeking counsel of God ; especially as he was the messenger of the
divitie designation of Solomon ; if David had rrccived any fresh revelation himself,
lie thought he would tell him of it.
I. KINGS. I. 259
ir.to the king's presence, and stood before the king. 29 And the
king sware, and said, [As] the Lord liveth, that hath redeemed
my sonl out of all distress *, 30 Even as I sware uiito thee by
the Loud God of Israel, saying. Assuredly Solomon thy sou
shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne in my stead;
even so will I certainly do this day. . j I Then Bath-sheba bowed
with [her] face t-o the earth, and did reverence to the king, and
said, Let my lord king David live for ever. She tiever wished to
see Solomon kin^ while David could co)itiniie to be so.
32 And king David said, Call me Zadok the priest, and Nathaa
the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada ; he knew these
men would faithfully and resolutely execute his orders. 33 And
they came before the king. The king also said unto them, Take
with you the servants of your lord, the king's valiant guards, and
cause Solomon my son to ride upon mine own mule, and bring him
down to Gihonf: 34 And let Zadok the priest and Nathan the
prophet anoint him there king over Israel : and blow ye with the
trumpet, and say, God save king Solomon^, 35 Then shall ye
come up after him, that he may come and sit upon my throne; for
he shall be king in my stt ad : and 1 have appointed him to be ruler
over Israel and over Judah. 3() And Benaiah the son of Jehuiada
answered the king, and said, Aujen : the Lord God of my lord the
king say so [too.] 37 As the Loud hath been with my lord the
king, even so be he with Solomon, and make his throne greater than
the throne of my lord king David. This teas an honest, loyal wish;
uttered with the air of a soldier and an Israelite. 38 So Zadok
the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Je-
hoiada, and the Chercthites, and the Pelethites, went down, and
caused Solomon to ride upon king David's mule, and brought
him to Gihon. 39 And Zadok the priest took an horn of oil out
of the tabernacle, to make the unction more sacred and solemn, and
anointed Solomon. And they blew the trumpet ; and all the
people said, God save king Solomon. 40 And all the people
eame up after him, and the people piped with pipes, and re-
joiced with great joy, so that the earth rent with the sound of
* He here makes a solemn appeal to Goil, ami speaks with gratitude of his pre-
serving goodness ; and therefore he would not take his name in vain.
t This was a fountain near Jci usalcni, hut on the opposite side to that where
Adonijah was ^onc.
i Tlie Jewish writers say, that the king was not anointed but in cases where the
younger was chosen instead of the elder, or the crown was tntnsferred to another
family ; the priest was to anoint him, and the prophet to denounce tlie divine
tiesi-tiiation ; both were to join, to give greater authority and solemnity to it; then
they were to proclaim him king, and tix him upon David's throne.
S is
260 I. KINGS, r.
lliem ; the people rejoiced great/i/ to see a king settled by David's
appointment, hoping it would prevent all contests, and secure their
public peace.
41 And Adonijah and all the guests that [were] with him heard
[it] as they had made an end of eating. x\nd when Joab heard
the sound of the trumpet, he said, Wherefore [is this] noise of the
city being in an uproar.'' because it zcas his business as captain of
the host to suppress it. 42 And while he yet spake, behold, Jo-
nathan the son of Abialhar the priest came: and Adonijah said
unto him. Come in ; for thou [art] a valiant man, and bringest
good tidings, or, a xirtuous man, and zee may depend on zchat thou
sai/est. 43 And Jonathan answered and said to Adonijah, Verily
our lord king David hath made Solomon king. .Jonathan zcas
zi^itness oj' the uhole transaction, and went zcith the rest to the pa-
lace, where he heard and saw what passed on the occasion. 44 And
the king hath sent with him Zadok the priest, and Nathan the
prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites,
and the Pelethites, and they have caused him to ride upon the
king's mule : 45 And Zadok the priest and Nathan the pro-
phet have anointed him king in Gihon : and they are come up from
thence rejoicing, so that the city rang again. This [is] the noise
that ye have heard. 46 And also Solomon sitteth on the throne
of the kingdom. 47 And moreover the king's servants came to
bless our lord king David, to thank him for his care in appointi>?g
a successor, and so good a one, saying God make the name of So-
lomon better than thy name, and make his throne greater than thy
throne. And the king bowed himself upon the bed, to thank
them, and adore God for his great nwrci/. 48 And also thus said
the king, Blessed [be] the Lohd God of Israel, which hath given
[one] to sit on my throne this day, mine eyes even seeing [it.]
He mentioned this as a peculiar circmnstance of Jot/, that his eyes
saw it, and that he tvas a witness to the affection and Joy of his
people. 49 And all the guests that [were] with Adonijah were
afraid, and rose up, and went every man his way. They dispersed
as soon as they could, that it might not be knozcn that they were zcith
Adonijah. 30 And Adonijah feared because of Solomon, and
arose, and went, and caught hold on the horns of the altar*.
51 And it was told Solomon, saying. Behold, Adonijah feareth
king Solomon : for, lo, he hath caught hold on the horns of the
♦ Thou^li tliere was no express law, iliat those who fled to the altar should be
secure, yet they generally presumed, iluit out of respect to that liolv place, none
would oft'ev violence to those that wore there.
T. KINGS. I. 261
altar, saying, Let king Solomon swear unto nie to-day that he will
not slay his servant with the sword, and I will surrender myself.
52 And Solomon said, If he will show himself a worthy man, there
shall not an hair of him fall to the earth : but if wickedness shall
be found in him, he shall die. o3 So king Solomon sent, and Ado-
uijdh agreed to the couditions^ and they brought him down from
the altar. And he came and bowed himself to king Solomon ;
owued him for his soverciisii and swore allegiance to him ; and So-
lomon said unto him, (io to thine house ; meddle no more rcilh
public affairs, but mind your own private concerns.
REFLECTIONS.
1. FuoM hence we may leain, that those parents, who are over
indulgent to their children, make a rod for themselves. It was no
wonder that Adonijah proved a traitor and a rebel, when his father
spoiled him, never crossed his humour, let him follow his own in-
clinations, and have his own way, and thus brought this distress
upon himself. Such conduct in parents is weaki>.ess in them, and
real cruelty to llicir children ; who, when they are indulged, and
not restrainetl and kept under, grow like Adonijah, proud and
ambitious, and so are ruined.
2. It becomes aged saints to recollect and own the goodness
of God to them in their past lives, ver. '29- When David men-
tions the name of God, he adds, who hath redeemed me out of all
distress. He owns God's goodness in bringing him through so
many dangers and difficulties. Days should speak, and the multi-
tude of years teach wisdom. Aged saints should be v\itnesses for
God, should testify of his goodness, and the experience they have
had of his protection and care. It is an honour due to God ; it
will afford them comfort in future scenes, especially in death ; and
be ai\ encouragement to the rising generation to taste and sec that
the Lord is gracious.
0. It is a great satisfaction to good men, when dying and quit-
ting the world, to leave their families in prosperous and peaceable
circumstances ; especially to see them rising up in their stead
active for the honour of God and the support of religion, r. 48.
This is a reason why heads of families should be careful of their
interest, especially of the welfare of their souls; and why young
men should be sober-minded, that their parents may have comfort
in them livins: and dying.
262 I. KINGS. II.
4. How much reason have we to rejoice in the exaltation of
Christ the son of David, and in the estabHshment of his kingdom,
and to dread the confusion and doom of his enemies. God hath set
his King on his holy hill. Whatever attempts are made to dethrone
him, or to destroy his kingdom, shall all be vain ; and shall be
turned to the confusion of their authors, as those of Adonijah and
liis party were. Men think by secret plots to undernnne the
cause of Christ, the Prince of [)eace, but God will discover them.
He suffers them to lay their heads together, and feast themselves
with the hopes of success; and when at the height of their joy,
he confounds them, lays them open to the scorn of the world, and
the anguish of their own guilty hearts. But all those who are
faithful to Christ, shall fmd him able to save to the uttermost, and
enjoy all the inestimable blessings of his administration. Kiss the
Son, therefore, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when
his wrath is kindled but a little.
CHAPTER II.
In which are David's last instructions to Solomon ; an account of Da-
vid's death and Solomon's succession ; and the deaths of Adonijah,
Joab and Shimei.
1 i\OW the days of David drew nigh that he should die; everi/
thing relating to the temple being settled, he found himsclj' going ojf
apace; and he charged Solomon his son to mitul religion, saying,
2 I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore in the
way of justice and righteousness ; and show thyself a man, discreet
and serious; 3 And keep the charge of the Lord thy God to walk
in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his
judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses,
that thou mayest prosper, or do wisely, in all that thou doest, and
whithersoever thou turnest thyself*: 4'1'hat the Loun may continue
his word which he spake concerning mc^ which he promised me con-
ditionally, saying, If thy children take heed to their way, to walk
before me in truth with ail their heart and with all their soul, there
* This variety of expression (knntcs the re^aitj lie sliouhi liavc to all Clod's pie-
cept*, to every tiling the law coutuiiied, vshidi Lc was to read and transeribe
with liis own liuiud.
I. KINGS. II. 263
shall not fall thee (said he) a man on the throne of Israel. 5 More-
over thou knowest also what Joab the sou of Zeruiah did to me,
his insolent, imperious behaviour to me, [and] what he did to the
two captains of the hosts of Israel, unto Abner the son of Ner
and unto Aniasa the son of Jether, whom he slew to satisfy his
own ambition, and shed the blood of war in peace, and put the
blood of war upon his girdle that [was] about his loins, and ii\ his
shoes that [were] on his feet ; he was not ashamed to so to the
army with their blood upon his apparel, as if it tvas his glory to
have murdered them. 6 Do therefore according to thy wisdom,
and let not his hoar head go down to the grave in peace *. 7 But
show kindness unto the sous of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let
them be of those that eat at thy table : for so they came to me,
laden with all manner of provision, when 1 Hed because of Absa-
lom thy brother. 8 And, behold, [thou hast] with thee Shimei,
the son of Gera, a Benjamite of Bahurim, which cursed me with
a grievous curse in the dav when I went to Mahanaim : but he
came down to meet me at Jordan, and I sware to him by the
Lord, saying, I will not put thee to death with the sword.
David, by reason of this oath, was under a personal obligation to
Shimei; but Solomon was at full liberty to vindicate the majesty
of kings, and avenge the horrible insult and malicious reproaches
thrown upon his father ; and he supposed that Shimei' s turbulent
spirit zcould soon furnish him with occasion for pu)iishing him.
9 Now therefore hold him not guiltless : for thou [art] a wise man,
and knowest what ihou oughtest to do unto him ; but his hoar
head bring thou down to the grave with blood t- 10 So David
slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David, in Sion ;
and his tomb luas made of such frm materials, or luas so well
guarded, that it continued above one thousand years, till after
Christ's time. See Acts ii. 29- H And the days that David
reigned over Israel [were] forty years : seven years reigned he in
Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem.
12 Then sat Solomon upon the throne of David his father; and
* Davitl liud never foii;iven liim for these crimes ; lie only wanted power to
punish him, and thought his son would be unsafe while such a bold and imperious
man was livniL', who had such interest with the soldiers.
t Dr. Rennicott observes, ihiit it is not uncommon to omit the negative in the.
second part of a sentence, and to consider it as repeated when it has been once
expressed, and is fjllowed bv the connectins particle. He produces instances from
Isaiah xlii. 22. Bishop Lowth, also. Psalm i. 5. ix. is. xxxviii. i. Ixxv. 5. Prov.
xiv. 12. XXX. 3. He therefore concludes that this passage should be rendered, but
his hour head briiii:- thou not doivn to the grave with blood; and it is plain Solomon
understood it in this sense, lor he did not kill Shimei for that oftence, but eontincd
him to a particular spot in Jerusalem for the ronuiindfr of his life— £d.
264. 1. KINGS. II.
his kingdom was established greatly ; lie reigned mth the uiiiiersat
consent and upprobation of his people.
13 And Adonijah the sou of Haggith came to Bathsheba the
mother of Solomon. And she said, Comest thou peaceably?
She had some reason to distrust liiin, because by her means, as he
thought, he hud lost the kingdom. And he said, Peaceably. 14 He
said moreover, I have somewhat to say unto thee, I am come about
particular business. And she said, Say on. 15 And he said.
Thou knowest that the kingdom was mine by hereditary right, aud
[that] all Israel set their faces on me, that I should reign : howbeit
the kingdom is turned about, and is become my brother's : for it
was his from the Lord ; therefore he zcould not have her think that
he had any ill designs, but k'a.s tcell satisfied xoith the divine designa-
tion. \Q And now I ask one petition of thee, deny me not.
And she said unto him. Say on. 17 And he said. Speak, I
pray thee, unto Solomon the king, (for he will not say thee nay,)
that he give me Abishag the Shunammite to wife. He thought
he might hnvfully marry her because she was still a virgin, though
David's last zcife in his old age. 18 And Bath-sheba said. Well;
I will speak for thee unto the king ; tiot understanding his whole
intention, she promised to use her interest with the king. 19 Bath-
sheba therefore went unto king Solomon, to speak to him for
Adonijah. And the king rose up to meet her, and bowed himself
unto her, and sat down on his throne, and caused a seat to be set
for the kin<if's mother; and she sat on his right hand. 20 Then she
said, I desire one small petition of thee; [I pray thee,] say me
not nay. And the king said unto her, zcith the greatest respect.
Ask on, my mother: for I will not say thee nay. 21 And
she said, Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to Adonijah thy
brother to wife. 22 And king Solomon answered and said unto
his mother, And why dost thou ask Abishag the Shunammite for
Adonijah? ask for him the kingdom also: for he [is] mine elder
brother ; even for him, and for Abiathar the priest, and for Joab
the son of Zeruiah*. 23 Then king Solomon sware by the Lord,
* When Solomon liearti the rotiiicst, he was a little provoked, for it was not a
small petition ; slie misht as wpII liave asked tlie kingdom. He saw at once through
Adonijah's desij^n. It washi^h treason among the Jews to marry or dehauch the
king's widow ; but by this means Adonijah tiionght to enlarge his interest, as she
perhaps was allied to some great family, or might have considerable wealth left her
by David. Solomon seems to have had secret intelligence that a plot was forming
by Joab, Aliiathar, and Adonijah, and that this was their scheme, and the first overt
act of treason. — ' The ancient versions and the Targnm give a difl'ercut sense to
the latter cluuse of this verse, viz.,/o;- lie (Adonijah) is my elder biotlur, and he has
for kirn (already declared on his side) to/A i46i«fA«r «n</ Jor/t.' Dr. Kenmcott.
I, KINGS. 11. 265
paying, God do so to me, and more also, let him do worse to mc
than I dare mention, if Adonijah have not spoken this word
against his ovyn life. 24 Now therefore, [as] the Lord liveth,
which hath established me, and set me on the throne of David
my father, and who hath made me an house, as he promised, Ado-
nijah shall be put to death this day. 25 And king Solomon sent
by the hand of Benaiah the son of Jehoiada; and he fell upon
him that he died.
26 And unto Abiathar the priest said the kin«T, Get thee to
Anathoth, unto thine own fields, to thi/ estate in the countn/ : for
thou [art] worthy of death * : but I will not at this time put thee
to death, because thou barest the ark of the Loud God before
David my father, and because thou hast been afflicted in all
wherein my father was afflicted. 27 So Solomon thrust out
Abiathar from being priest unto the Loud; that he might fulfil
the word of the Lord, which he spake concerning the house of
Eli in Shiloh; and thus was the prophecy in 1 Sam. ii. S\. accom-
plished.
28 Then tidings came to Joab: for Joab had turned after Ado-
nijah, though he turned not after Absalom ; he knew he wnsguilty
of crimes worthy of death, especially in this last plot. And Joab
fled unto the tabernacle of the Loud, and caught hold on the
horns of the altar in Gibeon, hoping for .security and pardon there,
as Adonijah had. 29 And it was told king Solomon that Joab
was fled unto the tabernacle of the Lord ; and, behold, [he is]
by the altar. Then Solomon sent Benaiah the son of Jehoiada,
saying, Go, fall upon him. 30 And Benaiah came to the ta-
bernacle of the Lord, and said unto him. Thus saith the king,
Come forth. And he said, Nay, but I will die here; perhaps in-
tending to bring reproach on Solomon for staini7ig the tabernacle
with blood. And Benaiah brought the king word again, saying,
Thus said Joab, and thus he answered me. S\ And the king,
who was determined to shoiv that no place, hoicever sacred, should
secure a murderer from justice, as the law appointed, said unto
him. Do as he hath said, and fall upon him, and bury him ; that
thou mayest take away the innocent blood, which Joab shed, from
me, and from the house of my father, and wipe of the reflection
of having spared him, from David's character, and prevent the evil
that might come upon his family for it. 32 And the Lord shall
return his blood upon his own head, who fell upon two men more
* Besides being concerned in this plot, lie bad taken part in .\bsalom'8 rebellion.
266 I. KINGS. 11.
righteous and better than he, and slew them with the sword, my
father David not knowing [tliereof, to wit,] Abner the son of Ner,
captain of the host of Israel, and Amasa the son of Jether, cap-
tain of the host of Judah. 33 Their blood shall therefore return
upon the head of Joab, and upon the head of his seed for
ever : but upon David, and upon his seed, and upon his
house, and upon his throne, shall there be peace for ever from
the Lord. 34 So Benaiah the son of Jehoiuda went up, and
fell upon him, and slew him: and he was buried in his own house
in the wilderness; he had an honourable burial siiilable to his rank
and character. 35 And the king put Benaiah the son of Jehoiada
in his room over the host : and Zadok the priest did the king put
in the room of A biaihar.
36 And the king sent and called for Shimei, and said unto him,
Build thee an house in Jerusalem, and dwell there, and go not
forth thence any whither. 37 For it shall be, [that] on the day
thou goest out, and passest over the brook Kidron, thou shall
know for certain that thou shall surely die : thy blood shall be
upon thine own head*. 38 And Shimei said unto the king. The
saying [is] good : as my lord the king hath said, so will thy
servant do. And Shimei dwelt in Jerusalem many days. 39 And
it came to pass at the end of three years, that two of the ser-
vants of Shimei ran away unto Achish son of Maachah king of
Gath. And they told Sliiiiiei, saving. Behold thy servants [be] in
Gath. 40 And Shimei, thinking Uiat Solomon had forgottoi the
injunction^ or would not adhere stricth/ to it, arose, and saddled
his ass, and went to Gath Id Achish to seek his servants : and
Shimei went without at'king leave of the king, and brought his
servants from Gath. 41 And it was told Solomon that Shimei
had gone from Jerusalem to Gath, and was come again. 4'2 And
the king sent and called for Shimei, and said unto him. Did 1
not make thee to swear by the I^ORD, and protested unto thee,
saying. Know for a certain, on the day thou goest out, and
walkest abroad any whither, that thou shalt surely die .'' and thou
saidst unto me, The word [that] I have heard [is] good. 43 \\ hy
then hast thou not kept the oath of the Loud, and the conmiand-
ment that I have charged thee with i he tvas doubly guilty, in
diiobei/ing the king, when put on his good behaviour, and of break-
ing a solemn oath. 44 The king said moreover to Shimei, Thou
* Solomon, knowing Shimei to be a man of a turbulent spirit, confined him to
Jerusalem and a mile about it, for so far Kidron was trom it, that he miijlit not
have an opportunity to sow sedition among llic tribes, and that iiis conduct might
be narrowly watched.
I. KINGS. II. 267
knowest all the wickedness wliich thine heart is privy to, that
thou didst to David my father; iipon uhat wicked ami malicious
principles he had cursed his father : therefore the Lord shall
return thy wickedness upon thine own head. 45 And king So-
lomon [shall be blessed,] and the throne of David shall be es-
tablished before the Lord for ever ; the Lord had turned Shimei's
curses into a blessing. 46 So the king commanded Benaiah the
son of Jehoiada ; which went out, and fell upon him, that he
died *'. And the kingdom was established in the hand of So-
lomon, bj/ the removal of those wicked and turbulent men.
REFLECTIONS.
1. We see, that the greatest and best of men go the zcay of all
the earth. Neither wealth, nor power, nor piety, shield from
death. It is appointed unto all men, and it becomes us seriously to
think of it, and be prepared for this awful jouniey. There are
but two different ways after death, to heaven or hell.
2. Good men cannot spend their dying breath better, than in
giving a solemn charge to their children. Parents should be soli-
citous to do it then, when their words will make a peculiar impres-
sion, and when children will be moreMikely to attend to them and
keep their charge, and the charge of God, as the only way to pros-
perity for both worlds. If we keep God's charge, we may hope
he will continue his mercies to us, as to our fathers, and perform
all his promises, on zchich he hath caused us to hope.
3. Observe the just and righteous judgments of God upon cruel
and ambitious men. Adonijah, Jonb, and Shimei did not take
warning, but proceeded in their aspiring designs, till they came
to a shameful end. A little contentment, meekness, and humi-
lity, had saved their lives. They might have lived easy and happy,
and died in peace. But the justice of God and Solomon over-
took them, and returned their violent doings on their own heads.
In the lowest stations of life if men would live easy and comfort-
able, the way is very plain, that is, to be contented and humble.
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
4. A grateful sense of kindnesses received should never be lost.
We should return it while we live, and be desirous that our
children should return it to our benefactors, or to their offspring.
* Executions were not tlion done by an officer appointid for the purpose, hut
by some great men about the court, as here by the greatest officer in the ariuy.
268 I. KINGS. III.
Thus David lequiteil Barzillai's kindness. It is a wise and use-
ful maxim ol Solomon, Thine own frieud and tin/ J athers friend
forget not.
CHAPTER III.
Gives a general account of Solomon's marriage and !elij;iot) ; his
prayer, and God's gracious answer to it ; and his wise decision of a
difficult case.
1 xxND Solomon, to fx himself more strongh/ in his govern^
ment, made affinity with Pharaoh king of I'^gypt, and took Pha-
raoh's daughter to zcife*', and Solomon brought her into tiie city
of David, (here she dzoelt till he built a house for her), imtil he
had made an end of building his own lunise, and the house of
the Lord, and the wall of Jerusalem round about.
2 Only the people sacrificed in high places, because there was
no house built unto the name of the Lord, until those days ; there
was no fault in the worship, hut in the place. It zcas a patri-
archal custom, hut not so tnuch regarded nozc, for those high
places had been abused bi/ idolatri/. 3 And Solomon loved the
Lord, walking in the statutes of David his father : onlv he sacri-
ficed and burned incense in high places, zchich David his father
had not done. 4 And the king went to Gibeon, ichere the taber-
nacle was, to sacritice there ; for that [was] the great high
place, the chief resort for people to worship : a thousand burnt
offerings did Solomon offer upon that altar, the brazen altar if
Moses. He went there icith the nobles and great men to worship,
and thank God for his peaceable stlllement on the throne.
5 In Gibeon the ]^oi;d appeared to Solomon in a dream by
night ,• in that Jiight after he had offered up his sacrifices: and God,
to try his inclination, said. Ask what I shall give theef. 6 And
Solomon said. Thou hast showed unto thy servant David my
father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth,
and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee ; and
♦ It is probable she was a proselyte to the Jewish religion, and therefore thr
marriage was not sint'nl ; for no mention is m-ade of the gods of Egypt among those
by whom Solomon was seduced. See chap, ix., and this is confirmed by the forty-
fifth psalm .
t This gracious offer had no doubt been the subject of bis daily prayer, and
of his most serious thoughts ; and therefore ho immediately offers this excellent
prayer, which he begins with a thankful acknowledgmcut of the mercies he had
received.
I. KINGS. III. 069
thou liast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast wiveu
him a son to sit on his throne, as [it is] this day. 7 And now,
O Lord my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of
David my father : and 1 am but a little child : I know not [how]
to go out or come in. He acknowledges his ignorance and weak-
ness; he was now about twenty years old, and but a little child
with respect to skill about public affairs. He knew not how to
rule and behave wisely for want of experience. 8 And thy servant
[is] in the midst of thy people which thou hast cliosen, a great
people that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude ;
they were God's chosen people, therefore he zcould expect pecu-
liar care to be taken of them, and they were a great people,
consequently great abilities zcere required to rule them. 9 Give
therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people,
that I may discern between good and bad, have wisdom to be-
have suitable to my station and the services I am to be employed
in: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people, without
divine assistance and guidance'^ 10 And the speech pleased the
Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing; it tvas a token of a
virtuous mind and a public spirit, of concern for the glory of God,
and the good of Israel. 1 1 And God said unto him, Because
thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself those
things that men are generally fond of, long life; neither hast
asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies ;
but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment;
12 Behold, 1 have done according to thy words : lo, I have
given thee a wise and an understanding heart ; so that there
was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like
unto thee. God immediately granted his request, infused into
his mind more sagacity and wisdom than he would naturally have
had, and such as was superior to all others. 13 And I have also
given thee, as a token of my particular favour and my approbation
of this prayer, that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and
honour : so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto
thee all thy days ; thou shalt excel all the kings of the earth in
riches and renown. 14 And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to
keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David
did walk, then I will lengthen thy days*. 15 And Solomon
awoke; and, behold, [it was] a dream. He understood ami heard
* Lest his great wisdom should make him proud, careless, and presumptuous,
God only makes a conditional promise as to the length of liis days, but the other
were given absolutely and immediately.
270 I. KINGS. III.
ii as distinctly as if he had been aicake ; nor did he knoio till he
awoke, that it was a dream. Bt/ this God signified to him the
acceptance of his daily prayers, and Solomon knew he intended to
convince him of his favour and acceptance. And lie came to Je-
rusalem, and stood before the ark of the covenant of the Lord,
to thank God for this exceeding great favour, and offered up
burnt offerings and offered peace offerings, and made a feast to all
his servants, the nobles and officers feasted on the peace offerings.
\6 Then came there two women, [that were] harlots, or inn-
keepers, the word signifes both, unto the king, and stood before
him to plead their own cause ; probably the cause had been brought
before to some inferior court, who had been puzzled with it, and
therefore it was now brought to the king. 17 And the one woman
said, O my lord, 1 and this woman dwell in one house ; and I
was delivered of a child with her in the house. 18 And it came
to pass the third day after that I was delivered, that this woman
was delivered also: and we [were] together; [there was] no
stranger with us in the house, save we two in the house. If) And
this woman's child died in the night; because she overlaid it.
20 And she arose at midnight, and took my son from beside me,
while thine handmaid slept, and laid it in her bosom, and laid her
dead child in my bosom ; fearing the disgrace of overlaying her
child, she stole mine from me. 2 1 And when I arose in the
morning to give my child suck, behold, it was dead : but when I
had considered it in the morning, when it was perfect day-light,
behold, it was not my son, which I did bear. 22 And the
other woman said, Nay ; but the living [is] my son, and the
dead [is] thy son. And this said, No; but the dead [is] thy
son, and the living [is] my son. Thus they spake before the
king, the one affirming and the other denying it. It was a
difficult case; the children were much of the same age, there
was no witness, one of the mothers acknowledged she was asleep,
and the reputation of both was much alike. 23 Then said the
king, The one saith. This [is] my son that liveth, and thy son [is]
the dead: and the other saith. Nay; but thy son [is] the dead,
atid my son [is] the living; we must therefore try some other
method to decide the controversy. 24 And the king said, Bring
me a sword. And tlicy brought a sword before the king.
25 And the king said, Divide the living child in two, and give
half to the oner, and half to the other. He knew this was the best
way to end the dispute, for, whichever the real mother was, her
affections would %vork so strongly as not to suffer the child to be
I. KINGS. III. 271
divided; thus nature unravelled what reason could not. 26 Then
spake the woman whose the living child [was] unto the king, for
her bowels yearned upon her son, and she said, O my lord, give
her the living child, and in no wise slay it. But the other said,
Let it be neither mine nor thine, [but] divide [it.] The true
mother would rather part loith the child than have it destroyed;
the 'Other having no love to the child, but envying her companion
the possession of what she had lost^ made her atjirst steal the child
and now willing to have it slain. 27 Then the king answered
and said, Give her the living child, and in no wise slay it : she
[is] the mother thereof. It appeared by her love and pity that
she was not the careless mother of the smothered child, but the real
mother of the living one, who could not bear to see it slain.
28 And ail Israel heard of the judgment which the king had
judged; and they feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom
of God [was] in him, to do judgment. This great sagacity, and
wise determination, raised his reputation, and promoted among all
the people a reverence for him.
REFLECTIONS.
1. The experience our fathers have had of the mercy and
kindness of God, should encourage us to pray and hope, v. 6.
Children may plead their parents' piety, and God's many favours
to them, and hope the same may be shown them, while they are
careful to tread in their steps.
2. The great subject of our prayers should be a wise and an
understanding heart, to know our duty in every circumstance ; to
see the good and the bad, that we may pursue the one and avoid
the other, and judge right of other men's actions and our own.
Let young people pray for this, and pray for it with earnestness.
Youth are raw, ignorant, and inexperienced, and need divine
teaching. They should therefore plead widi God, saying. Truly
I am thi/ servant, give me an understanding heart, that 1 may
discern between good and bad.
3. God is greatly pleased with the devotions of young people,
especially when they fix their hearts upon wisdom and piety.
He loves to see them sensible of their ignorance and danger, and
the difficidties of their station, and desirous to learn and practise
their duty ; and he will grant them their request. I love them that
love me, and they who seek 7ne early shall fud me. We learn,
4. That spiritual blessings should be sought with the greatest
272 1. KINGS. IV.
importunity, and temporal ones submitted to divine choice ; this
is the way to succeed in both. God allows us to be earnest for
spiritual ones, but we should be indifferent to temporal ones ;
preferring wisdom to gold, and grace to worldly honour. Wis-
dom is good with an inheritance ; without wisdom, an inheritance
is good for nothing. Godliness has the promise of this life, and
that which is to come. It is perhaps with reference to this our
Lord gives that advice, Seek first the kingdom of God and his
righteousness, and all other things shall be added unto you.
5. The story of the harlots may suggest some useful reflec-
tions to parents. These women, bad as their characters were,
nursed their own children; * while, (as Bp. Hall says,) some that
pretend to religion have put off nature, the primary and unalter-
able law of Gofl, and committed their children to hirelings.'
They may learn to be ctireful of their children's lives, as they are
so tender, and so easily destroyed ; and let parents show their
love to their children by taking care of them themselves, espe-
cially by taking care of their souls. Those who thus do their
duty to their children in both respects, are most likely to have
comfort in them.
CHAPTER IV.
An account of Solomon's gramieur, magnificence, and wisdom ; the
extent of his dominions, and the happiness of his subjects.
1 loO king Solomon was king over all Israel; his successors were
only over part of it. 2 And these [were] the princes, or great
officers, which he had ; Azariah the son of Zadok the priest, or
the chief officer. 3 Elihoreph and Ahiah, the sons of Shisha,
scribes, or secretaries of state ; Jehoshaphat the son of Ahikul the
recorder, zc/io presented petitions to the king, and registered public
affairs; 4 And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada [was] over the host:
and Zadok and Abiathar [were] the priests: Abiathar still re-
tained the title of priest, and perhaps performed some offices, though
Zadok was the chief 5 And Azariah the son of Nathan [was]
over the officers : and Zabud the son of Nathan [was] principal
officer, [and] the king's friend; he was president of the council, or
chancellor, atid particularly intimate with the king. Solomon had
a great res^ard for these sons of Nathan for their father's sake.
I. KINGS. IV. 273
o And Ahishar [was] over the household, or lord chamberlain :
and Adoniram the son of Abda [was] over the tribute, receiver of
the revenues, or the levy of men *'.
7 And Solomon had twelve officers over all Israel, in different
parts of the land, which provided victuals for the king and his
household: each man his month in a year made provision t.
8 And these [are] their names : the son of Hur, in mount Ephraim :
9 The son of Dekar, in Makaz, and in Shaalbira, and Beth-
shemesh, and Elon-beth-hanan : 10 The son of Hesed, in
Aruboth ; to him [pertained] Socho, and all the land of Hepher:
11 The son of Abinadab, in all the region of Dor; which had
Taphath the daughter of Solomon to wife : 12 Baana the son of
Ahilud ; [to him pertained] Taanach and Megiddo, and all Beth-
shean, which [is] by Zartanah beneath Jezreel, from Beth-shean
to Abel-meholah, [even] unto [the place that is] beyond Jok-
neam : 13 The son of Geber, in Ramoth-gilead ; to him [per-
tained] the towns of Jair the son of Manasseh, which [are] in
Gilead ; to him [also pertained] the region of Argob, which [is]
in Bashan, threescore great cities with walls and brasen bars :
14 Ahinadab the son of Iddo [had] Malianaim: 15 Ahimaaz
[was] in Naphtali ; he also took Basmath the daughter of So-
lomon to wife: l6 Baanah the son of Hushai [was] in Asher
and in Aloth: 17 Jehoshaphat the son of Parnah, in Issachar :
18 Shiniei the son of Elah, in Benjamin : 19 Geber the son of
Uri [was] in the country of Gilead, [in] the country of Sihon
king of the Amorites, and of Og king of Bashan ; and [he was]
the only officer which [was] in the land, in that part of the land
which lay eastward.
20 Judah and Israel [were] many, as the sand which [is] by
the sea in multitude, eating and drinking, and making merry, were
in perfect security and had every thing in plenty ; they were highly
pleased icith the king, and all those wise coiUrivances for the pros-
perity of the nation. 21 And Solomon reigned over all kingdoms
from the river Euphrates in the east, unto the land of the Phi-
listines, and unto the border of Egypt : they brought presents, and
served Solomon all the days of his life, were in subjection to him,
and paid him tribute.
* Several of these were men of approved wisdom and fidelily, and were cm-
ployed under David.
t This was a wise appointment, as provisions were furnislied at the best iiand,
and all parts of the kingdom were equally benefited ; their products consumed,
and the money circulated tUron^h thcni.
VOL. III. T
274 I. KINGS. IV.
22 And Solomon's provision for one day wns thijty measures
of fine flour, and threescore measures of meal, about three
hundred measures of fine j1oni\ and six hundred coarser for the sol-
diers and guards. 23 Ten fat oxen from the stall, and twenty oxen
out of the pastures, and an hundred sheep, besides harts, and roe-
bucks, and fallow deer, and fatted fowl. 24 For he had dominion
over all [the region] on this side the river, from Tipshah even to
Azzah, over all the kings on this side the river : and he had peace
on all sides round about him, .so that commerce zcvis open to every
place. 25 And JuHah and Israel dwelt safely, every man under
his vine and under his fig tree*, from Dan even to Beer-sheba, all
the days of Solomon.
26 And Solomon had forty thousand stalls of horses for his
chariotst, and twelve thousand horsemen dispersed through the
several tribes, to keep peace and be ready in case of an attack.
27 And those ofiScers provided victual for king Solomon, and for
all that came unto king Solomon's table, every man in his month :
they lacked nothing. 28 Barley also, ichich was anciently the food
for horses, and straw for the horses and dromedaries brought they
unto the place where [the officers] were, or rather, zchere the
beasts were ; the tvord ojjicers is not in the original; every man ac-
cording to his charge.
29 And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding ex-
ceeding nuich, and largeness of heart, a most comprehensive know-
ledge of all things, both divine and human, and a readiness to
communicate his knoivledge to others, even as the sand that [is] on
the sea shore. This was more his glory, thaii all his u'ealth and
splendour, 30 And Solomon's wisdom excelled the wisdom of
all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egvpt.
He was zdscr than the Arabians or the Egyptians, who were famous
for philosophy, astronomy, and other sciences, and into which
country the Grecian philosophers travelled to get zvisdom and
knowledge. 31 For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the
Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol :
and his fame was in all nations round aboutj. 32 And he spake
three thousand proverbs, short, useful sentences, and those about
* These trees were plentiful in Canaan, and valuable both for their fruit ami
shade, under which they sat enjoying the fruits of their labour. Tlie expression
denotes both their plenty and security; they were in no danger from enemies.
f In 2 Cliron. ix. '.'5., they are called four thousand; probably there were ten
horses to a stall or stable.
t The two first named of these were eminent men, tlie eiglity-eighth and eighty-
ninth \isalnis were compohcd by them.
I. KINGS. IV. 275
him wrote them down : he was an excellent moral philosopher : and
his songs were a thousand and five*. 33 And he spake of trees>
from the cedar tree that [is] in Lebanon even unto the hyssop, or
moss, that springeth out of the wall : he spake also of beasts, and
of fowl, and of creeping things, and of fishes ; he zms acquainted
with natural history and botany, from the greatest to the least
vegetable production. 34 And there came of all people to hear
the wisdom of Solomon, from all kings of the earth, which had
heard of his wisdom ; the kings of the earth sent some of their
wise men to hear his wisdom and learn of him.
REFLECTIONS.
1. Princes, and great and wealthy men, may learn hence
how to employ their riches, and contrive how to add dignity and
lustre to their greatness. Let them keep plentiful tables for the
benefit of their subjects, their neighbours, and strangers; manage
with prudence and economy, and guide their affairs with discre-
tion. Above all, let them labour to furnish their minds with
useful knowledge, and enlarge their hearts witli wisdom. Thus
will they appear worthy their splendour ; will secure their repu-
tation, and be a blessing to mankind.
2. See the wisdom of Providence in giving Solomon so much
wealth, wisdom, and influence, which raised the glory of Israel so
high, and made them appear great in the eyes of the nations about
them. When they had such a prince at their head, strangers would
naturally inquire into their religion and laws; especially those,
who, as in the last verse, were sent on purpo;;e to inquire. Thus
some knowledge of the living God and true religion, would be
diffused through the nations, and a way made fur multitudes to
become proselytes to the Jewish church.
3. We see that neither the greatest wealth, nor the greatest
wisdom, can always secure men from folly and vice, for we find
afterwards that Solomon apostatized. This should prevent our
confidence in any thing that is great, and our trusting to our wis-
dom, skill or discretion. Wealth well employed is good ; learning
and wisdom very good ; but religion is every thing ; and those
* This was the ancient vray of instructinp;, an.l of rerordinf; facts. But Uiesc
were probably not so well adapted to stir up a spirit of piety and dovoiion, a*!
David's were. He was the sunt psalmist of /■inu'l. NVc have oneor Solouiou'.'^ on
record, whicli slwnvs a fnic i^euiiis, and a n.)!.!,- imagination.
T -.^
276 I. KINGS. V.
that desire to be eminent for that, should be very humble and very
cautious. We reflect,
4. How well qualified Solomon was to judge wherein true
happiness consisted. Of all men living he had the greatest advan-
tages for knowing what wealth, and all that could be procured by
it, what splendour, honour, or reputation can do ; yea, what know-
ledge can do, towards making men happy. His reflection on this,
in the book of Ecclesiastes is, that all is vanity and vexation of
spirit. Let us then, when we read of his greatness and his wisdom,
remember what he has taught us of their vanity, and hear what
he justly observes is the natural conclusion of the whole matter;
fear God, and keep Ins commandments, for that is the whole of
man.
CHAPTER V.
Contains articles of agreement between Solomon and Hiram, and the
fulfilling of them.
1 And Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants unto Solomon,
to condole with him on David's death, and congratulate him on his
succession ; for he had heard that they had anointed him king in the
room of his father ; for Hiram was ever a lover of David, and
therefore zcas desirous of continuing a friendship Kith his son.
2 And Solomon sent to Hiram, to remind him of ichat he had
been before informed of, saying, 3 Thou knowest how that David
my father could not build an house unto the name of the Lord
his God, for the wars which were about him on every side, until
the Lord put them, his enemies, under the soles of his feet,
made them subject to him. 4 But now the Lord my God hath
given me rest on every side, [so that there is] neither adversary
nor evil occurrent, nothing to make me fear any disturbances.
5 And, behold, I purpose to build an house unto the name of
the Lord my God, ybr his honour and zwrship, as the Lord
spake unto David my father, saying. Thy son whom I will set
upon thy throne in thy room, he shall build an house unto my
name*. 6 Now therefore conuiiand thou that they hew me
• In 2 Cliron. ii. tlicrc is a larger account of tliis message. It was to be a great
house, for great u our God above all gods. He would not have Hiram think God
I. KINGS. V. 277
cedar trees out of Lebanon ; and my servants shall be with thy
servants, to assist them and learn of them : and unto thee will I
give hire for thy servants according to all that thou shalt appoint:
for thou knowest that [there is] not among us any that can skill
to hew timber like unto the Sidonians *.
7 And it came to pass, when Hiram heard the words of So-
lomon, that he rejoiced greatly, and paid him a great compliment,
saying, (2 Chron. ii. 11.), because the Lord loveth his people, he
hath made thee king over them ; and he said also. Blessed [be] the
Lord this day, which hath given unto David a wise son over
this great people +. 8 And Hiram sent to Solomon, saying, I
have considered the things which thou sentest to me for, and
agree to the proposals : [and] I will do all thy desire concerning
timber of cedar, and concerning timber of lir. 9 My servants
shall bring [them] down from Lebanon unto the sea : and I will
convey them by sea in floats, unto the place that thou shalt ap-
point me;!;, and will cause them to be discharged there, and thou
shalt receive [them:] and thou shalt accomplish my desire, in
giving food for my household §. 10 So Hiram gave Solomon
cedar trees, and fir trees [according to] all his desire. J 1 And
Solomon gave Hiram twenty thousand measures of wheat [for]
food to his household, and twenty measures of pure oil, zchich was
used as we do butter\\ : thus gave Solomon to Hiram year by year.
12 And the Lord gave Solomon wisdom, as he promised him,
and which eminently appeared in this transaction : and there was
peace between Hiram and Solomon ; and they two made a league
togetlier, a treat]/ of peace and alliance uas concluded betiveen
them,.
13 And king Solomon raised a levy out of all Israel ; and the
was a local deity, and confined to a temple. In that chapter he asserts his uni-
versal presence, and declares that this house was only intended as a place for his
servants to assemble in, and for the priests to sacrifice and burn incense.
* Tlie Sidonians and Tyrians were neighbours, under one kin?. Tliey were
celebrated among the ancients for their skill in architecture and cmious work.
In 2 Chron. ii., Solomon desires Hiram to send a man skilful in working gold, silver,
brass, iron, &c.
t He seems not to have been an idolater, but a worshipper of Jehovah, as he
mentions his name with great reverence.
J This was at Joppa, a seaport in Israel.
§ They were in want of com, of which there was plenty in Israel, ami were
supplied in general from thence. Acts xii. io- We find, in ^2 Chronicles ii. J 3.,
that he, that is, Hiram, sent also a skilfiU man, who was employed by his fatlier
to superintend all the curious work.
II There is some dilTereuce in the account given in Chronicles. So muili was
allowed for workmen, and so much for Hiram's own use ; barUy uud wine arc
added there.
278 I. KINGS. V.
levy was thirty thousand men. 14 And he sent them to Lebanon,
with the Tj/riaiis, to hew and sfjuare the tcood, ten thousand a
month by courses : a month tliey were in Lebanon, [and] two
months at home ; that they might not be tired of the work, or en-
tirely neglect their family ajf'airs : and Adoniram [was] over the
levy, to raise (hem, and see them disposed according to order.
15 And Solomon had threescore and ten thousand that bare bur-
dens, uere porters, and fourscore thousand hewers in the moun-
tains; all these xvere strangers, remnants of the Cunaanites; they
were tributary, and had forsaken idolatry; 1 6 Besides the chief
of Solomon's officers which [were] over the work, three thousand
and three hundred, which ruled over the people that wrought in
the work, besides three hundred more for a reserve in case of sick-
ness, or the like, 2 Chron. ii. 2*. 1? And the king commanded,
and they brought great stones, costly stones, [and] hewed stones,
to lay the foundation of the house. 18 And Solomon's builders
and Hiram's builders did hew [them,] and the stone squarers, or
Giblites, as Ezek. xxvii. Q., that is, the inhabitants of Gebcl, see
Joshua xiii. 5. ; these and all the Phanicians were curious artists:
so they prepared timber and stones to build the house.
REFLECTIONS.
1. Times of peace and rest ought to be employed for the
service of God, and the edification of his church, v. 4. When
there is no foreign adversary to disturb our repose, no evil occur-
rence at home to call off our minds, we should be peculiarly
active and forward in the Lord's work. Then had the churches
rest, and uere cdifcd, and zcalking in the fear of the Lord, and the
comfort of the Holy (jliost, were multiplied. Acts ix. SL
2. It is a great comfort to all who love the Israel of God, to
see religion supported and maintained in families which have been
eminent for it. In this Hiram rejoiced. The greater love he had
to David, the greater was his joy for his son's wisdom and good-
ness. Young people should be careful not to lose the entail of
religion, or deviate from the steps of pious ancestors : their piety
• These were principal officers, wlio surveyed the. whole. There was a pro-
digious inimb' r ( f men employed, but it should be remembered, Uierc was not
only the tcmpk, iuit other buildings and several palaces, l Kiiijj.^ ix. ir,. Besides,
Ihey had not such convenient ^nethdds of carrying as we have, therefore mnlti-
iiideswcre eiuployed in drawing timber and stones to the sea, and from Joppa to
Jciubalcm.
I. KINGS. V. 279
and perseverance will give joy to all that love God, and wish well
to the support of religion.
3. The wisdom and goodness of God is to be observed in the
various products of different climates, and the different genius of
the inhabitants. The Tyrians and Sidonians were famous for
mechanic arts, architecture, all masonry and carpentry work and
curious devices. 'i he Israelites were famous for agriculture.
Canaan was a fruitful land; Tyre was like Holland, they had
little product of their own, but were all tradesmen and mer-
chantmen. Canaan and Tyre depended on each other in a great
measure; and in this appears the wisdom of God to promote
traffic and commerce, to diffuse the conveniences of life, and
spread knowledge and virtue from one place to another. Hejixes
the bounds of men's liabitations, and gives them all their capacity
and skill.
4. Mutual good offices between neighbours is very desirable
and becoming. How beautiful and lovely is it to see these two
princes ready to serve each other with the products of their re-
spective countries! Thus should we act to those about us; be
kind and friendly to them, ready to sell, or lend, or give, what we
have, and which they w'ant. This is the way to receive other
favours in exchange, and to promote the peace and honour of
society, and the comfort of one another. We have likewise,
in V. 9-> a good maxim for tradesmen ; and from hence we learn,
5. That it is the wisdom of those who have dealings with each
other, to be punctual and exact in bargains and agreements. So-
lomon spoke of hewing trees, and Hiram agreed to it; but
nothing had been said about carriage, where the goods were to be
put on board, and where landed, and at whose expense the carriage
was to be, Hiram very wisely mentioned this in his articles, that
there might be no misunderstanding afterwards. It is an impor-
tant lesson of wisdom to know what we are to expect from others;
to have it settled before we begin. For want of this, differences
often arise, are long continued, and sometimes separate even
chief friends. Men's tempers and views may change, and their
lives are uncertain; therefore exact, punctual, written agreements,
with regard to what is only contingent, are very proper, and the
best way to secure friendship and establish peace.
6. Let us long for that happy time, when Jews and Gentiles,
and all the different nations, shall join together to build up God's
spiritual temple, and establish his religion on die eaith. Hiram,
strangers and Israelites, all joined in the work. The glory of the
/
280 I. KINGS. VI.
latter day is foretold by an image borrowed from this story, Isaiah
Ix. 10 — 13. And the sons of strangers shall buildup thy walls,
and their kings shall minister vnto thee : for in my wrath I smote
thee, but in my favour have I had mercy on thee. Therefore thy
gates shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor
night ; that men may bring unto thee the forces of the Gentiles.
The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee, the fir tree, the jnne
tree, and the box together, to beautify the place of my sanctuary ;
and I zcill make the place of my feet glorious. Such a time we
have the highest assurances of; let us wish for its approach; and
in the mean time contribute all in our power to serve the interests
of true religion, which will be the most substantial proof of our
wisdom and piety.
CHAPTER VI.
The building of the temple. There is such a reference to this in other
parts of the Bible that a few general remarks may be useful.
1 And it came to pass in tlie four hundred and eightieth year
after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt, in
the fourth year of Solomon's reign over Israel, in the month Zif,
which [is] the second month, that he began to build the house of
the Lord*. 2 And the house which king Solomon built for the
Lord, the length thereof [was] threescore cubits, and the breadth
thereof twenty [cubits,] and the height thereof thirty cubits ; ex-
actli/ as large again as the tabernacle. 3 And the porch before
the temple of the house, twenty cubits [was] the length thereof,
ccording to the breadth of the house ; [and] ten cubits [was] the
t)readth thereof before the housef-
4 And from the house he made windows of narrow lights ;
narrow on the outside, but growing wider within, o And against
the wall of the house he built chambers round about, [against]
the walls of the house round about, [both] of the temple, and of
• Tlie place was mouut Moriah, probably Haran's threshing-floor. The time
was four hundred and eighty years after the children of Israel came out of Efrypt,
and abont one iliousand years before Christ. Solomon was four years in settling
the kingdom, and preparing materials, before he began to bnild upon the plan
which God gave to David by his Spirit.
t In Chronicles we find it was one hundred and twenty cubits in hciglit, that is,
four times as high as the body of the temple.
I. KINGS. VI. 281
,tlie oracle : and he made chambers round about : 6 The nethcr-
.most chamber [was] live cubits broad, and tlie middle [was]
,six cubits broad, and the third [^was] seven cubits broad : for
without [in the wall] of the house he made narrowed rests
round about, that [the beams] should not be fastened in the
walls of the house*. 7 And the house when it was in building,
was built of stone made ready before it was brought thither : so
that there was neither hammer nor ax [nor] any tool of iron heard
in the house while it was in building; they were so uell Jitted to
one another before they ivere brought there, that they had nothing
to do but put them together. 8 The door for the middle chamber
[was] in the right side of the house : and they went up with
winding stairs into the middle [chamber,] and out of the middle
into the third. 9 So he built the house, and finished it; and
covered the house with beams and boards of cedar; it had a
vaulted roof, to make it look more gra?id, and the boards were
covered with some metal, perhaps silver. 10 And then he built
chambers against all the house, five cubits high : ajid they rested
on the house with timber of cedar.
Here, lest Solomon should think the house was so firm that it
would never be destroyed, and that when God had taken possession
of it he would never forsake his people, he is reminded that the
promise was only conditional. 11 And the word of the Lokd
came to Solomon, saying, 12 [Concerning] this house which thou
art in building, If thou wilt walk in my statutes, and execute
my judgments, and keep all my commandments to walk in them;
then will I perform my word with thee, which I spake unto
David thy father (2 Sam. vii. 13., 1 Chron. xxii. 10.) : 13 And I
will dwell among the children of Israel, and will not forsake my
people Israel. He here intimates to Solomon, that if he teas not
determined to obey his laivs, he had better not proceed; for let him
build ever so strong, it would be demolished if he was disobedient.
The building of the temple would never excuse him or the people,
if they were rebellious.
14 So Solomon built the house, and finished it ; which is an
intimation of his determination to observe the law of God. 15 And
he built, or wainscoted, the walls of the house within with boards
of cedar, both the floor of the house, and the walls of the ceiling,
* The chambers round about were three stories hi^h, the narrow windows of
the temple were above the top of them. These chambers went sradiiully broader
towards the top, because the walls of the temple were thicker at the bottom.
There was a buttress five cubits high, on which the beams for the fust chambers
were laid, and so on to the toi). These chambers were for provbion,. frankiuccnsc
and lodgings for the priests.
282 I. KINGS. VI.
or from the Jioor of the house iinto the zcalls: [and] he covered
[them] on the inside with wood, and covered the floor of the
house with planks of fir, that is, the most holy place, properly
called the house, because there the divine glory resided, and the
answers were given from thence. 16 And he built twenty cubits
on the sides of the house, both the floor and the walls with boards
of cedar: he even built [them] for it within, [even] for the oracle,
[even] for the most holy [place.] 17 And the house, that [is,]
the temple before it, was forty cubits [long.] 18 And the cedar
of the house within [was] carved wilh knops and open flow ers :
all [was] cedar; there was no stone seen.
19 And the oracle he prepared in the house within, to set there
the ark of the covenant of the Lord. 20 And the oracle in the
forepart [was] twenty cubits in length, and twenty cubits in
breadth, and twenty cubits in the height thereof : and he overlaid
it with pure gold beaten into plates ; and [so] covered the aliar
[which was of] cedar, that is, the altar of incense was also covered
with plates of gold, therefore called the golden altar, chap, vii.48.
21 So Solomon overlaid the liouse within with pure gold : and
he made a partition by the chains of gold before the oracle ; and
he overlaid it with gold ; he made a partition between the holt/ and
most holy place, in the middle of which there was a door, and over
which a veil or curtain iras hung by chains of gold. 22 And the
whole house he overlaid with gold, until he had finished all the
house ; also the whole altar of incense that [was] by the oracle
he overlaid with gold.
23 And within the oracle he made two cherubims [of] olive
tree, [each] ten cubits high. 24 And five cubits [was] the one
wing of the cherub, and five cubits the other wing of the cherub:
from the uttermost part of the one wing unto the uttermost part
of the other [were] ten cubits. 25 And the other cherub [was]
ten cubits : both the cherubims [were] of one measure and one
size. 26 The height of the one cherub [was] ten cubits, and
so [was it] of the other cherub. 27 And he set the cherubims
within the inner hou:>e : and they stretched forth the wings of
the cherubims, so that the wing of the one touched the [one]
wall, and the wing of the other cherub touched the other wall ;
and their wings touched one another in the midst of the house.
28 And he overlaid the cherubims with gold*. 29 And he
* Tliorc were also two on tlic mercy-seat over tlic ark of massy gold, but these
wurc much larger ; what their shape was is uiHcrtaiii ; some think it was human,
others that they were wiugcd oxcu, to denote strcugth and dignity. It is ob-
I. KINGS. VI. 283
carved all die walls of llie house round about with carved figures
of clicrubims * and pulni trees and open flowers, within and
without, denoting that plenfj/ which God would bestow upon them
if obedient. SO And the floor of the house he overlaid with gold,
within and vvithout.
31 And for the entering of the oracle he made doors [of] olive
tree : the lintel [and] side posts [were] a fifth part [of the wall,]
a fifth part of the xohole height. 32 The two doors also [were of]
olive tree : and he carved upon them carvings of cherubims and
palm trees aiid open flowers, and overlaid [them] with gold, and
spread gold upon the cherubims, and upon the palm trees. 33 So
also made he for the door of the temple posts [of] olive tree, a
fourth part [of the wall.] 34 And the two doors [were of] fir
tree : the two leaves of the one door [were] folding, and the two
leaves of the other door [were] folding. 35 And he carved
[thereon] cherubims and palm trees and open flowers : and covered
[them] with gold fitted upon the carved work.
56 And he built the inner court with three rows of hewed
stone, and a row of cedar beams f.
37 In the fourth year was the foundation of the house of the
Lord laid, in the month Zif : 38 And in the eleventh year, in
the month Bui, which [is] tlie eighth month, was the house finished
throughout all the parts thereof, and according to all the fashion
of it. So was he seven years and some little more in building it.
REFLECTION.
There is room for a fertile fancy to spiritualize every thing
in this chapter. But it is better to forbear it, for fear of
dishonouring the scripture, and substituting fanciful allusions for
divine truths. It is sufficient in genfcral to observe, that every
thing here is suited to give us grand ideas of God's worship, and
to excite reverence and seriousness in the worshippers. In par-
ticular the most holy place, the angels drawn about it, See. We
have none of this pomp and splendour to engage our attention;
servable, their faces were turned inwards ; consequently they stood as worshippers,
and were not therefore tiic objects of worship.
* Prol)ably the (lesi£;ii of this was, to remind tlie Jews of the presence of angels
in their sacred places, who observed their devotions.
t This was a wall that separated the court of the prie.-ts from t!ir people ; it
was three cubits high, that the people might see over it wijat the jHiests were
doin«.
284. I. KINGS. VII.
but we have brighter discoveries of the nature and excellencies of
God to assist our devotion : God is a spirit, ami thei/ that worship
him must zeorship him in spirit and in truth ; and then the worship
will be acceptable wherever it is performed.
CHAPTER VII.
A further account of Solomon's buildings, and the furniture of the
temple.
1 IjUT Solomon was building his own house thirteen years,
and he finished all his house,- he did not hegin his ozcn house till
he had finished the temple, that nothing might interfere with that.
2 He built also the house of the forest of Lebanon* ; the length
thereof [was] a hundred cubits, and the breadth thereof fifty
cubits, and the height thereof thirty cubits, upon four rows of
cedar pillars, with cedar beams upon the pillars. 3 And [it was]
covered with cedar above upon the beams, that [lay] on forty-five
pillars, fifteen [in] a row. 4 And [there were] windows [in]
three rows, and light [was] against light [in] three ranks. 5 And
all the doors and posts [were] square, with the windows : and
light [was] against light [in] three ranks. 6 And he made a porch
of pillars, a portico, or piazza, for his guards zvho attended him
to be under cover ; it seems probable that this zc-as at his palace at
Jerusalem ; the length thereof [was] fifty cubits, and the breadth
thereof thirty cubits : and the porch [was] before them ; and the
[other] pillars and the thick beam [were] before them. 7 Then
he made a porch for the throne where he might judge, [even] the
porch of judgment, zihere he ZDas to hear and determine causes : and
[it was] covered with cedar from one side of the floor to the other.
8 And his house where he dwelt [had] another court within the
porch, [which] was of the like work; this was another building,
adjoining the queen's palace. Solomon made also an house for
Pharaoh's daughter, whom he had taken [to wife,] like unto this
porch. Jt ZDas customary in the east for the zi'omen and men to
* Some suppose this was a coiintry-scat in Lebanon ; but I ratlier think it was
near Jerusalem, and so calltil because it was piincipally built of the cedars of
Lebanon. In -2 Chron. ix. IG. we find tiiat he put the golden shields there, which
in his son's time the king of P'jjypt took away when he came against Jerusalem.
It was probably a magazine for arms.
I. KINGS. VII. 285
have separate apartments. 9 All these [were of] costly stones,
according to the measures of hewed stones, sawed with saws,
witiiin and without, even from the foundation unto the coping,
and [so] on the outside toward the great court. 10 x\ud the foun-
dation [was of] costly stones, [even] great stones, stones of ten
cubits, and stones of eight cubits, very large and valuable. 1 1 And
above [were] costly stones, after the measures of hewed stones,
and cedars. 12 And the great court round about [was] with three
rows of hewed stones, and a row of cedar beams, both for the
inner court of the house of the Lord, and for the porch of the
house.
13 And king Solomon sent and fetched Hiram* out of Tyre.
14 He [was] a widow's son of the tribe of Naphtali, and his father
[was] a man of Tyre, a worker in brass : and he was filled with
wisdom, and understanding, and cunning to work all works in
brass. And he came to king Solomon, and wrought all his work.
He was a man of extraordinary skill, and gave him remarkable
assistance in these great works. 15 For he cast two pillars of
brass, of eighteen cubits high apiece : and a line of twelve cubits
did compass either of them about. They were ttco yards in di'
ameter, and had beaut if nl ornaments about them. l6 And he made
two chapiters [of] molten brass, to set upon the tops of the
pillars : the height of the one chapiter [was] five cubits, and the
lieight of the other chapiter [was] live cubits : 1 7 [And] nets of
checker work, and wreaths of chain work, for the chapiters which
[were] upon the top of the pillars ; seven for the one chapiter, and
seven for the other chapiter. 18 And he made the pillars, and
two rows round about upon the one network, to cover the chapiters
that [were] upon the top, with pomegranates : and so did he for the
other chapiter. 19 And the chapiters that [were] upon the top of
the pillars, [were] of lily work in the porch, four cubits. CO And
the chapiters upon the two pillars [had pomegranates] also above,
over against the belly which [was] by the net work : and the
pomegranates [were] two hundred in rows round about upon the
other chapiter. 21 And he set up the pillars in the porch of
the temple : and he set up the right pillar, and called the nanie
thereof Jachin, that is, fie shall establish : and he set up the left pil-
lar, and called the name thereof Boaz, that is, in it is strength^.
* In 2 Cliron. iv. 11. he is called Huram.
t These were not to support any of tiie buildinir, but were jlosipued for orna-
ments, and to be si£n>'<i<";'"t ''""""^■"'*'* ^" the worshippers to look to God for
assistance and strength; and were also an expression of Solomon's expectations
that God woidd strengthen his people, and establish the temple.
28G L KINGS. VII.
22 And upon the top of tlie pillars [was] lily work : so was the
work of the pillars finished.
23 And he made a molten sea, ten cubits from the one brim
to the other: [it was] round all about, and his height [was] five
cubits : and a line of thirty cubits did compass it round about.
24 And under the brim of it round about [there were] knops com-
passing it, ten in a cubit, compassing the sea round about : the
knops [were] cast in two rows, when it was cast. 25 It stood
upon twelve oxen, three looking toward the north, and three look-
ing toward the west, and three looking toward the south, and
three looking toward the east : and the sea [was set] above upon
them, and all their hinder parts [were] inward. 26 And it was
an hand breadth thick, and the brim thereof was wrought like the
brim of a cup, with flowers of lilies : it contained two thousand
baths *.
27 And he made ten bases, or stands, of brass, zcith icheeh,
for the convenience of moving it from place to place ; four cubits
[was] the length of one base, and four cubits the breadth thereof,
and three cubits the height of it. 28 And the work of the bases
[was] on this [manner :] they had borders, and the borders [were]
between the ledges : 29 And on the borders that [were] between
the ledges [were] lions, oxen, and cherubims : and upon the ledges
[there was] a base above : and beneath the lions and oxen [were]
certain additions made of thin work. 30 And every base had
four brasen wheels, and plates of brass : and the four corners
thereof had undersetters: under the laver [were] undersetters
molten, at the side of every addition. 31 And the mouth of it
within the chapiter and above [was] a cubit : but the mouth
thereof [was] round [after] the work of the base, a cubit and an
half: and also upon the mouth of it [were] gravings with their
borders, foursquare, not round. 32 And under the borders [were]
four wheels ; and the axletrees of the wheels [were joined] to the
base : and the height of a wheel [was] a cubit and half a cubit.
33 And the work of tlie wheels [was] like the work of a chariot
wheel : their axletrees and their naves, and their felloes, and
their spokrs [were] all molten. 34 And [there were] four under-
setters to the four corners of one base : [nnd] the undersetters
[were] of the very base itself. S5 And in the top of the base
* This sea was about slxtoon feet in diameter, ami held near two Inmdrrd and
f'iftv barrels. It was the business of tlie Nethininis, the remnant of the Giheoiiitis,
to till it. It was used for washing' tlie saeiilice, and the hands and feet of ihe
Levilos ; fur which purpose the water eamc out of pipes at tlie bottom. It stood
uj)on twelve oxen, wliicli were botli a siipjiort and ornament to it.
I. KINGS. VII. 287
was there a round compass of half a cubit hiwh : and on the
top oi the base the ledges thereof and the borders thereof [were]
of the same. 36 For on the plates of the ledges thereof, and on
the borders thereof, he graved cherubims, lions and palm-trees ;
according to the proportion of every one, and additions round
about. 37 After this [manner] he made the ten bases : all of them
had one casting, one measure, [and] one size.
38 Then made he ten lavers, or icashing vessels, of brass,
which zvere placed on the ten stands : one laver contained forty
baths, about Jive barrels : [and] every laver was four cubits : [and]
upon every one of the ten bases one laver. 39 And he put five
bases on the right side of the house, and five on the left side of
the house : and he set the sea on the right side of the house
eastward over against the south.
40 And Hiram made the lavers, and the shovels, for the fire.
and the basons, to receive the blood of the sacrfice. So Hiram
made an end of doing all the work that he made king Solomon for
the house of the J^ord : 41 The two pillars, and the [two] bowls
of the chapiters that [were] on the top of the two pillars ; and
the two networks, to cover the two bowls of the chapiters which
[were] upon the top of the pillars; 42 And four hundred pome-
granates for the two networks, [even] two rows of pomegranates
for one network, to cover the two bowls of the chapiters that
[were] upon the pillars; 43 And the ten bases, and ten lavers on
the bases ; 44 And one sea, and twelve oxen under the sea ;
45 And the pots, to boil the parts of' the peace offering which
were allowed to the priests, and the shovels, and the basons ; and
all these vessels which Hiram made to king Solomon for the
house of the Lord, [were of] bright brass, all made of the best
polished brass. 46 In the plain of Jordan did the king cast them,
in the clay ground between Succoth and Zarthan, that bein<r a
proper place to make the moulds. 47 And Solomon left all the
vessels [unweighed,] because they were exceeding many : neither
was the weight of the brass found out ; // u'a<, so great, that
keeping an exact account was burdensome; and the workmen were
all honest and faithful.
48 And Solomon made all the vessels that [pertained] unto
the house of the Loud, according to the pattern given him by
David from God (I Chron. xxviii. 19.); the altar of gold, and
the table of gold, whereupon the shew bread [was,] Exodus
XXV. 30. 49 And the candlesticks of pure gold, the large sconces
or branches, five on the right [side,] and five on the left, before
388 I. KINGS. VII.
the oracle, with the flowers, and the lamps, and the tongs [of}
gold, 50 And the bowls, and the snuffers, and the basons, and
the spoons, and the censers [of] pure gold ; and the hinges [of]
gold, [both] for the doors of the inner house, the most holy
[place, and] for the doors of the house, [to wit,] of the temple;
that every thing might be alike magnijicent, even the hinges of' the
doors were of gold. 51 So was ended all the work that king
Solomon made for the house of the Lord. And Solomon
brought in the things which David his father had dedicated ;
[even] the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, did he put among
the treasures of the house of the Lord, that is, what remained
above what was consumed in the temple; and likeivise the remains of
the tabernacle.
REFLECTIONS.
1. All this wealth, splendour, and magnificence, was intended
to excite veneration in the worshippers, and to prevent idolatry.
The temples of idols were splendid, and seduced many that were
led away by the sight of the eye ; but none were so glorious as
this temple. All the pains and expense Solomon was at, suggests
to us how ready we should be to honour the Lord with our sub-
stance, and devote our wealth to his service. Grand and sump-
tuous churches are of no real service now ; but every thing ought
to be decent and convenient. To contribute to supply our bre-
thren with such places, is an important and excellent charity.
Solomon did not build his own till he had finished God's house.
H e should have the first and best of our services.
2. Whatever we do to support the house and worship of God^
we should look to him for assistance .and strength. The two
pillars, Jachin and Boaz, suggest this thought to us. While we
keep close to him and his worship, we may hope for a continu-
ance of his favours. He will guard our temples in peace, and
strengthen the heart of every sincere and humble worshipper.
3. The frequent washing, for which the laver was designed, is
often represented in scripture as an emblem of that purity and
holiness, which God under the gospel requires of his worshippers.
It is not the putting away the filth of the flesh only, but consists
in washing the heart from all wickednesi ; in having clean hands,
free froui every act of injustice, dishonesty, and every thing con-
trary to gospel purity. If we desire the acceptance of our prayers
I. KINGS. YIII. 289
and services, let us wash our hands m innocency, and humbly
seek acceptance through the blood of Christ, which cleanseth from
all sin.
CHAP. VIII. 1—30.
The bringing of the ark into the temple, and its solemn dcdicatidn ;
Solomon's address to the people on the nature and di-sign of this
appearance, and his prayer to God.
1 A HEN Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and all the
lieads of the tribes, the chief of the fathers of the children of
Israel, unto king Solomon in Jerusalem, that they might bring
up the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of the city of
David, which [is] Zion*. 2 And all the men of Israel assem-
bled themselves unto king Solomon, multitudes of the common
'people^ as rcell as the grandees, at the feast in the month Ethanim,
which [is] the seventh month, that is, at the feast of tabernacles.
3 And all the elders of Israel came, and the priests took up the
ark. It was properly the business of the Levites to carry the ark^
but the priests did it on some extraordinary occasions, as here, %ohen
the ark teas to be fixed. 4 And they brought up the ark of the
Lord, and the tabernacle of the congregation, that which Moses
made, (Exodus xxxvi. 8), zchich now they laid up in the temple, as
a sacred monument, never to be removed again, and all the holy
vessels that [were] in the tabernable, all the utensils belonging to
it, and holy vessels, the candlesticks, and table, S^r., even those did
the priests and the Levites bring up. 5 And king Solomon, and
all the congregation of Israel, that w-ere assembled unto him,
[were] with him before the ark, sacrificing sheep, and oxen, that
could not be told nor numbered for multitude. There zcas a grand
procession, which stopped at certaiyi places to offer sacrifices, either
on the ground, or on altars occasionally erected. 6 Anil the priests
brought in the ark of the covenant of the Lord unto his place,
into the oracle of the house to the most holy [place, even] under
the wings of the cherubims; it was brought into the most holy
* It is generally thoiiglit this was Ibe year of jubile, «licn ilicrc was a greater
concourse of people at Jonisalein, and it was a season of meat jny. He assembled
all the princes of the trdies, the heads of faniihcs or elan> ; nml their hii>mess wa«
to brinu up the ark from Zion, tiiat part of the city >*hich David had built, to
mount Moriah, where tlie temple now stood; till that time the temple wa» au
house without aa inhabitant.
VOL. III. U
290 I. KINGS. VIII.
place^ and situated between the cheruhirm, under their spreading
wings. 7 For the cherubinis spread forth [their] two wings over
the place of the ark, and the cherubims covered the ark and the
staves thereof above. 8 And they drew out the staves by which
it was carried, that the ends of the staves were seen out in the holy
[place] before the oracle, or, as it is in 2 Chron. v. g., on the out-
side of the ark, at a distance from it ; lohich zcould be a guide to
the priest when lie went in on the day of atonement to sprinkle the
blood, as the oracle was dark, except what light the cloud of glory
occasioned, which he was not to look upon; and they were not seen
without, in the holy place strictly so called: and there they are
unto this day, so long as the temple stood. 9 [There was] nothing
in the ark save the two tables of stone, m hich Moses put there at
Horeb, when the Lord made [a covenant] with the children of
Israel, when they came out of the land of Egypt, for Aaron^s
rod and the pot of manna were by the side of it.
10 And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the
holy [place,] that the cloud filled the house of the Lord, who
now came to take possession of the house by the cloud, which was
the symbol of his presence, (see 2 Chron. v. 11, S^c.) 11 So that
the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud : for
the glory of the Lord had filled the house of the Lord*.
12 Then spake Solomon, to encourage them and dissipate their
fears. The Lord said that he would dwell in the thick darkness i*.
13 I have surely built thee an house to dwell in, a settled place
for thee to abide in for ever; he welcomed this token of his presence
and approbation, and begged he would accept it as his own, and
dwell in it for ever. 14 And the king turned his face about |, and
blessed all the congregation of Israel : (and all the congregation
of Israel stood;) 15 And he said, Blessed [be] the Lord God
of Israel, which spake with his mouth unto David my father, and
hath with his hand fulfilled [it,] saying, l6 Since the day that I
brouoht forth my people Israel out of Egypt, I chose no city, no par-
ticular place, out of all the tribes of Israel to build an house, that
my name might be therein ; but I chose David to be over my
• At first there was a larj;o tliick and diuk. cloud, from whence, after Solomon
hart finislied liis prayer, insii|»i)ortal)le l)ri!;litness issued. This was a token of (lod's
acceptance of tlieni ; it did honour to tlic ark and temple, and confirmed tiic
people's belief of wliat they hail so often read in the books of Moses, of the .i;lory
of tlie Lord. Upon tiiis, the priest came out of the temple in threat consternation,
and the people, struck with' iiorror, bei;an to be afraid.
t He had iu effect said so, as all his appearances had been iu a cloud, on mount
Sinai and in the wilricrnes.s, and on the tabernacle.
t He stood on a scutVold of brass, in the court before the house of the Lord.
I. KINGS. VIII. 291
people Israel, and showed him the place that I designed. 17 And
it was in the heart of David my father to build an house for the
name of the Lord God of Israel. 18 And the Loud said unto
David my father, Whereas it was in thine heart to build an house
unto my name, thou didst well that it was in thine heart. 19 Ne-
vertheless thou shalt not build the house ; but thy son that shall
come forth out of thy loins, he shall build the house unto my
name. 20 And the Lord hath performed his word that he spake,
his promise in giving him a son, and I am risen up in the room
of David my father and sit on the throne of Israel, as the Lord
promised, and have built an house for the name of the Lord God
of Israel, who hath enabled me to execute this design. 21 And 1
have set there a place for the ark, wherein [is] the covenant of the
Loud, which he made with our fathers, when he brought them
out of the land of Egypt, that is, the table of the covenajit which
contained the tenure by which they held the land of Canaan, and
the rules of their duty.
22 And Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord* in
the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth
his hands toward heaven : 23 And he said. Lord God of Israel,
[there is] no God like thee, in heaven above, or on earth be-
neath, who keepest covenant and mercy with thy servants tliat
walk before thee with all their heart: 24 Who hast kept with thy
servant David my father that thou promisedst him : thou spakest
also with thy mouth, and hast fultilled [it] with thine hand, as
[it is] this day. l^herefore now. Lord God of Israel, keep with
thy servant David my father that thou promisedst him, saying.
There shall not fail thee a man in my sight to sit on the throne of
Israel ; so that thy children take heed to their way, that they walk
before me as thou hast walked before me. 26 And now, O God
of Israel, let thy word, 1 pray thee, be verified, which thou spakest
unto thy servant David my father ; he entreats that God would fulfil
what remained to his posterity, and that the kingdom of Israel might
continue in his family ; and then breaks out into high admiration of
the condescension and grace of God, in dwelling with men, and
vouchsafing them the tokens of his presence. 27 But will God
indeed dwell on the earth ? behold, the heaven and heaven of
heavens cannot contain thee ; how much less this house that I
* He now turned about towards tiie altar, wbicli lay bctweni Iiini and the
temple, and spread forlli his hands, and afterwards fell on his knees, as the most
proper gesture tor prayer, and oflered a most noble and devout address to God.
Ho began witii adoring hb excellencies and his faithfulncj'S to his promises to
David.
Us
292 I. KINGS. VIII.
have buildcd ? He acknozcledgcs God to be iiifiniie and immense,
lest ihe people should imagine that Jehovah teas like the heathen
gods, conjined to 07ie place ; the highest heavens, all the worlds of
light and glori/, could not comprehend or contain him. 28 Yet,
though thou art present every zchere, liave thou respect unto the
prayer of thy servant, and to his supplication, O Loud my God,
to hearken unto the cry and to the prayer, which thy servant pray-
eth before ihee to-day : 29 That tliine eyes may be open toward
this house niglit and day, [even] toward the place of which thou
hast said, My name shall be there : that thou mayest hearken
unto the prayer which thy servant shall make toward this place*.
SO And hearken thou to the supplication of thy servant, and of thy
people Israel, when they shall pray toward this place : and hear
thou in heaven thy dwelling place : and when thou hearest, for-
give. Still, to prevent any wrong notions of God, he adds, hear
in heaven, the residence of thy brightest glory, of which this is
but an emblem, and forgive ; because sin zcould prevent the accept-
ance and success of their prayers.
REFLECTIONS.
1. It is the duty and honour of the children of good men to
pursue their pious schemes, and complete the good works they
began : so Solomon did ; and speaks of it with peculiar pleasure
and satisfaction, and thankfulness to God, who enabled him to
do it. It is no dishonour to build on a good foundation ; but a
great disgrace when the children of God's people degenerate,
and do not pursue the good desigiA* ^f iheir parents.
2. The thick darkness, w winch God appeared, was an em-
blem of the darkness of that dispensation, in which there were
so much of types and shadov>s^^and obscurity. Rays of glory
indeed broke out, but still th .if minds were terrified and en-
slaved by it. Let us bless God for tl'.e brighter dispensation
of the gospel; where we all, uith open face beholding the glory (f
the Lord, are changed into his image from glory to glory by the
Spirit of the Lord.
3. We should remember, that good designs and intentions are
* Tiic people in tliC court wnrsliippcd towards the oracle, whore llic symbol of
the divhie presence resided ; and in oilier parts of the coniitiy liiey looked towards
the temple ; so Daniel did in Babylon, Daniel vj. lo. Hence we read ^o often of
worshipping towards the tcmjjle, as jjn exprcsMon of their faitii in Jehovah who
dwelt there.
I. KINGS. VIII. 293
approved and commended by God, though he gives not the op-
portunity of putting them into execution. David did well in
that it was in his heart to build a house for God. This is an en-
couragement to us to be la)ing schemes for his glory ; neverthe-
less good intentions arc but hypocrisy without vigorous endea-
vours. If the heart be intent upon serving God, and the hands
diligently employed in his work, and ij' there he azcilliug mind, it
is accepted according to what a man hath, and not according to what
he hath not.
4. Solomon, with all his wealth and magnificence, never looked
so truly great and glorious as he did in the attitude in which this
chapter represents him. He was great on the throne, on the
bench of justice, in his buildings, furniture and equipage; but
never so truly illustrious, as when prostrating himself before God,
and leading the devotions of Israel. It was for his honour that
he could pray, and suit his petitions to the occasion with so much
propriety and affection. It was for his honour that he was willing
to pray before this vast congregation, and did not turn over the
work to an inferior person. The reverence of his posture, and
the devotion of his heart, are worthy the imitation of the greatest
men.
5. God's promises to us should encourage our prayers. This
Solomon makes use of as a plea in his prayer. What was said to
David, and of Israel, on this he grounds his petition for favour
and mercy to the land, in the various circumstances that might
occur. God's promises are to guide our devotions, to direct us
■what to pray for, and excite our hope that he will graciously hear
our supplications, and send an answer of peace.
G. It becomes us whenever we aj)proach to God, to remember
his immensity and omnipresence. This will prevent rudeness and
j)resumption, and fill oiu' hearts with an awful sense of the Ma-
jesty we address; it will lead us to adn)ire his condesension and
grace, in permitting our approach to him, who is a spirit, and
must be worshipped in spirit and in truth. We should parti-
cularly recollect, that he knows our thoughts, therefore we nnist
be serious and sincere. He knows the plague of our hearts, and
allows us to spread our sins and our sorrows before him. He
knows how to support us imder every burden; to take it away,
or to cure every plague and grief, both of body and mind.
294 I. KINGS. VIII.
CHAP. VIII. 31, to the end.
A continuation of Solomon's prayer ; his blessing the people ; and the
sacrifice and feast which followed the dedication.
51 If any man trespass against his neighbour, and an oath be laid
upon him to cause him to swear, and the oath come before thine
altar in this house : 32 Then hear thou in heaven, and do, and
judge thy servants, condemning the wicked, to bring his way upon
his head ; and justifying the righteous, to give him according to
his righteousness ; if a man denies what zvas lent, or committed to
him by his neighbour , and, there being no witness, he is called upon
to purge himself by an oath, and to touch the altar, then do thou
plaiidy show icho has right on his side. 33 When thy people Israel
be smitten down before the enemy, because they have sinned
against thee, and shall turn again to thee, and confess thy name,
and pray, and make supplication unto thee in this house; or
rather, towards this house ; when they confess the justice of their
punishment, renounce their false gods, and turn to thee : 34 Then
hear thou in heaven, and forgive the sin of thy people Israel, and
bring them again out of their captivity unto the land which thou
gavest unto their fathers. 35 When heaven is shut up, and there
is no rain, because they have sinned against thee ; if they pray
toward this place, and confess thy name, and turn from their sin,
when thou afflictest them, zcithout zehich theif cannot hope for
mercy : 36 Then hear thou in heaven, and forgive the sin of thy
servants, and of thy people Israel, that thou teach them the good
way wherein they should walk, and give rain upon thy land which
thou hast given to thy people for an inheritance ; Jirst by thy
grace make them beller, and then give them rain in its season,
37 If there be in the land famine, if there be pestilence, blasting,
mildew, locust, [or] if there be caterpiller ; if their enemy besiege
them in the land of their cities ; whatsoever plague, whatsoever
sickness [there be ;] 38 What prayer and supplication soever be
[made] by any mun, any particular person, [or] by all thy people
Israel, by any toxoi or city, ivho, being aj/licted, shall join together
in their prayers, which shall know every man the plague of his
own heart*, zchen he 7nakes a solemn moan for any thing that lies
♦ In Chronicles, it is /jwjrir/urtd iO)roj<;; any bodily affliction, or ralljcr bin,
>vLicli is the causic of Kiitt".
I. KINGS. VIII. 295
heavy upon his spirits, and spread forth his hands toward this
house : 39 Then hear thou in heaven thy dweUing phice, and
forgive, and do, and give to every man according to his ways,
whose heart thou knowest; (for thou, [even] tliou onlv, knowest
the hearts of all the children of men ;) if his heart is upright,
grant his request, for thou canst not be deceived icith xcords, but
wilt give according to the sincerity of our repentance; 40 That
they may fear thee all the days that tliey live in the land which
thou gavest unto our fathers ; be led by thy goodness to serve thee
religiously, and not return to folly. He then opens the fullness of
his benevolent heart in praying for strangers. 4 1 Moreover con-
cerning a stranger, that [is] not of thy people Israel, but cometh
out of a far country for thy name's sake ; who hear the fame of
thy greatness and goodness, and are disposed to come to Jerusalem
to worship God, and become proselytes to his religion ; 42 (For tliey
shall hear of thy great name, and of thy strong hand, and of thy
stretched out arm ;) when he shall come and pray toward this
house; 43 Hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, to encourage
them, and prove thy divinity, and thy relation to Israel, and do
according to all that the stranger calleth to thee for: that all
people of the earth may know thy name, to fear thee, as [do] thy
people Israel ; and that they may know that this house, which I
have builded, is called by thy name, belongs to thee, has thy gra-
cious presence in it, and may carry a good report back, and so spread
thy name and i hi/ glory. 44. if thy people go out to battle against
their enemy, whithersoever thou shalt send them, and shall pray
unto the Lord toward the city which thou hast chosen, and
[toward] the house that I have built for thy name : 45 Then hear
thou in heaven their prayer and their supplication, and maintain
their cause. 46 If they sin against thee, if they revolt from thee
(for [there is] no man that sinneth not), the general depravity of
human nature makes me fear they uill, which he urges as an argu-
ment for compassion and mercy, and thou be angry with them, and
deliver them to the enemy, so that they carry them away captives
unto the land of the enemy, far or near; 47 [^ "^t] 'f they shall
bethink themselves in the land whither they were carried captives,
and repent, and make supplication unto thee in the land of them
that carried them captives, saving, We have sinned, and have done
perversely, we have committed^ wickedness; 48 A\u\ [so] return
unto thee with all llicir heart, and with all tlioir soul, in the land of
their enemies, which led them away captive, and |)iay unto ihtc
toward their land, (Dan. vi. 10.) wliich iliou -avcst uiilo tlicii
296 I. KINGS. VIII.
fathers, the city which tliou hast chosen, and the house whicli
I have built for thy name; if they repent, and hethiuk them-
selves, are contrite and confess their sins icith all their aggra-
vations, and turn from them and reform; 49 Then hear thou
their prayer and their supplication in heaven thy dwellino-
place, and maintain tiieir cause, or right, 50 And forgive thy
people that have sinned against thee, and all their transgressions
wherein they have transgressed against thee, and give them com-
passion before them who carried them captive, that they may
have compassion on them ; that their enemies may treat them with
mercy while they are continued in captivity, and give them leave to
return; 5\ For they [be] thy people, and thine inheritance, which
thou broughtest forth out of Egypt, from the midst of the furnace
of iron* ; 52 That thine eyes may be open unto the supplication
of thy servant, and unto the supplication of thy people Israel, to
hearken unto them in all that they call for unto thee. 53 For
thou didst separate them from among all the people of the earth,
[to be] thine iidieritance, as thou spakest by the hand of Moses
thy servant, when thou broughtest our fathers out of Egypt, O
Lord God; he urges it, by their relation to God as his peculiar
people, by the law that was given them, and the promise made to
Moses. See 2 Chron. vi. 41, 42.
54 And it was [so,] that when Solomon had made an end of
praying all this prayer and supplication unto the Lord, he arose
from before the altar of the J^oud, from kneeling on his knees,
with his hands spread up to heaven, and fire came down and con-
sumed the mcrifice^, %chich ivere on the brasen altar, and the glory
of the Lord filled the house, (1 Chron. vii. 1 — 3.), a bright lustre
broke out of the dark cloud, and aj'ccted the people greatly . 55 And
he stood, and blessed all the congregation of Israel, he turned
about to the people, ami blessed them, with a loud voice, saying,
56 Blessed [be] the Lord, that hath given rest unto his people
Israel, according to all that ho promised : there hath not failed one
word of all his good promise which he promised by the hand
of Moses his servant. Jle here reminds them of God's fidelity,
and prays for his continued presence. 57 The Lord our God be
with us; as he was with our fathers ; let him not leave us, nor
forsake us: 58 That he may incline our hearts unto him, to walk
in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, ami his statutes,
* Solomon urges as an ari;nmcnt, that they were God's inlierUaiicc, Mliich he
Lad purchased and made his own, and theretore hopes that he will not lose the
Rloiy of wliHt he had formerly done for them; and coiicludts wilb a gcucial
rctjuest, thdt God would hear all his praying pecplt.
I. KINGS. VIII. 297
and his judgments, which he commanded our fathers; as we have
the external tokens of his favour, so may we have his grace, to ob-
serve the statutes and ordinances which he hath criven us ; this is the
greatest blessing, and the means of securing the continuance of all
other privileges. 59 And let these my \vords, \There\vith I have
made supplication before the Lord, be nigh unto the Lord our
God day and night, tliat he maintain the cause of his servant, and
the cause of his people Israel at all times, as the matter shall
require : thus he expresses his hope that Godtvould hear hisprai/er,
and siiow signal favour to Israel. 60 That all the people of the
earth may know that the Loan [is] God, [and that there is] none
else ; that other nations may be led by it to loorship and glorify
him. He then concludes the solemnity with a word of exhortation,
charging them to continue obedient, as the condition of the diviiic
favour and blessing. 61 Let your heart therefore be perfect with
the Lord our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his com-
mandments, as at this day.
62 And the king, and all Israel with him, offered sacrifice
before the Lord. Q3 And Solomon offered a sacrifice of peace
offerings, which he offered unto the Loud, a small part of which
was destroyed; other parts belonged to the priests, and the remain-
der was a feast for the people who were assembled; two and twenty
thousand oxen, and an hundred and twenty thousand sheep. So
the king and all the children of Israel dedicated the house of the
Lord ; set it apart to holy uses, in an holi/ manner, and joined in
sacrifces to God, and in prayer and tlund^sgicing. 64 The same
day did the king hallow the middle of the court that [was] before
the house of the Lord : for there he offered burnt offerings, and
meat oflerings, and the fat of the peace offerings : because the
brasen altar that [Mas] before the Lord [was] too little to receive
the burnt offerings, and meat oflerings, and the fat of the peace
offerings. Probably many altars Here erected on this (jccasio)i, which
were afterwards removed into the court of the people, because the
court of the priests teas not large enough.
65 And at that time Solomon held a feast, called the feast (f
dedication, and all Israel with him, a great congregation from the
entering in of llamath unto the river of Egypt, before the Lord
our God, seven days and seven days more for the feast of taber-
nacles, [even] fourteen days. These peace ofcrings were oifered
during all these days, and served to feast this great concourse of
people the whole time. Ckj On the eighth day, that is, the day
after the feast of tabernacles teas over, he sent tliu people
298 I. KINGS. VIII.
away : and they blessed the king, and went unto their tents joyful
and glad of heart for all the goodness that the Lord had done
for David his servant, and for Israel his people ; they thanked the
king for his kindness and care, especiallj/ in estahlishing the worship
of God; they prayed to God to prosper his reign, and blessed him
for all the great things that had been done for David, and his son,
and all Israel by their means.
REFLECTIONS.
1. If we desire the success of our prayers, and the continnance
of our prosperity, we must reform our ways and be obedient.
Solomon in every branch of his prayer mentions this, to remind
the people of the terms of acceptance, and to prevent their
mocking God, by asking his favour while they were disobedient;
and he particularly mentions it in the close of his address to them.
To this purpose saith the psalmist, If I regard irdquiti/ in my
heart, the Lord will not hear me.
2. The goodness and kindness of God to our fathers, is a
ground to pray and hope that he will show the same to us. We
have heard with our ears, and our fathers have told us, what God
has done in time past ; and he has still the same power and grace.
Let us pray that the same blessing may descend on us ; we need
it as much as they; but then we must imitate their piety and zeal,
and endeavour even to exceed them. Then we may hope that
the God of our fathers will bless us.
3. The settlement of public worship, and the tokens of the
divine presence in it, give great joy to every pious Israelite.
What a pleasure was it to the people to see the temple
finished, the ark brought into it, and God giving these evident
tokens of his favour and acceptance ; to see the king so joyful
and devout, and every one so well pleased ! Thus, when our go-
vernors secure to us the liberty of public worship, when a spirit
of devotion and zeal for the house of God prevails, and his people
are made joyful in the house of prayer, there is great reason for
thankfulness ; and it should be our prayer that this may be more
and more our case. In every instance in which it is so, the song
of the priests and people should be ours ; llie Lord is good, and
his mercy endurethfor ever. Amen.
I.KINGS. IX. 299
CHAPTER IX.
( iod's answer to Solomon's prayer ; the mutual presents between him
and Hiram ; with some account of his buildings and navy.
1 And it came to pass, when Solomon had finished the building
of the house of the Lord, and the king's house, and all Solo-
mon's desire which he was pleased to do, 2 That the Lord ap-
peared to Solomon the second time, as he had appeared unto
him at Gibeon, that is, in a dream by 7iight*. 3 And the Lord
said unto him, I have heard thy prayer and thy supplication, that
thou hast made before me : I have hallowed this house, which
thou has built, to put my name there for ever, hj/ the cloud and
the fire consuming the sacrifices; and mine eyes and mine heart
shall be there perpetually, m^ gracious providence and tender love
and care ; but this depended upon his good behaviour. 4 And if
thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, in inte-
grity of heart, and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have
commanded thee, [and] wilt keep my statutes, and my judgments;
if thou wilt be as upright as David teas in the main course of his life
and reign, 5 Then I will establish the throne of thy kingdom upon
Israel for ever, as I promised to David thy father, saying, There
shall not fail thee a man upon the throne of Israel. 6 [But] if
ye shall at all turn from following me, and revolt to idolatri/, ye
or your children, and will not keep my commandments [and] my
statutes which I have set before yon, but go and serve other
gods, and worship them: 7 Then will I cut off Israel out of the
land which 1 have given them, I^vill drive them from thence ; and
this house, which 1 have hallowed for my name, will I cast out
of my sight, remove rnif presence from it; and Israel shall be a
proverb, and a byword among all people t : 8 And at this house,
[which] is high, that is^ grand, splendid, and renmcnedfor its many
sacrifices and worshippers, every one that passeth by it shall be
astonished at its unexpected and wonderful ruin, and shall hiss;
and they shall say. Why hath the Loud done thus unto this land,
* It is generally thought th^s was after his prayer, the same nijiht ; thoiitth the
first verse seems to intimate, that it was some years alter, when he h.nl tiiiishecl
all his biiiUlinics ^"'' "'"* '" danger of growing proud ; an<i therefore t.od gave
him the caution that follows.
t It is A common provfil), Uiut such or such per»on> arc as miserable a-' Jew.-.
300 I. KINGS. IX.
and to this house ? 9 And they shall answer, Because they for-
sook tlie Loud their God, who brought forth their fathers out of
the knd of Egypt, and have taken hold u])on other gods, and
have worshipped them, and served them : therefore hath tiie
Lord brought upon them all this evil; the Jews shall he self-
condemned, and be forced to give an account of these calamities,
which were owing to their ouii folly and revolt.
10 And it came to pass at the end of twenty years, when So-
lomon had built the two houses, the house of the Lord, and the
king's house, \ 1 ([Now] Hiram the king of 'J'yre had furnished
Solomon with cedar trees and iir trees, and with gold, in exchange
for wheat and oil, the commodities of Canaan, according to all his
desire,) that then king Solomon gave Hiram twenty cities in the
land of Galilee*. 12 And Hiram came out from Tyre to see
the cities which Solomon had given him ; and they pleased him
not, and therefore he returned them back again. (2 Chron. viii. 2.)
13 And he said, What cities [are] these which thou hast given
me, my brother? And he called them the land of Cabul unto this
day, that is, dirty, or displeasing f. 14 And Hiram sent to the
king sixscore talents of gold J. No doubt Solomon made him a
recompense some other wai/, as the offer of the cities was not agreeable;
and the correspondence iciseli/ begun icas amicablj/ ended.
15 And this [is] the reason of the levy <f men and 7?ionei/
which king Solomon raised; for to build the house of the Lonn,
and his own house, and Millo, and the wall of Jerusalem, and
Hazor, and Megiddo, and Gezer. ](> [For] Pharaoh king of
Egypt had gone up, and taken Gezer, and burnt it with iivc, and
slain the Cauaaiiites that dwelt in the city §, and given it [for] a
present unto his daughter, Solomon's wife. 17 And Solomon
built Gezer, and Heth-horon the nether, 18 And Baalath, and
Tadmor in the wilderness, in the laud, in the north part of the
country, in the land of liarnath, 19 And all the cities of store,
that is, for corn and ammunition, that Solomon had, and cities
for his chariots, and cities for his horsemen, and that \\ hich
" Theie were inhabited by Canaanites, (as may seem by 2 Cliroii. viii. i.), called,
in tlic New Test.inuiit, Galilee oftlic Geutiles.
+ Tlie land was cxceediiij^ly rich and fruitful ; but, as is jrcnerally tbc case wiili
siicb countries as liave deep soil, the mads were dirty. Tliis <lid not suit the
Tyrians, who deliijlited in trade, and did not choose country business. W v liiid
afterwards that Solomon .sent some Israelites there who inhabited them.
i About six hundred fifty-seven thousand and fifty-two pounds sterling.
§ Some liavc .supj^sed that they liad behaved ill, and that Solonum, having In's
bands full of business, got Jiis l,«her in law to i)nnish them, and extirpate the
inhabitants.
I. KINGS. IX. 301
Solomon desired to build in Jerusalem, and in Lebanon, and in
all the land of his dominion.
20 [And] all the people [that were] left of the Amorites, Ilit-
tites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, which [were] not of the
children of Israel, but had forsaken, their idoUitrif, (else David
zmuld hate driven them out also), 21 Their children that were
left after them in the land, whom the children of Israel also were
not able utterly to destroy, upon those did Solomon levy a tribute
of bondservice unto this day ; they became bearers of burdens, and
hetvers in the mountains. 22 But of the children of Israel did
Solomon make no bondmen : but they [were] men of war, and
his servants, and his princes, and his captains, and rulers of his
ciiariots, and his horsemen ; the Israelites were put to no servile
labour, but teere officers of the court, governors (f provinces and
cities, captains and soldiers. 23 These [were] the chief of the
officers that [were] over Solomon's work, five hundred and fifty,
which bare rule over the people that wrought in the work.
24 But Pharaoh's daughter came up out of the city of David*
unto her house which [Solomon] had built for her: then did he
build Millo.
25 And three times in a year did SoloMon offer burnt offerings,
and peace offerings upon the altar which he built unto the Lord,
and he burnt incense upon the altar that [was] before the Lord.
So he finished the house. He never failed to keep the three solemn
feasts, and burn incense to the Jjord, that is, it was provided at his
expense, and burnt ivith a peculiar reference to him.
0,6 And king Solomon made a navy of ships in Ezion-geber,
which [is] beside Eloth on the shore of the Red sea, in the land
of Edom, zchich David had conquered ; and perhaps the commerce
was begun by David, as he had so much gold. 27 And Hiram sent
in the navy his servants, who were excellent sailor", shipmen that
had knowledge of the sea, with the servants of Solomon. 28 And
they came to Ophir, and fetched from thence gold, four hundred
and twenty talents, and brought [it] to king Solomon t-
* In 3 Cliron. viii. ii., \vc find lliat tliis place was ostopmed pcculiarlj holy,
bccanse tlie aik had so long resided tliLTo. it was not ilienfore fit thnt she, »«lio
was a sti-ant;(r, and probably bad many Eiryptians with hor, who could not easily
forsake all their idolatrous practices, shouhi continue there.
t Learned men are not aj;rccd where Ophir is situated ; but tlio length of the
vovacje to it, and the commndities brought from theiu-c, naturally lead us to con-
clude it was somewhere in the Hast Indies ; perhaps a^ far as Cbiiia. In ChroniclM
it is sai<l thi're were fonr /lu/.i/if./ and Ji/tij talents lir(ni!;hi to the kiuc. IVrhaps
thirty was the expense of the voyajje, or were piven to Hiram's ser\.\iils ; and th"
four bundled and twenty brought for Solouion's o\wi u>e. TItis was a vast sum,
amounting to considerably more than two millions.
302 I. KINGS. IX.
REFLECTIONS.
1. The caution which God gave Solomon in this chapter,
reminds us, that if we desire the continuance of our privileges,
we must be an obedient and holy people. No establishment of
the externals of religion, no splendour of the church, or forms of
worship, can secure the divine favour, and lengthen our tran-
quillity, without obedience to God's laws and keeping his com-
mandments. Let us impress this truth upon our hearts, that we
be not high-minded but fear; and let every particular person re-
member, that doing the will of God is necessary to the acceptance
of our prayers, and the continuance of the divine blessing. We
see,
2. The wisdom of God in the different genius and inclinations
of men. Hiram and his men loved the streets of Tyre better
than the dirt of the country. The Israelites preferred the country
to the town. Merchantmen and tradesmen are pleased with the
noise and hurry of the city and sea ports ; while farmers love the
quietness of the country. And in their dift'erent ways and occu-
pations, they both contribute to the welfare of the land and the
benefit of their neighbours. These different inclinations are
appointed by Providence to promote the happiness of mankind,
and his name is to be praised therein.
3. Observe for the honour of trade, that these two princes
were employed in it. They thought it not beneath them to fit
out ships and commence merchants. Solomon thought it no
impeachment of his wisdom, though he was the wisest of men,
nor a lessening of his glory, though he was the richest and
greatest, to be a merchant, to go himself to his port, and to see
with his own eyes. This shames the folly and pride of those,
who, boasting of their being noblemen and gentlemen, think that
trade is a dishonour. While many of them think it no dishonour
to be wicked, to be in debt, and to cheat and defraud all about
them. Once more,
4. Let merchantmen and tradesmen remember what Solomon
suggests, that wiadom is t/ie principal thing ; that true religion is
the one thing needful. Solomon, who knew the sweets of trade,
and who brought in vast wealth by his navy, informs us, and we
should all attend to the admonition, Prov. iii. 13 — I?., Happy
I. KINGS. X. 303
is the man that Jindeth wisdom, and the man that getteth under-
standing ; for the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise
of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious
than rubies : and all the things thou canst desire are not to be com-
pared unto her. Length of days is in her right haiul; and in her
left hand riches and honour. Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
and all her paths are peace.
CHAPTER X.
An account of Solomon's interview with the queen of Shcba, and of his
wealth and grandeur.
1 i\.ND when the queen of Sheba* heard, perhaps by some of
his ships which touched on her coasts in their way to Ophir, of the
fame of Solomon, of his wealth and wisdoin, and concerning the
name of the Lord, the great things he had done for the honour,
worship, and service of God, she came to prove him with liartl
questions f. 2 And she came to Jerusalem with a very great
train, with camels that bare spices, and very much gold, and
precious stones : and when she was come to Solomon, she com-
muned with him of all that was in her heart ; she had liberty to
propose what questions she pleased. 3 And Solomon told her all
her questions : there was not [any] thing hid from the king, which
he told her not ; he answered them all to her satisfaction. 4 And
when the queen of Sheba had seen all Solomon's wisdom, and
the house that he had built, the house or temple for Gud, and the
palace for himself, 5 And the meat of his table, and the sitting of
his servants, and the attendance of his ministers and their apparel,
and his cup bearers, the order of his family, his attendants and
provisions, and his ascent by which he went up unto the house
of the Lord, the gra)id walk or terrace from his own palace to
the temple, there was no more spirit in her, she teas quite astonished.
6 And she said to the king, It was a true report that I heard in
mine own land of thy acts and of thy wisdon). 7 Howbeit I believed
* Slieba was part of Arabia Fdix, which lay south of Caiiaaii ; ami therefore
she is called the (/uit/i of (he south. Her country was boundcil by the ocoju, aud
therefore she is said to lomt/roin the uttermost yuits of the earth.
t It was an ancient divcrsiuu auion^ princes to propose curious aud diflicult
questions, in order to try eadi otlu-r's sagacity and ^klll.
30i I. KINGS. X.
not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen [it :] and,
behold, the half was not told me : thy wisdom and prosperity
exceedeth the fame which I heard; she thought common fame
might magnify things, and that what she should see would fall short
of what was told her; but it greatly exceeded it. 8 Happy [are]
thy men, thy subjects in general, happy [are] these thy servants,
thy courtiers which stand continually before thee, [and] that hear
thy wisdom; not so much because of tin/ wealth ami honour, hut as
thci/ have an opportunity of hearing thy wisdom, and improving
their minds, y Blessed be the Lord thy God, which delighted
in thee, to set thee on the throne of Israel : because the Lord
loved Israel for ever, therefore made he thee king, to do judgment
and justice. This was a grave and solemn admonition both to him
and his people. They ought to thank God who gave them such a
king; and he should remember, that all his wealth, pozcer, and
wisdom, zcere given him for the good of his subjects ; not to live in
ease, splendour, and pleasure; but to consult their happiness.
10 And she gave the king an hundred and twenty talents of gold,
and of spices very great store, the products of her own country,
and precious stones : there came no more such abundance of
spices as these which the queen of Sheba gave to king Solomon.
1 1 And the navy also of Hiram, that brought gold from Ophir,
brought in from Ophir great plenty of almug trees, an hard wood
like brazil, and precious stones. 12 And the king made of the
almug trees pillars for the house of the Loud, or rails for the
terrace, and for the king's house, harps also and psalteries for
singers : there came no such almug trees, nor were seen unto
this day. 13 And king Solomon gave unto the queen of Sheba,
all her desire, whatsoever she asked, any curiosity she had a mind
to, besides [that] whicb Solomon gave her of his royal bounty.
So she turned and went to her own country, she and her
servants.
14 Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year
was six hundred threescore and six talents of gold, zcorth consi-
derably more than three millions. 15 Besides [that he had] of the
merchantmen, the inhalnlants of the north, zcho brought the com-
viodilies oj' their ozcn country, and of the traffic of the spice
merchants, other merchants who paid custom, and of all the kings
of Arabia, the princes zcho were tributary to him, and of the gover-
nors of the country, the revenue which came in J'rom the several
protinces.
If) Ajid king Solomon niadt- two hundred targets [of] beaten
I. KINGS. X. 305
gold : six hundred [shekels] of gold went to one target. 17 And
[he made] three hundred shields [of] beaten gold*; three pound
of gold went to one shield : and the king put them in the house
of the forest of Lebanon.
18 Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory, and over-
laid it, or rather, inlaid or studded it , with the best gold. 19 The
throne had six steps, and the top of the throne [was] round
behind a semicircle : and [there were] stays on either side on the
place of the seat, two arms like an elbow-chair, and two lions
stood beside the stays, as large as life, for supporters. 20 And
twelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other upon
the six steps, for ornament : there was not the like made in any
kingdom. 21 And all king Solomon's drinking vessels [were of]
gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon
[were of] pure gold ; none [were of] silver : it was nothing ac-
counted of in the days of Solomon. We hate then an account
hoxo Solomon came by all his loealth. 22 For the king had at sea
a navy of Tharshish, with the navy of Hiram 'I*: once in three
years came the navy of Tharshish, bringing gold, and silver, ivory,
and apes, and peacocks, or parrots, zohich are still the commodities
of that country. 23 So king Solomon exceeded all the kings of
the earth for riches and for wisdom. 24 And all the earth sought
to Solomon, to hear his wisdom, which God had put in his heart.
25 And they brought every man his present, vessels of silver,
and vessels of gold, and garments, and armour, and spices, horses,
and mules, a rate year by year. The great men of neighbouring
nations so liighhj esteemed his luisdom, that they courted his friend-
ship, and sent him presents annually, as a token of respect, and
from a desire that the friendship and alliance might be continued.
26 And Solomon gathered together chariots and horsemen :
and he had a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve
thousand horsemen, whom he bestowed in the cities for chariots,
and with the king at Jerusalem ; to be ready on any emergency,
fis well as for state.
27 And the king made silver [to be] in Jerusalem as stones,
and cedars made he [to be] as the sycamore trees, or wild Jig
trees, that [are] in the vale for abundance ; hyperbolical expres-
sions for the great plenty of silver and cedar.
* These were probably designed to be carried before bim when be went in
state ; at other limes, to "be hung up in the grand ball at the house of Lebanon.
t There were two fleets, one belonging to Hiram, in which Solomon bad a share ;
and one belonging to Solomon, in which Hiram had a share. These sailed through
the straits of Gibraltar quite to Guinea.
VOL. III. X
306 I. KINGS. X.
28 And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and lineu
yarn : the king's merchants received the linen yarn at a price.
29 And a chariot came up and went out of Egypt for six hundred
[shekels] of silver, and an horse for an hundred and fifty : and so
for all the kings of the Ilittites, and for tlie kings of Syria, did
they bring [them] out by their means *.
REFLECTIONS.
1. How solicitous should we be to seek wisdom, especially of
those who are most eminent for it. Many travel for wealth, cu-
riosity and custom ; this princess travelled for a nobler end, to
learn wisduni ; perhaps, to gain the knowledge of Jehovah and his
service ; and was at much pains and cost about it. Let us desire
to learn wisdom whatever it may cost us, csjiccially from Jesus
Christ who lay in the bosom of the I'^ither, i)i nhom arc hid all
the treasures of wisdom and knoivledge. Many are fonder of dis-
cussing hard questions, than gaining useful knowledge ; but let
us seek true wisdom. We have no need to travel far for it. We
have in our Bible what is most important and most plain : the uovd
is nigh milo us, Matt. xi. 42. We learn,
2. The happiness of those who have the opportunities of know-
ledge and piety. Hoppy are thy people, happy are these thy
servants! And thus happy are the servants who live in religious
families, if they did but know how to value and improve their
privileges, far superior to any advantages of this world. Happy
are the servants of God, who dwell in his house, eat at his table,
behold his glory in his temple, and have so many opportunities of
growing wise to salvation. Above all, blesse<l are they who dwell
in his house above, who see his face, and sing his praise.
3. The reflection which the queen of Slieba made on Solo-
mon's advancement, is applicable to Christ. God delighted in
him, therefore made him king of die church, and empowered him
* Tlil< \ci-sf i,M\e.s an arcount of liis commerce villi Kgypf. It is rather
obscurely cxprtssecl. Some translate linen yarn to be toll or custom. I nnilcrstand
it tiius : us lipypt was famous for horses, the kin-,' would not suffer them to he tx-
portcH without a lar^e tribute. For this Solomon compouuticd with him for so
much a year ; so his merchants went down and houscht and sold them to nei!i;h-
Louriug stiites and princes, each horse at about eifihtecn pounds. Some think it
was fio nnich duty ; and a chariot, in which was four horses, was six huiulred
sliekfls, tli;U is, about sevciity-fiMir poimds. 1 think this was a duty ratlicr tlian
the price. It may seem cxtrava^'ant ; but money was then very pleiitiiul. Tims
Solonmn corichcd his own country, and appeared the great friejul ami protector
ot trade.
I. KINGS. XI. 307
to communicate happiness to men. Out of love to mankind God
hath made him king, to save them from ruin ; to govern them by
his wise and wholesome laws, and make all that are dutiful, loyal,
and obedient, completely and eternally happy. This demands
our warmest praise. Thanks be to God for this unspeakable gift.
4. We may reflect once more, how good a judge Solomon was
wherein true happiness consisted, and what regard should be paid
to his judgment who declared, that vanity of vanities, all was va-
nity: and he wrote a whole book to prove this. May we learn
wisdom of him ; and make a right estimate of the world, and all
that is in the world. Real religion will make us happier than he
was with all his wealth and honours.
CHAPTER XI.
We have seen Solomon in the height of his glory, but here is a melan-
choly alteration. Wc are now to read of his degeneracy; of God's
displeasure and threatening to him; of the enemies God raised up
against him ; and of his death and successor.
1 JljUT king Solomon loved many strange women, together with
the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites,
Edomites, Zidonians, [and] Hittites ; 2 Of the nations [con-
cerning] which the Lord said unto the children of Israel, Ye
shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you:
[for] surely they will turn away your heart after their gods : Solo-
mon clave unto these in love. He was guilty of two sins against
the law; the one zms in a multiplicity ofzcives, the other in taking
strange women. 5 And he had seven hundred wives, princesses,
and three hundred concubines : and his wives turned away his
heart. These were taken for state and pomp ; as eastern princes
to this day have a great number of wives, many of whom perhaps
they scarce ever see. 4 Tor it came to pass, when Solomon was
old [that] his wives turned away his heart after other gods : and
his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the
heart of David his father. He did not renounce Jehovah, but
joined the worship of other gods with him ; he allowed his wives to
do it at first privateli/, and then more openly. He attended himself
in some instances out of complaisance, or partook of their feasts ;
308 I. KINGS. XL
which he never would have done if his mind had not been depraved by
sensual pleasures. 5 For Solomon w ent after Ashtorelh the goddess
of the Zidonians, and after Milconi tlie abomination of the Am-
monites. 6 And Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord, and
uentnot fully after the Lord, as [did] David his father; he zc-as
not like David, rcho kept to the worship of God and never joined
in idolatry. 7 Then did Solomon build an high place for Che-
mosh, the abomination for Moab, in the hill that [is] before Jeru-
salem, and of Molech the abomination of the children of Ammon*.
8 And likewise did he for all his strange wives, which burnt
incense and sacrificed unto their gods ; to oblige them all, he had
some image or temple to the honour of their several gods.
9 And the LojtD was angry with Solomon, because his heart
was turned from the Lord God of Israel, which had appeared
unto him twice; at Gibeon, and at Jerusalem after the prayer at
the dedication of the temple. 10 And had connnanded him expressly,
at both those appearances, concerning this thing, that he should
not go after other gods : but he kept not that which the Lord
connnanded. J 1 Wherefore the Lord said unto Solomon, Foras-
much as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant
and my statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend
the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant Jeroboam.
12 Notwithstanding in thy days I will not do it for David thy
father's sake ; to humble, him still more, he tells him he did not do
it for his sake, but for his father David's: [but] 1 will rend it out
of the hand of thy son. 13 Howbeit I will not rend away all
the kingdom ; [but] will give one tribe to thy son for David my
servant's sake, and for Jerusalem's sake which 1 have chosen f.
14 And the Lo uu stirred up an adversary unto Solomon, in
his old age, when he teas most de^iruusof rest and fjuiet, Hadad the
Edomite: he [was] of the king's seed in Edom. 15 For it came
to pass, when David was in Edom, and Joab the captain of the
host was gone up to bury the slain, after he had smitten every
male in Edom; Hj (For six months did Joab remain there with
all Israel, until he had cut oft' every male in Edom:) 17 That
Hadad tied, he and certain Edomites of his father's servants with
him, to go into Egypt; Hadad [being] yet a little child. IS And
* This wr»s «lonp on iiioimt Olivet, in siiriit of tlie temple and inliabilants of
Jerusalem ; lie was not quite so bad as lo do it tiiere : and this plaee lonlinued
till the days of <lo^iah.
♦ This was another niiti:;ation of tlie iinnishnient, that he would not rind all ;
bill still this luunhling ciicunistaiicu is added, that it was for Davids sake, and
Jerusiileni's take.
I. KINGS. XI. 309
they arose out of Midian, and came to Paran, where he zeaited to
see whether Pharaoh ivould receive them: and they took men with
them out of Paran, he hired men, that he might appear like a
prince, and have an equipage suitable to his qualify ; and they
came to Egypt, unto Pharaoh king of Egypt; which gave him
an house, and appointed him victuals, and gave him land. 19 -And
Hadad found great favour in the sight of Pharaoh, so that he gave
him to wife the sister of his own wife, the sister of Tahpenes the
queen*. 20 And the sister of Tahpenes bare him Genubath his
son, whom Tahpenes weaned in Pharaoh's house: and Genubath
was in Pharaoh's household among the sons of Pharaoh, who
showed great affection to the child. 21 And when Hadad heard
in Egypt that David slept with his fathers, and that Joab the
captain of the host was deadf, Hadad said to Pharaoh, Let
me depart, that I may go to mine own country. 22 Then Pharaoh
said unto him, But what hast thou lacked with me, that, behold,
thou seekest to go to thine own country ? And he answered,
Nothing : howbeit let me go in any wise t.
23 And God stirred him up [another] adversary, Rezon, the
son of Eliadah, which fled from his lord Hadadezer king of
Zobah ; he zoas a general who jiecl when his ami}/ zcas beaten by
David : 24 And he gathered men unto him, and became captain
over a band, when David slew ihcm [of Zobah :] and ihey went
to Damascus, and dwelt therein, and reigned in Damascus §.
25 And he was an adversary to Israel all the days of Solomon,
besides the mischief that Hadad [did :] and he abhorred Israel,
and reigned over Syria : he was encouraged by Hadad, and brought
the country round about Damascus into subjection.
26 And Jeroboam the son of Nebat, an flphrathite of Zcrcda,
Solomon's servant, a great officer of slate, (ver. 28., chap. ix. 22.),
whose mother's name [was] Zeruah, a widow woman, even he
lifted up [liis], hand against the king; not in open rebellion, but
secretly sowed the seeds of discord and faction in the tribes of which
* Some lliink he inct witli tlie more favourable reception, as he might bring
with liira Uie kuowledge of some arts or sciences, which the E^iyptians wanted.
t It seems that Joab was as much dreaded as David, after that terrible execu-
tion of the Edomitts.
t Hadad accordingly went home ; and, prol)ahly at I'liaraoh's intercession,
Solomon permitted him to stay, and lie became tributary to liini. But towards
tlie close of Solomon's reii;ii, when he be^ran to be old imd m ^^ligent he re-
volted, and grew troublesome, in order to avenge the blood oi his cotnitiymea.
§ David kept a garrison at Damascus; but when Solomon was growu old, he
neglected his conquests, so that Rezon easily recovered tlie city.
310 I. KINGS. XI.
ne was receiver-general. 27 And this [was] the cause that he
lifted up [his] hand against the king : Solomon built Millo, [and]
repaired the breaches of the city of David his father. 28 And
the man Jeroboam [was] a mighty man of valour : and Solomon
seeing the young man that he was industrious, he made him ruler
over all the charge of the house of Joseph. Solomori went to see
the work, and perceiving him to be a diligent, active, bold man,
made him receiver-general of Ephraim and JManasseh. 29 And
it came to pass at that time when Jeroboam ^vent out of Jeru-
salem, where he had been to settle his accounts, that the prophet
Ahijah the Shilonite found him in the way ; and he had clad
himself with a new garment, that he might appear at court in a
suitable dress ; and they two [were] alone in the field, the servants
perhaps being sent forzcard : 30 And Ahijah caught the new gar-
ment that [was] on him, and rent it [in] twelve pieces, as a pro-
phetical kign, which he proceeded to explain. 3 1 And he said to
Jeroboam, Take thee ten pieces : for thus saith the Loud, the
God of Israel, Behold, I will rend the kingdom out of the hand
of Solomon, and will give ten tribes to thee : 32 (But he shall
have one tribe* for my servant David's sake, and for Jeru-
salem's sake, the city w hich 1 have chosen out of all the tribes of
Israel :) S3 Because that they have forsaken mei", and have wor-
shipped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, Chemosh the
god of the Moabitcs, and Milcom the god of the children of
Amnion, and have not walked in my ways, to do [that which is]
right in mine eyes, and [to keep] my statutes and my judgments,
as [did] David his father. 34 Ilowbeit I will not take the whole
kingdom out of his \n\m\ : but I will make him prince all the davs
of Ills life for David my servant's sake, whom I chose, because
he kept my commandments and my statutes J : 35 But I will take
the kingdom out of his son's hand, and will give it unto thee
[even] ten tribes. 36 And unto his son I will give one tribe, that
David my servant may have a light always before me in Jerusalem
the city which I have chosen nie to put my name there ; that
there vwy be a succes>^ion of kings to guide my people, and cheer
* He liad in fact two tril)os, Benjamin beinj; nii.xcil with Judali. Joiusalcm
stood parlly in both of tin in : tiicy were liowever reckoned bnt one tril)e, Ben-
jainin bcin),' small.
t Many of the people were led away, especially the coui tiers, who gonerally
will l^e of the king's religion.
t This was an admonition to Jeroboam not to molest .Solomon all his d;iys, nor
imitate his example in becoMiiu-; ;iii idolater ; else lie would forl'tit bis privileges
likewise.
I. KINGS. XI. 311
them hy their comfortable ivfluence. ^17 And I will take thee
from thy present station, and thou shalt reign according to all
that thy soul desireth, in a flourishing kingdom, and shalt be king
over Israel, but not overJndah. 38 And it shall be, if thou wilt
hearken unto all that I command thee, and wilt walk in my ways,
and do [that is] right in my sight, to keep my statutes and my
commandments, as David my servant did ; that I will be with
thee, and build thee a sure house, as I built for David, and will
give Israel unto thee. 39 And I will for this afflict the seed of
David, but not for ever. His kingdom shall remain and return
from captivity ; and at length be established for ever, in the Mes-
siah, as the Jewish writers interpret it. 40 Solomon sought there-
fore to kill Jeroboam*. And Jeroboam arose, and fled into
Egypt, unto Shishak king of Egypt, a new king, perhaps no re-
lation to the former ; one loho looked with a greedy eye upon So-
lomon's zcealth ; and after his death came and took a great part of
it aioay ; and Jeroboam was in Egypt until the death of Solomon.
41 And the rest of the acts of Solomon, and all that he did,
and his wisdom, [are] they not written in the book of tlie acts of
Solomon ? 42 And the time that Solomon reigned in Jerusalem
over all Israel [was] forty years. 43 And Solomon slept with
his fathers, and was buried in the city of David his father : and
Rehoboam his son reigned in his stead.
REFLECTIONS.
1. From hence we learn, the dreadful consequences of in-
dulging fleshly lusts. \Mio would have thought this great and
wise man could have been so sadly insnared. After all the
warnings he gave others, he became a slave to his appetite.
What signified all his wisdom, when his passions ran away with
him ! This melancholy story contains an awful admonition to us
all. Let not those who are advanced in years think themselves
quite secure; though these are properly youthful lusts, and are then
most dangerous, yet caution is necessary for all. Dearly beloved,
I beseech you, as pilgrims and strangers, abstain from fleshly lusts
which zcar against the soul.
2. In proportion to our privileges and advantages, is our guilt
increased, if we break the commands of God. Solomon had
* This was a sign of dotage ; perhaps the prophet niatle no secret of it, or jjave
Jeroboam no injunction to conceal it.
312 T. KINGS. XI.
trreat advantages by David's example and inBlructions; this ag-
gravated his folly. Children of godly parents should beware ;
and serve the God of their fathers, and walk in their pious steps.
It is observed that God appeared to him twice. Let us remember
that God observes how often he has appeared to and for us; in
the bounties of Providence, in the checks of conscience, in the
workings of the Spirit, and admonitions of his Avord. This ag-
gravates our guilt if we forget him, and have our hearts turned
away from him.
3. -All who sin against God injure their own peace and happi-
ness. While Solomon was virtuous, there was no adversary or
evil occurrence ; but when he revolted, various enemies were
stirred up ; God reserved this scourge for him, and when he
revolted, they corrected him. Peace ends when impiety and
lasciviousness begin. Sin not only separates between God
and the soul, but arms innumerable enemies against us. There-
fore,
4. Let those who have made the most public professions of
religion, and shown great zeal in it, continue on their guard, lest
they depart from God. How excellently well did Solomon begin
his reign! with how much seriousness! and what a prayer did he
ofifer ! But how sadly was his glory tarnished by what is here
told ! it made him to set in a cloud. Let him then that thijiketh
he standcth take heed lest he fall. And let us all use great caution
and watchfulness, even to the end of life.
5. Whatever the christian's enjoyments or comforts in this life
are, he should long to be at home. The conduct of this Edomite
su<;gests this to us, r. 22. He lived in ease, pomp and splendour,
and wanted nothing : but still he says, JLet me go. This world is
iiot the home or rest of christians ; their hearts and affections
breathe after heaven ; they desire to depart, and to he willt Christ,
which is far better.
V
I. KINGS. XII. 313
CHAPTER XII.
Tlie people's petition to Rchoboam, and liis foolish answer ; the revolt of
the ten tribes from the house of David under Jeroboam, and the sinful
methods he took to establish his kingdom.
1 And Rchoboam went to Shechem : for all Israel were come
to Shechem to make him king *. 2 And it came to pass, when
Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was yet in Egypt, heard [of it,]
(for he was fled from the presence of king Solomon, and Jero-
boam dwelt in Egypt;) 3 That they sent and called him; know-
ing his disaffection to thefamih/ of Solomon, the elders and heads of
tribes sent for him, desiring the presence and assistance of a man
who had so much reputation and interest. And Jeroboam and all
the congregation of Israel came, and spake unto Rehoboam,
saying, 4 Thy father made our yoke grievous : now therefore
make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his heavy yoke
which he put upon us, lighter, and we will serve thee-f'. 5 And
he said unto them. Depart yet [for] three days, then come again
to me ; he took time to inquire and examine into the truth of their
allegation. And the people departed.
6 And king Rehoboam consulted with the old men, that stood
before Solomon his father, while he yet lived, his old privy-coun-
cillors, and said. How do ye advise that I may answer this people?
7 And they spake imto him, saying. If thou wilt be a servant unto
this people this day, and wilt serve them, and answer them, and
speak good words to them, then they will be thy servants for
ever ; give them condescending and obliging ansicers, and thou wilt
win their hearts, and prevent their revolt. 8 But he forsook the
counsel of the old men, which they had given him, and consulted
with the young men that were grown up with him, about his oivn
age, [and] which stood before him, whom he was fond of: 9 And
he said unto them, What counsel give ye that we may answer
* The people were disposed to revolt, and therefore met at Sliecheni, which
was in the centre of the kingdom, to make him king, upon condition that he
would redress tiicir grievances,
t Tlicir complaint was not of his idolaliy, but heavy taxes and oppression.
We should imagine tliis complaint was groundless, unless his immoderate expense
in maintaining such a tribe of females might burden the people, or the defence of
his kingdom against his eneuiics, mentioned befoie.
314 I. KINGS. XII.
this people who have spoken to me, saying, Make tlie yoke which
thy tallier did put upon us lighter? 10 And the young men
that weie grown up with him thought the old men mere timorous,
and had therefore put him upon acknoivledging his father s op-
pression, and theij spake unto him, saying. Thus shalt thou speak
unto this people that spake unto thee, saying. Thy father made
our yoke heavy, but make thou [it] lighter unto us ; thus shalt
thou say unto them. My little [finger] shall be thicker than my
father's loins ; I am determined to lay burdens upon you^ as much
heavier os a man's loins are larger than his little Jinger. 1 1 And
now whereas my father did lade you with a heavy yoke, I will
add to your yoke : my father hath chastised you w ilh whips, but
I will chastise you with scorpions*. 12 So Jeroboam and all
the people came to Rehoboam the thiid day, as the king had
appointed, saying. Come to me again the third day. 13 And
the king answered the people roughly, and forsook the old men's
counsel that they gave him; 14 And spake to them after the
counsel of the young men, saying. My father made your yoke
heavy, and I will add to your yoke ; my father [also] chastised
you with whips, but 1 will chastise you with scorpions. J^hus he
took their foolish advice, and answered like a tyrant, not like a
king; and thought to frighten them to obedience by this blustering
language. 15 Wherefore the king hearkened not unto the people ;
for the cause was from the l.ouD, that he might perform his
saying, which the Lord spake by xMiijah the Sliilonite unto
Jeroboam the son of Nebat; God inj'atualed his counsels to
anszcer his oicn purpose andfuljil his tvord.
\G So when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unlo
them, the people answered the king, saying, W hat portion have
we in David: neither [have we] inheritance in the son of Jesse:
to your tents, O Israel : now see to thine own house, David.
So Israel departed unto their tents f. 1? But [as for] the
children of Israel which dwelt in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam
reigned over them. 18 Then king Rehoboam sent Adoram
\\\\n [was] over the tribute; and all Israel stoned him with stones,
that he died :{:. Therefore king Rehoboam nuide speed to get
* These were a sort of l;i.-lies with pieces of iron fixed at tlic ciul, like a i^inir
rowcJ, as some Jewish writers tlescribe them.
t They lieie niioiinee iheir allo^ianee to David and his fanuly, and cjII liiin in
coiitiiiipt the son ol .h s^e ; iiitini;itiiii,s liiat Ueiiohoain, l>i'^ as he talkid, de-
Rcrnded t'rom a Caniily as ol)sciire as any of theirs, and in a taunting way bid Liiii
take cave of liiniself, and they would taivc care of themselves.
t He htre tries anotlier jnelliod to recover tlicni, but it w.is a very tboiisii one ;
I. KINGS. XII. 315
nim up to his chariot, to flee to Jerusalem, apprehending the
storm would next fall upon him. 19 So Israel rebelled against
the house of David unto this day, and would not be governed by
any of his race. 20 And it came to pass, when all Israel heard
that Jeroboam was come again, that they sent and called him
unto the congregation, and made him king over all Israel, without
any express condition that appears, except a promise to ease them :
there was none that followed the house of David, but the tribe of
Judah only.
21 And when Rehoboam was come to Jerusalem, he assembled
all the house of Judah, with the tribe of Benjamin , a hundred
and fourscore thousand chosen men, which were warriors, to
fight against the house of Israel*, to bring the kingdom again
to Rehoboam the son of Solomon. 22 But the word of God
came unto Shemaiah the man of God, saying, 23 Speak unto
Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, king of Judah, and unto all
the house of Judah and Benjamin, and to the remnant of the
people, saying, 24 Thus saith the Lord, Ye shall not go up,
nor fight against your brethren, the children of Israel : return
every man to his house, for this thing is from me. They hearken-
ed therefore to the word of the Loud, and returned to depart
according to the word of the Lord.
25 Then Jeroboam built Shechem in mount Ephraim, where
he was chosen king, and fortified it for a royal city, and dwelt
therein; and went out from thence, and built Penuel, some
other fortification, knowing the people were fickle. 2(5 And Jero-
boam said in his heart, reasoned with himself, consulted his own
imaginations and earned policies, not God's pleasure, and said.
Now shall the kingdom return to the house of David : 27 If this
people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the Lord at Jerusa-
lem, at the three great feasts, and other solemn occasions, the
splendour of the city, the remembrance of David and Solomon,
the persuasion of the priests and Leviles will, coif^pire to lead them
to unite with Judah again ; and then shall the heart of this
people turn again unto their lord, [even] unto Rehoboam king
of Judah, and they shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam
lieavy taxes were what they complained of, and lie sends Adorain the collector,
the most obnoxious man in the whole kim^dom. Perhaps lie thought they would
regard a venerable old man, who was a servant to David and Solomon, and now
near an hundred years old; but in the height of their resentment they stoned hini
that he died.
* When he found persuasion would not do, he tries what force conld effect.
The men of Judah had a strong attachincut to the house of David, who was one
of their tribe, and they determined to attack them before the new king was
settled.
316 I. KINGS. XII.
king of Judah. 28 Whereupon tlie king took counsel, and he
made two calves [of] gold, like the deities of t lie Eg)/ptians among
whom he had dwelt*, and said unto them, It is too much for
you to go up to Jerusalem : behold thy gods, O Israel, a repre-
sentation of the God of Israel, which brought thee up out of the
land of Egypt. 29 And he set the one in Betli-el, in the south,
a place noted for God's appearance to Jacob, and the other put
he in Dan, in the north, J'amous for Micah's Terapliim; both at
a great distance from Rehoboam, as iheij chose to be secure from
assaults in their tvorship. SO And this thing became a sin, it
was tJie beginning of shameful idolatri/, and made Israel to sin :
for the people went [to worship] before the one, [even] unto Dan,
with tiie greatest zeal. And he made an house of high places,
a temple and altar like that at Jerusalem, and made priests of tiie
lowest of the people, which were not of the sons of Levi ; or,
out of all the people without distinction, lest if thei/ had kept it
to the Letites, they should bring them again to God's temple and
altar at Jerusalem. 32 And Jeroboam ordained a feast of taber-
nacles in the eighth month, on the tifteenth day of the month, like
unto the feast that [is] in Judah, he kept the feast, but changed
the season, and he offered upon the altar. So did he in Beih-el,
sacrificing unto the calves that he had made ; he not only set up
calves and an altar, but offered sacrifices and burnt incense him-
self-y : and he placed in 15eth-el the priests of the high places
which he had made. 33 So he offered upon the altar which he
had made in 13eth-cl the fifteenth day of the eighth month, [even]
in the month which he had devised of his own heart : and or-
dained a feast unto the children of Israel, and he offered upon
the altar, and burnt incense.
REFLECTIONS.
1. Wc here see that wise men sometimes leave behind them
foolish children. Rehoboam was born in the fn.st year of Solo-
mon's reign ; so that he was now forty years old. He had such
* These u(;rc not dc^ieiird to be worsliippod as God, like tlie Epiyptiiuv idols,
out only as a niodium of divine worsliij), or as an ima!{e of tlic true (iol, like
Aaron's rail; and thus he slien<;tlRiita his alliance with I'Vyp*- Though God
hud proniivid |,i,|, a sure honse if lie diJ not revolt, yet thus foo'linhly and wirkedly
he broke the commands of God, and in this he pietended to consult the ease of
the people.
t Wc find, 2 Chron. xi. 14., that because the Levites would not join with
him lie expelled thtm, and gave their possessions to his priests; and they went
over to RHiobo.ini, and all the dcvotit Isiaelites with tbciD, and thu': strength-
ened tilt: kinfrdoni ot Kelfoboau).
I. KINGS. XII. 317
advantages for improvement in divine and iiuman literature, and
in all wisdom, as was very extraordinary, no prince had greater.
Yet he acted a mad and foolish part. Parents should take due
care in the education of children, but should not raise their ex-
pectations too high. They know not how they may prove. This,
particularly, is a reason why they should not be concerned to
heap up too much wealth for them ; because it is only putting
instruments of vice into their hands, if they are wicked. Eccles.
ii. 18, 19.
2. The readiest way for young men to be ruined, is to follow
the advice of their gay companions, and reject the counsel of the
more wise and experienced. The former encourage them in their
folly; teach them to be proud and self-willed; to abhor and cast
oiF the most equitable restraints. The latter exhort them to be
thoughtful, serious, and sober-minded. It is of the greatest im-
portance whose counsel young men hearken to. Those are not
their best friends who ktiow how to make them merry, for that
will not make them happy. * If, (as Mr. Henry observes,) you
reckon those your best friends who feed your pride, gratify your
vanity, and further you in your sinful pleasures, you are already
marked for ruin.' He that walketh with wise men shall he wise,
but a companion of fools shall he destroyed.
3. Proud, imperious, violent language, alienates men's affec-
tions, and disposes them to rebel. The old men had learned of
their master Solomon that a soft answer turneth away wrath;
and it had been well for Rehoboam had he taken their advice.
But he was headstrong and imperious, and so lost the affections
of his people, and the greatest part of his kingdom. Let us learn
from this, to open our mouth with gentleness and kindness. Let
husbands never be bitter against their wives, nor fathers against
their children, nor masters against their servants. Men love to be
spoken fair to ; and gentleness will do what insolence and violence
will never do. Condescension and affability win men's hearts ;
and before honour is humility.
4. Whatever schemes and projects there are in the hearts of
men, God is by them fulfilling his own work. Rehoboam intended
to show his spirit and authority, Jeroboam to gain a kingdom,
and the Israelites to get free of their taxes ^ but God was bring-
ing about his own purposes. So will he over-rule the schemes
of the politicians of every age, and all the ferments of the people, to
promote, one way or other, his own cause. There be many devices
in the heart of man ; but the counsel of the Lord, that shall statid.
318 I. KINGS. XIII.
5. However the commands of God may cross our inclinations,
or injure our present interest, it is our wisdom and duty to obey
them. Thus Rehoboam and those who adhered to him did.
When the prophet commanded them they desisted, though they
might probably have succeeded; at least it would be brave and
honourable to attempt it. It is dangerous work to be overtaken
in any thing contrary to the commands or will of God ; and they
certainly consult their own happiness on the whole, who keep
close to divine directions.
6. The conduct of the pious Israelites is highly commendable,
in adhering to the Levites, when Jeroboam cast them out,
2 Chron. xi. l6. It was much to their honour that they were
not carried away with the throng, did not join in Jeroboam's ido-
latry, but fled with their despised, persecuted ministers, to join
in the pure worship of God at Jerusalem. Every pious Israelite
thought himself obliged to own them, and stand by them. All
who act thus, show a noble spirit ; and may it continue among
us and our posterity ! Let us stand fast in the liberty zcith which
Christ hath made us free.
CHAPTER XIII.
We have here the message of a prophet, delivered by divine direction ;
the unhappy manner in which he was seduced ; tlie sentence which
was passed upon him, and the execution of it ; and an account of Je-
roboam's continued wickedness.
1 And, behold, there came a man of God out of Judah by the
word of the Lord, bi/ divine command, unto Beth-cl : and Jero-
boam stood by the altar to burn incense, on a feast day : 2 And
he cried against the altar in the word of the Lord, and said, O
altar, altar, thus sailh the Lord ; Ijchold, a child shall be born
luilo the house; of David, ivhom Jeroboam halh despised and de-
serted, Josiah by name; and upon thee shall he offer the priests
of the high places that burn incense upon thee, and men's bones
shall be burnt upon thee ; he shall slay the priests, and burn their
bones, and thus dijile the altar*. 3 And he gave a sign the same
day, as an evidence that the rest should be fulfilled in due lime,
• This he did about Uiree hundred and sixty years after. Scci Kings xxiii. 15, 16.
I. KINGS. XIII. 319
saying, This [is] the sign which the Lord hath spoken ; Be-
hold, the altar shall be rent, and the ashes that [are] upon it shall
be poured out.
4 And it came to pass when king Jeroboam heard the saying
of the man of God, which had cried against the altar in Beth-el,
that he put forth his hand from the altar to point him out, saying,
Lay hold on him. And his hand, which he put forth against him,
dried up, so that he could not pull it in again to him. 5 The
altar also was rent, and the ashes poured out from the altar, ac-
cording to the sign wliich the man of God had given by the word
of the Lord. This probably was done by lightning, to denote
God's displeasure, and as a demonstration of his supreme poiver.
6 And the king answered and said unto the man of God, Entreat
now the face of the Lord thy God, and pray for me, that my
hand may be restored me again ; beseech God to change his counte-
nance, and look favourably upon me. And the man of God, to
show that he had no ill-zcill, and came only for his reformation,
besought the Lord ; and the king's hand was restored him again,
and became as [it was] before.
7 And the king said unto the man of God, Come home with
me, and refresh thyself, and I will give thee a reward *. 8 And
the man of God said unto the king. If thou wilt give me half
thine house, I will not go in with thee, neither will I eat bread
nor drink water in this place : 9 For so was it charged me by the
word of the Lord, saying. Eat no bread, nor drink water, have
no communion with them, in detestation of their idolatry, nor turn
again by the same way that thou earnest ; abhor even the way that
led thee to the sight of such abominations : 10 So he went another
way, and returned not by the way that he came to Beth-elf.
1 1 Now there dwelt an old prophet in Beth-el ; and his sons
came and told him all the works that the man of God had done
that day in Beth-el : the words which he had spoken unto the king,
them they told also to their father J. 12 And their father said
imto them, ^^ hat way went he ? For his sons had seen what way
* Jeroboam discovers no change of heart. He wouKl thank and reward tJie
instrument, but sliows no regard to God.
t Tlic prophet might liave urged a plausible excuse for staying, in hopes that
lie might have refornied Israel, and reclaimed tlie king while under the impression
of this miracle; and tiiai his presence and exhortations might turn to some good
account: but all was given up, when tiie command of God was otherwise.
I Josephus says this was a false prophet ; he was probably educated in the
schools of the prophets under Samuel, or some other tutor, but fell in with Jero-
boam's idolatry. He is not called a man of Gud, and it is plain his sons were at
the idulatrou:5 least.
820 I. KINGS. XIII.
the man of God went, which came from Judah. 13 And he said
unto his sons, Saddle me the ass. So they saddled him the ass ; and
he rode thereon, 14 And went after the man of God, and found
him sitting under an oak, tired with his journey and hungry, so
that he would more easily hearken to the temptation: and he said
unto him, [Art] thou the man of God that earnest from Judah?
And he said, I [am.] 15 Then he said unto him, Come home
with me, and eat bread. 16 And he said, I may not return with
thee, nor go in with thee : neither will I eat bread, nor drink
water with thee in this place : 17 For it was said to me by the
word of the Lord, Thou shalt eat no bread, nor drink water
there, nor turn again to go by the way that thou camest, 1 cannot
therefore comply zoith thy request. Then, pretending a 'revela-
tion to countermand the former, 18 He said unto him, I [am] a
prophet also as thou [art ;] and an angel spake unto me by the
word of the Loud, saying. Bring him back with thee into thine
hduse, that he may eat bread and drink water. [But] he lied unto
him. 19 So he went back with him, and did eat bread in his
house, and drank water ; his iceariness and hunger niged the re-
quest, and inclined him to yield to such plausible reasons*.
20 And it came to pass as they sat at the table, that the word
of the Lord came unto the prophet that brought him backf:
21 And he cried unto the man of God, that came from Judah,
saying, perhaps in great agony at his own guilt and the injury
he had done his guest, though the message uas agreeable enough
to his envious temper, Thus saith the Lord, Forasmuch as thou
hast disobeyed the mouth of the Lord, and hast not kept the
commandment which the Lord thy God commanded thee,
22 But earnest back, aud hast eaten bread and drunk water in
the place, of tlie which [the Lord] did say to thee, Eat no bread,
and drink no water ; thy carcase shall not come unto the sepul-
chre of liiy fathers ; thou shalt not be buried among the Jews,
which uY/.s reckoned a mark of inj'amy. 23 And it came to pass,
after he had eaten bre:id, and after he had drunk, that he sad-
dled for him the ass, [to wit,] for the prophet whom he had
* Some suppose (liat tliis was not done with any evil design, but out of curi-
osity ; I rallior think (he inntraiy. He uas afraid lest a propliit from Judah
should cHip-c his reputation, and therefore he endeavoured to throw a blot upon
him by ha'liii'^ inni to act roulrary to the commands of God; it is evident lii<
sons were idolaters and he a liar, lie knew what had passed at the altar, and
tiierefore coidd not act on a good or innocent principle.
f God would not vouchsafe the true prophet a revelation, as he had acted con-
trary to that he had received. He thou^'ht (it to prophesy by this wicked man,
as he did by IJalaam, and thus obliged him to accuse himself of lying.
I. KINGS. XIII. 321
brought back. 24 And when he was gone, a lion met him by the
way, and slew him : and his carcass was cast in the way, and the
ass stood by it, the lion also stood by the carcass. 23 And,
behold, men passed by, and saw the carcass cast in the way,
and the lion standing by the carcass : and they came and told [it]
in the city where the old prophet dwelt, as a wonderful event *.
26 And when the prophet that brought him back from the way
heard [thereof,] he said. It [is] the man of God, who was disobe-
dient unto the word of the Loud : therefore the Lord hath deli-
vered him unto the lion, which hath torn him, and slain him,
according to the word of the Lord, which he spake unto him.
27 And he spake to his sons, saying, Saddle me the ass. And
they saddled [him.] 28 And he went and found his carcass cast
in the way, and the ass and the lion standing by the carcass : the
lion had not eaten the carcass, nor torn the ass. 29 And the
prophet took up the carcass of the man of God, and laid it upon
the ass, and brought it back : and the old prophet came to the
city, to mourn and to bury him f. 30 And he laid his carcass in
his own grave ; and they mourned over him, [saying,] Alas, my
brother ! This was a usual form of lameniation ; but we might
hope it had a good eject upon him, and led him to repentance.
31 And it came to pass, after he had buried him, that he spake
to his sons, saying, When I am dead, then bury me in the se-
pulchre wherein the man of God [is] buried; lay my bones
beside his bones, out of regard to him, and security/ to himself y
that his bones might not be burned as was threatened, ver. 22.
32 For the saying which he cried by the word of the Loud against
the altar in Beth-el, and against all the houses of the high places
which [are] in the cities of Samaria, shall surely come to pass.
33 After this thing Jeroboam returned not from his evil way;
all these miracles had no effect on him; perhaps the death of the
messenger hardened him ; though it might have been expected to
* There were many things remarkable in this. That the lion should slay him,
and not tear him, nor destroy the ass nor the passengers. That the ass should
stay quietly, and the lion to guard the carcass. This was a proof to all who went
by, that this was not a casual but a very extraordinary event, an awful provi-
dence, and a necessary act of severity. Had not God punished him thus, the
Israelites would have been hardened in their idolatry, and have concluded that
he was a false prophet, because he had eaten and drank contrary to the divine
command. His death gave authority to his message. If God spared not a good
man, when thus sinning, with so many fair excuses, how should he spare the pre-
sumptuous idolaters ? His punishment was only a temporal death ; God might
pardon and accept him in another world.
t In 2 Kings xxiii. 17., we find there was a large and remarkable inscription
set over him, which kept up the memory of the prophecy, and the expectation of
the event.
VOL. III. Y
322 I. KINGS. XIII.
produce a contraTy cjj'ecl : Inil lie made ngnin of llie lowest of
the people, priests of the high j)laces, ivithont any regard to
tribe, character, or condition : whosoever would, he consecrated
him, and he became [one] of the priests of the high places.
34 And this thing became sin unto the house of Jeroboam, even
to rut [it] off, and to destroy [it] from off the face of the earth,
which wasfidjilled, chap. xv. G9, 30.
REFLECTIONS.
1 . From the instance related in this chapter, we are taught
to adore the comprehensive view which God has of the most
uncertain future events. What is more contingent or uncertain
than children's names ! Yet he whom Goil promised to rnise up
from the house of David, so many years before he was born,
is called Josiah. Let us reverence him who is a God of know-
ledge, and to whom are known all his works from the foundation
of the world.
2. See how soon and how easily God can blast persecuting
powers, and disable their cruel hands. Jeroboam's hand withered
in a moment, so that he could not draw it back. We have little
reason to be afraid of man, when we are employed in the cause
of God, who can at once disable and confound his proudest
enemies.
3. It well becomes God's prophets resolutely and faithfully
to adhere to his directions. Not to fear the face of man, but
speak all he commands them, keeping close to his injunctions,
and resolutely abiding by what he requires. May this be the
temper and practice of all God's prophets !
4. Good men are in great danger of being seduced by pre-
tenders to sanctity and divine revelation. This was the case
here. He did not suspect a person who pretended to be a prophet
and to have divine revelation. So many are led into erroneous
notions, and sinful practices, by artful men, pretending uncom-
mon zeal, and extraordinary illuminations. There are some in-
stances of this in the present day ; therefore believe not evert/
spirit, but trif the spirits. Bexcare of false prophets. His fault
was credulity, in giving credit to a message which was contrary
to what (iod had declared, without sutlicient evidence that it
came from him. Let us learn not to regard what men say in
religious matters without evidence ; especially when they make
I. KINGS. XIII. 323
extraordinary pretences to divine illuminations and inspirations.
There is great reason to suspect such. The simple believe, and
are punished ; but wise men are cautious. Be not children, tossed
to and fro hy every wind of doctrine, and cunning men, who lie in
wait to deceive.
5. God sees the sins of his people with great displeasure.
He was angry at this good prophet and animadverted on his
misbehaviour. Not even his profession of pure religion, his
office as a prophet, his good character, or good services, could
secure him from God's anger. This is an important caution to
all to be afraid of sin ; for should we escape the wrath to come,
yet some dreadful anguish of spirit, or temporal calamity, may
overtake us here.
6. Let us learn not to judge of men by afflictions or prospe-
rity. One would have thought this wicked prophet would have
been destroyed rather than the other. But he escaped the lion ;
he was to die a natural death, while the other was slain. God's
judgments ore a great deep. We do not know good or evil, nor
men's real characters ; it is therefore folly and presumption for
us to judge of them by their external circumstances. Judge no-
thing before the time.
7. We learn, that the motions of beasts are under divine direc-
tion. The lion never attacks but when he is exceedingly hungry,
and is particularly fond of the flesh of asses ; therefore God's
providence was remarkable in the instance before us. He directs
their steps, changes their instincts, and all to serve his own pur-
poses. The faithful servants of God shall be at league with the
beasts of the field ; while he defends them, no lion or wild beast
shall destroy them. But if God is our enemy, he can make
tame ones instruments of. our destruction.
8. Let us lament the terrible obstinacy of sinners, and the
little effect which divine judgments have upon them. Jeroboam
and his idolatrous priests were not affected by this wonderful
scene. Vice, especially idolatry, besots men, and takes away
their hearts. May we guard against declension from God,
against the first step in an ill way, before our hearts be har-
dened, and judgments or deliverances make no impression. The
grand lesson from the whole is, to fear God, and keep his com-
mandments ; for sin will always bring bitterness in the end.
Y 2
32t I. KINGS. XIV.
CHAPTER XIV.
The sickness and death of Jeroboam's son, and the doom of his kingdom
foretold ; and Rehoboam's trouble and death.
1 x\.T that time Abijaii the son of Jeroboam fell sick. He was
the eldest son, and heir apparent. 2 And Jeroboam said to his
wife, Arise, 1 pray thee, and disguise thyself, that thou be not
known to be the wife of Jeroboam ; and get thee to Shiloh : be-
hold, there [is] Ahijah the prophet, whicli told me that [I should
be] king over this people *. 3 And Jeroboam said, Take with
thee ten loaves, and cracknels, a sort of hard cakes or buns, and a
cruse of honey, and go to him : he shall tell thee what shall be-
come of the child. He does not desire his prayers, though he had
seen how prevalent the prayers of a prophet had been in his own
case. 4 And Jeroboam's wife did so, and arose, and went to
Shiloh, and came to the house of Ahijah. But Ahijah could not
see ; for his eyes were set by reason of his age ; his sight was
gone, but still he had the visions of the Lord.
5 And the Loud said unto Ahijah, Behold the wife of Jero-
boam Cometh to ask a thing of thee for her son ; for he [is] sick :
thus and thus shalt thou say unto her: for it shall be, when she
cometh in, that she shall feign herself [to be] another [woman.]
6 And it was [so,] when Ahijah heard the sound of her feet, as
she came iu at the door, that he said, Come in, thou wife of Jero-
boam; why feigncst thou thyself [to be] another? for I [am] sent
to thee [with] heavy [tidings.] He intimates his knowledge of her
person, that she might give greater credit to the message; yet ad-
dresses her like a prophet, not like a courtier. 7 Go, tell Jero-
boam, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, Forasmuch as I exalted
thee from among the people, raised thee from a private station,
and made thee prince over my people Israel, 8 And rent the king-
dom away from the house of David, and gave it thee : and [yet]
* He could not trii^t citlier the s;o(.h or the priests he had made; but chose
Iiis wife to be the messenger, that she iniglit brinpj him a faitiit'iil report, Slie was
to disguise herself that the prophet iiiiyht speak, freely and inditicrently to her;
and that it niiniit not be known publicly that he paid so much respect to a pro-
phet of Judali, lest it should lessen the people's zeal for the calves. He niisht
also fear lest the prophet should send him a reproof. On the whole, it showed
peat stupidity to think he conid deceive a prophet, who foretold future events,
aud had warned him of idolatry.
I. KINGS. XIV. 325
thou liast not been as my servant David, who kept my command-
ments, and who followed me with all his heart, to do [that] only
[which was] right in mine eyes ; hast not observed the orders that
were given thee nor kept from idolatry, as David did; 9 But hast
done evil above all that were before thee : for thou hast gone and
made thee other gods, and molten images, to provoke me to anger,
and hast cast me behind thy back ; neglected me, and treated my
service with contempt: 10 Therefore, behold, I will bring evil,
universal dest7'uclion, upon the house of Jeroboam, and will cut
off from Jeroboam him that pisseth against the wall, [and] him
that is shut up and left in Israel, shut up at home in places of secu-
rity, or left in the country, and will take away the remnant of the
house of Jeroboam, as a man taketh away dung, till it be all gone,
leaving none, because of the loathsomeness of it, ch. xv. 29- 1 1 Him
that dieth of Jeroboam in the city shall the dogs eat; and him
that dieth in the field shall the fowls of the air eat, none shall be
buried; and the decree is irrevocable, for the Lord hath spoken [it.]
12 Arise thou therefore, get thee to thine own house : [and] as
a sign of the truth of this prophecy, when thy feet enter into the
city, when thou art gone but a little way in the city, even as far as
to the threshold of the king's door, (v. 17.), the child shall die.
13 And all Israel shall mourn for him, and bury him : for he only
of Jeroboam shall come to the grave, because in him there is
found [some] good thing toward the Lord God of Israel in the
house of Jeroboam*. 14 Moreover the Lord shall raise him
up a king over Israel, Baasha, who shall cut off the house of Je-
roboam that day : but what ? zche7i shall this coine to pass? even
now, very quickly ; it is as sure as if it were even nozo done.
15 For the Lord shall smite Israel, for consenting or Joinino- in
idolatry, as a reed is shaken in the water, there shall be perpetual
commotions or civil wars, and he shall root up Israel out of this
good land, which he gave to their fathers, and new families shall
take the throne, and shall scatter them beyond the river Euphrates,
because they have made their groves, in which they placed the
images of their gods, provoking the Lord to anger. l6 And
he shall give Israel up because of the sins of Jeroboam, who
did sin, and who made Israel to sin by his authority and ex-
ample.
* Abijah disliked the worship of the calves, and intended to remove them when
it was in liis power, and allow the people to go to Jerusalem. The Jews say, that
he broke down an hedge, ov fence, which his father had made to prevent their
going to the feast at Jerusalein.
S-20 I. KINGS. XIV.
17 -And Jeroboam's wife arose, and departed, and came to
Tirzah* : [and] when slie canie to llie threshold of the door, the
child died; 18 And they buried him; and all Israel mourned for
him, according to the word of the Lord, which he spake by
the hand of his servant Ahijyh the prophet. Thtre was a general
jriourning, which covfirmed what the prophet had deuounced, and
zvas a sign that the rest of the threatening should be fulfilled in
due time.
19 And the rest of the acts of Jeroboam, how he warred, and
liow he reigned, behold, tiiey [are] written in the book of the
chronicles of the kings of Israel ; not in the Chronicles of our Bi-
ble, but in their civil records. 20 And the days which Jeroboam
reigned [were] two and twenty years : and he slept with his fa-
therst, and Nadab his son reigned in his stead.
21 And Rehoboam the son of Solomon reigned in Judah.
Rehoboam [was] forty and one years old when he began to reign,
and he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city which the
Loud did choose out of all the tribes of Israel to put his name
there. And his mother's name [was] Naamah an Animonitess.
22 And Judah did evil in the sight of the Lord, and they pro-
voked him to jealousy with their sins which they had committed,
above all that their fathers had done, jnore than in the time of the
judges. 23 For they also built them high places, and images, and
groves, on every high hill, and under every green tree;]:. 24 And
there were also sodomites in the land : [and] they did according
to all the abominations of the nations which the Lord cast out
before the children of Israel.
26 And it came to pass in the fifih year of king Rehoboam,
[that] Shishak (ch. xi. 40.) king of Egypt came up against Jeru-
salem § : 2G And he took away the treasures of the house of the
Lord, and the treasures of the king's house ; he even took away
all : and he took away all the shields of gold which Solomon had
* Shechem was the royi! city at first, but Tiizali was a beautiful place, wlicrc
Jeroboam krpt his cotirt.
t Wc read, in 2 Ciiron. xiii. 90., that the Lord struck him with some violent,
paiHl'iil (iisciue, or {jrievous accident, so that he died under the apparent displea-
sure of God.
X They built tCRiples, or little edifices, about their imaj^es, sometimes called
groves by heathen writers, bc( ause they were originally worsiiipped in proves.
i Kehoboam met with a speedy punishment for his revolt ; hi- adliort.'<l to tiic
worship of (iod three years, in the fourth he comniitlcd abominali()n>, m the (ifih
Shishak came. In Q Chrun. xii. 2., it is said Sliishak had twelve hundred chariots,
»ixty tboMsand horsemen, and foot-sohliers without number, and he took Jeru-
salem wiiliout opposition.
I. KINGS. XIV. • 327
made. 27 And king Rehoboani made in their stead brasen
shields, tokecp[up the appearance of dignity ^ and committed [them]
unto the hands of the chief of the guard, which kept the door of
the king's house. 28 And it was [so,] when the king went in to
the house of the Lord, for he still went there on some ureat oc-
casions, that the guard bare them, and brought them back into the
guard chamber*.
29 Now the rest of the acts of Rehoboam, and all that he did,
[are] they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of
Judah ? 30 And there was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam
all [their] days. 3 1 And Rehoboam slept with his fathers, and was
buried with his fathers in the city of David. And his mother's
name [was] Naaniah an Ammoiiitess; his mother s name is meii-
tioned again, to intimate that he behaved like the so7i of an Am-
monite rather than an Israelite. And Abijam his son reigned
in his stead.
REFLECTIONS.
1. How horrid is it for those who have known God, to be
easy in their sins! Jeroboam, when his child was sick, despised
his gods and his priests. Nothing satisfied him but applying to a
good prophet. So, when men forsake their duty, and run into
sin, tb.ey are in want of true satisfaction and comfort, and de-
spise the lusts and pleasures which they serve, and the company
they have kept, and pierce themselves through with many sor
rows.
2. God's own people are liable to the infirmities of age as well
as others. The good prophet was incurably blind. It is the
case of many good men ; they lose a valuable sense, and are de-
prived of many of the comforts of life. But they patiently sub-
mit, and so have manifestations of God, and the light of his coun-
tenance, which is better than all earthly enjoyments.
3. How vain is all dissimulation when God is concerned. What
folly in Jeroboam to send his wife in disguise, as if the propliet
that could know the event of the child's distemper, could not
know whose wife she was. Thus do sinners impose upon them-
selves. They say, How doth God know? and think to hide them-
* It is surprisinj; that tlie king of Egypt did not quite destroy Jerusalem, and
make them cai)tive: but the hand of the Lord was in it, because they humbled
(hemselves before God, see 2 Chron. xii, 4 — 8. They became tributary to Shisliak,
and iiutfertid uiauy hiivdships, to show them their siu and lolly.
328 I. KINGS. XIV.
selves from him ; but they will be discovered and disappointed. He
sees them in their true colours, and judges them by what they are,
and not by what they seem to be ; he will say to such, Go out, thou
false hi/pocrite, why fei guest thou to he another'^ Heavy tiding*
indeed, when the mask is pulled off, and secret wickedness exposed
to all the world ! These shall have their portion where the greatest
misery is.
4. God remembers all the favours he hath bestowed upon us,
though we may forget them. He reminds Jeroboam of this; all
are registered in the book of his remembrance. Let us not for-
get his benefits, but improve them; for he will call them over
another day to our shame, to show the justice of our sentence,
and increase our condemnation.
5. It is peculiarly honourable in itself, and pleasing to God, to
be good in a wicked family and age as Abijah was. This is a
lesson to all young persons, there was some good thing in him;
amidst the temptations of a wicked court he kept his integrity.
God takes notice of every good thing, every good intention, or
liopeful beginning. Let this be a motive to all young people,
amidst the abounding wickedness of the rising generation, to fear
God, and keep themselves uncorrupted. It will be greatly to their
honour ; and while they do thus, they will have a peculiar blessing
from God, and favour with men.
6. Early, and what we call immature, death, is often a mercy to
the persons removed. So Abijah was taken away before all the
evil came on his family and on Israel. We do not see into futu-
rity, and therefore think their death unseasonable; but most pro-
bably it is otherwise. This is a strong motive for patience and
submission to the will of God, who always removes his servants at
the best and fittest time.
7. We see the wisdom of humbling ourselves under the mighty
hand of God. 2 Chron. xii. ?., And the Lord said, Thej/ have
humbled themselves; therefore I xcill not destroy them. A proper
pattern for us. "^Ihc design of afflictions is to bring us to consi-
deration and repentance. May we acknowledge, with these peo-
ple, that the Lord is righteous, and we have sinned, and deserve
all and much more than we suffer. Then will God appear and
be gracious. When afflictions have done their work, they will be
removed, or their property altered, and will appear merciful dis-
pensations. Let us humble ourselves under his mighty hand, and
in due time we shall be exalted. Once more,
8. It is just and kind in God to give men over to the conse-
I. KINGS. XV. 329
quences of vice and folly, that they may know the difference be-
tween them and religion. 2 Chron. xii. 8. They complained of
the strictness of religion, and the rigour of the Mosaic law ; let
them try if they like the attack, and plundering, and usurpation of
the king of Egypt better. So God suffers men to feel the conse-
quences of intemperance, impiety, and irreligion, by their bodies
being weakened, their substance wasted, the loss of their re-
putation, and their consciences being wounded ; that they may
see what a foolish choice they have made, in preferring the
service of the devil to that of God. For if that was a thou-
sand times harder than it is, yet is it worth while to attend to
it, for the zoay of transgressors is harder. Let those whose ini-
quities correct them know and see, that it is an evil and a bitter
thing to sin against God; and say, as in Hosea ii. 7-, I it^M go and
returnunto my God, for then was it better with me than now.
CHAPTER XV.
K^ A larger account of these matters will be found in 2 Cbron. xiii.-— xvi.,
which should be read before this chapter. I
An account of Abijam's wicked reign ; Asa succeedeth him ; and, he
dying, is succeeded by Jehoshaphat ; and Baasha's wicked reign.
1 J^ OW in the eighteenth year of king Jeroboam the son of
Nebat reigned Abijam over Judah. 2 Three years reigned he
in Jerusalem. And his mother's name [was] Maachah, the daugh-
ter of Abishalom. 3 And he walked in all the sins of his father,
•which he had done before him : and his heart was not perfect
with the Lord his God, as the heart of David his father. 4 Ne-
vertheless for David's sake did the Lord his God give him a
lamp in Jerusalem, to set up his son after him, and to establish
Jerusalem : 5 Because David did [that which was] right in the
eyes of the Lord, and turned not aside from any [thing] that he
commanded him all the days of his life, save only in the matter of
Uriah the Hittite. 6 And there was war between Rehoboam
and Jeroboam all the days of his life. 7 Now the rest of the
acts of Abijam, and all that he did, [are] they not written in the
book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? And there was war
330 1. KINGS. XV.
between Abijam and Jeroboam. 8 And Abijam slept with hia
falliers ; and they burled him in the city of David: and Asa his
son reigned in his stead.
9 And in the twentieth year of Jeroboam king of Israel reigned
Asa over Judah. 10 And forty and one years reigned he in Je-
rusalem. And his mother's name [was] Maachah, the daughter
of Abishalom. 1 1 And Asa did [that which was] right in the
eyes of the Lord, as [did] David his father. 12 And he took
away the sodomites out of the land, and removed all the idols that
his fathers had made. 13 And also Maachah his mother, even
her he removed from [being] queen, because she had made au
idol in a grove ; and Asa destroyed her idol, and burned [it] by
the brook Kidron. 14 But the high places were not removed:
nevertheless Asa's heart was perfect with the Lord all his days.
15 And lie brought in the things which his father had dedicated,
and the things which himself had dedicated, into the house of the
Lord, silver, and gold, and vessels.
IG And there was war between Asa and Baasha king of Israel
all their days. 17 And Baasha king of Israel went up against
Judah, and built Ramah, that he might not sufter any to go out
or come in to Asa king of Judah. 18 Then Asa took all the
silver and the gold [that were] left in the treasures of the house
of the Lord, and the treasures of the king's house, and delivered
them into the hand of his servants : and king Asa sent them to
Ben-hadad, the son of Tabrimon, the son of Hezion, king of
Syria, that dwelt at Damascus, saying, IQ [There is] a league
between me and thee, [and] between my father and thy father :
behold, I have sent unto thee a present of silver and gold ; come
and break thy league with Baasha king of Israel, that he may
depart from me. 0.0 So Ben-hadad hearkened unto king Asa,
and sent the captains of the hosts which he had against the cities
of Israel, and smote Ijon, and Dan, and Abel-beth-maacah, and
all Cinneroth, with all the land of Naphtali. 21 And it came to
pass, when Baasha i)eard [thereof,] that he left oft" building of
llamah, and dwelt in Tirzah. 22 Then king Asa made a procla-
mation throughout all Judah; none [was] exempted; and they
took away the stones of Ramah, and the timber thereof, where-
with Baasha had builded ; and king Asa built with them Geba of
Benjamin, and Mizpah.
23 The rest of all the acts of Asa, and all his might, and all
that he did, and the cities which he built, [are] they not written in
the book of the chronicles of the kinijs of Judah ? Nevcrlhclcsb in
I. KINGS. XV. 331
t)ie time of his old age he was diseased in his feet, 24 And
Asa slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the
city of David his father: and Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his
stead.
2o And Nadab the son of Jeroboam began to reign over Israel
in the second year of Asa king of Judah, and reigned over Israel
two years*. 26 And he did evil in the sight of the Lokd, and
walked in the way of his father, and in his sin wherewith he made
Israel to sin ; though he had no douht heard of the thvealeniiin-
sent hi) Ahijah, yet he worshipped the golden calves.
27 And Baasha the son of Ahijah, of the house of Issachar
conspired against him ; and Baasha smote him at Gibbethon,
which [belonged] to the Philistines ; for Nadab and all Israel
laid siege to Gibbethon. 28 Even in the third year of Asa kino-
of Judah did Baasha slay him, and reigned in his stead. 29 And
it came to pass, when he reigned, [that] he smote all the house
of Jeroboam ; he left not to Jeroboam any that breathed, until he
had destroyed him, according unto the saying of the Lord, which
he spake by his servant Ahijah the Shilonite : 30 Because of the
sins of Jeroboam which he sinned, and which he made Israel sin
by his provocation wherewith he provoked the Lord God of
Israel to anger. 31 Now the rest of the acts of Nadab, and all
that he did, [are] they not written in the book of the chronicles
of the kings of Israel ? 32 And there was war between Asa and
Baasha king of Israel all their days.
33 In the third year of Asa king of Judah, began Baasha the
son of Ahijah to reign over all Israel in Tirzah, twenty and
four years. 34 And he did evil in the sight of the Lord, and
walked in the way of Jeroboam, and in his sin wherewith he made
Israel to sin ; he was as bad as his predecessors, and did not cut off
thefamiltf of Jeroboam because they were idolaters, but only to
secure his own succession.
* It was threatened to Israel, tliat it should be as a reed shaken in the water;
and here we sec it fulfilled j they had no less than seven kings during Asa's reign. '
332 I. KINGS. XVI.
CHAPTER XVI.
For the transgressions of a land many are the princes thereof. This is
illustrated in this chapter; where we have the wickedness and de-
struction of Baasha ; the short reign of Zimri ; the reign of Omri ;
and the beginning of the infamous reign of Ahab.
1 1 HEN the word of the Lord came to Jehu* the son of
Hanaui against Baasha, saying, 2 Forasmuch as I exalted thee out
of the dust, and made thee prince over my people Israel, 6y mi/
providence raised thee from a mean state, and succeeded tliij at-
tempts against the kingdom; and thou hast walked in the way of
Jeroboam ; continued the practice of those idolatries for which Je-
roboam and his famih/ were ruined ; and hast made my people
Israel to sin, to provoke me to anger with their sins ; 3 Behold,
I will take away the posterity of Baasha, and the posterity of his
house; and will make thy house like the house of Jeroboam the
son of Nebat. 4 Him that dieth of Baasha in the city shall the
dogs eat ; and him that dieth of his in the fields shall the fowls of
the air eat; he shall perish like Jeroboam, die a violent death, and
leant an honourable burial.
5 Now the rest of the acts of Baasha, and what he did, and
his might, [are] they not written in the book of the chronicles of
the kings of Israel r G So Baasha slept with his fathers, and was
buried in Tirzah : and Elah his son reigned in his stead. 7 And
also by the hand of the prophet Jehu the son of Hanani came the
word of the Lord against Baasha, and against his house, even
for all the evil that he'did in the sight of the Lord, in provoking
him to anger with idols the work of his handsf, in being like the
house of Jeroboam; and because he killed him, that is, Jeroboam's
son ; doing it to satisfy his ou'n ambition, he ivas no better than a
murderer.
8 In the twenty and sixth year of Asa king of Judah began
Elah the son of Baasha to reign over Israel in Tirzah two years.
9 And his servant Ziinn, captain of half [his] chariots, conspired
* This prophet was the son of hiiu who was employed to reprove Asu for hit
miscarriage.
f This is mentioned again, to show how faitlifuUy and courageously the prophet
fxecutcd bis commission, aud delivered this dreadful message.
I. KINGS. XVI. 333
against him, as he was in Tirzah, drinking himself drunk in the
house of Arza steward of [his] house in Tirzah. He was a de-
bauched i/owig fellow, indulging his pleasures while the army was
in the Jield, which gave Zimri an opportunity to destroy him.
10 And Zimri went in and smote him, and killed him, in the
twenty and seventh year of Asa king of Judah, and reigned in his
stead.
1 1 And it came to pass, when he began to reign, as soon as
he sat on his throne, [that] he slew all the house of Baasha :
he left him not one that pisseth against a wall, neither of his
kinsfolks, nor of his friends, who zvere likely to avenge his death,
32 Thus did Zimri destroy all the house of Baasha, according to
the word of the Lord, which he spake against Baasha by Jehu
the prophet, 13 For all the sins of Baasha, and the sins of Elah
his son, by which they sinned, and by which they made Israel to
sin, in provoking the Loud God of Israel to anger with their
vanities*. 14 Now the rest of the acts of Elah, and all that he
did, [are] they not written in the book of the chronicles of the
kings of Israel ?
15 In the twenty and seventh year of Asa king of Judah did
Zimri reign seven days in Tirzah. And the people [were] en-
camped against Gibbethon, which [belonged] to the Philistines.
The Philistines h^ad retaken it, and the Israelites now invaded it
again. l6 And the people [that were] encamped, that is, all
the army, heard say, Zimri hath conspired, and hath also slain the
king : wherefore all Israel made Omri, the captain of the host,
king over Israel that day in the camp. 17 And Omri went up
from Gibbethon, and all Israel with him, and they besieged Tirzah.
18 And it came to pass, when Zimri saw that he was not able to
defend himself, and that the city was taken, that he went into the
palace of the king's house, the strongest part, and being afraid of
some shameful punishment, and lest the treasury should fall into
Omri's hands, he burned the king's house over him with fire, and
died, 19 For his sins which he sinned in doing evil in the sight
of the Lord, in walking in the way of Jeroboam, and in his sin
which he did to make Israel to sin. In this short reign he gave
indications of an idolatrous disposition, and his resolution to con-
tinue it, perhaps by some public edict. 20 Now the rest of the
* There was a remarkable similitude between the destruction of Baasha's
family and Jeroboam's ; the son of eacli reigned l)ut about two years ; tliey were
both slain ; there was no successor to either family ; and both were slain while
the same city was besieged.
334. I. KINGS. XVI.
acts of Zlmri, and his treason that he wrought, that is, the means
he used to bring about his conspiracy against the king his master,
[are] they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings
of Israel ?
21 Then were the people of Israel divided into two parts:
half of the people followed Tibni the son of Ginath to make him
king; and half followed Oniri. JVie people not liking to have a
king imposed upon them by the soldiers, there was a civil war,
which lasted for some years, in which Tibni zcas slain. 22 But
the people that followed Omri prevailed against the people that
followed Tibni the son of Ginath : so Tibni died, and Omri
reigned.
23 In the thirty and first year of Asa king of Judah began
Omri to reign over Israel, twelve years: six years reigned he in
Tirzah, while molested by Tibni. 24 And, the palace being
burned, he bought the hill Samaria of Shemer for two talents of
silver, about seven hundred pounds, and built on the hill, and called
the name of the city which he built, after the name of Shemer,
owner of the hill, Samaria, which in time became the royal city of
the ten tribes. 25 But Omri wrought evil in the eyes of the
Lord, and did worse than all that [were] before him. He wor-
shipped the calves, and made a strict and severe law to prevent any
from going to Jerusalem, and to oblige his people to idolatry, see
Micah vi. l6. 26 For he walked in all the way of Jeroboam the
son of Nebat, and his sin wherewith he made Israel to sin, to
provoke the Lord God of Israel to anger with their vanities.
27 Now the rest of the acts of Omri which he diil, and his
might that he showed, [are] they not written in the book of the
chronicles of the kings of Israel ? 28 So Omri slept with his
fathers, and was buried in Samaria: and Ahab his son reigned in
his stead.
29 And in the thirty and eighth year of Asa king of Judah
began Ahab the son of Omri to reign over Israel : and Ahab
the son of Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria twenty and two
years. 30 And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of
the Loud above all that [were] before him. 31 And it came
to pass, as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the
sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took to wife Jezebel
the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Zidonians*, and he went
♦ She was ail lipailien princess, and it was contrary to the divine coniniaiid to
marry such, and she was an infamous woman ; we read of her witchcraft and
I. KINGS. XVI. 335
and served Baal, and worshipped him as his god, without any
regard to Jehovah*. 32 And he reared up an altar for Baal
in the house or temple of Baal which he had built in Samaria,
the royal city. 3S And Ahab made a grove, zchere he offered
human sacrifices, and used many abominable rites; and Ahab
did more to provoke the Lord God of Israel to anger than all
the kin^s of Israel that were before him.
34 In his days did Hiel the Beth-elite build Jericho, as a sent
of idolatrous zcorship, in contempt of the curse in Joshua vi. 26.,
and as an affront to .Tehovah ; but he laid the foundation thereof
in Abiram his first born, and set up the gates thereof in his
youngest [son] Scgubf, according to the word of the Loud,
which he spake by Joshua the son of Nun.
REFLECTIONS.
1. We infer, that those who resemble others in their sins may
expect to resemble them in their punishments. Jeroboam's and
Baasha's families were like each other in their sins and in their
ruin. How solicitous should we be to avoid those sins which
have brought poverty, shame, and ruin upon other families, lest
we should suffer like them. Let us take that general advice
with regard to all wicked men, Come out from among them ;
partake not of their sins, lest ye partake of their plagues.
2. There is an awful warning to drunkards, in Elah and Zimri,
V. 9. How easily may such become a prey to death, or injury,
when they have no reason or power to help themselves. To how
many dangerous accidents are such exposed ! To sudden death,
and everlasting destruction, to which it transmits them. Take
heed to yourselves therefore, lest at any time your hearts be over-
charged zC'ith surfeiting and drunkenness, and that day, the awful
day of judgment, come upon you unawares. We learn,
whoredoms, idolatries and persecutions of God's prophets in Rev. ii. 20. Persons,
who seduced others to xmclcanness and idolatry, were called by her name.
* Baal signifies lord ; it was a name given to the sun, the idol of the Phoeni-
cians, and afterwards to dead heroes and kings, whom they deitied. Jeroboam
kept up a regard to Jehovah, but worshipped him through the medium of the
calves, chiefly out of policy ; but Ahab was an idolater out of pure love to
strange gods.
f His eldest son died when he laid the foundation, and his youngest when he
had finished the gate ; and the rest suddenly, while he was building ; perhaps in the
hurry of his work he did not mind the hand of Providence. This was four hundred
and sixty years after the threatening, and siioidd have taugiit the people to liave
believed God's tlireateiiing that he would root Ihcm out of the land if they were
rebellions and idolatrous.
,336 I. KINGS. XVII.
3. The presumptuous obstinacy of sinners, and the rigliteons
judgments of God upon them. These kings would tread in the
steps of their predecessors ; each seemed sohcitous to outdo the
former in idolatry and wickedness. But the judgments of God
followed them. We have a remarkable instance of it in Hiel ;
against whom the threatening was delivered almost five hundred
years before. Not a word of God's shall fall to the ground.
Let sinners hear and fear : and learn that God is not slack to
execute vengeance, any more than to fulfil his promises. Though
the Lord seems to delay, he has not forgotten his word ; and
sinners will, sooner or later, find a terrible reality in the judgments
he has threatened. Let none therefore harden themselves against
God, for who ever hardened himself against him and prospered'^
CHAPTER XVII.
Having done for a while with the account of those wicked kings, we have
now before us a raore entertaining and instructive part of the sacred
history. There never were worse princes in Israel, nor more prophets,
than at this period ; nor ever better or more eminent men, especially
Elijah, who far exceeded any other: and thus God left them inex-
cusable in their wickedness. We have in this chapter Elijah's prophecy
against Ahab ; he is sent to Cherith, and there fed by ravens ; he is
sent to the widow of Zarephath, and raises the widow's son.
1 And Elijah the Tishbite, [who was] of the inhabitants of
Gilead, said unto Ahab, [As] the Lord God of Israel liveth,
before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years
but according to my word *.
2 And the word of the Lord came unto him, saying, 3 Get
thee hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook
* We have no account of the parentage of FJijah ; his name sig^nifies my God
Jehovah is he. The labhics connect tlie chapters tliiis ; Ahab would not beheve
that the punishment of Hiel in the dose of the last chapter came from God ; but
attributed it to chance, and said. The law that threatened idolatry was not to be
regarded, especially that in Deuteronomy xi. i7. Elijah iiaving praypd that God
would punish this idolatrous people in some extraordinary manner, to brin^j them
to repentance, and finding the prophetic impulse on his own mind, went to Ahab
with this denunciation, declaring there should be no rain till they heard further
from him. This was an intimation, that if they reformed, God would, upon his
prayers, remove the calamity.
I. KINGS. XVII. SH7
Cherilh, that [is] before Jordan*. 4 And it shall be, [that]
thou shalt drink of" the brook, near t/ie cave where lie concealed
himself'; and 1 have commanded the ravens t to feed thee there.
5 So he went, and did according nnto the word of the Lord :
for he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith, that [is] before
Jordan, d And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the
morning, and bread and flesh in the evening ; and he drank of
the brook ];. 7 And it came to pass after a while, in the Ilchrew,
at the end of days, or the year, that the brook dried up, because
there had been no rain in the land ; tliis was a new trial of his
faith.
8 And the word of the Lord came unto him, saying, 9 Arise,
get thee to Zarephath, which [belongeth] to Zidon, out of the
boundaries of Israel, and dwell there : behold I have commanded
a widow woman there to sustain thee §. 10 So he arose and went
to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold,
the widow woman [was] there gathering of sticks : and he called to
her, and said, Fetch me, I pray thee, a little water in a vessel, that
I may drink. 1 1 And as she was going to fetch [it,] he called to
her, and said, Bring me, I pray thee, a morsel of bread in thine
hand. 12 And she said, [As] the Lord thy God livelli, I
have not a cake, but an handfid of meal in a barrel, and a little oil
in a cruse : and, behold, I [am] gathering two sticks, that I may
go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die;
the fa/nine is sore among us, and it may possibly be the last food
we shall ecer eat, as we can see no likely means of any further
supply. \3 And Elijah said unto her. Fear not; go, [and] do
as thou hast said : but make me thereof a little cake first, and
bring [it] unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son.
14 F'or thus saith the Lord God of Israel, The barrel of meal
shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day
* Alia') soii^Iit to slay liiiii, rliap. xviii. lo., but probably not before the famine
came ; till then he diMcgaided him.
t Some would render it, the people of Orel; otlnrs, the Arabians; but the
word properly signifies ravens ; and their coming daily to him, confutes the former
notion.
X God chose to display his power in thus feedins: the prophet, or he might have
been hid and fed by Ohadi-ih, or some other who had not bowed the knee to liaal.
But God caused ravens, those biids of prey, to leave their nesis and yoimj,' ones
to feed his servant. They brought bread and flesii, produced by the power of
God, twice a day ; which was enough lo support nature, though not suflicient to
encourage luxury.
$ He was not sent to any of the rich or great men in Zidon, but to a poor widow,
who was probably a prosel) tc to the Jewish religion. Jezebel came from tliis place,
and brought the worship of Baal from heuce. It must have been a mortification
to her when she knew that the prophet wiis maintained there.
VOL. III. Z
338 I. KINGS. XVII.
[that] the Lord scmleth rain upon llio caith*. 1.3 And she
went and did according to the saying of Elijah : and she, and he,
and her house, did eat [many] days. iG [And] the barrel of meal
wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word
of the Lord, which he spake by Elijah f.
17 And it came to pass after these things, [that] the son of
the woman, the u)istress of the liouse, fell sick ; and his sickness
was so sore, that there was no breath left in him. 18 And she
said unto Elijah, What have I to do with thee, O thou man of
Godi* art thou come unto me to call my sin to remembrance, and
to slay my son | f 19 And, though Elijah zais naturalli^ of a
warm tcmjjer, yet considering the affliction of the woman, and the
worth of Iter character, he excused this sally of immoderate pas-
sion, and Zi'ith great meekness he said unto her, Give me thy son.
And he took him out of her bosom, and carried him up into a
loft, where he abode, and laid him upon his own bed : hence it
appears it teas a young child. 20 And he cried unto the Lord,
and said, O Lord my God, hast thou also brought evil upon the
widow with whom I sojourn by slaying her son^? 21 And he
stretched himself upon the child three times, and cried unto the
Loud, and said, O Loud my God, 1 pray thee, let this child's
soul come into him again. 22 And the Lord heard the voice
')rT^lii'ih • ana \*^^^ ^^"' ^^ the child came into him again, and
he revived. 23 ^"^ ^'U^'^ ^°°^ ^^^^ ^'"'^'' ^"'^ brought him
* mi • V A* tivVifM^ faith and obedience Slic might Lave possibly pleaded,
* Tiushesam \o."y "^')yf ami her son first ; that she had none to spare ; that
that she must sustain heisc.v .^ ^^^ ^^^^ ^ prophet he might work a miracle, aiul so
chanty begins at ,»;pni^.;,; " Yaitli silences all these objections, and therefore was
provide for hiniselt. **"""^' '\ ly itsdf
almost as miraculous as the suppy^
-, ,„„ X,. i,„r faiih^x it lasted them for two years ; what was taken
t It^a'^ac^o'^'l'f * '";,f '%l.e ^,j^i Thus God, who sent his
out ;vasunmediately s ppl.ed by f^^^ ^^.^ ^^^1 , ^^^^^ sent food for her family,
prophe to l^««!d^''^'^;;^';/«';:;^\ a^^ what ^as better, she had the good
while her "fgl'^"""^ \' '^j. !^'''^,,^. With how much u^jnder and thankfnl-
SrofilTsher" on'he? baireVZ' c^^ every day, and acknowledge that the
finger of (iod was there. \.
t She was thrown into great perturbation\nJ agony of spirit on account of her
sickness, and spoke in an hasty, passion^c manner It was a part of wisdom
to know that afllictions were a punishment for s^' ; '"t it was weakness to charge
it upon the prophet, who had saved her and her c^nUl troni death. She takes it f..r
cranted that Elijah by his prophetic spirit had discovered some of the sms of her
former life, and 'tlioucht it hard to have no better return for his entertainment, than
former life, and tliougli
to be punished so awfully, in so tender a part.
* Every word here is emphatical. Thou art my God ; this is a poor widow ;
this is her only son ; the affliction is upon me, as I am m the house; it will be a
reflection on thv proplieUs, as if they were impotent, or ungrate ul, and brought
mischief wherever they came. Tiic faith of this prayc.; i3 .^slonishmi:. a. it seems
to be an unexampled thing; there is no instance ofii ex^r netore.
>
I. KINGS. XVII. -339
down out of the chamber into the house, and delivered him unto
his mother, no douht vith great jo ij, as a favour lo him ami the
poor widow; and Elijah said, See, thy son iiveth ; see how much
mcrcu, instead of severe justice, thou hast found on mij account.
24 And the woman said to Elijah, Now by this I know that
thou [art] a man of God, [and] that the word of the Lord in thy
mouth [is] truth *.
REFLECTIONS.
1. We have here an instance of the great efficacy of fervent
prayer. James v. I?., Elias was a man subject to like passions
as we are ; and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain, and
it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six
months. The fervent prayer of this righteous man availed much,
not only stopped the windows of heaven, but raised the widow's
son to life. But the general truth it suggests is, that God is
near to the souls that seek him, and his ear is ever open to their
cry.
2. We have here undoubted proof of God's command over
all creatures. He uses them in judgment or mercy as he pleases ;
so he did the ravens. Of all birds, these we might have
thought were the most unlikely to execute such a commission.
Yet God overcame their instinct, directed their motions, and
made them constant in bringing their supplies to the prophet.
Who would not trust him in the greatest straits ! He can pro-
vide tables in the wilderness; ravens shall become purveyors and
servitors, rather than his prophets shall be starved or injured.
3. We learn to be liberal even of a little. If God has given us
but little, let us be ready to do good to others ; to let them share
with us. Water was at that time a scarce commodity ; yet
the poor widow, in her great necessity, was ready to relieve a
stranger. Those who are in low circumstances have no excuse
for being uncharitable. Let every one give of his little. Even
a cup of cold zcater shall not lose its racard.
4. We should learn, when Providence is most remarkably kind,
to prepare for rebukes and trials. This woman was happy in a
* She was undoubtedly transported witli joy. She believed lie w.t; a )>rophef
before, and called him a man of God, in r. is., i)iit tiie death of lici cliiM made liev
doubt. This miracle, liowtNcr, eoiiliinicd her faith, and made lier regard all liis in-
structions. It was i)roba!)ly intended as a remarkable {)roof of the rcsuncction,
and the existence of the scid in a separate state ; tlirreby to encourage the righ-
teous, and revive religion w lien it was at so low an ebb.
Z 2
340 I. KINGS. XVII.
constant supply of food, in the society, instructions and prayers
of tlie proplict, and then her son died. We should never think
our mountain stands so strong that it cannot be moved. Let us
consider this as a changing world, and use relations and conilorts
as though we had them not ; sitting loose to all, for the fashion of
this Korld passcth aicay.
5. Let us improve our afflictions as seasons for reflecting on
our sill. The design of affliction is to call sin to remembrance,
to imbitter it to us, and increase our hatred of it. May we
labour to improve it to this purpose ; then we shall not suffer in
vain. It is meet to he said uufo God, I have home chastisement, I
uill not of/enil am/ more, Job xxxiv. 31 .
G. Let us think of the joy with which saints shall be restored
at the general resurrection, when all eyes shall be fixed on Christ,
by whom the great work shall be accomplished. With what
rapture did the widc^w receive her son ! With what respect and
joy did she look upon Elijah! So saints, especially relations and
acquaintance, shall meet one another above, and be joined in
their complete persons at the resurrection ; they shall adore the
power and grace that produced the change, shall see all the
words of the Lord accomplished, and Jesus appearing as the
faithful and true witness.
7. When God's own people are rebellious and disobedient, he
confers their privileges upon strangers. Our Lord's own re-
flection is illustrated by this story, Luke iv. 25., lint I tell you
of a truth many iciikncs xcere in Israel in the days of Elias, zchen
the heavens were shut up three years and six months, rchen great
famine teas throughout all the land. But unto none of them was
Elias sent, save un/o Sarepla a city of Sidon, unto a womait that
was a xcidow. God punishes people for their obstinacy and un-
belief, by taking away their privileges, and transferring them to
strangers, if they do not value and improve them. May we of
this nation consider such awful dispensations, lest the gospel be
taken froni us, and sent to a nation that will make a better im-
provement of it.
I. KINGS. XVIII. 311
CHAPTER XVIII.
Elijah's interview with Obadiah and Ahab, and Raal's prophets; and
the removal of the calamity by obtaining rain.
1 A.ND it came to pass [after] many days, that the word of ilie
Lord came to Elijah in the third year of his flight sayiupj, Go,
show thyself unto i\hab, acquaint him nith the cause of the ca-
lamiti/y and exhort him to remove it, then i will send rain upon the
earth. 2 And Elijah went holdh/ to show himself nnto Ahab.
And [there was] a sore famine in Samaria, which might have j)ro-
voked Ahab the more to destroy him.
3 And Ahab called Obadiah, which [was] the governor of
[his] house. Now Obadiah feared the LoiiD greatly; he was a
good man, zoho did not worship Baal; but Ahab connived' at it,
because he was a faithful servant : 4 For it was [so,] when Jezebel
cut off the prophets of the Lord, that Obadiah took an hundred
prophets, or students, %vho zcere preaclters of righleousness, and
some of them occasionally inspired, and hid them by fifty in a cave,
and fed them with bread and water. 5 And Ahab said unto
Obadiah, Go into the land, unto all fountains of water, and unto
all brooks, zvhere grass zcas most likely to be found : pcradventure
we may find grass to save the horses and mules alive, that we lose
not all the beasts, many of tvhich tvere dead already. G So they
divided the land between them to pass throughout it : Ahab went
one way by himself, and Obadiah went another way by himself;
he would trust none but himself and Obadiah, lest others, by
presents or entreaties, might conceal grass or food.
7 And as Obadiah was in the way, behold, Elijah met iiim :
and he knew him, and fell on his face, shozcing him the greatest
respect, and said, [Art] thou that my lord Elijah? This was a
strange zcord from the lord high steicard of Israel to a poor
prophet. 8 And he answered him, 1 [am:] go, tell thy lord.
Behold, Elijah [is here.] C) And he said, What have I sinned,
that thou wouldst deliver thy servant into the hand of Ahab to
slay me? It will be at the hazard of my life to give him this in-
formation. 10 [As] the Lord thy God liveth, there is no nation
or kingdom, whither my lord hath not sent to seek thee, to bring
thee back to revoke (he sentence: and when they said, [He is] not
342 I. KINGS. XVIII.
[there ;] he took an oath of the kingdom and nation, that tliey
found thee not. 11 And now thou sayest, Go, tell thy lord,
Behold, Elijah [is here.] 12 And it shall come to pass, [as soon
as] I am gone from thee, that the Spirit of the Lord shall carry
thee whither I know not * j and [so] when I come and tell Ahab,
and he cannot find thee, he shall slay me because I did not secure
thee ^c/ien thou wast in nuj power: but I thy servant fear ihie
Loud from my youth ; / have not been like the rest uf the courtiers,
and therefore hope thou wilt be concerned for my safety: 13 Was
it not told my lord, what I did wlien Jezebel slew the prophets
of the Loud, how I hid an liundred men of the Lord's prophets
by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water? 14 And
now thou sayest. Go, tell thy lord, Behold, Elijah [is here:] and
he sliall slay me. 15 And Elijah said, [As] the Loud of liosts
liveth, before whom I stand, and tvhose servant I am, I will surely
show myself unto him to-day. l6 So Obadiah went to meet
Ahab, 7iot doubting but God would preserve him, and told him:
and Ahab went to meet Elijah.
17 And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said
unto him, [Art] thou he that troubleth Israel? He begins fu-
riously, and charges himzcilh bringing these calamities upon Israel,
under colour of being a prophet and a friend. 18 And he an-
swered, I have not troubled Israel ; but thou and thy father's
house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the Lord,
and thou hast followed Baalim ; thy sins arc the cause uf all the
judgments that are come upon the nation. 19 Now therefore let us
bring the matter to a fair trial, and see who are the troublers
of Israel, and in order lo this send, [and] gather to me all Israel
unto mount Carme!, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and
fifty, and the prophets of the groves four hundred, which eat
at Jezebel's table i'. 20 So Ahab sent unto all the children of
Israel, the princes and elders, and gathered the prophets toge-
ther unto mount Carmel.
21 And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long
halt ye between two opinions ^ like lame men who tread dubiously
and notfirmh/ ? If the Lord [be] God, follow him : but if Baal,
[then] follow him ; there can be but one supreme, all-perfect God ;
sec which that is, and renounce the other competitors. And the
people answered him not a word ; thct/ knczc not zchat to say, and
* Perhaps tliis was somtlinics llie case, uli(;n Alial) and Ji'zcbcl liuntcd liini.
t Aiii;irlf, or the inuoii, was tliu i;od(less of llic Siilonians, foi «liosc luksLs
Jczeliol kipt a table, am! they were Ik r douicslu cliaplaiiis.
I. KINGS. XV III, 3i3
were asluimed that theif were not able to anszcer in so plain a ca^e.
'2'2 Tlicu saitl Elijiili unto the people, I, [even] I only, reniaiii a
prophet of the Loiiu, puhlicli/ to own and plead the cause of
God ; but Baal's prophets [are] four hundred and fifty men, and
have all external aids on their sides. 23 Let them therefore give us
two bullocks ; and let them choose one bullock for themselves, and
cut it in pieces, and lay [it] on wood, and put no fire [under :]
and 1 will dress the other bullock, and lay [it] on wood, and put
no fire [under:] 24 And call ye on the name of your gods, and
I will call on the name of the Lord : and the God that auswer-
cth by fire, let him be God. And all the people answered and
said, It is well spoken,
25 And Elijah said unto the prophets of Baal, Choose you one
bullock for yourselves, and dress [it] first; for ye [are] many ;
and call on the name of your gods, but put no fire [under*.]
26 And they took the bullock which was given them, and they
dressed [it,] and called on the name of Baal from morning even
until noon, znhen the stin teas in its orcatest strength, saying, O
Baal, hear us. But [there was] no voice, nor any that answered.
And they leaped upon the altar which was made ; kept leaping and
dancing round the altar. This was common among the worship-
pers of the sun, as that they believed put all things into motion.
27 And it came to pass at noon, that Elijah mocked them, and
said. Cry aloud : for he [is] a god ; either he is talking, or he is
pursuing, or he is in a journey, [or] peradvcnture he sleepeth,
and must be awaked t- 28 And they cried aloud, and cut them-
selves after their manner with knives and lancets, till the blood
gushed out upon them. 29 And it came to pass, when mid-day was
past, and they prophesied, tluit is, prayed and sung hymns in
honour of Baal, until the [time] of the offering of the [evening]
sacrifice, till three o'clock in the afternoon ; that [theie was] nei-
ther voice, nor any to answer, nor any that regarded ; all was
in vain.
30 And Elijah said unto all the people. Come near unto me.
And all the people came near unto him. Anil he repaired the
* Elijah bciiii; a sin^lo niaii, gives tlioin tlio profeience ; and besides, if Je-
lioviili had aiiswend lirst, Baal's prophets niii;ht have t'onned some excuse for
iiol aiisworing ; al)ovc all, llieir disappointment v\ould make his sucecss the more
remarkable.
f He said tiiis, to rouse them out of their stupidity, and ( oiivince the people of
the folly of idolatry. As if he had said, Voiir <;od is a tittle deaf; or he is bxiSy
about some tlespatciies , or in travelling; to sonic place, where you nmst acud alter
him ; or be has a narrow capacity, and cannot atteiul to two things at once .
ilierelbrc ciy again, perhaps he is asleep, make more uoiae.
314 I. KINGS. XVIII.
altar of tlie Lord [that was] broken down*. 31 And Elijah
took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the
sons of Jacob, to shew that he worshipped the God of the patri-
iirchs, and was concerned for the happiness of Israel, mito whom
the word of the Lord came zchen l^is familij zcas purged front,
idolatry, saying, Israel shall be thy name : 32 And with the stones
he built an altar in the name of the Lord : and he made a trench
about the altar, as great as would contain two measures of seed.
S3 And he j)ut the wood in order, and cut the bullock in pieces,
and laid Piim] on the wood, and said, Till four barrels with water
from the sea, which was at the foot of mount Car7neI,(3eT. xlvi. 18.,)
and pour [it] on the burnt sacrifice, and on the wood, that they
may see there is no cheat. 34 And he said. Do [it] the second
time. And they did [it] the second time. And he said. Do [it]
the third time. And they did [it] the third time. So And the
water ran round about the altar ; and he tilled the trench also
with water. 36 And it came to pass, at [the time of] the ofFer-
jn<>' of the [evening] sacrifice, when the people of God were ipor^
shipping at Jerusalem, that Elijah the prophet came near, and
said. Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be
known this day that thou [art] God in Israel, and [that] I [am]
thy servant, and [that] I have done all these things at thy word,
have brought the famine hy thy command. 37 Hear me, O Lord,
hear mc, that this people may know that thou [art] the Lord
God, and [that] thou hast turned their heart back again ; wrought
this miracle to reduce them from idolatry to thy own service. This
was a short prayer, ofered from a calm mind, and not, like Jiaal's
priests, in a fury. 38 Then the fire of the Lord fell, and con-
sumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and
the dust, and licked up the water that [was] in the trench. It
had a remarkable cfject, parching the ground and consuming tie
stones. Elijalis God was not talking, or pursui)ig, or sleeping;
he heard and answered immedialcly. 39 And when all the people
saw [it,] they fell on their faces ; and they said. The Lord, he
[is] the God ; the Lord, he [is] the God ; tJicy were struck into
consternation, the case icas so plain ; and icere deeply affected with
this demonstration of Jchovalis divinity. 40 And Elijah said unto
them. Take the prophets of IJaal ; let not one of them escape.
And they took them : and Elijah brought them down to the brook
• Tlie worsliippprs of Baal had hrokcn down God's altar, ami set up one to
Haal in its stead; i)iit Elijah repaired llin altar of the Lord, to intimate tha^
lie intended to restore the worship of tiie true God again-
I. KINGS. XVIII. 345
Kishon, and slew them there ; and Ahab was so impressed that he
durst not oppose it, more especialli/, as it was the way to have rain,
41 And Elijah said unto Ahab, Get thee up, that is, from the
brook zohere the priests were slain, to his tent on the side of the hill,
eat and drink, lake refreshment (having fasted till evening, waiting
the event of the trial), for [there is] a sound of abundance of rain.
44 So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And EHjah went up
to the top of Carmel ; and he cast himself down upon the earth,
and put his face between his knees, in an humble posture, to seek
God's continued interposition, 43 And said to his servant, Go up
now, look toward the sea. And he went up, and looked, and
said, [There is] nothing. And he said, Go again seven times.
44 And it came to pass at the seventh time, that he said. Behold,
there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man's hand. And
he said, Go'up, say unto Ahab, Prepare [thy chariot,] and get
thee down, that the rain stop thee not, lest it szcell the brooks,
and make the way impassable. 45 And it came to pass in the
mean while, that the heaven was black with clouds and wind, and
there was a great rain. And Ahab rode, and went to Jez-
reel, where he had a -palace. 46 And the hand of the Lord was
on Elijah ; and he girded up his loins, his long garment, that it
might not hinder him*, and he ran before Ahab to the entrance of
Jezreel, but did not choose to go in for fear of Jezebel.
REFLECTIONS.
1 See the power of divine grace in securing Obadiah's good-
ness in this dangerous place. Though surrounded with so many
temptations, he kept his integrity. Blessed be God, some such
extraordhiary instances are still to be found.
2. They that fear the Lord in their youth, come to fear him
greatly. So Obadiah. He began betimes, and made great pro-
gress in piety, zeal and hospitality. Early piety becomes eminent
piety. This is a motive to young persons to remember their
Creator in the days of their youth.
3. We infer, that sinners, not reformers, are the troublers of
Israel. Useful, zealous reformers are often called so : Christ and
his apostles were said to turn the world upside down. Elijah
* God gave Elijah extraordinary strength to run before Ahab, to show his
respect to tlie king, and that all Israel might see that the glory of this miracle
had not made him proud or insolent.
346 I. KINGS. XVIII.
was really the best guard to Israel; l)ettcr iIkiii chariots and
horsemen. Sin is a great disturber of families, churches, towns,
and kingdoms, and the whole world. All mischief is owing to it.
Therefore let us keep from even the appearance of evil.
4. We may in general judge how men stand aftected to God,
by the manner in which they treat his ministers. Observe the
difference between Ahab and his steward. The one was saucy
and insolent, the other most polite and respectful. He that loves
the master, loves the servants for the master's sake.
5. We are taught hence, resolution and steadiness in religion.
Some worshipped Jehovah, to please the prophets ; others IJaal,
to please Jezebel. This was shameful. Religion is every thing,
or nothing. No man can serve two masters. Douh/e-nu7idcd men
are iinstable in alt their zvags ; their hearts are not right with God,
therefore they are not sound in his statutes.
6. External pomp and grandeur is no sign of a true church.
The papists make this a mark of it, but it is wrong. Many false
prophets are well fed, while God's prophets may be hid in caves,
and have only bread and water; but still the former are false ones,
and God's prophets the only true ones. Judge not from outward
appearance.
7. See the vanity of idolatry, and the power of God. Surely
no idolatry ever made so contemptible a figure, or was so justly
ridiculetl. But how glorious does the God of Israel appear in
the midst of this conquest, and in his power over all the elements.
\Vc have reason to say, He is God; and to be thankful for the
light of the gospel, or we, like these prophets, shall be ashamed
imd confounded.
8. We are taught perseverance in prayer. Elijah sent his ser-
vant seven times, prostrated himsilf Iii\mbly, and continued instant
in prayer. The Lord will at length come and will not tarry. Wait
patiently for him ; Jic is a God who hcareth prai/cr.
y. Small beginnings often produce great and wonderful efi'ecis.
A cloud no bigger than a man's hand covered the heavens. This
is often applicable to feeble attempts of service, and the wonderful
•ucccs.s of the gospel. Let us then encourage ourselves in God,
and not despise the day of small things.
10. Those who are instruments of the greatest public good,
should learn to behave themselves moileslly and humbly. Elijah
was not elated with this extraordinary triumph; he paid respect to
Ahab, as a king, though he was a wicked man. Let all learn to
know their place, and remember that liimiility ij their brightest
I. KINGS. XIX. 34.7
ornament; ailds the greatest lustre to wcallli, liunour, and use-
fulness, and recommends those who arc possessed of it to the
favour of God and man.
CHAPTER XIX.
All account of Elijah's flight from Jezebel into the wilderness; the extra-
ordinary appearance of God to him; the directions he received; and
his beginning to execute his commission.
1 And Ahab, to excuse himself, and throw the blame upon Elijah,
told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, hoio he had brought fire from
heaven, and rain upon earth, and withal how he had slain all the
prophets of Baal with the sword. 2 Then Jezebel sent a mes-
senger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do [to me,] and more
also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to-morrow
about this time*. 3 And when he saw [that,] he arose, and went
for his life, and came to Beer-sheba, which [belongeth] to Judah,
where Ahab had 7io pozccr, and expected protection under Jehosha-
pJiat, and he left his servant there, not willing to expose him to the
hardships he might meet zcith.
4 But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness; not
thinking himself quite secure where he was, he went into that wil-
derness where the Israelites had so long wandered, and came and
sat down under a juniper tree : and he requested for himself that
he might die; and said. It is enough; now, O Loiil), take away
my life, for I [am] not better than my fathers ; 1 think mi/self not
capable to do anrj more for thee, and that I had better die: I have
lived as long as my fathers, or, I can pretend to no virtues superior
to theirs, which may entitle me to the rewards of a longer life.
But God had more work for him to do. 5 And as he lay and
slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him,
and said unto him, Arise [and] eat. 6 And he looked, and behold,
[there was] a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at
his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again.
* Instead of falling under conviction, as might have been expected, she was
transported into a violent rage ; and so infiitualed by her passion, as to send a
message to him; some think with an intent to alfrigiit liini, and make him get
out of the way, she beins; afraul of the people after tiiese miracles.
348 I. KINGS. XIX.
7 And tlie angel of the Lord came again the second time, and
touched him, and said, xViise [and] eat; because the journey [is]
too great for thee without extraordinary strength, considering thy
age.
8 And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength
of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of
God*. 9 And he came thither unto a cave, (Exodus xxxiii.
21, 22.), and lodged theref; and, behold, tlie word of the Lord
[came] to him, by the ministration of an angel, and he said unto
him, What doest thou here, Elijah ? is this thy proper jj/ace and
station? canst thou do me any service here? This was a secret
reproof for his fight. 10 And he said, 1 have been very jealous
for the Lord God of hosts; it is not out of indifference to his
cause, or for want of zeal, but all is to no purpose: for the children
of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars,
and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, [even] 1 only, am
left ; and they seek my life, to take it away ; there is no one left
to stand by me, and they are seeking my life; I despair therefore
of doing any good, and this is the cause of my fight. 1 1 And he
said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord, that
I may give thee some extraordinary token of my presence zcith thee.
And, behold, the Lord passed by, thej'e iuas the appearance of
the Shekinah, or glory of the Lord, and a great and strong wind
rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the
Lord; [but] the Lord [was] not in the wind: and after the
wind an earthquake; [but] the Lord [was] not in the earth-
quake: 12 And after the earthquake a fire; [but] the Lord
[was] not in the fire|: and after the fire a still small voice.
13 And it was [so,] when Elijah heard [it,] the distinct and gentle
voice of God speaking to him, that he wrapped his face m his
mantle, to express his reverence, and, not daring to look on the
divine glory, he went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave.
And, behold, [there came] a voice unto him, and said. What doest
» It was but a joiiniey of four or five days; but he went throngh by-ways for
fear of being pursued, and took time to rest in different places.
f Prol)ably tiiis was tlic cave in wbicli Moses was hid ; bere he seemed to take
lip liis al)ode, and incUdge his niehuicholy.
t According to the accounts we liave of volcanoes and fiery eruptions, this ap-
pearance was exactly the operation of nature on such occasions. 'I'lierc was a
violent storm of wind, then an eartJKniake, and then lire broke out ; nature was
suti'ercd to do its oil'ice without interruption. God was in the still smiill voice
which followed this dreadful procession. This was intended to usher in the .She-
kniah, and prepare the prophet's miud for the instructions of the great Author oi
iialure.
I. KINGS. XIX. 349
thou here, Elijah? repeating the former finest ion, to which he
returned the same anstver. 14 And he said, I have been very
jealous for the Lord God of hosts: because the children of
Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and
slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, [even] I only, am left;
and they seek my life to take it away. 15 And the Lord said
unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus :
and when thou comest, anoint Hazael [to be] king over Syria, bi/
whom I will punish this idolatrous and obstinate people: 16 And
Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint [to be] king over Israel :
and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah, shalt thou anoint
[to be] prophet in thy room ; or thou shalt take care that they be
anointed. 17 And it shall come to pass, [that] him that escapeth
the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapeth
from the sword of Jehu shall, Elisha slay*. 18 Yet I have left
[me] seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not
bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.
This xoas designed to e/tcourage him; though Israel was degenerate,
it was nut so bad as he i/nagined ; there zoere seven thousand zcho
had not zcorshipped idols, and were readi/ to second his attempts
and declare against idolatry ; this gave him fresh vigour.
19 So he departed thence, and found Elisha the son of Sha-
phat, who [was] ploughing [with] twelve yoke [of oxen] before
him, and he with the twelfth, being a great farmer, and a man
of considerable loealth: and Elijah passed by him, and cast his
mantle upon him, his prophetic habit, which icas a kind of inau-
guration into the office. 20 And he left the oxen, and ran after
Elijah, and said, Let me, I pray thee, kiss my father and my
mother, and [then] I will follow thee. And he said unto him.
Go back again: for what have I done to thee? there is nothing
in such a ceremony to incline thee tofolloiu me, that instigation is
from an higher power. Or rather, what I have done need be ?io
hinderance to a decent and prudent regard to thy relations and
worldly affairs, Luke v. 29. 21 And he returned back from
him, to take a friendly farewell of his relations and servants; and
in token of joy at his new calling, and, as a farewell feast to his
family, he took a yoke of oxen, and slew them, and boiled their
flesh with the instruments of the oxen, and gave unto the people,
* These three in their turn were to bring judgments on tJie lanJ ; Hazael in
battle, Jehu in destroying Jezebel and the idolatrous priests, and Elisiia by de-
nouncing divine judgments, slaying the children, and perhaps bringing a famine,
2 Kings vi. 34, &c.
350 I. KINGS. XIX.
:iiul they did cat. Then he arose, and went after Elijah, and
ministered unto him ; he was reuiJy to serve him in a lower slaliou,
to pour witter on his hands, till he zcas called out to extraordinary
services as a prophet.
REFLECTIONS.
1. We hence learn, how incorrigible the hearts of sinners are
under the most sensible demonstrations of the divine presence
and power. We might have thought that Jezebel, bad as she was,
could not have sent such a message to a prophet ; especially
after he had given such proofs of favour to her country by pro-
curing rain. But nothing affected her mind. So sad a thing is a
hard heart, and so difficult is it to be renewed and softened. So
true it is, that God alone can take away a heart of stone, and give
us a heart of flesh.
2. Learn what need the best of men have to guard their hearts
against irregular sallies ; especially under ill usage for doing their
duty. Behold the prophet under the juniper tree, pouring out
impatient wishes that he may die ! Let us lament the weakness of
this excellent man. He that was so bold before Ahab, who
raised the dead child, opened and shut heaven, and brought fire
from above and rain on the earth, to fear the threats of a woman,
and wish to die for fear of dying! 7s this then my lord Elijah?
A melancholy instance of what we are when left to ourselves.
He was a man of like passions with us. May we learn therefore
to guard our hearts, and to rule our spirits, for this was written
for ouradmoiition.
3. Let us so behave ourselves, as to be able to answer in the
sight of God what business we have in the places where we are.
What docst thou here, Elijahl? It was a just and gentle reproof;
is this a time for good men, for prophets, to retire, when their
service is so much needed ? Let us often put the question to
ourselves, What if we should hear God's voice saying to us when
at alehouses, assemblies, or in bad company, working or jour-
neying on sabbath days. What doest thou here f how should we
answer it? Let us often say to ourselves. Does God call me to
this ? Am I in the way of duty ? Can I be useful here ? Is this
my proper place? In such instances let us act with holy caution
and fear, remembering that we are accountable to God.
4. This appearance to Elijah, is an emblem of God's manner
I. KINGS. XIX. 351
of dealing with men in bringing them to himself. He is not in
the wind, in an earthquake, &c., but by the terrors of the law,
and alarms of conscience, he makes way for the gospel. In re-
ligious matters there is not always the greatest fervency and
devotion, and the most of God where there is the greatest noise :
God makes way for himself hy terrible things in righteousness.
But he speaks powerfully and sweetly to the heart in his still
small voice of mercy and peace.
5. In times of great degeneracy there may be more good men
than we think there are, reserved by God for himself. This is
applicable to the present day. Rom. xi. 4, 5., But tvhat says the
ansicer of God unto him9 I have reserved to myself seven thousand
men who have not hozced the knee to the image of Baal. Even so
then, at this present time also, there is a remnant according to the
election of grace. The great zeal of good men makes them over-
look many ; who are often ashamed to be seen when persecuted,
reproached, and bantered; yet they may be more than we
imagine. It is a comfort that God discerns them ; the Lord
knozceth them that are his. Let us rejoice in this, and take en-
couragement in our resolute attempts to promote religion. If we
stand up for God, others may join us, or at least thousands may
pray for us.
6. See how effectually God can stir up men to undertake his
work, even amidst great discouragements. Behold how readily
Elisha goes after Elijah. If he had consulted flesh and blood he
would have been very unwilling to be in Elijah's situation, when
thus hunted, in these dangerous times, when there was nothing to
be expected but persecution. Yet Elisha chose to be servant
to a prophet, rather than master of a large farm ; and cheer-
fully resigned all for God. The power of divine grace can
conquer every prejudice, and remove every objection. Those
are not worthy of God's service, who do not esteem it the highest
honour and preferment; yet many decline it, especially in public
characters, and particularly in degenerate days. When the harvest
is great, and the labourers are few, this story should encourage our
prayers to the Lord of the harvest, that he zcould send more la-
bourers into it.
352 I. KINGS. XX.
CHAPTER XX.
We hear nothing of Klijah in this or the next chapter ; he was probably
seeking out some of the seven thousand who had not bowed the knee
to Baal, and was founding and instructing some of the schools of the
prophets. In this chapter is an account of Ben-hadad besieging Sa-
maria ; the defeat of his artny by the Israelites ; he renews the attack,
and is again defeated ; Ahab makes a foolish treaty with Ben-hadad,
and is reprovi'd for his folly.
1 xVND Beii-iiadad the king of Syria (iheson of llen-luKhid meu-
tioned before) gathered all his host together: and [there were]
thirty and two kings with him, 'pcUif kings zcJio zcerc trilmtary to
him, and horses and chariots: and he went up and besieged Sa-
maria, and warred against it, for zvhat reason does not appear.
2 i\nd he sent messengers to Ahab kino; of Israel into tiie citv,
and said unto him, 3 Thus saith Ben-hadad, Thy silver and thy
gold [is] mine ; thy wives also and thy children, [even] the good-
liest, [are] mine ; he expected every tiling to be delivered at dis-
cretion. 4 And the king of Israel answered and said. My lord,
O king, according to thy saying, I [am] tiiiiie, and all that I have,
he was willing to become tributary to bini if be icould raise the
siege. 5 And the messengers came again, and said. Thus speak-
eth Ben-hadad, saying. Although I have sent unto thee, saying.
Thou shalt deliver me thy silver, and thy gold, and thy wives,
and thy children ; 6 Yet I will send my servants unto thee to-
morrow about this time, and they shall search thine house, and
the houses of thy servants; and it siiall be, [that] whatsoever is
pleasant in thine eyes, they shall put [it] in their hand, and take
[it] away*. 7 Then the king of Israel called all the elders of the
land, and said, Mark, I pray you, and see how this [man] secketli
mischief: for he sent unto me for my wives, and for my children,
and for my silver, and for my gold; and I denied him not. 8 And
all the ciders and all the people said unto him. Hearken not [unto
him,] nor consent. 9 Wherefore he said unto the messengers of
* Finding Ahab so submissive, he enlarged his demands ; and now lie shall not
only become his vassal, but he would take away his royal treasures, and the
treasures of his subjects, and every valuable thing that Ahab was fond of, to
mortify him.
I. KINGS. XX. 353
Ben-hadad, Tell my lord the king, All that thou didst send for to
thy servant at the first, 1 will do : but this thing I may not do, I
zdll stand to t he Jirst concession, and no more. And the messengers
departed, and brought him word again. 10 And Ben-hadad sent
unto him, and said, The gods do so unto me, and more also, if
the dust of Samaria shall suffice for handfuls for all the people
that follow me ; he tvoiild bring such an army as would destroy the
whole ci(!/, and cairi/ azeai/ the dust of it; so many that there would
be but an handful j'nr every one. 1 1 And the king of Israel an-
swered and said, ']\'ll [him,] Let not him that girdelh on [his
harness] boast himself as he that putteth it off. Ahah being en-
couraged by the zeal and unanimity cf his council, sent him a very
Just reproof, not to triumph before lie had gained the victory.
J2 And it came to pass, when [Ben-hadad] heard this mescwe,
as he [was] drinking, he and the kings in the pavilions, that he
said unto his servants. Set [yourselves in arvviy,'} he gives immediate
orders to attack the city. And they set [themselves in array]
against the city.
13 And, behold, there came a prophet unto Ahabkingof Israel,
it does not appear zaho he was, but he came boldly, not being afraid,
as he had a good message, saying. Thus saith the Lord, Hast
thou seen all this great multitude .'' probably he had been viezcing
them from the towers of Samaria ; behold, I will deliver it into
thine hand this day; and thou shalt know that I [am] the Lord,
that Jehovah, and not Baal, hath given thee the victory. 14 And
Ahab said, By whom.'' And he said. Thus saith the Loud,
[Even] by the young men of the princes of the provinces, that is,
the pages and servants of the princes, young rate persons, who knew
nothing of military affairs, who lived in ease and luxury, and there-
fore were very unfit for the business. Then he said, Who shall
order the battle, who shall head them? And he answered, Thou.
It was rather a mortifying circumstance to be the leader of so small
an army. 13 Then he numbered the young men of the princes
of the provinces, and they were two hundred and thirty-two, these
were to begin the assault: and after them he numbered all the
people, [even] all the children of Israel, [being] seven thousand ;
these were all he could immediately muster to go in the rear; if the
young men succeeded, these were to join in the pursuit. l6 And
they went out at noon. But Ben-hadad [was] drinking himself
drunk in the pavilions, he and the kings, the thirty and two kings
that helped him. 17 And the young men of the princes of the
provinces, went out first ; and Ben-hadad hearing a bustle, sent
VOL. III. 2 A
354. 1. KINCIS. XX.
out to inquire the cause, and tlirv \o]i\ him, saying, There are men
come out of Samaria, a smal/ porty is cotnirig out of the city.
18 And he said. Whether they be come out for peace, take them
alive; or whether lliey be come out for war, take them alive;
he thought it beneath /litn to fight with so few, and therefore orders
them to be taken olive. 19 So these >oung men of the princes of
the provinces came out of the city, and the army which followed
them ; they led the way, and the small army followed them. 20 And
they slew every one his man wlio came to apprehend him : and the
Syrians fled, being struck ivith a panic, supposing the armi/ to be
much greater than it icas; and Israel pursued them f and Ben-
hadad the king of Syria escaped on an horse with the horsemen.
21 And the king of Israel went out, and smote the horses and
chariots, and slew the Syrians with a great slaughter, lie totally
routed them.
22 And the prophet came to the king of Israel, and said unto
him, Go, strengthen thyself, and mark, and see what thou doest,
make the best preparation against another attack; for at the return
of the year the king of Syria will come up against thee, 23 And
the servants of the king of Syria came to consult zcith him about
the next campaign, and said unto hmi, Their gods [are] gods of
the hills, theirs is an hilly country, therefore they were stronger
than we ; but let us fight against them in the plain, and surely
we shall be stronger than they ; there our chariots and horses will
be more useful, and their gods cannot help them. 24 And do this
thing. Take the kings away, every man out of his place, and put
captains in their rooms : the kings will not fight well as it is not
for their own country; and flicy are too delicate aiid ejj'eminale ;
your ozcn experienced captains will obey orders and fight better.
25 And number thee an army, like the army that thou hast lost,
horse for horse, and chariot for chariot : and we will fight against
them in the plain, [and] surely we shall hn stronger than they.
And he hearkened unto their voice, and did so. 26 And it came
to pass at the return of the year, that Ben-hadad numbered the
Syrians, antl went up to Aphek* to fight against Israel. 27 And
the children of Israel were numbered, and were all present, all
they could get toilet her, and went against them: and the children
of Israel pitched before them like two little flocks of kids; but
the Syrians filled the country. 28 And there came a man of
* Tliis was a loitiGed town, taken from the Israelites by Bciilia(la<rs father.
Hcrr th»y might secure a retreat, vvliile they fought, in the plain of Galilee, wiiich
lav near it.
I. KINGS. XX. 355
God, and spake unto the king of Israel, and said, Thus saith the
Lord, Because the Syrians have said. The Lord [is] God of the
hills, but he [is] not God of the valleys : therefore will I deliver
all this great multitude into thine hand, and ye shall know that I
[am] the Lord, the universal Lord of all places, persons and
thvi(rs*. 29 And they pitched one over against the other seven
days before the batik, because the Israelites ivere on a hill, and the
Syrians uaited till they came dozen. And [so] it was, that in the
seventh day the battle was joined : and the children of Israel slew
of the Syrians an hundred thousand footmen in one day. 30 But
the rest fled to Aphek, into the city, or over the wall of the city,
to defend it ; and [there] a w all fell upon twenty and seven thou-
sand of the men [that were] ieftf. And Ben-hadad fled, and
came into the city, into an inner chamber, in the Hebrew^ into a
chamber within a chamber, wt re he hid himself.
3 1 And his servants said unto him, Behold now, we have heard
that the kings of the house of Israel [are] merciful kings, bear
that character by the manner in which they treated their captives
taken informer actions : let us, I pray thee, put sackcloth on our
loins, in token of sorrozc, and ropes upon our heads, denoting the
punishment they deserved, and that they were ready to surrender at
discretion, and go out to the king of Israel: peradventure he will
save thy life. 32 So they girded sackcloth on their loins, and
[put] ropes on their heads, and came to the king of Israel, and
said. Thy servant Ben-hadad saith, I pray thee, let me live. And
he said, [Is] he yet alive ? he [is] my brother ; / am glad to hear
he did not perish in battle ; he is my brother as a king ; not in reli-
gion, but in royalty. 33 Now the men did diligently observe
whether [any thing would come] from him, and did hastily catch
[it;] they xoatchedfor any word that might turn to their advan'
toge ; and they said. Thy brother Ben-hadad. Then he said, Go
ye, bring him. Then Ben-hadad came forth to him; and he
caused him to come up into the chariot. 34 And [Ben-hadad]
said unto him. The cities, which my father took from thy father,
I will restore, and thus make restitution for the damages done; and
thou shalt make streets for thee in Damascus, as my father made
in Samaria; he would become his vassal, allow him to build a
* Here the honour of God was particularly concerned, lest he should be thought
like the gods of the nations.
t Dr. Kennicott shows that tlie Hebrew word for wall may be justly rendered
a hurtling wind. The rest fled into the city, and the burning wind fell upon
twenty-seven thousand of the men that were left. So probably Sennacherib's
»rmy WM destroyed, a Kings xix. 35, compared with ver. 7.
« A t
356 I. KINGS. XX.
citadel, to keep the town in cizcc, streets to live in, and to cany on
a free trade. Then [said AhabJ I will send thee away with this
covenant. So he made a covenant with him, and sent him away;
hut he soon broke the covenant, see ch. xxii. 2.
33 And a certain man of the sons of the prophets, rcho was
trained up in the college or academy*, said unto his neighbour,
another of the sons of the prophets, in the word of the Lord, by
the divine command, Smite me, 1 pray thee, that he might look
like a wounded soldier. And the man thought it inhuman to do so,
and refused to smite him. 36 Then said lie unto him, Because
thou hast not obeyed the voice of llie Lord, behold, as soon as
thou art departed from me, a lion shall slay thee. And as soon as
he was departed from him, a lion found him, aud slew him +.
S7 Then he found another man, and said. Smite me, I pray thee.
And the man smote him, so that in smiting he wounded [him.]
38 So the prophet departed, and waited for the king by the way,
and disguised himself with ashes upon his face ; his face was be-
smeared with blood and dirt. 39 And as the king passed by, he
cried unto the king : and he said, Thy servant went out into the
midst of the battle ; and, behold, a man, a commander, turned
aside, and brought a man unto me, and said, Keep this man a
prisoner: if by any means he be missing, then shall thy life be for
his life, or else thou shalt pay a talent of silver. 40 And as thy
servant was busy here and there, lie was gone. And the king of
Israel said unto him, So [shall] thy judgment [be ;] thyself hast
decided [it,] it is no more than thou deservest for breach of orders ;
forgetting how he dismissed Ben-hadad znllingli/, zchile this was
done umcillingly. 41 And he hasted, and took the ashes away
from his face ; and the king of Israel discerned him that he [was]
of the prophets, either by his habit and gesture, or some of his cour-
tiers knew him. 4'2 And he said unto him, Tlius saith the Lord,
Because thou hast let go out of [thy] hand, a man whom I ap-
pointed to utter destruction, because a blasphemer of the God of
Israel^, therefore thy life shall go for his life, and thy people for
• Tlie Jews say it was Micaiali ; and it is not unlikely, because Aliab said of
him, tliat/jc unlij proiilitsiid evil.
t This punislimi lU was not too severe if we consider the manner in which he
was commanded to smite him. Beini; a .son of the prophets, he well knew the
meaning of that solemn charge in (he name or in the word of the Lord. It wa.s also
an intimation to Ahab, that if a prophet was not spared for refusinj; to smite an
innocent man at the word of the Lord, how should he escape for sparing an im-
pious and tyrannical king.
t Aiiab mii^ht have particular orders to put him to death ; or it was intimated
when God declared, ver. .18, that he would deliver them into his hands. He should
I. KINGS. XX. 357
his people*. 43 And the king of Israel went to his house, heavy
and displeased, and came to Samaria ; this dreadful message
from God, whose word he had found true, spoiled the joy of his
victory.
REFLECTIONS.
1 . Let not him that putteth on the armour boast himself as he
that putteth it of'. Let not him who is preparing for action
tiiuinph before the victory. This was perhaps the wisest speech
Ahab ever made. It teaches us all to be humble and diffident ;
to watch always against our spiritual enemies ; and not be confi-
dent in our own strength, but mark and see what we are to do,
and how we may best secure ourselves. Pride goeth before de-
struction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
2. Let us reflect on the strange turns which human affairs
sometimes take. See what haughty airs Ben-hadad gave himself;
the dust of Samaria shall not suffi.ce for handfulsfor all the people
that follow me: but now, thy sei-vant Ben-hadad saith, I pray thee
let me live. Hence we should learn not to be proud when in high
stations, and not to despise the weak and poor, who are our infe-
riors. We know not what will be on the morrow ; what changes
are before us. Let us therefore not provoke or insult any one ;
but make as few enemies, and gain as many friends, as possible.
5. We should lament the ignorance and folly of these heathens.
They had their topical gods ; of different countries and different
parts ; gods of the trees, and valleys, and hills. While we are as-
tonished at it, let us lament the corruption of human nature, and
the prevalence of ignorance and superstition, which was so con-
trary to the principles of reason ; and thank God that we enjoy the
light of the gospel, which gives us better notions ; walk therefore
as children of the light and of the day.
4. The mercy of God to others should be a motive to be re-
conciled to him. Ben-hadad's servants plead that the king of Is-
rael is a merciful king. The God of Israel is a merciful
God. His mercy extends to great offenders, when penitent ;
and still he forgives that he may be feared. We should ap-
pear before him as penitents ; with humility and submission
therefore have considered him as God's prisoner, and asked advice of tlie prophet
how to dispose of hitn.
* Three years after this Ahab was slain in battle by a Syrian, and Hazael
bronglit heavy puuishtnents upon the people for their continued impiety and
idolatry.
358 I. KINGS. XXI.
of soul ; and earnestly beg the life of our souls. Those who are
ambassadors of Christ, as though God did beseech you by
them, pray you in Christ's stead to be reconciled to God.
CHAPTER XXI.
In which we have Ahab's desire of Naboth's vineyard ; Jezebel's strata-
gem to gain it; llie tenibic message Elijah was sent with to Aliab;
and the etfcct it had upon him.
1 And it came to pass after these things, Allah's success in the
war and the reproof he had for sparing Ben-hadad, zchich aggra-
vated his guilt, [that] Naboth the Jezreelite had u vineyard, which
[was] in Jezreel, where Jezebel resided, hard by the palace of Ahab
king of Samaria. 2 And Ahab spake unto Naboth, saying, Give
me thy vineyard, that I may have it for a garden of herbs, because
it [is] near unto mine house, it lay on the hill where the palace
sf 00(7, and I will give thee for it a better vineyard than it; [or,]
if it seem good to thee, I will give thee the worth of it in money*.
3 And Naboth said to Ahab, The Lord forbid it me, that I
should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee. 4 And
Ahab came into his house heavy and displeased because of the
word which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken to him : for he had
said, I will not give thee the inheritance of my fathers. And he
was so vexed at the disappointment, that he laid him down upon
his bed, and turned away his face, and would eat no bread, nor see
company.
5 But Jezebel his wife came to him, and said unto him. Why
is thy spirit so sad, that thou eatest no bread ? 6 And he said
unto her, Because I spake unto Naboth the Jezreelite, and said
unto him. Give me Uiy vineyard for money; or else, if it please
thee, I will give thee [another] vineyard for it : and he answered,
I will not give thee my vineyard f. 7 And Jezebel his wife said
* This was a fair proposal, liad it been lawful for Naboth to have sold it ; but
the law of God forbade the Israelites to sell or alienate any ground, except in
cases of extraordinary necessity, and then only till the year ofjubile, Lev. xxv. 23.
Nahotii probably thought he should never have it again if he sold it to the king,
and that his successors would not jiart with it.
t This was a false state of the case. He did not acquaint her with Naboth's
reason, only intimates that he gave a short, surly answer; whereas he said, / may
net do it ; It i( contrary to my duty and conscience.
I. KINGS. XXI. 359
unto him. Dost thou now govern the kingdom of Israel? Arise,
[and] eat bread, and let thine heart be merr} : I will give thee the
vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite ; is it becoming thy dignity and
power as a king, to lay to heart the denial of a subject! Show
thyself an absolute prince, and seize upon it by force : fear not, I
will procure it for thee. Ahab tcanted neither wit nor wickedness,
but he vias a mere novice to Jezebel. 8 So she wrote letters in Ahab's
name, and sealed [them] with his seal, his ring or signet, which
could not be done zcithout his consent; and this audacious woman
sent the letters unto the elders and to the nobles that [were] in his
city, dwelling with Naboth. 9 And she wrote in the letters, say-
ing, Proclaim a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people ;
she attempts to alarm their fears and raise their indignation, as if
some grievous crime had been committed, and some heavy calamity
was coming : and, as if it was all done zcith a pious design, she
proclaims a fast, and orders Naboth to be set on high, that every
body might see him, and hear ivhat was alleged against him, and
what defence he would make: 10 And set two men, sons of Belial,
before \mw, felloivs of no conscience, who were ready to swear any
thing for reward, to bear witness against him, saying. Thou didst
blaspheme God and the king*. And [then] carry him out, and
stone him, that he may die. 1 1 And the men of his city, [even]
the elders, and the nobles who were the inhabitants in his city, did
as Jezebel had sent unto them, [and] as it [vvas] written in the let-
ters which she had sent unto themf. 12 They proclaimed a
fast, and set Naboth on high among the people. 13 And there
came in two men, children of Belial, and sat before him : and the
men of Belial witnessed against him, [even] against Naboth, in
the presence of the people saying, Naboth did blaspheme God
and the king. Denying the king the vineyard, was not blaspheming
him ; pleading the authority of God's lata for the refusal, was not
blaspheming God. But so obsequious were these men to Jezebel,
that they made no scruple to commit this great wickedness in order
to condemn him. Then they carried him forth out of the city,
to testify their desire that the wickedness might be removed, and the
♦ They joined both God and the kiog in the accusation, that they might the
better work on all sorts of people. If he blasphemed God, he would liave been
put to death, bat his estate would not have been forfeited; but if God and the
king, the Jews say, his house, goods, and estate were confiscated.
t It is astonishing that there was not one man of common honesty or humanity
among them. But they were desirous to ingratiate themselves with Jezebel, who
probably had sent a private message, with promises of great rewards. They
might also hate so conscientious a man as Naboth, e-'peciany as he was a wor-
shipper of Jehovah, and not of Baal.
360 I. KINGS. XXI.
city not polluted ; and stoned him with stones, that ho died. Ln
2 Kings ix. iQ, it is said that his sorts also were stoned, that none
might be left to claim the vineyard. 14 Tlien they sent to Jeze-
bel, saying, Naboth is stoned, and is dead ; she heard this with a
malicious pleasure.
15 And it caine to pass, wlicn Jezebel heard ihtil Naboth was
stoned, and \vas dead, that Jezebel said to Ahab, Aiise, lake pos-
session of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, which he refused
to give thee for money : for Naboth is not alive, but dead; thou
icouldst have given him money, but I havej'ound out a rcay to put
thee in possession zcithout expense. l6 And it came to pass, when
Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, that Ahab rose up to go down
to the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, in great pomp, '1 Kings
ix. 25., to take possession of it.
17 And the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite,
saying, 18 Arise, go down to meet Ahab king of Israel, which
[is] in Samaria, whosz throne and common residence is there, be-
hold, [he is] in the vineyard of Naboth, whither he is gone down
to possess it. 19 And thou shalt speak unto him, saying. Thus
saith the Lord, Hast thou killed, and also taken possession? And
thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the Lord, In the
place where, (or, as it should be rendered, in the manner that,) dogs
licked the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick thy blood, even thine.
Elijah xoent boldly to deliver the message ; and as soon as Ahab saw
him, his conscience zms awakened and fold him that he had made
God, and consequently his prophet, his enemy; and therefore he be-
gins before Elijah said any thing. 20 And Ahab said to Elijah,
Hast thou found me, O mine enemy ? zcilt thou never suffer me
to be fjuiet'^ He supposed it reus not so much God's message as
Elijah's hatred to him. And he answered, I have found [tiice :]
because thou hast sold thyself to work evil in the sight of the
Loud ; thou art a slave to thy lusts and passions, which hum/ thee
on to all manner of wickedness. And J or this, 21 Behold, 'l will
bring evil njjon thee, and will take away thy posterity, and will cut
oflf from Ahab him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is
shut up and left in Israel, 22 And will make ihine house like the
house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat,and like the house of Baasha
the son of Ahijah, for the provocation wherewith thou hast pro-
voked [me] to anger, and made Israel to sin; thy zchole f'amili/
shall be destroyed, and not one of them be buried; 13 Andof Je-
zebel also spake the Lokd, saymg, The dogs shall eat Jezebel by
the wall of JezreeK 24 Him that dieih of Ahab in the city the
I. KINGS. XXI. 361
dogs sliall eat; and him that dieth in the field shall the fowls of
the air eat. 25 But there was none like unto Ahab, which did
sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the Loii'D, whom
Jezebel his wife stirred up. 26 And he did very abominably in
following idols, according to all [things] as did the Amorites,
whom the Loud cast out before the children of Israel*.
27 And it came to pass, when Ahab heard those words,
that he rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his flesh, and
fasted, and lay in sackcloth, and Ment softly; or barefoot, as
mourners used to do-\. 28 And the word of ihe Lord came to
Elijah the Tishbite, saying, 29 Seest thou how Ahab humbleth
himself before me ? because he hunibleth himself before me, I will
not bring the evil in his days : [but] in his son's days will I bring
the evil upon his house; and so he did; Ahab's blood was licked
up by the dogs, and his son Joram slain, and their carcases thrown
into this vineyard; and Ahab's fandiij zcere destroyed, as we shall
Jind in the course of the story.
REFLECTIONS.
1. Sek how mercy is thrown away upon the wicked. Ahab
was never the better for all the appearances of God for him re-
corded in the former chapters. He forgets all the favours he had
received, all the obligations he was under, and grows worse and
worse.
2. What a fatal thing is a discontented spirit! How vain is
regal dignity and power to the man, whose mind is not regulated
by the rules of wisdom, goodness, and religion. Ahab had almost
everything; had gained two victories, and humbled his proud
enemy; yet he was a slave to his passions, and because he could
not have Naboth's vineyard, he was sick of the spleen, fretted,
and enjoyed nothing. A discontented and fretful temper is a
wretched disposition. Envij is rottenness to the bones. It does not
arise so much from our condition, as from the state of the mind.
* It is uucertain whellier tliis is an addition of the prophet's addressing liiraself
to the courtiers and spectators, or the liistorian's remark. It shows us that he
was infamously wicked, and that at the instigation of liis wife ; but this would not
excuse liiin ; and theretore God cast out Ahab and his family.
t There was no sincere repentance, or else he would have put away his idols,
and restored the vineyard. He had perhaps some purposes of amendment; but
they were soon forgotten. Neverthele.ss God showed such regard to this appear-
ance of humility, tliat he probably sent Elijah to him a^^iu to comfort hiui. He
humbled himself so as neither Jeroboam nor Kaasha h:ul done.
362 I. KINGS. XXI.
Fretful persons will always have something to tret at. God con-
sults our present ease and comfort, as well as our future happi-
ness, when he commands us to he content u it fi such things as we
have, and says, Thou shalt not covet.
S. How odious is it to see forms of religion and civil justice
abused by men of injustice and cruelty. What a solemn farce, to
condemn an innocent man, and murder him under the colour of
justice and the name of order I and what a terrible, shocking thing,
that all the nobles and elders and people should join in it ! Let us
not think the worse of fasting and prayer because they have been
thus abused ; but lament the degeneracy into which men may
sink, and have their conscience seared. Let us guard against
covetousness and hatred of others, lest we be led to commit the
vilest enormities.
4. Let us adore the providence of God and wait for his judg-
ment, when reading of such scenes as these. Adore his providence
in restraining the malice of men, and in preserving our lives from
fraud and artifice. Innocence is no security from perjury and
oppression. We should rejoice that a day is coming when these
false judgments shall be called over, and then shall be made
manifest the revelation of the righteous judgment of God. Con-
cerning such as Ahab we may say, as in Hab. i. 12, 13., 0 Lord,
thou hast ordained them for judgment ; and, O mighty God, thou
hast established them for correction. Thou art of purer eyes than
to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity : wherefore lookest
thou upon them that deal treacherously, and holdest thy tongue
when the Kicked devoureth the man that is more righteous than he ?
5. How sad is their case who charge God's faithful prophets
as their enemies, when they declare nothing but the messages of
Jehovah ! who think ministers forbid them the pleasures they like,
and threaten them with the displeasure of God, only to gratify
spleen and ill-nature. When the word comes home to their con-
sciences, instead of being humbled, their language is. Hast thou
found me, O mine enemy ? They become enemies for telling the
truth. The case of such is very bad, and there is little hope of
their reformation.
6. How easily can God imbitter those advantages which men
gain by their sins, with only the intimations of his wrath. Ahab
was mightily pleased with his vineyard ; was perhaps contriving
how to lay it out, and what to plant ; but Elijah came, and spoiled
all. So men get estates and money by violence and fraud, by
oppression and cheating ; but it is turned to the gall of asps
I. KINGS. XXII. .363
within them, and is no profit to them. Ill-gotten goods never
prosper. The consciences of such torment them ; and this is but
the beginning of sorrow.
7. We may infer, how graciously God will accept sincere pe-
nitents, when he paid such a regard to a mere external and servile
profession. This story teaches us, that there may be an outward
show of repentance when the heart is not humbled. There may
be, as in v. 27, a rending ufthe clothes, and putting sackcloth upon
the flesh, and fasting, without sincerity. God is pleased with
marks of repentance ; even for the sake of partial repentance, he
often averts temporal judgments. But the sincere penitent shall
have his favour, which is life, and his loving-kindness, which is
better than life. The sacrifice of God is a broken heart ; a broken
and a contrite spirit he will not despise.
CHAPTER XXII.
Ahab, persuading Jclioshaphat to go with him against Ramoth-gilead,
is slain there, and the dogs, according to Elijah's prophecy, lick
up his blood; he is succeeded by Ahaziah ; Jehoshaphat's good reign
and death.
1 xxND they continued three years without war between Syria
and Israel. 2 And it came to pass in the third year, that Je-
hoshaphat the king of Judah came down to the king of Israel*.
3 And the king of Israel said unto his servants. Know ye that
Ramoth in Gilead [is] ours, and we [be] still, and take it not
out of the hand of the king of Syria ? Ben-hadad ought to
have resigned it; and Ahab was the more solicitous about it, as it
was an outline city, and a city of refuge. 4 And Ahab made
a great feast, and artfully drew Jehoshaphat into alliance
with him ; and he said unto Jehoshaphat, Wilt thou go with me
to battle to Ramoth-gilead ? And Jehoshaphat said to the king
of Israel, I [am] as thou [art,] my people as thy people, my
horses as thy horses ; all the forces of Judah were at Ahab's
service.
5 And Jehoshaphat said unto the king of Israel, Inquire, 1
pray thee, at the word of the Lord to-day. Jhab never thought
* In 3 Kings viii. 18., it is said that Jelioshaphat's son had married Ahab's
daughter.
364 I. KINGS. XXII.
of this, but good king Jehoshap/iat proposed it, as what was usual
for all pious persons to do in zcarlike enterprises. 6 Then the
king of Israel gathered the prophets of the groves* together,
about four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall I go against
Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall I forbear ? And they said, Go
up; for the Lord shall deliver [it] into the hand of the king;
thej/ all agreed that he should go and he successful.
7 And Jehoshaphat said, [Is there] not here a prophet of the
Lord besides, that we might inquire of him ? Perhaps he began
to suspect some fraud xchen he saw their numbers, and their
earnest desires for him to go up, and considering the idolatrous
character of the court. 8 And the king of Israel said unto Je-
hoshaphat, [There is] yet one man, Micaiah the son of Inilahf,
by whom we may inquire of the Lord: but I hate him; for
he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil ; this was no
reason xihy he should not consult him ; he ought to have loved him
the better for his fidelitu. And Jehoshaphat said. Let not the
king say so; do not presage evil to our enterprise, but let us
hear ichat he saith, and then do as we see cause. 9 Then the
king of Israel called an officer, and said, Hasten [hither] Mi-
caiah the son of Imlah. 10 And the king of Israel and Jeho-
shaphat the king of Judah sat each on his throne, having put on
their robes, in a void place in the entrance of the gate of Sa-
maria, uhere the courts af justice were kept ; and all the prophets
prophesied before them. 1 1 And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah
made him horns of iron : and he said, Thus saith the Lord, With
these shalt thou push the Syrians, until thou have consumed
them. This zcas a st/mbnlical action in imitation of the true pro-
phets. 12 And all the prophets prophesied so. All agreed in the
same sentiment, saying, Go up to Ramoth-gilead, and prosper:
for the Lord shall deliver [it] into the king's hand. 13 And the
messenger that was gone to call Micaiah, spake unto him, say-
mg. Behold now, the words of the prophets [declare] good unto
the king with one mouth: let thy word, I pray thee, belike the
word of one of them, and speak [that which is] good, do not be
singular in denouncing evil. 14 And Micaiah said, [As] the
Lord hveth, what the Lord saith unto me, that will 1 speak,
Tvithout fear or partiality. A noble resolution! and he shozced
* These are called Aliab's prophets iiir. 23^ perhaps, to intimate that thoy
were directcrl by him to proplicsy in the name of the Lord, in order to deceive
Jehoshaphat.
t He was probably now in prison, as a degraded propliel ; compare r. jb.
I. KINGS. XXII. 365
great courage and honesty to my what follows before these two
preat king's. 15 So he came to the kino-. And the king said unto
him, Micaiah, shall we go against Raraoth-gilead to battle, or shall
we forbear ? And he answered him, Go, and prosper : for the
Loud shall deliver [it] into the hand of the king. This was
spoken ironically, as Ahab plainly perceived ; as if' he had said,
Yes, go by all means, as these prophets advise thee. 1 6 And the
king said unto him, How many times shall I adjure thee, that
thou tell me nothing but [that which is] true in the name of the
LiORD ? 17 And he sr.id, I saw in vision all Israel scattered
upon the hills, as sheep that have not a shepherd; in a desolate
condition, routed and fying, having no head or ruler: and the
Lord said, These have no master: let them return every man
to his house in peace ; let them think of rear no more, but return
home. 18 And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, Did
I not tell thee that he would prophesy no good concerning me, but
evil ? this has alzeays been his way ; and theiefore there is no heed
to be given to zchat he sailh. 19 And he, Micniah, confirmed
his message, aw<f said, Hear thou therefore the word of the Lord :
1 saw the Lord sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven
standing by him on his right hand and on his left*. 20 And the
Lord said, Who shall persuade Ahab, that he may go up and
fall at Ramoth-gilead? Having resolved that he should perish by
the Syrians, he purposes various methods of bringing it about.
And one said on this manner, and another said on that manner.
21 And there came forth a spirit, and stood before the Lord
and said, I will persuade him. 22 And the Lord said unto
him, Wherewith ? And he said, I will go forth, and I will
be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets, / will
suggest to his prophets what shall deceive and ruin him. And he
said. Thou shalt persuade [him,] and prevail also : go forth
and do so. 23 Now therefore, behold, the Lord hath put a
lying spirit in the mouth of all these thy prophets, hath jyer-
mitted a lying spirit to possess these prophets, and the Lord hath
spoken evil concerning thee, hath determined thou shalt perish.
24 But Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah, the chief of the
college of the false prophets, went near, and smote Micaiah on
the cheek, and said, with intolerable insolence in the presence of
* This is not a real representation of any thing done in the heavenly world, as
if God was at a loss for expedients, or had any hand in the sins of his creatures ;
but it is a parabolical or visionary representation, to let them know there was a
higher king, that his providence was concerned aljont the affairs of this world,
and that he has various ways of bringing about bis purposes.
366 I. KINGS. XXII.
the king, Which way went the S{)irit of the Lord from me to
speak. uDto thee ." How came the spirit so suddenly to pass to thee
and inspire thee with such contrary answers'? 25 And Micaiah did
not return blow for hloio, but calmly said, Behold, thou shall see
in that day, when thou shait go into an inner chanjber to hide
thyself through fear, lest thou shouldst be seized and punished as
a false prophet. 26 And the king of Israel said, Take Micaiah,
and carry him back unto Anion the governor of the city, and to
Joash the king's son ; 27 And say, Thus saith the king, Put
this [fellow] in tiie prison, and feed him with bread of affliction,
and with water of affliction, until I come in peace ; keep him a
close prisoner and on hard fare, till I return in peace and prove
him to be a liar ; then he shall be put to death. Alas, he had
forgotten his ozcn wise speech to Ben-hadad, ' Let not him that
girdeth on the armour boast as he that putteth it off'.'' 28 And
Micaiah said. If thou return at all in peace, the Loud hath not
spoken by me; I am willing to put the proof of my mission on
this footing ; let me die as a false prophet, if he returns in peace.
And he said. Hearken, O people, every one of you, mark whe-
ther I am a true prophet or no.
29 So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah
went up to Ramoth-gilead. 30 And the king of Israel said unto
Jehoshaphat, I will disguise myself and enter into the battle;
but put thou on thy robes : he thought they would make an attempt
vpon him if they perceived him, and therefore gave the honour of
the command to Jehoshaphat. And the king of Israel disguised
himself, and went into the battle. 31 But the king of Syria com-
manded his thirty and two captains that had rule over his chariots,
saying, Fight neither with small nor great, save only with the
king of Israel; he had a particular spite against him, and above
all things zcished to take him prisoner. 32 And it came to pass,
when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they
said. Surely it [is] the king of Israel ; they thought by his robes
and attendants that he was so. And they turned aside to li"|it
against him : and Jehoshaphat cried out; cried to the Lord for
help, as we read 2 Chron. viii. 31. ; and he moved them to depart
from him. God suffered this, to show him his folly and guilt
in forming such an alliance. 33 And it came to pass, when the
captains of the chariots perceived that it [was] not the king of
Israel, that they turned back from pursuing him.
34 And a [certain] man drew a bow at a venture, and smote
the king of Israel between the joints of the harness; he drew it
I. KINGS. XXII. 367
at a venture, but it hit the right man, and in the right place, it
entered his breast : wherefore he said unto the driver of his cha-
riot, Turn thine hand, and carry me out of the host; for I am
wounded, that the xvowid may be dressed. 35 And the battle in-
creased that day : and the king was willing to stay to give orders
and animate his soldiers, but he was obliged to be stayed up in his
chariot against the Syrians, and died at even : and the blood ran
out of the wound into the midst of the chariot. 36 And there
went a proclamation throughout the host, about the going down
of the sun, saying, Every man to his city, and every man to his
own country ; the king of Syria, hearing of Ahab's death, ivas
willing to draw off^.
37 So the king died, and was brought to Samaria ; and they
buried the king in Samaria. 38 And [one] w'ashed the chariot in
the pool of Samaria ; and the dogs licked up his blood ; and they
washed his armour; according unto the word of the Lord, which
he spake, chap. xxi. I9. 39 Now the rest of the acts of Ahab,
and all that he did, and the ivory house which he made, and all the
cities that he built, [are] they not written in the book of the chro-
nicles of the kings of Israel ? 40 So Ahab slept with his fathers ;
and Ahaziah his son reigned in his stead.
41 And Jehoshaphat the son of Asa began to reign over Judah
in the fourth year of Ahab king of Israel. 42 Jehoshaphat [was]
thirty and five years old when he began to reign ; and he reigned
twenty and five years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name [was]
Azubah the daughter of Shilhi. 43 And he walked in all the
ways of Asa his father ; he turned not aside from it, doing [that
which was] right in the eyes of the Lord : nevertheless the high
places were not taken away ; [for] the people offered and burnt
incense yet in the high places. 44 And Jehoshaphat made peace
with the king of Israel. 45 Now the rest of the acts of Jeho-
shaphat, and his might that he showed, and how he warred, [are]
they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of
Judah ? 46 And the remnant of the sodomites, which remained in
the days of his father Asa, he took out of the land. 47 [There
was] then no king in Edom : a deputy [was] king. 48 Jeho-
shaphat made ships of Tharshish to go to Ophir for gold : but
they went not ; for the ships were broken at Ezion-geber.
49 Then said Ahaziah the son of Ahab unto Jehoshaphat, Let
* The vision, in ver. 17, was now fulfilled. Ahab had time enough to think of
Baal's altars, of Ben-hadad's escape, of Naboth's vincjard, and Micaiah's impri>
soument ; and to be filled with terrible agonies of conscience.
368 I. KINGS. XXir.
my servants go with thy servants in the ships. 15ut Jehoshaphat
would not. 50 And Jehoshaphat slept willi his fathers, and was
buried with his fathers in the city of David his father: and Je-
horam his son reigned in his stead*.
5 1 Ahaziah the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Sa-
maria the seventeenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and
reigned two years over Israel. 5C And he did evil in the sight
of the Lord, and walked in the way of his father, and in the way
of his mother, and in the way of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who
made Israel to sin : 53 For lie served Baal, and worshipped him,
and provoked to anger the Lord God of Israel, according to all
that his father had done.
REFLECTIONS.
1. From Ahab's sparing Ben-hadad, and the consequence of
it, we are taught, that sparing our corruptions will only deceive
our expectations, and prove our ruin. So Ben-h.adad did to Ahab.
We are required to subdue our iniquities; if we spare them, we
shall repent of our folly. They promise us ease and pleasure, but
we shall be disappointed, and they will end in our destruction.
2. We should be solicitous to take divine direction in all our
actions. Ahab did not think of this, but pious Jehoshaphat did.
l/i all our ways tee should acknoxdedge God, with a determination
to follow the leadings of his providence, and the rules of his
word; then will he direct and prosper our paths.
S. Let us be willing that friends and ministers should deal
plainly with us when the soul is concerned. Those prophets
who deal in generals, and prophesy smooth things, are our great-
est enemies ; yet men love to have it so. Those that will not
have their mistakes rectified by the word, will soon be undeceived
by the judgments of God, and wish they had taken warning.
4. There is no judging of truth or error by numbers. Unity
is not always the mark of a true church, or true ministers.
The whole assembly of prophets, four hundred, were all wrong.
One despised, persecuted prophet, who differed from the rest,
had truth on his side. Unanimity in opinion in the greatest ec-
clesK.stical councils is not an argument for truth. One man may
possibly know more of the divine will, and understand his bible
* A more particular account of Jebosliaphat'.? reign will be found in a Chron.
xyii, xviii, xix, and xx. chapters, which may be read after this chapter.
I. KINGS. XXII. 369
better, than a whole assembly of divines. Let us therefore bring
every thing to the test of scripture, and not be the servants of
men.
5. Ministers should learn impartiality and courage in pro-
nouncing the messages of God, and a purpose thoroughly to
follow the intimations of the divine wili, wherever it may lead.
Micaiah, with a resolution as high as heaven, and a pang of
seraphic zeal, determined, v. 14., As the Lord liveth, what the
Lord saith unto me, that mil 1 speak. A good pattern for all
ministers. They must declare the wliole counsel of God, whether
agreeable or disagreeable to their hearers.
6. Let us establish in our thoughts and our faith the universal
providence of God. Micaiah declared this before two kings, with
prophets and guards surrounding them, consulting about war.
He declared God to be the great and universal King on his
throne, while his heavenly hosts surround him, all executing his
orders, and that all the affairs of this lower world are under his
direction. He determines what it wili be, while men are con-
sulting how it may be or should be. Ever remember this truth,
the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
7. From the whole we learn, how dangerous it is for good men
to get into bad company. Jehoshaphat, by contracting an alliance
with Ahab, brought evil upon himself and his house. He saw
the prophet despised, abused and imprisoned, without inter-
posing ; and was in danger of losing his own life. The wisest
and best of men are not secure in bad company ; and though
they may not be infected, yet they are often guilty of sins of
omission in not reproving others, and are in danger of learning
their ways and being like them, or at least being partakers of
their sin. Our rule is, to come out from among them and be
separate \ and have no friendship mth the unfruitful works of
darkness, but to resist and reprove them.
VOL. ni. 9 B
IIIK
SECOND BOOK OF THE KINGS,
CALLED BY THE SEVENTY
THE FOURTH BOOK OF THE KINGS.
INTRODUCTION.
This Book contains an account oi" the decline of the kingdoms of Isravl
and Judah, and the destruction of both. In the last chapter of
1 Kings, ver. 51 to the end, we find that Ahaziah walked in the way
of his father Ahab, in worshipping the calves, and of his mother
Jezebel ; he did not take warning by the death of his father, nor was
moved by the threatenings of Elijah against his mother and family.
CHAPTER I.
In which is an account of Moab's rebellion ; of Ahaziah's fall; Elijah's
prophecy of his death ; and of his bringing down fire from heaven to
destroy Ahaziah's messengers.
1 1 H EN Moab rebelled against Israel, after the death of Ahab.
MoaO 0)1(1 Edoin were huhdiied bif Di/tid, but u/ien the ki/i(rdom
came to be divided, Moab fell to the ten tribes, and Edom to Judah.
Both revolted much about the same time. In the third chapter tee
have a farther account of this ref'e/lion.
2 And Ahaziah fell down through a lattice in his upper chamber
tiiat [was] in Samaria, and was sick, was dangerously hurt : and
he sent messengers, and said unto them, Go, inquire of Baal-zebub
the god of Ekron whether 1 shall recover of this disease*. 3 But
the angel of the Loud said to Elijah the Tishbile, Arise, go up
* Ekron was a considerable city ainont; the Philistines. Baal-zebub signifies
the lord of flies. He was looked upon as tlie tiUelar deity of their country, who'
defended it from swarms of flies, whicli were Cicqnent and pernicious ; or delivered
tlieni from some pestilence that was alfemled with great swarms of flics. Pro-
bably Ahaziah sent here, because iiis own Baal had deceived his father. Tliis was
so famous au idol, that the prince of tlie devils wa.s called by (he Jews Baal-zebiib.
II. KINGS. I. 371
lo meet the messengers of the king of Samaria, and say unto
them, [Is it] not because [there is] not a God in Israel, [that] ye
go to inquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron ? 4 Now therefore
thus saith the Lord, Thou shalt not come down from that bed
on whicli thou art gone up, but shalt surely die/or this affront to
the God of Israel. And Elijah departed to 7nount CarmeL 5 And
when the messengers turned back unto him, he said unto them.
Why are ye now turned back without executing mi/ orders'?
6 And they said unto him, There came a man up to meet us,
and said unto us. Go, turn again unto the king that sent you, and
say unto him. Thus saith the Lord, [Is it] not because [there is]
not a God in Israel, [ihat] thou sendest to inquire of Baal-zebub
the god of Ekron ? therefore thou shalt not come down from that
bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die. His dis-
covering the errand on which they were going, affected them so, that
they could not hut regard what he said. 7 And he said unto
them. What manner of man [was he] which came up to meet
you, and told you these words ? No wonder he %oas curious to
know who it was. 8 And they answered him, [He was] an hairy
man, and girt with a girdle of leather about his loins. And he
said. It [is] Elijah the Tishbite.
9 Then the king sent unto him a captain of fifty with his fifty.
He sent the captain ivith authority to apprehend him and put him
to death, or why did he send so many'? And if this ivas his
design, it zms ridiculous. For if he was a common man, there
did not need so many ; if he was a prophet, these and a thousand
more ivould not do the business. And he went up to him : and,
behold, he sat on the top of an hill. And he spake unto him in
a very haughty and scornful manner,. Thou man of God, the king
hath said. Come down. 10 And Elijah answered and said to the
captain of fifty. If I [be] a man of God, then let fire come down
from heaven, and consume thee and thy fifty. And there came
down fire from heaven, and consumed him and his fifty. 1 1 Again
also he sent unto him another captain of fifty with his fifty. And
he answered and said unto him, O man of God, thus hath the
king said. Come down quickly. 12 And Elijah answered and
said unto them. If I [be] a man of God, let fire come down from
heaven and consume thee and thy fifty. And the fire of God
came dovvn from heaven, and consumed him and his fifty *.
* Tindal inquires, Where was the justice in killing these men for delivering a
blunt message ? We answer, that the temper and conduct of Elijah is not to be
arraigned, because it was evidently approved of God; and the circumstances of
the case, and the temper of the king and the people, were sufficient to vindicate
2 B 3
372 II. KINGS. I.
13 And he sent again a captain of the tliircl fifty with his fifty :
and the third captain of fifty went np, and came and fell on his
knees before Elijah, and besought him, and said unto him, O
man of God, I pray thee, let my life, and the life of these fifty
thy servants, be precious in thy sight. 14 Behold, there came
fire down from heaven, and burnt up the two captains of the
former fifties with their fifties : theiefore let my life now be
precious in thy sight*. 15 And the angel of the Loud sai 1 unto
Elijah, Go down with him : be not afraid of him. And he arose,
and went down with him unto the kingi". l6 And he said unto
him, Thus saitli the Lord, Forasmuch as thou hast sent mes-
sengers to inquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron, [is it] not
because [there is] no God in Israel to inquire of his word r there-
fore thou shalt not come down off" that bed on which thou art
gone up, but shalt surely die. So he died according to the word of
the Lord which Elijah had spoken. And Jehoram his brother
reigned in his stead, in the second year of Jehoram the son of
Jehoshaphat king of Judah;J: ; because he had no son. 18 Now
the rest of the acts of Ahaziah, which he did, [are] they not
written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel ?
REFLECTIONS.
1. Sf:e on what a precarious tenure princes as well as others
hold their lives. Ahaziah thought himself safe in his house ; but
he fell, anil languished, and died. This is a warning to us all to
he alivtti/s reofli/, as we are all liable to accidents where we least
expect them ; ivc slaiid injevparclj/ even/ hoi(r. It teaches us not
the artion. It w;is designed to convince the kin;; of his folly, and to i ccover a
regard and esteiin for llie Lord's prophuts, when they saw fheni so immediately
under the divine rare. Uvw many millions have been saeiifired to the pride and
ohstiiiaey of pi iiices ! yet our lender-liearted deists are yncved for these poor men,
more tiian tor ail ot them.
* 'I'liis third captain was sensible of the hand of Godwin this thing, and acknow-
ledges that he was indeed a (uopbet ; he believed his interest in him, and did not
conte wdhuf^iy, bnt to oliey the king's orders.
t This was a s»re,it instance of faith and courage, considerinj; how obnoxious he
was to the kin;: and Jezebel, es|K'eially after destroying the captains, and threat-
ening the kinir's deatii. It .^linws that though he did not come before, it was not
for fear of the king or the captains, but because he would magnify his office.
X The second year in which Jehoram's son reigned with him ; he was viceroy
while the king went to Kamothgilead, that if he should be slain tiiere might be
no debate about the successor. This occasions some confusion in the dates of the
reigns, but it is a very common thing in all histories.
II. KINGS. I. 373
to put our trust in princes. Man at his he^t state is altoi^ether
vanity.
2. Practical atheism is at the bottom of our forgetfuhiess of
God and departure from him. Is it not because there is no God
in Israel? an expostulation proper to be put to many professing
christians, Mho believe in God, and profess to know him, but in
works deny him. If there is a God in Israel, an eternal, un-
changeable, all-sufficient God, why do they make a god of their
bellies and of their money, and seek possessions in this world,
and put any creature in God's place? Alas! atheism is at the
bottom of all tliis. Is it not because they think there is no God
in Israel ?
3. Observe the folly and obstinacy of men, and to what a
degree of hardness the human heart is capable of arriving. See
it in the folly of Ahaziah sending to Ekron, to inquire whether
he should recover. He was not solicitous how to behave in his
sickness, or what should become of him after death ; but only
to know whether he should recover. And this folly is acted over
in every age. See his obstinacy in sending one detachment after
another, when he knew they were slain by a miracle. We see it
also in llie captains, in going when they saw the carcases of their
companions perhaps smoking before their eyes. To what a la-
mentable degree of hardness of heart, and to what a pitch of
wickedness, may men arrive, when they forsake God, and he
forsakes ihein!
4. We are here taught the different spirit of the law and the
gospel. Elijah acted by divine iiupulbe, and worthy ends were
to be answered by it. We read, in Luke ix. 54., that the disciples
James and John wanted to call down fire from heaven to consume
the Samaritans, even as Elias did. But Christ rebuked his dis-
ciples for it. The gospel inflicts no such severities on offenders.
Ye know not, says Christ, what spirit ye are of. Elijah was all
zeal for God ; you are in a passion. He did it for God's glory;
you for your own honour and reputation. The Son of man is not
come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. Vengeance is mine, I
ivill repay, saitli the Lord.
5. We see the folly of contending with God, and the wisdom
of submitting to him. The third captain was wise, otherwiseiie
had been destroyed with the rest. The only way to avoid the
wrath oi God, is to bow down before him, and beg our lives and
the life of our souls from him. The fear of his terrible majesty
and wrath, and the recollection of the fatal consequences of the
374 II. KINGS. II.
presumption and obstinacy of others, sliould promote in us an
humble and penitent submission. Let us bow our necks to the
sceptre of his grace, lest he dash us to pieces, or consume us, in
his hot displeasure.
6. See how safe good men are in following where God leads.
An angel bids Elijah go, and he goes, not fearing the zcrath of the
king. It was strange, that he who sent for him again and again in
such a mad rage, should let him go. But even king's hearts are
in the hand of the Lord. Learn hence to follow the leadings of
Providence, to trust God in the way of duty, and to say, The
Lord is my helper^ I zvill not fear what man can do unto vie,
Heb. xiii. 6.
CHAP. II. 1—12.
Elijah, after taking leave of his friends, and dividing the waters of
Jordan, is translated; Elisha's sorrow on that account.
1 And it came to pass, when the Lord would take up Elijah
into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from
Gilgal*. 2 And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray
thee; for the Lord hath sent me to Beth -el: Elijah might say
thiSf to express his own nnuillingness to have it seen, and to try
Elisha's fidelity and zeal. Beth-el icas a rioted place in the patri-
archal ages, but now teas the seat of idolatry ; yet there tvas a
school of the prophets there. And Elisha said [unto him, i\s] the
Lord liveth, and [as] thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So
they went down to Beth-el. 3 And the sons of the prophets
that [were] at Beth-cl came forth to Elisha, and said unto him,
Knowest thou that the Lord will take away thy master from thy
head to day ? from being thy teacher and governor ? And he said,
Yea, I know [it;] hold ye your peacef. 4 And Elijah said unto
him, Elisha, tarry here, I pray thee; for the Lord hath sent me
'^'Elijah, having intimation of his intended removal, takes a circuit to settle tlic
colleges, and to counsel and pray with them. He and Elislia set out from Gilgal,
a remarkable place, where the Israelites had their first encampment, where the
covenant was renewed, and the twelve stones set up.
t This great event was revealed to some of them, and published to the rest;
Elifcha, full of thought and l)ig with the expectation of it, only desires them to be
calm and sedate, to wait the event, and mark every action.
II. KINGS. II. 375
to Jericho ; where was another college of the prophets. All these
societies Elijah visited before his translation. And he said, [As]
the Lord liveth, and [as] thy soul livelh, I will not leave thee.
So they came to Jericho. 5 And the sons of the prophets that
[were] at Jericho came to Elisha, and said unto him, Know-
est thou that the Lord will take away thy master from thy head
to day? And he answered, Yea, I know [it;] hold ye your peace.
They bear the same testimony, and Elisha returns the same answer.
6 And Elijah, to try him once more, said unto him. Tarry, I pray
thee, here; for the Lord hath sent me to Jordan. And he said,
[As] the Lord liveth, and [as] thy soul liveth, 1 will not leave
thee ; he was determined not to part from him as he kneio his ascen-
sion was very near. And they two went on. Elijah toould permit
none but Elisha to attend him. 7 And fifty men of the sons of
the prophets went, and stood to view afar off; to observe this
great event, and to be witnesses of it to others: and they two stood
by Jordan. 8 And Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped [it] to-
gether, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and
thither, so that they two went over on dry ground. God per-
mitted this extraordinary miracle to grace the last day of his abode
on earth.
9 And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah
said unto Elisha, no doubt by divine ivarrant. Ask what I shall do
for thee, what favour I shall request for thee, before I be taken
away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double
portion of thy spirit be upon me ; not that he might have twice as
much as Elijah, but, as the eldest child had a double portion, he
desires to have a portion more than his brethren, as his successor in
the important and difficult work of opposing the prevailing cor-
ruptions and idolatry of the times. 10 And he said. Thou hast
asked a hard thing, a rare and singular blessing, which God does
not usually bestow : [nevertheless,] if thou see me [when I am]
taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee ; but if not, it shall not
be [so *.] 1 1 And it came to pass, as they still went on, and
talked, perhaps of the state to which Elijah was going, or the duty
of his successor, that, behold [there appeared] a chariot of fire,
and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah
* His seeing him could have no material influence to bestow the blessing ; but
he had a secret impression on his mind that there would be a correspondence be-
tween his seeini; him taken away and God's granting the petition. By this means
he would be led to keep his mind more atteutive to the wonderful scene, and more
Ht to bear witness of it.
376 II. KINGS. II.
went up by a whirlwind into heaven; an host of angels appearing
like a chariot and horses, immediately took him ttp, and carried
him off.
12 And Ehsha saw [it,] and he cried, in a mixture of astonish-
ment and sorrow, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and
the horsemen thereof; a brighter and surer defence of thy country
than chariots and horsemen ; speaking in allusion to the forms in
which the angels appeared. And he saw him no more : and he
took hold of his own clotiies, and rent them in two pieces. This
showed that he saiv him ascend, and he expressed Jiis sorrow by
rending his garments, grieving for his own great loss and the loss of
the public.
REFLECTIONS.
1. We infer, that those who are old and going to heaven,
should be concerned for the happiness of the rising generation ;
should instruct them and counsel them. Thus Elijah did in his
circular visits. He did not close his day with meditation and de-
votion entirely, but was active to the last, holding religious dis-
course with Elisha, till he was taken to heaven. Thus aged and
dying saints should talk of God's w^ondrous works, recommend
his ways, and speak on his behalf. This is a good frame to die
in; and blessed is that servant whom his Lordzchen he cometh shall
find so doing.
2. We should earnestly desire and labour to obtain the spirit
of our predecessors; to equal, yea and exceed, our bretiiren and
fellow-labourers, not only in their slate and learning, but in piety
and zeal. Elisha did not desire the great things of this world for
himself, but his father's spirit. This should be the object of our
desire, to serve God as faithfully as our fathers, and have the same
grace to carry us honourably and usefully through life, and to en-
able us to finish it well.
.3. Let us thankfully meditate on this illustrious instance of
divine wisdom and goodness in the translation of Elijah. It was
a reward for his distinguished piety, zeal, coinage, and patience,
a proof of a future state, and an encouragement to be faithful
amidst idolatry and opposition, especially to young prophets.
God makes his angels spirits, or winds ; and his ministers a flame of
fre, which implies splendour and not terror. They are as a whirl-
wind for speed, but not for violence. Thus angels now conduct
good men to heaven; and thus at the last-day the elements shall
II. KINGS. II. 377
melt toith fervent heat, and the heavens shall be on fire, aad the
saints shall be caught up in the clouds, shall mount up like Elijah,
to heaven. Many curious questions about him are in vain. If
we would find him, let us imitate his faith and patience, his cou-
rage and zeal. Then will God send his chariot to fetch us home.
Let us long for this, and say, IVhy is his chariot so long in coming?
whu tarry the wheels of his chariot'^
4. The removal of useful men, especially of prophets, deserves
to be lamented, how honourable and comfortable soever the cir-
cumstances of that removal may have been. It is a loss to us ;
they were our fathers and guides; it is a loss to the public. It
is better to lose many n)en of war. To muster soldiers, and lose
saints, is a dreadful exchange ; therefore, when the righteous
perish, let us lay it to heart.
CHAP. II. 13, to the end.
F.lisha succeeds Elijah as a propliet; he enters on his office^ and works
several miracles.
13 JlIE took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, as a
pledge of his succeeding him in the office, and v.ent back, and stood
by the bank of Jordan ; 14 And he took the mantle of Elijah that
fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where [is] the
Lord God of Elijah* ? and when he also had smitten the waters,
they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over.
15 And when the sons of the prophets which [were] to view at
Jericho saw him, either when they saw this miracle, or, as Bishop
Clayton supposes, when they saw his face shine like Moses', they
said. The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. And they came
to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him, in
token of reverence and subjection to him as the father of the pro-
phets. This was amiable humility, considering that he was onli/ a
common farmer, and they were all trained up in the schools of the
prophets. l6 And they said unto him. Behold now, there be with
* This was not an expression of distrust, l)ut of his Iiunible dcpcndanrc on God,
and cheerful expectation that he wonld be witli him, and appear on his behalf. —
There is a wonl omitted by tlie translators after Elijah, he also ; is he also gone ?
as if he had said, He is in being, is still the same ; though my father is gone, God
is not.
378 II. KINGS. II.
thy servants fifty strong men; let them go, we pray thee, and seek
thy master: lest perad venture the Spirit of the Loud hath taken
him up, and cast him upon some mountain, or into some valley*.
And he said, Ye shall not send, it Kill be to no purpose. 17 And
when they urged him till he was ashamed, he said, Send. They
sent therefore fifty men ; and they sought three days, but found
him not. 18 And when they came again to him, (for he tarried at
Jericho) he said unto them. Did I not say unto you. Go not i'
This would tnake them ashamed of their ozvn mistake, and promote
a greater regard to Elisha.
19 And the men of the city said unto Elisha, Behold, I pray
thee, the situation of this city [is] pleasant, as my lord seeth :
but the water [is] naught, and the ground barren +. 20 And, to
prevent amj suspicion oj' fraud, and to shoiv there was no merit in
vessels, he said, Bring me a new cruse, and put salt therein J.
And they brought [it] to him. 21 And he went forth unto the
spring of the waters, and cast the salt in there, and said. Thus saith
the Lord, I have healed these waters; there shall not be from
thence any more death or barren [laud.] 22 So the waters were
healed unto this day, according to the saying of Elisha which he
spake ; hereby Elisha's character and authority were confirmed.
This xcas a miracle of mercy, the next, of judgment.
23 And he went up from thence unto Beth-el, to comfort them
under the loss of Elijah, and to show that he was his successor : and
as he was going up by the way, there came forth little children
out of the city, young men capable of knoiving good and evil, and
mocked him, and said unto him. Go up, thou baldhead ; go up,
thou baldhead^. 24 And he turned back, and looked on them,
and cursed them in the name of the Lord, by an immediate im-
pulse from him. And there came forth two she bears out of the
* The proplicts were sometimes transported from place to place, as Philip,
Acts viii. 39.; or tliey mipht suppose that if liis spirit was removed, his body niiglit
be left, and liicy were desirous of fjiving it ati honourable burial.
t Perhaps there was some unwholesome sprini; near the college.
X This was a very unlikely moans, (as when Christ anointed a man's eyes with
clay), to show that it was wrought only by God's power.
$ Reth-cl was the seat of Ahab's idolatry; and the people were so dejienerate
as to have a particular contempt for the Lord's prophets. It is probable that
they sent out thtse children to insult Elisha and make a jest of his natural infir-
mity ; accordiufjly they called liini an old bald|)ated fool, and hid him pet up to
heaven after his master, for they did not want his company there. They were
vexed to have acolleijeor divinity school amonj; (hem, and were used to revile
the prophets and students. This discovered rooted inij)iety, and a settled aversion
to God'8 prophets.
II. KINGS. II. 379
wood, and tare forty and two children of them*. 23 And he
went from thence to mount Carmel, to spend some time in^medi-
tation and prayer ; and from thence he returned to Samaria, to
more active scenes of business and duty.
REFLECTIONS.
1. When saints and faithful prophets die, it is an unspeakable
comfort for us to think that God lives. Elijah is gone, but Elijah's
God still lives, and we know where to find him. Let us seek him,
and live near to him. In vain do we put on the prophet's mantle,
without the prophet's God. The garments, estates, and books
of predecessors avail nothing, if we have not their God. 7/ we
are followers of them, who through faith and patience are noio in-
heriting the promises, their God will be our guide even unto death,
and our God for ever and ever.
2. Let this awful story be a warning to children and young
people. It can hardly be doubted "but that this is one end God
intended should be answered by it. Take care of your words ;
do not mock people for their infirmities ; especially the aged and
infirm. If you scoff at his people and ministers, God hears, and
will punish those who do so. Parents should often warn their
children of this danger, lest they suffer in their children's suffer-
ings, as these idolaters did. We can never expect good from
those children whose education is neglected. It is in vain to
grieve for miscarriages which their care might have prevented.
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he
will not depart from it.
* The bears destroying so many proves, they were executioners of the divine
vengeance ; or else two or three children would have satisfied their hunger, and
the rest would have escaped. An awful providence, designed to awaken a sense
of religion in the minds of those idolaters ; to promote their veneration for the pro-
phet; to impress the rising generation with religious fear, as the death of these
children was so terrible ; and to lead them all to argue, that if the children were
slain only for mocking God's prophet, how mucii more shall grown-up persons be
punished for continually persecuting and killing them.
380 II. KINGS. III.
CHAPTER HI.
A war between Jeliorain and his allits and Moab ; the straits to which
they were reduced, and thdr deliverance ; with their complete victory
over the Moahites.
1 iNoW Jelioram the son of Aliab began to reign over Israel
in Samaria the eighteenth year of Jehoshapliat king of Juclah, and
reigned twelve years. "2 And he wrought evil in the sight of the
LoKD; but not like his father, and like his mother: for he put
away the image of Baal that his father had made ; alarmed by
what had befallen his father and brother, and by uar breaking
out, he removed the image of Baal; and Jezebel his mother sub-
mitted to this, being struck with the calamities that were coming
upon the family, fi Nevertiieless he cleaved unto the sins of
Jeroboam tlie son of Nebat, which made Israel to sin; he de-
•jarted not therefrom ; he left the calves standing, because that was
the support of the devotion.
4 And Mesha king of Moab was a sheep master, and rendered
unto the king of Israel an hundred thousand lambs, and an hun-
dred thou'-:".. d rams, with the wool*, o But it came to pass,
when Ahab was dead, that the king of Moab rebelled against the
king of Israeli'.
6 And king Jelioram went out of Samaria the same time, and
numbered all Israel, tcith a design to subdue the Moabites.
7 And he went and sent to Jehoshaphat the king of Judah>
saying, The king of Moab hath rebelled against me : w ilt thou
«o with me against Moab to battler And he said, I will go up :
1 [am] as thou [art,] my people as thy people, [and] my horses as
thy horses, (1 Kings xsii. 4.)- Jehoshaphat zcas induced to this,
parthj bif Jchoranis nformation, and because the Moabites had
lately invaded him, 2 Chron. x.\i. 8 And he said, he called a
council and consulted them. Which way shall we go upr And he
answered, The way through the wilderness of Edon) ; because the
Moabites mere weakest there, ami they should have the assistance of
* This was liis frihiite, and was \y\\\ in kiiiil ; this it was that cii.iblod Solomon
to ufler np such niniieroiis sacriticcs.
+ Tlic rebellion l)egan in tiio time of Aliaziali, chap. i. ]., bui lie reigned only
a sliorl time; and btiiif; sick did not atlcnipt to reduce (licni,
II. KINGS. IIL 381
the Edomites, who were tributary to Judak. (See ch. i. 1.). 9 Sc
the king of Israel went, and the king of Jiidah, and the king ol
Edom : and they fetched a compass of seven days' journey, round
the dead sea, that they might attack them where they were least ex-
pected and not prepared to receive them ; and they came into that
part of the zcilderness xchere their fathers wanted water. Exodus
xi. 8., and there was no water for the host, and for the cattle that
followed them. 10 And the king of Israel said, Alas ! that the
LorjD hath called these three kings together, to deliver them into
the hand of Moab ! This was a passionate and insolent complaint,
for he had not consulted God, nor prayed for help. 1 1 But Je-
hoshaphat, the pious king ofJudah, said, [Is there] not here a
prophet of the Lord, that we may inquire of the Lord by him":
And one of the king of Israel's servants answered and said, Here
[is] Elisha the son of Shaphat, which poured water on the hands
of Elijah, that is, waited upon him as a menial servant. None
knew what a treasure and friend they had in the camp ; perhaps
he came by the special directions of Providence. 1 2 And Jeho-
shaphat said, The word of the Loud is with him. So the king of
Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went down to
him ; hearing he tvas Elijah's successor, and of the extraordinary
miracle he had done, they all went doivn to him to show him the
gi'eater respect. 13 And Elisha said unto Jehoram the king of
Israel, What have I to do with thee? get thee to the prophets of
thy father, and to the prophets of thy mother, prophets lohorn he
still openly avowed, and perhaps had some of them toith him.
And the king of Israel said unto him, Nay, it is vain to apply to
them: for the Lord hath called these three kings together, to
deliver them into the hand of Moab ; he intimates that none but
God could help them ; and hopes, if he had no regard to him, lie
would to the other two kings, and not suffer them to perish.
14 And Elisha said, [As] the Lord of hosts liveth, before whom
I stand, surely, were it not that I regard the presence of Jeho-
shaphat the king of Judah, 1 would not look toward thee, nor see
thee ; a regard to Jehoshaphat's piety alone disposed him to use hit
interest with heaven for them. 15 But now brine me a minstrel
And it came to pass, when the minstrel played, that the hand of
the Lord came upon him*. 16 And he said, Thus saith the
* Elisha was probably riiffletl and discomposed at the presence of this idola-
trous king ; the spirit of prophecy was not at his command ; it was necessai^ to
be composed and calm to receive the divine oracles ; and when tlie music had
composed his nnnd, God was pleased to reveal himself to him.
S82 II. KINGS. III.
Lord, Make this valley full of ditches. 17 For thus saith the
Loud, Ye shall not see wind, neither shall ye see rain; yet that
valley shall be filled with water, that ye may drink, both ye, and
your cattle, and your beasts. 18 And this is [but] a light thing
in the sight of the Lord, the promise goes farther ; he will de-
liver the Moabites also into your hand. 19 And ye shall smite
every fenced city, and every choice city, and shall fell every good
tree, and stop all wells of water, and mar every good piece of
land with stones *.
20 And it came to pass in the morning, when the meat offering
was offered at the temple in Jerusalem, and zahen he and the pious
Israelites joined their prayers, that, behold, there came water by
the way of Edom, and the country was filled with water, zchich
probably came from the rocks. 21 And when all the Moabites
heard that the kings were come up to fight against them, they
gathered all that were able to put on armour, and upward, and
stood in the border of their country, to defend themselves,
22 And they rose up early in the morning, and the sun shone
upon the water, and the Moabites saw the water on the other
side [as] red as blood : 23 And they said, This [is] blood : the
kings are surely slain, and they have smitten one another : now
therefore, Moab, to the spoil f. 24 And when they came to the
camp of Israel, the Israelites rose up and smote the ^Moabites, so
that they fled before them : but they went forward smiting the
Moabites, even in [their] country. 25 And they beat down the
cities, and on every good piece of laud cast every man his stone,
and filled it ; and they stopped all the wells of water, and felled
all the good trees, intending to depopulate the country that they
might have no more disturbance from such neighbours: only in
Kir-haraseth the capital city, Isa. xvi. 11., left they the stones
thereof, howbeit the slingers went about [it,] and smote it ; they
besieged it inform, and made breaches in it.
2G And when the king of Moab saw that the battle was too
sore for him, he took with him seven hundred men that drew
swords, to break through [even] unto the king of Edom, think-
* This was contrary to the positive precept in tlie law, but was dispensed with
by the command of tlie prophet, and in other extraordinary cases.
t Tlie Moabites knowini; there was no water there, and that no rain had fallen,
concluded that they had (|uarrelied tiiroii{;h rajje for want of water, or some other
cause, and destroyed one another, lienienibering what a quarrel there was be-
tween them and their allies, when Jehoshaphat opposed them, i> Chioii. xx., and
80 confident were they of tliis Bialter, tliat without sending any scouts, they
marched in disorder to seize the spoils.
II. KINGS. III. 383
ino to attack him, the army being weakest there* : but they could
not, and were repuhed. 27 Then he took his eldest son that
should have reigned in his stead, and offered him [for] a burnt
offerino- upon the wall to his god Chemosh, to secure his favour.
And there was great indignation against Israel, or rather, great
indignation and remorse in Israel; they were so affected and grieved
at this barbarous action, that they raised the siege and returned
home : and they departed from him, and returned to [their own]
land.
REFLECTIONS.
1 . How miserably do those who put up with a partial regard
to God's law deceive themselves ! Jehorara put away the images,
but not the calves. Thus do sinners put away some sins, but
keep others ; and think to please God by such partial obedience :
but they affront him and deceive themselves. He that keepeth the
whole lazv, and offends only in one point, is guilty of all.
2. See how prone good men are to fall into the same fault for
which they have smarted. Jehoshaphat had suffered by his
alliance with Ahab, 2 Chron. xviii., and had once bravely resolved
against such connexions ; but here he falls into the same sin
again. This was written for our warning. Good men often
think, that whatever other errors they may fall into, they shall
never fall into those for which they have suffered and been peni-
tent. But there is danger even of this. Let him that thinketh he
standeth take heed lest he fall.
3. Learn how vain the confidence of sinners is in the day of
distress. What confusion will they be in when sent to their
idols, as Jehoram was; get thee to the prophets of thy father and
thy mother. So when conscience is alarmed, or sickness or death
approaches, what will ye do when sent to your money, to your
pleasures, to your gay company ? can they save you .'' Think of
such seasons. They will come; and what fruit will ye then have
in those things of which yon will be ashamed?
4. We have here an instance of the usefulness of music in mo-
derating the passions and composing the mind. Elisha played on
a minstrel for this purpose ; and therefore it was studied in the
schools of the prophets. Among the heathens it was always re-
commended; and many instances of its remarkable effects are
* Perliaps he had personal resentment against him, Edom having been formerly
allied to Moab ; or, he thought that being mercenaries, they would soon fly.
384. II. KINGS. IV.
recorded. It is an agreeable entertainment for young people, if
they do not spend loo much time about it. The love of it is
generally reckoned a sign of a good temper; and the moderate
use of it may help to mend a bad one.
5. It is necessary to govern our passions if we desire the Spirit
of God to rest upon us. Anger or fretfulness drives away the
Spirit. The peaceful dove flies from railing, noise, and strife.
Therefore let not anger, wrath and bitterness be once found
among us, if we desire his influences to improve our virtues, and
afford us strong consolation.
6. See the regard to be shown to good and bad men. The
prophets indeed are not always models for us. It is not fit that
we should say to a king, \\ hat have I to do with thee r though a
prophet might. Elisha had great respect for Jehoshaphat, but
he would not even look upon Jehoram. It is the character of a
good man that a vile person is contemned in his sight, however
great, and he loves and honours all that /ear the Lord.
7. Observe the folly and misery of idolatry, in the inhuman
rites with which they think to appease their deities. The king of
Moab offered up his eldest son with this design. It was a
common practice in the heathen world. There are accounts of
many such sacrifices among the Indians of later years. Let us
lament the degeneracy of human nature, that is capable of offer-
ing such unnatural and cruel sacrifices; and pray God to lead
them to a better knowledge, and to send them the glorious light
of the gospel. These instances should make us thankful that we
enjoy it. lie hath not dealt so with mani/ other nations; let us
therefore praise the Lord.
CHAPTER IV.
In which \vc have some more of Elisha's miracles, for the honour of true
religion, and the encouragement of those who adhered to it.
1 JaI OW there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons
of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is
dead ; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the Lord ; he
did not join in the idolatrt/ of the place, and was perhaps impo-
verished by Jezebel's persecution : and the creditor is come to take
unto him my two sons to be bondmen, 2 And Elisha said unto
II. KING>S. IV. SS5
iier, Wltat shall I do for thee ? tell me, uhat hast thou in iho
house? And she said, Thine handmaid hath not any thing in the
house, save a pot of oil ; as she had lilile or no money, he asked
what was in the house zckich might he sold to pay the debt. 3 Then
he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of ail thy neighbours,
[even] empty vessels ; borrow not a few. The neighbours might
wonder zohif ahe borrowed so many vessels, and might have curiosity
to inquire into the cause ; 4 And therefore he adds, when thou art
come in, thou shall shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons,
to prevent their too great cariosity, to hinder the importunity of the
creditors, and to avoid any ostentation of the miracle, and that
thou mayest have liberty to use proper devotional expressions on the
occasion, and thou shalt pour out into all those vessels, atul thou
shall set aside that which is full. 5 So she went from him, and
shut the door upon her and upon her sons, who brought [the
vessels] to her ; and she poured out. 6 And it came to pass,
when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son. Bring me
yet a vessel. And he said unto her, [There is] not a vessel more.
And the oil stayed. 7 Then she came and told the man of God.
And he said. Go, sell the oil, and pay thy debt*, and live thou
and thy children of the rest.
8 And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, which
lay betrceen Carmel and Samaria, a rcay which the prophet often
went, where [was] a great woman ; and she constrained him to
eat bread ; a rich woman, ivho often asked him to cat bread on his
journty, zchich he at first modestly refused, but at length accepted.
And [so] it was, [that] as oft as he passed by, he turned in
thither to eat bread ; she made him so welcome, that afterwards he
always called on her. 9 And she said unto her husband, Behold
now, I perceive that this [is] an holy man of God, which passeth
by us continually ; not only a prophet, but a man of great sanctity.
10 Let us make a little chamber, I pray thee, on the wall, remote
from the house, suited to that love of meditation and retirement
which she saw he affected; and let us set for him there a bed, and a
table, and a stool, and a candlestick, all accommodations necessary
for a single person : and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that
he shall turn in thither. 1 1 And it fell on a day, that he came
* He does uot order her to blaze about the miracle amori^ her ncighhoi.TS, but
to sell tlie oil ; and by degrees discharjie the debt. Undoubtedly tlie oil was of
the best kind, and she would have a (jiiick sale for it ; but she was to keep ihe
matter secret ; to acknowledge the goodness of God ; and seek direction from
him what she was to do.
VOL. III. t C
386 II. KINGS. IV.
thither, and he turned into the chamber, and lay there. 12 And
he said to Gehazi his servant, Call this Shunammite. And whe»i
he had called her, she stood before him. 13 And he said
unto him. Say now unto her, Behold, thou hast been careful
for us with all this care *, what [is] to be done for thee ?
V ouldst thou be spoken for to the king, or to the captain of
the host, for oni/ preferment for t/ij/ husband, or to redress any
ivmplai/it ! And she answered, 1 dwell among mine own people,
am well beloved bi/ them, and live upon good terms atnong them.
14 And he said to his servant, What tiien [is] to be done for her ?
He asked his servant, who teas much in the famihj when Elisha
reus retired to his chamber, and was therefore likely to know,
if he had observed any thing that she wanted or desired. And Ge-
hazi answered. Verily she hath no child, and her husband is old
and zvill >io doubt think a child an unspeakable favour. 15 And
he said. Call her. And when he had called her, she stood in the
door, with great modesty and respect. \6 And he said, About
this season, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a
son. And she said, Nay, my lord, [thou] man of God, do not
lie unto thine handmaid ; do not deceive me with false hopes.
17 And the woman conceived, and bare a son at that season that
Elisha had said unto her, according to the time of life.
18 And when ihe child was grown, it fell on a day, that he
went out to his father to the reapers, and was excessively heated,
and seized zcith a fever ; 19 And he said unto his father. My
head, my head. And he said to a lad, Carry him to his mother.
20 And when he had taken him, and brought him to his mother,
he sat on her knees till noon, and [then] died. All Jier tender care
could not preserve his /ij'c. 21 And she went up, and laid him on
the bed of the man of God, and shut [the door] upon him, and
went out. She altered no peevish, indecent tcords, but showed an
admiraiili' temper, and a full persuasion of the extraordinary power
of the prophet to raii^c him again, as Elijah had done in another
instance; she did not so much as tell her husband that the child was
d^ad. '22 And slit; called unto her husband, and said. Send me,
I pray thee, one of the young men, and one of the asses, that I
may run to the man f)f (lorl, and come again. 23 And he said.
Wherefore wilt thou go to him to day? [it is] neither new moon,
* The oriiriii.il word sigiiilies an eager concern. TliR prophet in a handsome
mauucr intimati's that she had not only done a generous action, but with a very
obh(»ing air of tenderness and fiicmlship.
II. KINGS. IV. 387
nor sabbath*. And she said, [It shall be] well. She went for a
^ood end, and did not doubt but she should succeed. 24 Then she
saddled an ass, and said to her servant, Drive, and go forward,
slack not [thy] riding for me, except I bid thee. 25 So she went
and came unto the man of God to mount Carmel. And it came
to pass, when the man of God saw her afar off, that hewotidered
she should come at so unusual a time, and he said to Gehazi his
servant, Behold, [yonder is] that Shunamniite : 26 Run now, I
pray thee, to meet her, and say unto her, [Is it] well with thee?
[Is it] well with thy husband ? [is it] well with the child ? And
she answered, [It is] wellt. 27 And when she came to the man
of God to the hill, she caught him by the feet: but Gehazi came
near to thrust her away, thinking such a posture did not become a
person of her rank, especiallj/ one who had been so kind a bemf actor
to his master. And the man of God said, Let her alone ; for her
soul [is] vexed within her : and the Lord hath hid [it] from me,
and hath not told me, hath not revealed the cause of her grief to
me : 28 Then she said. Did I desire a son of my lord ? zfas not
I easy without children? did I by any importunity extort this child?
did 1 not say. Do not deceive me ? was I not solicitous that no
hope might be raised, lest my expectation should be disappointed]
which is now peculiarly affecting. Thus plainly intimating that
the child was dead. 29 Then he said to Gehazi, Gird up thy
joins, and take my staff in thine hand, and go thy way, make haste:
if thou meet any man, salute him not ; and if any salute thee,
answer him not again, and lay my staff upon the face of the child ;
thinking that his staff would work a miracle, like Moses' rod or
Elijah's mantle. SO And the mother of the child said, [As] the
Lord liveth, and [as] thy soul liveth, i will not leave thee : her
faith was not strong enough to think that any thing could be done
without Elisha's presence. And he arose, and followed her.
31 And Gehazi passed on before them, and laid the staff upon
the face of the child ; but it teas all in vain, [there was] neither
voice, nor hearing. Wherefore he went again to meet him, and
told him, saying, The child is not awaked. 32 And when Elisha
was come into the house, behold, the child was dead, [and] laid
upon his bed. 33 He went in therefore, and shut the door upon
* In the tribes, those who could not go to the temple were used to attend at
the college of the prophets, and join there in the exercise of devotion.
t Her answer was literally true. But when we consider the person from whom
this came, it discovered that she iiad great piety and command of temper. While
it put off farther inquiry, it showed her calm resijination to the will of God, and
aiull conviction of tJie wisdom and goodness of all his dealings.
' 2C 2
38S II. KINGS. IV.
them twain, and prayed fervently unto the Lord. 34 And lie
went lip, and lay upon the child, and put his mouth upon his
mouth, and his eyes upon his eyes, and his hands upon his hands,
to express his earnest and importunate desires: and he stretched
himself upon the child; and the Hesh of the child waxed warm,
35 Then he returned, and walked in the house to and {vo, full of
anxious concern, and wholly intent on what he teas about ; and he
went up, and stretched himself upon him : and the child sneezed
seven times, and so threw off the obstruction in his head, which
was the cause of his illness and death, and the child opened his
eyes. 36 And he called Gehazi, and said, Call this Shunanmiite.
So he called her. And when she was come in unto him, he said,
Take up thy son. 37 Then she went in, and fell at his feet, and
ho'wed herself to the ground, and took up her son, and went out.
Her heart was so affected, and her passions so strong, that she could
not speak, but expressed her reverence and thankfulness by her
actions.
38 And Elisha came again to Gilgal : and [there was] a dearth
in the land ; and the sons of the prophets [were] sitting before
him, as his pupils : and he said unto his servant, Set on the gieat
pot, and seeth pottage for the sons of the prophets. 39 And as
thcij had none in the garden, because of the dearth, one who tvtis
better acquainted with his bible than his herbal, went out into the
field to gather herbs, and he found a wild vine, and gathered
thereof wild gourds, some noxious herbs, his lapftil, and came and
shred [ihem] into the pot of pottage : for they knew [them] not.
40 So tliey poured out for the men to eat. And it came to pass,
as they were eating of the pottage, that they cried out, and said,
O [ihou] njan of God, [there is] death in the pot. And they
could not cat [thereof :] thei/ imtnediately felt themselves so ill that
ihcy concluded they uere poisoned. 41 But he said, Then bring
meal. And he cast [il] into the pot* ; and he said, Pour out for
the people, that tlicy may eat. And there was no harm in the
pot ; ever II one ?nighi eat with safety.
42 And there came a man from J3aal-shalisha, and brought the
man of God bread of the lirst fruits, twenty loaves, or small cakes,
of barley, and full cars of corn in the husk thereoff. And he
♦ Perhaps somr ineal had hccii put in before ; but it was to no purpose till tlie
pnip!i«'t did it; hirel)y to sliow the divine power in removing the noxious quality
of the broth, and preserving tliose that had taken ot' it.
t When the Israelites roul.1 not go to offer tlie first fruits at Jerusalem, tlie
pious sort used to bring them to the college, and so the students and projihets
were siippurled.
II. KINGS. IV. 389
said, Give iiiilo tlio people, that tlicv in;iy eat, 4.'3 And his
servitor said, What, should I set this before an hundred nun: if.
will not be a morsel for each. But the ■prophet over-ruled the ob-
jection; and he said again. Give the people, that they may eat:
for thus saith the Loud, They shall eat, and shall leave [thereof.]
44 So he set [it] before them, and they did cat, and left [thereof,]
according to the word of the Loru.
REFLECTIONS.
1. V\' E observe that the families of the best of men may fall
into difficult circumstances when they are removed ; as the family
of the prophet, mentioned ver. 1., did. Let us not think the case
singular if this should be the lot of ourselves or our acquaint-
ance, as instances of this kind are common.
2. The children of God's people, when thus reduced, may find
support in the God of their fathers, as the prophet's widow and
children here did. His blessing can increase and multiply our
provisions as he pleases, and cause them to flow on as long as
there is room to receive them. Trust in the Lord, and do good,
and verily thou shalt be fed ; for the righteous are never for-
saken, nor his seed, though begging bread. Learn,
3. That we should be concerned to do strict justice, and to
pay our debts, if we desire to live comfortably, and enjoy the
blessing of God. The prophet directs her to sell and pay her
debts first. None of the oil was hers, till her creditors were
paid. This maxim is necessary to be observed in the pre-
sent day ; owe no man any thing, render to all their due, if
we leave ever so little for ourselves. Widows, if able, should
honestly pay their husbands' debts, and labour and save to do
it. Better to beg or starve, than defraud others, or deal deceit-
fully, which will entail a lasting blemish on our families and our
honesty.
4. Grateful hearts will devise grateful things. The holiest
men of God will be grateful for favours conferred. It is mean
and base to imagine every kindness is our due, and that we are
to do nothing in return. If others are careful of us and kind to
ns, it becomes us to requite their kindness, and by every pru-
dent method to show our gratitude. Call a man ungrateful, and
you say every thing bad of him.
4. It should give great pleasure to those who are rich and
390 11. KINGS. V.
great to be generous and hospitable, especially towards the peo-
ple of God. How friendly and generous was this Shunammite!
Those who are rich in this world should be ready to distribute,
and toiUing to communicate, for with such sacrifices God is well
pleased.
6. See how precarious our dearest comforts are. Parents must
not depend upon the lives of their children. This widow's son
was well in the morning, but dead at noon. What a melancholy
alteration ! Those who have relations and children, should be as
those who have none. Man cometh forth like a fiorrer, and is
cut down. His dai/s are as grffss ; as a flower of the field so he
flourisheth ; the wind passeth over him and he is gojie.
7. We learn, from the example of this amiable woman, how
to behave when our children or dearest friends are taken away.
It is a satisfaction when they are lost, that we have not set our
hearts upon them inordinately, ver. 28. She said, It is well.
Well in general, because God doth it ; all is well that he doth,
however it may affect us ; and it is well with them if they are
gone to heaven.
8. While we wait on the Lord in the way of duty, we may
hope for protection and provision. These miracles of mercy
in multiplying food, and defending from poison, establish our
confidence in God, who can perform the most illustrious things,
and whose perfections are immutably the same. We are not
to expect extraordinary and miraculous things now; but God
still governs the world ; and it is our duty, and will be our
wisdom and happiness, to cast all our care upon him who careth
for us.
CHAPTER V.
An account of Naaman's leprosy and cure*, and the sin and punish-
ment of Gohazi.
1 i\ O W Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was
a great man with his master, and honourable, a favourite of the
king's and of all the people, because by him the Lord had given
♦ Bf>. Wilson ohserres, that by tliis remarkable proridence and liistorj-, the
Syrians liad an opportunity of coming to the knowledge of the true God.
II. KINGS. Y. ,TJ1
deliverance unto Syria*: lie was also a inii^hty man in valnur,
[but he was] a leper; though this did tiot exclude him from
society as amovg the' Jews, yet it Ti'as a loathsome cud dangerous
disorder. Q. And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and
had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid ;
and she waited on Naaman's wife. 3 And she said unto her
mistress, zchile she was bewailiug her husband's mi^j))rtu)ies. Would
God my lord [were] with the prophet that [is] in Samaria! for he
would recover him of his leprosy. She no doubt had fold her
mistress of his other miracles, and thought it 7oas in his porrer to do
this. 4 And [one] went in, and told his lord, sayinsr. Thus and
thus said the maid that [is] of the land of Israel. This ivas re-
lated to Naaman, who begs leave of the king to go to him. 5 And
the king of Syria said, Go to, go, and I will send a letter unto the
king of Israel, whom he supposed knezo the prophet and had interest
with him. And he departed, and took with him ten talents of
silver, and six thousand [pieces] of gold, and ten changes of
raiment. 6 And he brought the letter to the king of Israel,
saying, Now when this letter is come unto thee, behold, I have
[therewith] sent Naaman my servant to thee, that thou mayest
recover him of his leprosy ; the substance of the letter teas for him
to take care to hate Naaman cured. 7 And it came to pass,
when the king of Israel had read the letter, that he rent his
clothes, and said, [Am] I God, to kill and to make alive, that this
man doth send unto me to recover a man of his leprosy -t" .••
wherefore consider, 1 pray you, and see how he seeketh a quarrel
against me. This behaviour of the king added great pomp to the
miracle, and made it more observable at court, and throughout the
kingdom. 8 And it was [so,] when Elisha the man of God had
heard that the king of Israel had rent his clothes, that he sent to
the king, saying, Wherefore hast thou rent thy clothes? let him
come now to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in
Israel, and a God, bi/ whom that prophet is enabled to work mi-
racles. 9 So Naaman came with his horses, and with his chariot,
and stood at the door of the house of Elisha, expecting to be re-
ceived mth great external marks of respect. 10 And Elisha sent
a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven
* The sacred lii^torian here owns the hand of God in his goodness towards the
enemies of Israel.
t The kin^ of Israel, misnnderstandlDg his letter, thinking he expected a enre
from him, was ninch distressed, and rent his clothes; snpposina; he designed to
pick a quarrel \vith him, by demanding what was impossible to be done.
S92 II. KINGS. V.
times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be
clean*. 1 1 But Naaman thought ihe prophet did not treat him
with sujficii^iit respect, and lie was wroth, and went away, and said.
Behold, I thought, he will surely come out to jne, and stand,
and call on the name of the Loud his God, and strike his hand
over the place, and recover the leper; that he zioidd have per-
formed the cure with a more solomi air, and greater ease and speed.
12 [Are] not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better
than all the waters of Israel ? may not I wash in theni, and be
clean r So he turned, and went away in a rage. 13 And his
servants came near, and one zcho was a wise and prudent man
spake unto him, and said. My father, [if] the prophet had bid
thee [do some] great thing, if he had prescribed a hng course of
phi/sic, or some painfol operations, wouldst thou not have done
[it:] how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be
clean .'' the trial ca7i do no harm, and may do good, especially as it
is commanded by the prophet. 14 Then went he down, and
dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of
the man of God : and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of
a little child, and he was clean.
15 And he returned to the man of God, he and all his com-
pany, and came, and stood before him in his apartment, and he,
that is, Naaman, said, Behold, now I know that [there is] no
God in all the earth, but in Israel : now therefore, I pray thee,
take a blessing of thy servant, take the present I have brought.
IG But he said, [As] the Lord liveth, before whom I stand, I
will receive none. And he urged him to take [it ;] but he re-
fused f. 17 And Naaman said. Shall there not then, I pray thee,
be given to thy servant two mules' burden of earth to build an
altar with, as a pledge of his communion zcifh that people and ser-
vice? for thy servant will henceforth offer neither burnt offering
nor sacrifice unto other gods, but unto the Lord. 18 In this
thing the Lord pardon thy servant, [thai] when my master goeth
into the house of Rimmon to worship there, and he leaneth on
• Elislia sent a messenger to liini, not for state, nor contempt, but because he
loved retirement, anti lest he should seem too fond of the honour done liim.
Washing in Jordan liad no natural tendency to heal iiini ; but this was to exercise
his faith and humility, and put an honour on Jordan, where so many miracles had
been done.
t Much niiirbt be said to excuse him if he had accepted it; it was a time of
famine, and the sons of tiie prophets had need of it. But he thoui;lit t'le refu^sing
it would give N'aanian a better ojjinion of the Jewish religion, and show that tlieir
prophets were not mercenary, like idolaters ; and that he in particular aimed not
at his own wealth and reward, but to glorify God and do good to men.
II. KINGS. V. 393
my hand, and I bow myself in the house of Himnion : when 1
bow down niyself in the house of Rimmon, the Lord pardon thy
servant in this thing*. 19 And he said unto him, Go in peace.
So he departed from him a httle way.
20 But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, zms
vexed thai his master had lost such an opportunity of enriching
himself, and he said, Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this
Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought : but,
[as] the Lord liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat
of him. 21 So Gehazi followed after Naaman. And when
Naaman saw [him] running after him, he lighted down from the
chariot to meet him, and said, [Is] all well? It discovered re-
markable gratitude and humility in him to shoiv such regard on the
prophet's account. 22 And he said. All [is] well. My master
hath sent me, saying, Behold, even now there be come to me
from mount Ephraim two young men of the sons of the pro-
phets : give them, I pray thee, a talent of silver, and two changes
of garments f. 23 And Naaman said, Be content, take two
talents ; but Gehazi pretended to keep close to his master s order^
and that one talent zcas sufficient ; though he was soon prevailed
upon to take two, in value more than six hundred pounds. And he
urged him, and bound two talents of silver in two bags, with two
changes of garments, and laid [them] upon two of his servants ;
and they bare [them] before him. 24 And when he came to the
tower, or secret place, some out-house where he intended to conceal
it, he took [them] from their hand, and bestowed [them] in the
house ; and he let the men go, lest Elisha should ive them, and
they departed. 25 But he went in, and stood before his njaster,
and thought himself sure of the gain. And Elisha said unto him,
Whence [comest thou,] Gehazi, where hast thou been? And he
said. Thy servant went no whither, 1 was not out of doors.
26 And he said unto him, Went not mine heart [with thee,] when
the man turned again from his chariot to meet thee ? have 1 not
as distinct a knowledge of what passed, as if I had been with thee ^
[Is it] a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and
oliveyards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and men servants,
* Naaman assures the prophet, that when lie did this in future, it should not be
an act ot adoration, but only for the convenience of his master when lie leaned
upon him ; and by sacrificing to the God of Israel, he made an open profession
that he did not intend this as a religious action.
+ This was a notorious lie in itself, and might lead Naaman to suspect, that
though Elisha v/ould not take gifts publicly, he was glad of thcin in private. Pro-
bably Elisha took care to undeceive Naaman, aud return the money.
394^ II. KINGS. V.
and maid servants ? As if he had said, I hmv thy scheme is to
buy and plant and become a great man. But is this a time to do
so, a?nidst piihlic afflictions and srent degeneracy "l Above all, is
this a time to bring a refiection upoti (he prophet and the God of
Israel, especially from this new convert? 27 The leprosy there-
fore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and inito thy seed for
ever, for a long time, as a monument of the knuzcledge, power, and
justice of the God of Israel. And he went out from his presence
a leper [as white] as snow. This was the zcorst kind of leprosy,
and always reckoned incurable.
REFLECTIONS.
1. We have in this chapter an instance of the good effects of
instructing children in religions principles ; this young captive
carried the knowledge of God into Syria. The miracles of his
prophet were a comfort to her mind in slavery, were useful to
others, and led the way for Naaman's conversion. Parents should
instruct their children in the great truths and principles of re-
ligion : as they will be of perpetual use to them, and make them
useful to others. We know not where their lot may be cast ;
therefore we should be solicitous that they may carry their religion
along with them.
2. See the difference between human and divine power.
Naaman could not heal himself; the king of Syria could not; the
king of Israel could not. Am I a God? says he. But the power of
Jehovah could effect a cure at once. It is a pleasant reflection
to every one who fears God. that nothing is too hard for him
3. ITow common and how foolish is it for men to prefer their
own fancy to God's directions. Naaman wanted a cure, but he
would have it in his own way, and was angry at the prophet's plain
prescription. A very common case. We mav see instances of
it every day. Is not the light of nature better than scripture?
Are not the waters of Greece and Rome, the learning and elo-
quence of their philosophers, better than the plain preaching of
the gospel ? We ought, say they, to be sober and hone«;t ; but
■what doth such a plain and simple ordinance as the Lord's Supper
signify ? What can bread and wine do .' So foolishly and absurdly
do men argue. They are like Naaman, >he worst enemies to
themselves ; and their leprosy of sin is never likely to be cured,
till God's n)ethod is tried ; that will be found easy and successful.
Mffs/< and be clean. May wc learn then, with humility to comply
If. KINGS. V. 395
with all that God appoints; not go about to establish our own
ritrhteoustiess, but cheerfully submit to that method of justification
and healing which God haih appointed and commanded.
4. Learn hence a holy tenderness of conscience. Naamaii
was afraid of displeasing the God of Israel, from whom he had
received such favours. If the prophet had forbidden him to go
into the house of Rimmon, he would not have gone. Let us be
afraid of every sinful compliance, and not think to make reserves
in our covenant with God, but guard against all appeariince of
evil.
5. Learn not to overburden young converts with excess of
rigour. Carry the grand point, bring them to God, and have
religious habits contracted ; and by degrees they will leave off
some lesser evils, when they have had larger experience of the
reasonableness and advantage of religion.
6. We learn the evil of covetousness. Having food and rai-
ment let us therewith be content. They that zeill be rich, fall into
temptation, and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts,
which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of
money is the root of all evil : which, while some coveted after, they
have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with
many sorrows. 1 Tim. vi. 8, 9, 10. All this was illustrated in
Gehazi. We here see what mischiefs it breeds, and leads on
from one lie to another.
7. What a melancholy thing was it for such a wicked servant
as Gehazi to be in good Elisha's family. In Naaman's family
were some wise and good servants, though they were strangers
to the God of Israel ; but in the prophet's this naughty, detes-
table servant. Though he had heard his master's prayers and in-
structions, and had seen his miracles, yet he acted in this base
and scandalous manner. Let servants read over this story often ;
observe what a disgraceful figure Gehazi makes, and be upon
their guard against a covetous spirit and a lying tongue. Though
masters do not see them, though they have not the gift of pro-
phecy to know when they have done wrong, yet God observes
them. Let those especially who dwell in those families where
God is worshipped, the sabbath sanctified, and religious instruc-
tions are given, be sensible of their privileges. If servants in
religious families are wicked, they must be very wicked ; great is
their guilt now, and great will be their misery another day, if
they go on in their evil ways. Let us all pray, that God would
remove from us the way of lying, and teach us the way of truth.
3% II. KINGS. VI.
CHAPTER VI.
Elisha causetli the iron to swim ; discloseth the ccunsds of the Syrians;
brings au host of thcni to Samaria, and saves tluMii there; afterwards
Samaria is besieged, and in great distress.
1 xxND the sons of tlie prophets, being increased in number,
said unto EHsha, Behold now, the place where we dwell with
thee at Gilgal is too strait for us. 2 Let us go, we pray thee,
unto the wood near Jordan, and take thence every man a beam,
and let us make us a place there, where we may dw ell ; they were
poor, and contented with a very plain habitation. And he an-
swered, Go ye. 3 And one said to Elisha, Be content, I pray
thee, and go with thy servants to assi-'^t us with thi/ advice. And
he answered, I will go. 4 So he went with them. And when
they came to Jordan, they cut down wood. 5 But as one was
felling a beam, the ax head fell into the water: and he cried, and
said, Alas, master! for it was borrowed, and if it is lost I shall
abuse the kindness of my friend who lent it me. 6 And the man
of God said, Where fell it? And he showed him the j)lace. And
he cut down a stick, and cast [it] in thither ; and the iron did
swim*. 7 Therefore said he, Take [it] up to thee. And he put
out his hand and took it. Every instance of this kind increased
their revere )ue for the prophet and their regard to his instructions.
8 Then the king of Syria warred against Israel, and the king
took counsel with his servants, saying. In such and such a place
[shall be] my camp; the place ichere I will set some soldiers J'or an
ambush to surprise the Israelites, and probably seize the king^
9 And the man of God sent unto the king uf Israel, saying, Be-
ware that thou pass not such a place : for thither the Syrians are
comedown. 10 And the king of Israel sent to the place which
the man of God told bin), and warned him of, to see if there was
any reason for the caution, and saved both himself and his soldiers
there, not once n^r twice, but frequent I if.
1 1 Therefore the heart of the king of Syria was sore troubled
for this thing ; and he called his servants, and said unto them,
Will ye not show me which of us [is] for the king of Israel ? Uc
* Tlie Jfws say Uiat he cut a stick in the -ihape of an hnndle, and when lir
threw it into fljc water the head of an ax w.n tniraculou.Mv joined to it.
II. KINGS. \ I. 397
thought there was some secret treacheri/, ami that his counsels were
betrayed. 12 And one of his servants said. None, my lord, Oking :
but Elisha, the prophet that [is] in Israel, telleth the king of
Israel the words that thou speakest in thy bedchamber. Naaman
had spread his fame, he had heard qf^ his other miracles, and sup-
posed nothing could exceed his potver and knowledge. 13 And he
said, Go and spy where he [is,] that I may send and fetch him.
This was a foolish design, as if the prophet v)ho knezs all his
schemes, should be ignorant of this. And it was told him, saying,
Behold, [he is] in Dothan, a little city near Samaria. 14 There-
fore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host : and
they came by night, and compassed the city about. 15 And when
the servant of the man of God was risen early, as all good servants
should do, and gone forth to his ivork, behold, an host compassed
the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant, terrified
at the sight, ran to his master, and said unto him, Alas, my master !
how shall we do ? This .servant was but newly come to his master,
and perhaps had seen butfezo of his miracles, and was therefore the
more alarmed. l6 And he answered. Fear not: for they that [be]
with us, [are] more than they that [be] with them; but the young
man could not believe this, till he had clear information. 17 And
Elisha therefore prayed, and said. Lord, I pray thee, open his
eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the
young man ; and he saw : and, liehold, the mountain [was] full of
horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha, of angels in that
appearance, God's host, zcho then became visible, as they did at
Christ's resurrection.
13 And when they came down to him, Elisha prayed unto the
Lord, and said. Smite this people, I pray thee, with blindness.
And he smote them with blindness, such a dazzling of' their sight,
as that they could not distinctly see the men they sought for, ac-
cording to the word of Islisha. Then they inquired of Elisha
ivhere the prophet was ; 19 And Elisha said unto them, This [is]
not the way which you must go, neither is this the city where you
shall meet with him: follow me, and I will bring you to the man
whom ye seek. This was literally true; but instead of this, by a
stratagem which did them no harm, and might produce the greatest
good, he led theni to Samaria. £0 And it came to pass, when
they were come into Samaria, that Elisha said, Lo r d, open the eyes
of these [men,] that they may see. And the Lord opened their
eyes, and they saw ; and, behold, [they were] in the midst of
Saniaria, surrounded with the king and soldiers. 21 And the king
31)8 II. KINGS. VI.
of Israel said unto Eiisha, with great eagerness, when lie saw
them, My lather, shall I smite [them r] shall I smite [them ?]
22 And he answered, Thou shalt not smite [them :] wouldst
ihou smite those whom tliou hast taken captive with thy sword
and with thy bow /// co/J Olood? stt bread auil water before them,
that they may eat and drink, and go to their master, and tell him
what kindness thei/ have received*. 23 And he prepaved great
provision for them : and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent
them away, and they went to their master. So the bands of Syria
came no more into the land of Israel that year, as the Hebrew
word may signify -j'.
24 And it came to pass after this, that Ben-hadad king of
Syria gathered all his host, and went up, and besieged Samaria.
2o And there was a great famine in Samaria : and, behold, they
besieged it, until an ass's head was [sold] for fourscore [pieces]
ot silver, and the fourth part of a cab of dove's dung for five
[pieces] of silver. They ivere reduced to the last extremity, so
that an ass's head, uJiich teas forbid to be eaten, was sold for near
ten pounds; and less than a pint of vetches or tares, which was only
Jit for doves to eat, the xn'oist of vegetables, was sold for about twelve
shillings and sixpence. 26 And as the king of Israel was passing
by upon the wall, to examine the guards and view the works, there
cried a woman unto him, saying, Help, my lord, O king. 27 And
he said, probably in a violent passion, If the Lokd do not help
thee, whence shall I help thee : out of the barn floor, or out of
the wine press? can If II the barns and storehouses out of nothing?
28 And the king said unto her, when his passion began to cool a
little, What ailcth thee ? And she answered, and tells him a sor-
rouful tale indeed, This woman said unto me. Give thy son, that
we may eat him to day, and we will eat my son to morrow. 29 So
we boiled my son, and did eat him, and I said unto her on the
next day, Give thy son, that we may eat him : and she hath hid
her son to save his life, or to eat him alone ; thus was that terrible
threatening fulfilled, Deut. xxviii. 53.
30 And it came to pass, when the king heard the words of the
woman, that he rent his clothes; and he passed by upon the
* The Syrians lia<] tluis a pmof of the power of the Goii of Israel, in confonnd-
in^ their senses ; of his mt rcj , in spjirins; their lives ; and iiadsnch an opportunity
uf knowing him, and sucli obligations to serve him ^ as might have made it the
happiest day in their lives.
t Kither this l)and came no more out of gratitnde ; or, they came no more in
this clandestine way, till they bronglit ilieir whole army sometime after, perhaps
upon some new provocation.
II. KINGS. VI. 399
wall, and the people looked, and, behold, [he had] sackcloth
within upon his flesh, he appeared in public in deep mourning.
S I Then he said, God do so and more also to me, if the head of
Elisha the son of Shaphat shall stand on him this day ; either
because he did not let him destroy the Syrian bands, or he thought
he had deceived him by assuring him of help, which did not come ;
or he thought he could have saved them, but would not. 32 But
Elisha sat in his house, and the elders sat with him; he was reading
lectures to the students, or to some of the magistrates who came to
him, exhorting them to courage and patience; and [the king] sent
a man from before him to execute Elisha ; but ere the messenger
came to him, he said to the elders, See ye how this son of a mur-
derer, that is, oftcicked Ahab, hath sent to take away mine head?
he knew his intention before he came ; look, when the messenger
Cometh, shut the door, and hold him fast at the door, let him not
enter ; [is] not the sound of his master's feet behind him ? he im-
mediately follozcs to cotitradict the oj'der. S3 And while he yet
talked with them, behold, the messenger came down unto him :
and he, that is^ the king, said. Behold, this evil [is] of the Lord;
what should I wait for the Lord any longer? Probably Elisha
had promised him relief, but he thought he had deceived him, and
that it was better to deliver if up to the Si/rians than be starved
and ruined ; therefore in the beginning of the next chapter, Elisha
fixes the time for their deliverance.
REFLECTIONS.
1. It is a great comfort to good men, that the schools of the
prophets increase. Let us pray that they may do so more and
more. It is a good hearing that there is not room for them; it
bodes well to the church. And therefore we should pray the
Lord of the harvest, that he would incline them to prepare for
the work, that the harvest may be furnished with numerous and
suitable labourers.
2. Hence we are taught a useful lesson, to be careful of that
which is borrowed. Many neglect this, and abuse the kindness
of their friends, their horses, goods, or books. There are those
who never return, or abuse, what they have borrowed; this is
highly base and ungrateful, as well as dishonest, and is contrary to
that golden rule of doing to others as we w ould be done by.
- 3. Mow desirable is it to have God on our side v\hcn engaged
400 n. KINGS. VI.
in military affairs ! He can fliscovrr all the secret stratagems of
the enemy, and brmg confusion upon their plots and designs.
4. How happy are the servants of God in having angels for
their guard; and what a constant source of consolation is it in
times of danger, that greater /.? /tc thai is zcith tJiem, than all zc/io
are against them! If God he for us, who shall be against //>/
When without are fightings, and within are fears, angels are their
guard ; he giies them charge concerning us, to keep us in all our
ways. Happy those who can hy the eye of faith see this.
5. See the dependance of the human mind upon God, and his
power of infatuating it at pleasure. He can take away the senses
and understandiu"; in a moment. Have we not the ereatest reason
to bless God i'or the continuance of these, and to remember tl;at
it is in hint we live, and move, and have our being ^
6. See what a lovely virtue clemency is ; and how well mode-
ration and mercy become all, especially the Lord's prophets. It
is prudent, even upon secular principles, to be gentle towards
our enemies when we have them in our power, especially when
resentment is sacrificed to religion ^ agreeably to sucli repeated
advices as these ; if thine enemy hunger, feed him ; if he thirst,
give hint drink. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with
good. Rom. xii. 20.
7. How much are we indebted to God for plenty and security!
We here sec the terrible consequences of famine ; they were glad
to eat the vilest things, and were obliged, (lamentable necessity !)
to boil even their own children for food, tiumanity and natural
affection were lost in the cravings of appetite. Blessed be the
Lord who maketh peace in our borders, and fcedeth us with the
f nest of the wheat ; that there is no breaking in of enemies, and no
such complaining as this /'// our streets.
8. The judgments of God often make the wicked worse, and
lead them to the most absurd, instead of reasonable, conclusions.
V. 31. "J hen he said, God do so and more also to me, if the head
of Elisha the son of Shaphal shall stand on him this day. Had
he reasoned thus, I will pull down the calves, and destroy the
prophets of Baal ; I will reform the idolatry and vices of the
country ; he had reasoned wisely. But nothing will serve him
but Elisha's head, the best man in the kingdom ; the greatest
friend and benefactor to the whole country. All this proceeded
from pride and passion. He says, this evil is of the Lord, This
was a good remark, but he drew a most absurd consequence from
It. Thus sinners often fret against God. May we endeavour to
II. KINGS. VII. 401
guard our hearts and govern our tempers, especially in afflictive
seasons, lest we should charge God foolishly. He is always wise
and righteous. But we may see every day that the foolishness of
man percerteth his way, and then his heart fretteth against the
Lord.
CHAPTER VIL
Elisha in this chapter prophcsieth incredible plenty in Samaria, which
is brought about by four lepers venturing into the Syrian camp, and
reporting to the king their flight ; in consequence of which the king,
upon receiving intelligence from the men he had sent to inquire into
the truth of the account, spoils their tents ; the prophecy is fulfilled,
and the unbelieving lord trodden to death. — Ihis should be the con-
clusion of the former chapter, from which it is rather improperly
divided.
1 J. HEN Elisha said, Hear ye the word of the Lord ; Thussaith
the Lord, notwithstanding your prof aneness a/id the idolatry of the
court, God n'ill deliier you ; To-morrow about this time [shall] a
measure of fine flour [be sold] for a shekel, and two measures of
barley for a shekel, in the gate of Samaria ; there shall be great
plenty, and sold at a loio rate in the public market-place. Then
a lord on whose hand the king leaned, a particular favourite uho
was always near him, answered the man of God, and said, with
great contempt, '&Q\\o\d,\\i^ the Lord would make windows in
heaven, might this thing be ? do you think to see it rain corn to
morrow^ He valued himself on beiiig a free-thinker, and laughing at
the ministers of God. And he said, Behold, thou shalt see [it]
with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof. And so it came to pass,
the next day the Samarita)is were relieved, and this lord destroyed,
ver. 17.
3 And there were four leprous men at the entering in of the
gate; some say, Gehazi and his three sons: and they said one to
another. Why sit we here until we die ? 4 If we say, We will
enter into the city, then the famine [is] in the city, and we shall
die there, the city can supply us no longer : and if we sit still here,
we die also, the besiegers have destroyed all the food without. Now
therefore come, and let us fall unto the host of the Syrians : if
they save us alive, we shall live ; perhaps they may have compas-
VOL. III. 3 D
402 II. KINGS. VII.
sion upon us ivhen they see our- miserable circumslances ; and if they
kill us, we shall but die, audit is better to die suddenly by the hand
of the enemy, than die a lingering death with hunger. 5 And they
rose up in the twilight, to go unto the camp of the Syrians ; they
set out in the dusk of the evefiing, and came to the trenches: and
when they were come to the uttermost part of the camp of Syria,
behold, [there was] no man there. 6" For the Lokd had made the
host of the Syrians to hear a noise of chariots, and a noise of
horses, [even] the noise of a great host, made by angels, or a sound
in their orcn ears, by his almighty pozcer, which struck a panick
into them, for neither the Israelites nor the lepers heard it : and
they said one to another, Lo, the king of Israel hath hired
against us the kings of the Hittites, who lived in the adjacent
country, and the kings of die Egyptians, or Ethiopians fro?u Africa,
to come upon us ; this was very unlikely, for how could the king
of Israel setid them intelligence? but thei/ feared ichere no fear was.
Wherefore they arose and fled in the twilight, ami left their tents,
and their horses, and their asses, which carried their baggage, even
the camp as it [was,] and fled for their life ; tJiey thought of no-
thing but saving themselves. 8 And when these lepers came to
the uttermost part of the camp, they went into one tent, and did
eat and drink, and carried thence silver, and gold, and raiment, and
went and hid [it;] and came again, and entered into another tent,
and carried thence [also,] and went and hid [it;] they first satis-
fied their hunger, and then hid the treasure; this urns quite agreeable
to GehazCs covetous temper. Q Then they said one to another,
We dt) not well : this day [is] a day of good tidings, and we hold
our peace ; it is cruel in us not to inform our distressed brethren :
if we tarry till the moniing light, some mischief will come upon us;
the Syrians may return, or the king if Israel may punish us for
concealing this important discovery: now therefore come, that we
may go and tell the king's household. 10 So they came and
called unto the porter of the city : and they told them, saying,
We came to the canip of the Syrians, and, behold, [there was]
no man there, neither voice of man, but horses tied, and asses
tied, and the tents as thev [were.] 1 1 And he called the porters,
the king's guard, and they told [it] to the king's house within ;
thus the intelligence came to the king himself
12 And the king arose in the night, and said unto his servants,
I will now show you what the Syrians have done to us. They
know tliat we [be] hungry ; therefore are they gone out of the
camp to hide themselves in the field, saying, When they come
II! KINGS. VIi; 403
out of the city, we shall catch them alive, and get into the citv ;
forgetting or disregarding the prophecy of EUshn, he thought it was
a stratagem to draw them out, and then surprise them. 13 And
one of his servants answered and said, Let [some] take, I pray
thee, five of the horses that remain, which are left in the city, (be-
hold, they [are] as all the multitude of Israel that are left in it :
behold, [I say,] they [are] even as all the multitude of the Is-
raelites that are consumed :) and let us send and see. The horses
and men are almost all consumed zoith hunger, few 'f either are lefty
and those are likely to perish ; therefore we shall run no great ha-
zard hi) sending out a few if they should he taken and destroyed;
there is little difference hetween that and staying here to perish hy
famine, 14 They took therefore two chariot horses, and the king
sent after the host of the Syrians, saying. Go and see; he tvonld
venture no more than two. 1 5 And they went after them unto
Jordan: and, lo, all the way [was] full of garments and vessels,
which the Syrians had cast away in their haste. And the messen-
gers returned and told the king. l6 And the people went out,
and spoiled the tents of the Syrians. So a measure of fine flour
was [sold] for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel,
according to the word of the LouD; they found such plenty that
thei-e teas more than sufficient for those that went out, and they
brought it home and sold it to others.
17 And the king appointed the lord on whose hand he leaned to
have the charge of the gate, heing a post of' great importance and
honour, to see that no disorders zcere committed, and that they did
not leave the city quite naked; and the people running out in such
crozeds to the spoils of the Assyrian camp, threw him dozen, and
trode upon him in the gate, and he died, as the man of God had
said, who spake when the king came down to him. 18 And it
came to pass as the man of God had spoken to the king, saying^
Two measures of barley for a shekel, and a measure of fine flour
for a shekel, shall be to morrow about this time in the gate of Sa-
maria : 19 And that lord answered the man of God, and said, Now,
behold, [if] the Lord should make windows in heaven, might
such a thing be ? And he said. Behold, thoa shalt see it with thine
eyes, but shall not eat thereof. 20 And so it fell out unto him :
for the people trode upon him in the gate, and he died. IViis 7cas
so remarkable an event that it is here repealed with the prediction,
to show the truth both of God's promises and threatenings.
D 2
404 II. KINGS. Vlt.
REFLECTIONS.
1. From hence we infer, that there may be a strict form of
religion where there is great wickedness. The lepers were kept
out of the gate, and a strict regard was paid to some ceremo-
nies of the law, while idolatry and wickedness were tolerated and
countenanced. A remark which we have often occasion to make;
and it is very needful, considering how many rest in a form of re-
ligion without the power of it.
2. The reasoning of these lepers is applicable to our spiritual
concerns, and the method to be taken for the security of our souls.
When the hearts of penitents are ready to be overwhelmed with
sorrow and despair, let them venture on Christ, and the terms of
the gospel ; they must perish without him, and can but perish at
his feet. He is not an enemy, however Satan and the world may
represent him, but a friend. He who applies here, is sure to live.
But if there was only a chance or probability, yet surely it is the
wisest way. If we must perish, let it be at the feet of Christ,
confessing our sins and imploring mercy.
3. See here a remarkable instance of the power of God. The
Syrians heard a great noise, which impressed them with fear : a
dreadful sound was in their ears ; and they fled without inquiring
whether there was reason for fear or not. What little reason
have we to be afraid of men, when God has so many ways of con-
founding them and disappointing their most artful devices.
4. It is natural to impart joy, and it is our duty to publish
good tidings to others. We should be willing to impart tem-
poral pleasures, that others may share with us ; and especially
spiritual pleasures; tell them our experience of God's goodness,
and the pleasures of religion; tell them our joys and hopes; and
say, O ta.Hle and see iJuit the Lord is gracious.
5. Let us learn, as the chief lesson, the fatal consequence of un-
belief. This nobleman thought himself very witty upon the prophef ;
but he was trodden down as mire in the streets. His greatness, and
rank, and the king's favour, were no security to him. Thus men of
unbelieving hearts, by despising the word of the Lord, dishonour
and displease him ; deprive themselves of good, and are wretched
at last. They shall view eternal life at a distance; shall see others
partake of it, while they miss of it, and are trodden down to hell.
II. KINGS. VIII. 405
Thus the rich man lifted up his eyes in torments, seeing Abraham
afar offhand Lazartis in his bosom. They may see, but shall never
taste, the heavenly banquet. This will probably be the case of
the free-thinkers of our day ; who treat the gospel as a cunningly
devised fable. They despise the prophets of the Lord, and
harden their hearts against the God of heaven ; and thus judge
themselves umuorthy of eternal life. Let us humbly submit to
the authority of God, and heartily receive his whole will without
cavilling or disputing. Take heed, brethren, lest there be found in
any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living
God.
CHAPTER VIII.
Elisha, from a principle of gratitude, here advises his good friend llie
Shunaramite to leave the country, on account of the seven years of
famine which were coming upon it ; upon her return her land is re-
stored to her ; Ben-hadad's death, who is succeeded by llazacl ; and
* Jehorara's wicked reign.
1 IHEN spake Elisha unto the woman, whose son he had
restored to life, saying. Arise, and go thou and thine house-
hold, and sojourn wheresoever thou canst sojourn ; for the
Lord hath called for a famine; and it shall also come upon
the land seven years. As former calamities and deliverances
had made little impression, a longer and heavier famine is
brought upon them. 2 And the woman arose, and did after the
saying of the man of God : and she went with her household, and
sojourned in the land of the Philistines seven years. There teas
plenty, and though the enemies of God and Israel, yet they allowed
them to live quietly among them. 3 And it came to pass at the
seven years' end, that the woman returned out of the land of the
Philistines : and she went forth to cry unto the king for her house
and for her land*. 4 And the king talked with Gehazi the ser-
vant of the man of God, saying, Tell me, I pray thee, all the great
things that Elisha hath done. It was lauful to talk tcith a leper at
* Upon leaving the country, lier land was seized by some near relation, or con-
fiscated. There was a strange alteration from what she was before, when she said,
/ dwell among viy own people.
406 II. KINGS. VIII.
a distance ; and the king's great curiosity made him not very nice
on this occasion. 5 And it came to pass, as he was telling the
king how he had restored a dead body to Hfe, that, behold, the
woman, whose son he had restored to life, cried to the king for
her house and for her land. And Gehazi said, My lord, O king,
this [is] the woman, and this [is] her son, whom Elisha restored
to life. 6 And when the king asked the woman, she told him;
she confirmed what Gehazi had said, and perhaps added some cir-
cumstances to it. So the king appointed nnto her a certain officer,
saying. Restore all that [was] her's, and all the fruits of the lield
since the day that she left the land even till now. He ordered the
land to be restored, zcith an equivalent for all the profit made of it
since she left it.
7 And Elisha came to Damascus, al the beginning nf the fa-
mine: and Ben-hadad the king of Syria was sick; and it was told
him, saying. The man of God is come hither. The fame of what
he had done for Naamaft gave the king a great opinion ofhispozver
zcith God; 8 And the king said unto Hazael, Take a present in
thine hand, and go, meet the man of God, and inquire of the
Lord by him, saying. Shall I recover of this disease.'' 9 So
Hazael went to meet him, as he came into the city, and took a
present with him, even of every good thing of Damascus, forty
camels' burden, and came and stood before him *, and said. Thy
son Ben-hadad king of Syria hath sent me to thee, saying, Shall
I recover of this disease ? 10 And Elisha said unto him. Go, say
unto him. Thou mayest certainly recover, there is )iothing in thi/
disease that is niorlal: howbeit the Lord hath showed me that he
shall surely die by sotne other means. 1 1 And he settled his coun-
tenance steadfastly, until he, Hazael, was quite ashamed and put
out of countenance; perhaps imagining that the prophet suspected
something very evil in him: and the man of God weptf. 12 And
Hazael said. Why wecpeth my lord.'' And he answered. Because
I know the evil that thou wilt do unto the children of Israel : their
strong holds wilt thou set on fire, and their young men wilt thou
slay with the sword, and wilt dash their children, and rip up their
women with child, which was the highest degree of barbarous
cruelty. 13 And Hazael said, But what, [is] thy servant a dog,
* This socms to linvc been only a present of food, which at that time would
be very acceptable. It is probable he had some of the sons of tlie prophets witij
him.
t Mr. Addison takes notice of this, as a beautiful instance of love to his coun-
try, that calamities coming upon it, probably after his time, should afflict him so
uiuch.
II. KINGS. VIII. 407
that he should do this great thuig*? And Elisha answered, The
Lord hath showed me that thou [shalt be] kmg over Syria ; and
when thou hast pozoer, thou wilt discover thy hloody disposition
and hatred to Israel, though others see no prohahiUty of it, and
thou thinkest thyself not capable of such wickedness. 14 So he de-
parted from Elisha, and came to his master; who said to him,
What said Elisha to thee ? And he answered, He told me [that]
thou shouldst surely recover. He said this to keep up the king's
spirits, and prevent his suspecting any evil design. 15 And it came
to pass on the morrow, that he took a thick cloth, and dipped [it]
in water, sind spread [it] on his face, so that he died : and Hazael
reigned in his stead. His great desire to reign would not suffer
him to u-aitfor his master's death; but he despatched him the next
morning 'h
16 And in the fifth year of Joram the son of Ahab king of Is-
rael, Jehoshaphat [being] then king of Judah, Jehoram the son
of Jehoshaphat king of Judah began to reign :{:. 17 Thirty
and two years old w as he when he began to reign ; and he reigned
eight years in Jerusalem. 18 And he walked in the way of the
kings of Israel, as did the house of Ahab: for the daughter of
Ahab was his wife: and he did evil in the sight of the Lord.
19 Yet the Lord would not destroy Judah, for David his ser-
vant's sake, as he promised him to give him alway a light, [and]
to his children.
20 In his days Edom revolted from under the hand of Judah,
and made a king over themselves. 21 So Joram went over to
Zair, and alf the chariots with him : and he rose by night, and
smote the Edomites which compassed him about, and the cap-
tains of the chariots : and the people fled into their tents. 22 Yet
Edom revolted from under the hand of Judah unto this day. Then
Libnah revolted at the same time, according to Isaac's prophecy,
Gen. xxvii. 40.
23 And the rest of the acts of Joram, and all that he did, [are]
they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of
•* Some understand this, as if he had said, I am so inconsiderable a creature,
that it is not hkely I should have power to do it. But it is ratlier an expression of
great abhorrence of such inhumanity and cruelty.
f Josephus says, the kinj^ complained of heat, and that Hazael, under pretence
of cooling his face, stifled him. Thus he made no noise, there was uu si^ns of
violence, and Hazael was not suspected of the murder; upon which lie was cho-
sen king, being in great favour with the people and the soldiei-s. How he behaved,
we shall read of hereafter,
t For a larger account of Jehoram's wicked reign, see 2 Chron. chap, xxi., which
should be read next.
408 II. KINGS. VIII.
Judah ? 24 And Jorani slept with his fathers, and was buried
Avith his fathers in the city of David, and Ahaziah his son reigned
iu his stead.
2.5 In the twelfth year of Jorani the son of Ahab king of Is-
rael did Ahaziah the son of Jehoram king of Judali begin to reign.
26 Two and twenty years old [was] Ahaziah when he began to
reign; and he reigned one year in Jerusalem. And his mother's
name [was] Athaliah, the daughter of Omri king of Israel.
27 And he walked in the way of the house of Ahab, and did evil
in the sight of the Lord, as [did] the house of Ahab : for he [was]
the son in law of the house of Ahab.
28 And he went with Joram the son of Ahab to the war against
Hazael king of Syria in Ramoth-gilead ; and the Syrians wounded
Joram. 29 And king Joram went back to be healed in Jezreel
of the wounds which the Syrians had given him at Ramah, when
he fought against Hazael king of Syria. And Ahaziah the son of
Jehoram king of Judah went down to see Joram the son of Ahab
in Jezreel, because he was sick.
REFLECTIONS. /
1. OBSERvii another instance of the power of God over uni-
versal nature, and the awfulness of his judgments. That is a re-
markable phrase, in v. 1.,for the Lord hath called for a famine.
So in Psalm cv. 16., Moreover he calledfor afatniue on the land;
he brake the zdiole staff of bread. All calamities are from God,
and come at his call, where and when he bids them, and he ap-
points how long they shall continue. Let us regard his hand in
all our calamities and deliverances. They who despise or over-
look it, may expect greater and heavier afflictions.
2. Learn how much of the providence of God is to be seen in
apparently little contingencies : the Shunammite came in just as
Gehazi was telling her story. Those who observe the dealings of
God have often seen such things. His wisdom and coodness have
timed certain events, so as to make them peculiarly remarkable,
and in their consequences peculiarly comfortable and happy. In
the mount (fdilJicully the Lord is seen. Psalm cvii. 43. Jl'hoso is
wise, and will observe these things, even thetj shall understand the
loving-kindness of (he Lord.
3. See how afflictions especially those of sickness, change
men's minds. When Ben-hadad was sick, Rimmon was nothing ;
II. KINGS. IX. 409
he then wanted the help of a prophet; of that same prophet he
had sent a detachment to seize and intended to destroy. He now
reverences him as a father, and sends him a present. Afflictions
show men the vanity of their idols, their riches, and pleasures.
Then they will seek God early, have other thoughts of his minis-
ters, and value the counsels and prayers of those whom before they
despised. Many have reason to say, before I was ajfiicted, I went
astray, but since I have kept thy law.
4. How much may men be mistaken in themselves. They do
not know how a change of circumstances may alter their temper
and conduct. Hazael expressed great abhorrence at the evil which
Elisha prophesied he would do to Israel ; but he afterwards did
as the prophet had said. Thus men are often shocked at the
thoughts of committing some sins, which they afterwards commit
with greediness. They think themselves sufficiently armed against
temptation, but they know not their own hearts. Let us learn to
watch narrowly the workings of the heart ; especially to guard
against pride, ambition, and the love of pre-eminence, which fre-
quently leads men to commit the worst wickedness to accomplish
their ends. Let those who are poor and low, be content, and not
desirous of great things. They know not w hat a snare and mis-
chief prosperity may prove to them, and what injury riches and
honours may do them. These things change men's manners, ge-
nerally for the worse ; which is a considerable reason why we
sliould have our conversation zcithout covetonsness, and learn in what-
soever state we are therewith to be content.
CHAPTER IX.
Jehu, being anointed king by a young prophet, is commanded to de-
stroy the house of Ahab ; the execution of his commission in the
destruction of Joram, Ahaziah, and Jezebel.
1 And Elisha the prophet called one of the children of the
prophets, and said unto him. Gird up thy loins, and take this
box of oil in thine hand, and goto Ramoth-gilead* : 2 And he
* Elijah was ordered to anoint Jehu for the destniction of Ahab's family, see
1 Kings xix. IG. ; but Ahab's humiliation had respited the execution. Elisha was
now old, and too well kuowa to execute the commission himself, which required
410 II. KINGS. IX.
said to him, When thou cornest thither, look out there Jehu, zc/io
is commander in chief, the son of Jehoshaphat the son of Nimshi,
and go in, and make him arise up from among his brethren, the
other officers, and carry him to an inner chamber ; 3 Then take
the box of oil, and pour [it] on his head, and say, Thus saith the
Lord, I have anointed thee king over Israel*. Then open the
door and tlee, and tarry not, lest thou shou/dst be taken iipfor a
traitor.
4 So the young man, [even] the young man the prophet, with
great faith and courage, went to Ramoth-gilead. 5 And when
he came, behold, the captains of the host [vv^ere] sitting in
council together ; this ivas a proper season, as it might ajfect them
all, and dispose them to folloivJehu : and he said, I have an errand
to thee, O captain. And Jehu said, Unto which of all us And
he said. To thee, O captain. 6 And he arose, and went into the
house; and he poured the oil on his head, and said unto him.
Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, I have anointed thee king
over the people of the Lord, [even] over Israelf. 7 And thou
shalt smite the house of Ahab thy master, that I may avenge the
blood of my servants the prophets, and the blood of all the ser-
vants of the Loud, at the hand of Jezebel. For the whole
house of Ahab shall perish : and I will cut off from Ahab him
that pisseth against the wall, every male, and him that is shut up
and left in Israel : 9 And I will make the house of Ahab like
the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and like the house of
Baasha the son of Ahijah : 10 And the dogs shall eat Jezebel in
the portion of Jezreel, that piece of ground tchere Naboth's vine-
yard teas, and [there shall be] none to bury [her.] And he opened
the door, and fled. Thus he repeated zchat Elijah hud foretold
concerning the destruction of this famili/, 1 Kings x.xi. 21, S)C.
11 Then Jehu came forth to the servants of his lord: and
[one] said unto him, [Is] all well? wherefore came this mad
[fellow]}:] to thee. "^ And he said unto them. Ye know the man,
secrecy ; he therefore sent one of the students of the college to Ramoth-gilead,
which the Israelites had taken, and which was now kept by the army.
• In extraordinary cases, as when the succession was removed, tlie kings
were anointed. IJy this visible sign Jelui might be the more confirmed in the
truth of tiiat message that was brought to him, i Kings xix. i6. He was the only
king of Israel that was anointed after the division of tlie ten tribes.
t God did not disown Israel though they were so wicked, but still acted as
their knig, and appointeti them kings or viceroys whom he pleased.
t So the idolaters called the projiliets. There was something in their drt*ss
and manner of living that was nncounnon; and his flying with precipitation, and
some marks of displeasure, might lead them to use this language.
II. KINGS. IX. 411
and his communication; ijou must know hy\hh garb and zcay of
speaking that he was a prophet, and had some important message
to me, either of advice or reproof; and therefore wave all fur-
ther inquire/ for the present. 12 And they said, [It is] false,
there was no private message, it was something of a public nature,
and therefore thet/ were the more solicitous to knozo, saying, Tell us
now. And he said, Thus and thus spake he to me, saying, Thus
saith the Lord, I have anointed thee king over Israel*. 13 Then
they hasted, and took every man his garment, and put [it] under
him on the top of the stairs, and blew with trumpets, saying,
Jehu is king. 14 So Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat the son of
Nimshi, xoith the rest of the captains, conspired against Joram.
(Now Joram had kept Kamoth-gilead, he and all Israel, because
of Hazael king of Syria ; he had taken it, and kept his army
there lest Hazael should attempt to recover it. 15 But king Joram
was returned to be healed in Jezreel of the wounds which the
Syrians had given him, when he fought with Hazael king of Syria.)
And Jehu said, If it be your minds, [then] let none go forth [nor]
escape out of the city to go to tell [it] in Jezreel ; he wisely compli-
mented them by doing nothing without their advice ; but as secrecy
and speed ivere necessary in this business, he advises that none
should be suffered to carry intelligence to Joram.
16 So Jehu rode in a chariot, and went to Jezreel ; for Joram
lay there. And Ahaziah king of Judah was come down to see
Joram. 17 And there stood a watchman on the tower in Jezreel,
and he spied the company of Jehu as he came, and said, I see a
company, a troop of horse coming. And Joram said, Take an
horseman, and send to meet them, and let them say, [Is it] peace?
what news from the Syrians '^ is all well at Ramoth V 18 So there
went one on horseback to meet him, and said. Thus saith the
king, [Is it] peace ? And Jehu said, What hast thou to do with
peace i turn thee behind me ; thus he prevented his carrying any
message to the city. And the watchman told, saying, The mes-
senger came to them, but he cometh not again. 19 Then he sent
out a second on horseback, which came to them, and said, Thus
saith the king, [Is it] peace? And Jehu answered, What hast
thou to do with peace? turn thee behind me. 20 And the watch-
* The spirit of courage came upon Jehu when he was anointed, and he told
them the niessatje, and probably showed them the oil that was poured upon him.
Upon this God remarkably influenced their hearts, so that immediately they raised
him on an eminence like a throne, and put their garments under him, both to
raise him and in token of suhjectioa to him ; a custom used afterwards among tUe
Greeks aud Romans.
412 II. KINGS. IX.
man told, saying, He came even unto them, and conielh not
again : and the driving [is] like the driving of Jehu the son of
Nimshi ; for he driveth furiously, for which Jehu was noted.
2 1 And Joram, finding he zcould deliver an account to none but
himself, resolved to go to him; and he said, Make ready. And
his chariot was made ready. And Joram king of Israel and
Ahaziah king of Judah went out, each in his chariot, and they
went out against Jehu, and met him in the portion of Nabolh the
Jezreelite, in part of Naboth's vineyard; a remarkable providence ;
enough to make Joram tremble, and Jehu triumph. 22 And it came
to pass, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, [Is it] peace, Jeliu?
And he answered, \V hat peace, so long as the whoredoms of thy
mother Jezebel, the spiritual aiul corporeal adulteries with which
their idolatry was attended, and her witchcrafts [are so] many?
her methods of deceit, in which he joined her, and both tolerated
and countenanced them. 2.'3 And Joram turned his hands, the hands
of him who drove the chariot, to return to the city, and fled, and
said to Ahaziah, [There is] treachery, O Ahaziah. 24 And Jehu
drew a bow with his full strength, and smote Jehoram between
his arms, as he fed from him, and the arrow went out at his
heart, and he sunk down in his chariot. 25 Then said [Jehu] to
Bidkar his captain. Take up, [and] cast him in the portion of the
field of Naboth the Jezreelite : for remember how that, when I
and thou rode together after Ahab his father, when we attended
Ahab ill state to take possession of this vineyard, the Lord laid
this burden upon him ; threatened him with this punishment by the
prophet Elijah. 2G Surely, I have seen yesterday the blood of
Naboth, and the blood of his sons, who were slain to prevent their
making any claim to it, saith the Lord ; and I will requite thee
in this plat, saith the Loud. Now therefore take [and] cast him
into the plat [of ground,] according to the word of the Lord;
and he was accordingly throzcn there ivithout any kind of burial.
27 But when Ahaziah the king of Judah saw [this,] he fled by
the way of the garden house. And Jehu followed after him, and
said. Smite him also in the chariot. [And they did so] at the
going up to Gur, which [is] by Iblcam*. And he fled to Me-
giddo in Samaria, and died there ; he fed to Megiddo, from
thence he was brought to Jehu at Jezreel, and by his sentence was
slain, 2 Chron. x.xii. 9. 28 And his servants carried him in a
chariot to Jerusalem, and buried him in his sepulchre with his
* J dm had no charge to destroy him ; but as he was joined in affinity and
iniquity with the house of Ahab, he thought he was included.
II. KINGS. IX. 413
fathers in the city of David, because he was the grandson of good
Jehoshaphat, see 2 Chron. xxii. 9' 29 And in the eleventh year
of Jorain the son of Ahab began Ahaziah to reign over Judah.
30 And when Jehu was come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard [of it;]
and instead of clothing herself in sackcloth, and praying for
mercy, she painted her wrinkled face, and tired her head, and
looked out at a window, resolving to keep up her dignity and
state; thinking perhaps that her sex would secure her, and her
■majesty daunt him. 31 And as Jehu entered in at the gate, she
said to him, [Had] Zimri peace, who slew his master Baasha ?
1 Kings xvi. 18 *. 32 And he lifted up his face to the window,
and said. Who [is] on my side ? who? And there looked out to
him two [or] three eunuchs, who rcere chamberlains or pages.
3S And he said, Throw her down. So they threw her down, to
gratify their revenge on their haughty mistress, or to gain favour
with Jehu ; and [some] of her blood was sprinkled on the wall,
and on the horses : and he trode her under foot. 34 And when
he was come in, he did eat and drink, and said. Go, see now this
cursed [woman,] and bury her: for she [is] a king's daughter; the
daughter of the king of Sidun, 1 Kings xvi. 31. 35 And they
went to bury her : but they found no more of her than the scull,
and the feet, and the palms of her hands. She rcas so ill beloved
that nobody had taken care of her carcass, and the dogs had eaten
all the rest ; 36 Wherefore they came again and told him. And
he said. This [is] the word of the Lord, which he spake by his
servant Elijah the Tishbite, saying. In the portion of Jezreel shall
dogs eat the Hesh of Jezebel ; he then recollected the words of
Elijah, in 1 Kings xxi. 23. 37 And the carcass of Jezebel shall
be as dung upon the face of the field in the portion of Jezreel f ;
[so] that they shall not say. This [is] Jezebel ; there was no monu-
ment ^ no children, nothing to keep up her memory. It was a great
aggravation of the sins of Jehu afterwards, that he entered on his
reign with an opportunity of remarking the variety of God's
threatenings, and the terror of his vengeance against idolatry ,• yet
he followed the sins of Jeroboam, though God had mentioned that
prince, ver. 9-, as a most miserable and inj'amous person.
* Zimri, when he was besieged by Omii, burned liiniself and tlie house. But the
case was not parallel. Ziuiri did it out of ambition, Jehu by the divine com*
mand.
t Perhaps there is a reference here to tlie name of Jezebel, which signifies as
dung.
411 IL KINGS. IX.
REFLECTIONS.
1. Observe again how God disposes of kingdoms and hearts
as he pleases. He gave the kingdom to Jehu ; united the hearts
of captains and soldiers to him, without envy or any opposition.
He raiseth up and putteth down princes, and influenceth the
spirits of men to bring about his own purposes. Let us reve-
rence him, tcho doeth as he pleaseth among the armies of heaven
and the inhabitants of the earth.
2. It becomes us to use despatch, and show intrepid resolution
in the execution of the divine commands. This young prophet
took a long and hazardous journey to execute the divine com-
mission intrusted to him. We have now no such extraordinary
authority ; but whatever we know to be the will of God, should
be despatched with steady resolution and purpose of heart.
Fear not; have not 1 commaJided thee? is sufficient to gain all
the vigour and activity of our souls.
3. We learn that the blood of God's servants and prophets is
precious in his sight, and that he will avenge it. Ahab's house
was notoriously wicked in many instances; but this great iniquity
tilled up the measure of it, as mentioned, v. ?., And thou shalt
smite the house of Ahab thy master, that I may avenge the blood
of my servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of the
Lord, at the hand <f Jezebel. When the Lord cometh to punish
the inhabitants of the world, he zcill make inquisition for blood ;
and those who have made themselves drunk with the blood of the
saints, shall have a cup of trembling put into their hands, and meet
with awful tokens of the divine displeasure.
4. It is not uncommon for the best of men to be accounted
mad. So the prophets were treated; so was Christ himself, and
John the Baptist, as a poor, melancholy man. This is often the
case, and none who are acquainted with the wisdom of this world
will think it strange. But if we are beside ourselves, it is to God;
and the reproach of the wicked is not worth regarding. Thei/
think it strange that we run not with them to the same excess of
riot, and reproach us for it. .So treated they the prophets.
5. We Itarn that the way of sin can never be the way of peace.
l\hul hast thou to do with peace? says Jehu, r. 1<J. They think
to fn\(l peace and safely in their evil v.ay, but what peace can
II. KINGS. X. 4.15
there be, while God is dishonoured and affronted, and religion
neglected? What peace with him, or with conscience; what
peace in life or death, for those who obey not God, and fight
against conscience? Men may amuse themselves with hope, and
trust to a false peace; but ihere is vo peace, saith God, to the
wicked.
6. The Lord is kiioion hij the judgments which, he executeth.
This remarkable series of awful events, was fultilling the word
of the Lord delivered many years before. iVo^ one word of his
shall fall to the ground. Ahaziah was a partaker in the sin, and
for that reason a partaker of the plague; the threatenings which
seemed to be forgotten, were all accomplished, even to the very
circumstance of place, at Jezreel, and in Naboth's vineyard, and
in the dogs destroying Jezebel. God will have a time of reckon-
ing with sinners, though they may flourish long in their iniquities.
The miserable end of Jezebel is very affecting and instructive.
In the midst of ever so much pride, cruelty, and idolatry, sinners,
can never out-face or out-brave tlie judgments of God. Thus
will the enemies of God perish. Thus shall Rome, that spiritual
Jezebel, that mother of harlots, and abomination of the earth, be
destroyed. The execution of these threatenings in the instances
before us, confirm our faith in that great event which revelation
declares ; for strong and righteous is the Lord who judgeth her.
CHAPTER X.
An account of the execution done upon Ahab's family and the worship-
pers of Baal ; with Jehu's character and reign.
1 A.ND Ahab had seventy sons in Samaria, grandsons or
nephews, icho amidst the coif usion fled to Samaria for safety. And
Jehu wrote letters, and sent to Samaria, unto the rulers of Jezreel,
to the elders, and to them that brought up Ahab's [children,]
to tlie chief persons and officers of the court, ivho had the care of the
royal family and had fed with them for their greater security,
saying, 2 Now as soon as this letter cometh to you, seeing your
master's sons [are] with you, and [there are] with you chariots
and horses, a fenced city also, and armour; 3 Look even out the
best and meetest of your master's sons, and set [him] on his
416 11. KINGS. X.
father's throne, and fight for your master's house*. 4 But they
were exceedingly afraid, and said. Behold, two kings stood not
before him: how then shall we stand? 5 And he that [was]
over the house, and he that [was] over the city, the elders also,
and the bringers up [of the children,] sent to Jehu, saying, We
[are] thy servants, and will do all that thou shalt bid us ; we will
not make any king : do thou [that which is] good in thine eyes.
This was a cowardly surrender ; determining to submit at pleasure^
and do as he would have them. 6 Then he wrote a letter the
second time to them, saying. If ye [be] mine, and [if] ye will
hearken unto my voice, take ye the heads of the men your
master's sons, and come to me to Jezreel by to-morrow this
time. Now the king's sons, [being] seventy persons, [were]
with the great men of the city, which brought them up. 7 And
it came to pass, when the letter came to them, that they instantly
obei/ed the order's, and took the king's sons, and slew seventy
persons, and put their heads in baskets, and sent him [them] to
Jezreel. 8 And there came a messenger, and told him, saying,
They have brought the heads of the king's sons. And, it being
late at night, he said. Lay ye them in two heaps at the entering
in of the gate until the morning. 9 And it came to pass in the
morning, that he went out, and stood, and said to all the people,
zcho were met together to view this strange spectacle, and to be wit-
nesses of the dreadful judgment of God upon Ahab's house, because
of their idolatry and cruelty, Ye [be] righteous, ye have had no
hand in this, and therefore you need not fear any mischief: behold,
1 conspired against my master, and slew him : but who slew all
these t other hands have slain these young men ; yet it is done in
obedience to the divine command, and is the execution of the divine
sentence. 10 Know now that there shall fall unto the earth no-
thing of the word of the Lord, which the Lord spake concern-
ing the house of Ahab : for the Lord hath done [that] which he
spake by his servant Elijah. 1 1 So Jehu slew all that remained
of the house of Ahab in Jezreel, and all his great men, and his
kinsfolks, and his priests, until lie left him none remaining in Jez-
reel; but there was some still in Samaria, see ver. 17 t.
12 And, having finislied his work in Jezreel, he arose and de-
parted, and came to Samaria. 13 [And] as he [was] at the
" Perhaps Jeliu knew they were consulting about a successor ; and sent them
tliis ironical message, or lontcniptuous defiance, not doubting but he was able lo
deal with the greatest of them.
t Probably some of these were the very persons who executed Naboth by
Joebcl's orders ; and thus their evil doings came upon their own heads.
II. KINGS. X. 417
shearing house in the way, 13 Jehu met with the brethren of Aha-
ziah king of Judah, and said, AVho [are] ye? And they an-
swered, We [are] the brethren of Ahaziah, his nephews, as we
read 2 Chron. xxii. 8., and we go down to salute the children of
the king, and the children of the queen; knozcing nothino- ofuhat
had happened thei/ came to attend their uncle hack, arid pay their
respects to the royal family, to which they ivere related. 14 And
he said, Take them alive. And they took them alive, and slew
them at the pit of the shearing house, [even] two and forty men ;
neither left he any of them.
15 And when he was departed thence, he lighted on Jeho-
nadab the son of Rechab [coming] to meet him * : and he saluted
him, and said unto him. Is thine heart right, as my heart [is] with
thy heart? dost thou as sincerely love me and approve of my ac-
tions, as I love and respect thee? And Jehonadab answered. It is.
If it be, give [me] thine hand /;/ token of thy ajfection. And he
gave [him] his hand ; and he took him up to him into the chariot.
16 And he said. Come with me, and see my zeal for the Lokd ;
my zeal for his honour, and desire to fulfil his commands. So they
made him ride in his chariot. 17 And when he came to Samaria,
he slew all that remained unto Ahab in Samaria, till he had
destroyed him, according to the saying of the Lord, which he
spake to Elijah. 18 And Jehu gathered all the people together,
and said unto them, Ahab served Baal a little ; [but] Jehu shall
serve him much ; he pretended his quarrel was not icith Baal, but
with j^hab's family. 19 Now therefore call unto me all the pro-
phets of Baal, all his servants, and all his priests ; let none be
wanting: for 1 have a great sacrifice [to do] to Baal; whosoever
shall be wanting, he shall not live ; he thought that, considering
the destruction of Allah's family, they might be afraid to come,
and therefore threatens them. But Jehu did [it] in subtilty, to the
intent that he might destroy the worshippers of Baal; but zchat-
eier his intention tvas, it was a zcicked arlifce thai he made use of.
20 And Jehu said. Proclaim a solemn assembly for Baal. And
they proclaimed [it.] 21 And Jehu sent through all Israel: and
* He was a person of great piety ami eiDineiice in Israel ; a Kenite, ami a
descemlani of Jetliro. He imposed upon lirs sons an austere life, that they should
drink DO wine, nor live in cities, (see .lor. xxxv. 6 — 8.), but be she|)herds in the
country, lest they should be corrupted iu those luxurious and idolatrous times.
This pious and eminent person, hearinu; what Jehu had done in obedience to God'*
commands, came to congratulate him, and encourage him to extirpate idolatry.
Jehu thinking- a person of his character and reputation would add weight and
acceptance to what he was doinst, especially among the pious Israelites, addressed
him in the nuist friendly manner.
VOL. III. s E
M8 II. KINGS. X.
all the worshippers of Baal came, so that there was not a man
left that came not. And they came into the house of Baal; and
the house of Baal was full from one end to another, includifig the
court, Tchich might hold a great immber. ' 22 And he said unto
him that [was] over the vestry, Bring forth vestments for all the
worshippers of Baal. 23 And he brought them forth vestments*.
23 And Jehu went, and Jehonadab the son of Rechab, into the
house of Baal, and said unto the worshippers of liaal. Search,
and look that there be here with you none of the servants of the
Lord, but the worshippers of Baal only, lest the sacrifice shoiild
he profaned hi/ others. 24 And when they went in to offer sacri-
fices, and burnt offerings, Jehu appointed fourscore men without,
and said, [[(] any of the men whom I have brought into your
hands escape, [he that letteth him go,] his life [shall be] for the
life of him. 25 And it came to pass, as soon as he had made an
end of offering the burnt offering, that Jehu said to the guard and
to the captains. Go in, [and] slay them; let none come forth.
And they smote them with the edge of the sword ; and the guard
and the captains cast [them] out, and went to the city of the
house of Baal, a place where the prophets and priests of Baal
lived; the buildings of which were numerous, and it was a kind of
city. 26 And they brought forth the images out of the house of
Baal, and burned them. 27 And they brake down the image of
Baal, and brake down the house of Baal, and made it a draught
house, or common sczcer, unto this day. 28 Thus Jehu destroyed
Baal out of Israel ; so that he was never zcorshipped there any
more. The work was good, hut the manner of conducting it was
wrong and scandalous.
29 Howbeit [from] the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebai,
who made Israel to sin, Jehu departed not from after them, [to wit,]
the golden calves that [were] in Beth-el, and that [were] in Dan ;
he worshipped those, lest the people should return to Jerusalem.
30 And the Lord said unto Jehu, by some prophet, Because thou
hast done well in executing [that which is] right in mine eves,
[and] hast done unto the house of Ahab according to all that
[was] in mine heart, thy children of tlie fourth [generation] shall
sit on the t\irone of Israel. Thus God was pleased to reward his
jtfirtial obediNice. Dl But Jehu took no heed to walk in the law
* riu'sr wore badges of distiiiotion, or ratlier, as Costard supposes, little touts,
ill wliioli llioy liad infamous commerce witli women, who prostituted themselves
iu honour of IJaal. Hence we m> often read of whoredoms when idolatry is
nienliiiueil.
II. KINGS. X. 419
of the Lord God of Israel with all his heart : for he departed not
from the sins of Jeroboam, which made Israel to sin; his policy
got the better of his religion.
32 111 those days the Lord began to cut Israel short: and
Hazael smote them in all the coasts of Israel ; 33 From Jordan
eastward, all the land of Gilead, the Gadites, and the Reubenites,
and the Manassites, from Aroer, which [is] by the river Arnon,
even Gilead and Bashan*.
34 Now the rest of the acts of Jehu, and all that he did, and
all his might, [are] they not written in the book of the chronicles
of the kings of Israel ? 35 And Jehu slept with his fathers : and
they buried him in Samaria. And Jehoahaz his son reigned in
his stead. 36 And the time that Jehu reigned over Israel in
Samaria [was] twenty and eight years.
REFLECTIONS.
1. Observe how soon the most numerous families maybe
made desolate by the judgments of God. The royal house of
David was large, and seemingly in no danger of wanting suc-
cessors ; but it is here said all were cut off. Children are an he-
ritage of the Lord. Psalm cxxvii. 3. Parents should rejoice over
them with trembling ; be careful to instruct them ; and entail the
best blessings upon them. Sin soon cuts off families; but the
Just man walketh in his integrity, and is preserved.
2. We learn how suddenly death may overtake those who think
themselves most secure, as in the instances of Ahab's grandsons,
Ahaziah's nephews, and Baal's worshippers ; none of whom ap-
prehended any danger. God gives no such commissions now,
but the lives of men are not secure from fraud and cruelty. We
should always consider life as uncertain, and be always ready.
In the midst of life tee are in death. It is too great a venture to
go abroad at any time Nvithout the soul prepared for heaven.
3. Let us adore the justice of God, in taking off these idola-
trous sinners in the very act of sin. The vilest idolatry and all
sorts of lewdness and unnatural lusts were practised in those rites,
such as corrupt every good principle and affection; and diis pre-
* Hazael took the frontier towns, and all the land beyond Jordan, and com-
mitted terrible ravages, agreeably to wliat Eiisha had foretold, and for which
Hazael was threatened in Amos i. 3, 4. Jehu had no success a^inst him, becaase
his heart was not right with God. Nevertheless he reigned longer than any of
the kings of Isi-ael had done before him.
2 E 2
120 II. KINGS. X.
vailed so generally, that only seven thousand men were found in
all Israel who had not bowed the knee to Baal. It was righteous
in God, worthy his character as the moral governor of the world,
and necessary for the peace and happniess of the connnunity,
that such evil should be remedied. And how ? there was no way
but by a thorough execution.
4. The great lesson to be learned is, to guard against partial
obedience and subjection to God. Jehu's zeal had many faults,
an<l much fraud and falsehood mingled with it. Zeal is good ; but
Coitw, .see niy teal, spoiled all. Upon the whole, it was neither
hearty nor universal ; he retained his favourite idolatry, and w or-
shipped the calves. Thus many perform some acts of religion,
while they neglect others ; part with some sins, but keep those
which are most gainful, most pleasing, or most secret. Let us-
see that our hearts be right, and take heed to walk in the law of
God with a perfect heart. Without care, we shall err, and turn
aside from the holy commandment. May we therefore walk
circumspectly in all the statutes and ordinances of the Lord
blameless.
5. If God rewards partial obedience, how much more will he
approve that which is universal, v. 30. And the X,ord said unto
Jehu, Because thou hast done well in executing that which is right
in mine eyes, and hast done unto the house of Ahah according to all
that was in mine heart, thy children of the fourth generation shall
sit on the throne of Israel. God will not be wanting to any of
his creatures. He may reward some acts of obedience with tem-
poral prosperity ; though he will at last punish the hypocrite.
But when the heart is right, and obedience is entire and universal,
according to the tenor of the gospel, such shall have a glorious
and everlasting reward. In every respect God will show that he
is upright, and that there is no unrighteousness in him.
II. KINGS. XI. 421
CHAPTER XI.
An account of the wonderful preservation of Joush from Athaliah's
cruelty ; the method Jehoiada took to set him upon the throne ; the
death of the usurper; the establishment of Joash ; and the reformation
begun.
1 And when Athaliah, the mdozc of Joramking of Judah, the
daughter of Ahab, and the mother of Ahaziah, saw that her sou
was dead, that Jehu had slain her son and the royal family of
Israel, she formed the desperate resolution to revenge it on the
house of David, and she arose and destroyed all the seed royal,
J Oram' 9 children Inj another wife, all princes of the blood *. 2 But
Jehosheba, the daughter of king Joram by another wife, sister of
x\haziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from
among the king's sons [which were] slain ; they carried him off
zcounded, but not dead, though Athaliah concludedhim to be so ;
and they, Jehosheba and her husband Jehoiada the high priest, hid
him, [even] him and his nurse, in the bedchamber belonging to
the high priest, from Athaliah, so that he was not slain. 3 And he
was with her hid in the house of the Lord six years. And
Athaliah did reign over the land, and established idolatry again.
4 And the seventh year Jehoiada sent privately and fetched
the rulers over hundreds, with the captains and the guard, who
were well affected to the house of David, and friends to true re-
ligion, and brought them to him into the house of the Lord, and
made a covenant with them, and took an oath of fidelity and se-
crecy of them in the house of the Loud, and showed them the
king's son ■[. 5 And he commanded them, saying, This [is] the
thing that ye shall do ; A third part of you that enter in on the
sabbath shall even be keepers of the watch of the king's house J ;
«* She pcrliaps was afraid lest Jcliu should kill licr because she was of Aliab's
family ; and tlKTetore destroyed tlie royal family and attempted to get into the
throne. She had some sons of her own by anotlier husband, to whom she hoped
to leave the crown. 2 Chron. xxiv. 7.
t This must be a pleasing surprise to the good people of Israel, who tliought
the royal family was extinct; and the promise of God, that David should never
want a snccessor, had failed.
* For these purposes so many priests and Le\ iles were appointed weekly in ro-
tation ; a new course came on every sabbath day morning, and the old went out
on the sabbath day evening ; thciefore both attended the service of that solemn
day. One part was to jjuard Uie kiug's house, where he lived aud was educated.
422 II. KINGS. XI.
6 And a third part [shall be] at the gate of Sur, the east gate,
which opened toward the citij, that there might be no disturbance
from thence ; and a third part at the gate behind the guard, the
south gate which led to the pa/ace, and where a guard was kept : so
shall ye keep the watch of the house, that it be not broken down;
that none of Athaliah's guard should break in to surprise them.
7 And two parts of all you that go forth on the sabbath, who have
fnished your course and so have liberty to return home, even they
shall keep the watch of the house of the Loud about the king>
they rcere detained to be a guard about the king's persoti ; probaO/i/
a third part were let go to prevent suspicion. 8 And yc shall
compass the king round about, every man with his weapons in
his hand : and he that conieth within the ranges, either the rails
(f the temple, or the raiiks who were set to guard the king, let him
be slain : and be ye with the king as he goeth out and as he
toniclh in. 9 And the captains over the hundreds did according
to all [things] that Jehoiada the priest commanded : and they
took every man his men that w ere to come in on the sabbath, with
them that should go out on the sabbath, and came to Jehoiada
the priest ; they followed the high priest, and came without arms,
lest it should have raised a suspicion. 10 And to the captains over
hundreds did the priests give king David's spears and shields,
that [were] in the temple of the Loud ; the arms David had de-
dicated to God as a memorial, or spoils which he had taken; though
perhaps they were almost worn out, or were old fashioned, it would
give them spirit to use them, when undertaking the cause of the
house of' David. 1 1 And the guard stood every man with his
weapons in his hand, round about the king, from the right corner
of the temple to the left corner of the temple, [along] by the altar
and the temple. 1'2 And he brought forth the king's son, and
put the crown upon him, and [gave him] the testimony, or law of
(jod, which he was to read and study, and by the rules of which he
was to live and govern ; and they made him king, and anointed
him*; and they clapped their hands, and said, God save the
king.
13 And when Athaliah heard the noise of the guard [and] of
the people, she came to the people into the temple of ihe Loud.
It was carried on so secretly, that she knezo nothing of it till she
heard the shouting, and came in a fret to see what zcas the matter.
14 And when she looked, behold, the king stood by a pillar, as
* This wus (lone by Jehoiada and his sons, one of whom he allcrwards iingrate-
fiiHy slew, J Cliioii. wiii. li.
II. KINGS. XI. 423
the manner [was,] on the brasen scajjuld, which Solomon used at
the dedication, and on which the kings stood ivhen they were in-
augurated, and the princes and the trumpeters by the king, and
all the people of the land rejoiced, and blew with trumpets, and
praised God for restoring the royal family, 2 Chron. xxiii. 13.,
and Athaliah rent her clothes, and cried, Treason, Treason.
15 But Jehoiada the priest conunanded the captains of the hun-
dreds, the officers of the host, and said unto them, Have her forth
without the ranges, carry her out of the limits of the temple: and
him that foUoweth her kill with the sword; destroy her and all
zcho adhere to her. For the priest had said, Let her not be slain
in the house of the Lord. Hearing this, she fed in haste tozcards
the palace, through the stables. l6 And they laid hands on her;
and she went by the way by the which the horses came into the
king's house ; and there was she slain ; in a public place, and in
an ignominious manner, as her mother Jezebel was before.
17 And Jehoiada, ivho was regent during the king's minority,
took the first opportunity, now the people were pleased and thankful,
to promote the observation of the divine law ; and he made a cove-
nant between the Lord and the king and the people, that they
should be the Lord's people ; the king and the people entered into
a solemn covenant to keep the comma/idment of Jehovah, and to
root out idolatry ; and another covenant between the king also
and the people, in which he engaged to rule by the divine law, and
they to be dutiful subjects. 18 And all the people of the land
went into the house of Baal, and brake it down; his altars and
his images brake they in pieces thoroughly, and slew Mattan the
priest of Baal before the altars, where he had fed for refuge. And
the priest appointed officers over the house of the Lord, that no
unclean person should enter into it. 19 And he took the rulers
over hundreds, and the captains, and the guard, and all the people
of the land ; and they brought down the king from the house of
the Lord, and came by the way of the gate of the guard to the
king's house. And he sat on the throne of the kings. 20 And
all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was in quiet; they
rejoiced in what Jehoiada had done, and the happy prospect before
them ; and no one appeared in defence oj' the usurper, or gave the
new king any disturbance : and they slew Athaliah with the
sword [beside] the king's house. '21 Seven years old [was] Je-
hoash when he began to reign*.
* It will be propur to reuil iitxt the twiiity-tburtli chapter of the J Clifouiclct^.
424 II. KINGS. XI.
REFLECTIONS.
1. We see what dreadful work ambition makes in the world.
This wicked woman, to gratify her revenge, or rather her ambi-
tion, destroyed all the royal house of Israel she could meet with.
The calamity of families had no effect upon her. A love of
power, pre-eminence and dominion, opens a door to all manner of
wickedness. Where pride and ambition gain the ascendency,
nothing is thought too bad for men or women to be guilty of.
2. We learn what peculiar calamity and distress great families
are often subject to. It were better to have been descended from
the meanest tradesman or labourer in Israel, than to be of the
royal family. When we are ready to envy those who are in high
stations, we should remember they are set in slippery places.
There is more security, as well as more comfort, among people
in the middle stations of life.
3. We learn what a blessing one child, wisely married, may be
to a good family. It was rather strange that Joram should marry
his daughter to the high priest. But Providence ordered it so,
that he might save his family from utter destruction. The good
high priest and his son saved one, as a brand from the burning.
This circumstance should make parents solicitous that their chil-
dren may be allied to those who are wise and good ; from whom
they may expect help and assistance in such circumstances of
difticiiUy and danger, when others not thus allied may forsake
them, or their own near relations prove unnatural.
4. On how small a thread does the accomplishment of divine
promises sometimes depend. All (lod's declarations in favour of
the house of David depended on this one little child, a year old,
saved from the sword of his grandmother. The good people of
Israel thought the house of David was extinct. But 7io word of'
God shall Jail to the ground ; nor shall iiny scheme of men make
his promise of none effect.
o. From the joy the people expressed in this great revolution,
let us reflect what reason there is for joy and thankfulness when
Satan is deposed, and Christ is enthroned in the heart; when
^atan the usurper is put down, and the soul gives itself up to
Christ, and receives him as king ; when confusion and disorder
are changed for piety and peace. Oh glorious, happy change !
II. KINGS. XII. 425
Hosanmih to the Son of David! Olesscd he he that cometh in the
name of the Lord!
6. How wise and prudent is it to engage men to enter into a
soiemn covenant, when the heart is peculiarly impressed with the
goodness of God, as Jehoiada here did. J-*ublic reformation is
best promoted when the memory of deliverances is fresh, and
every heart is full of joy. Ministers and people should learn
hence when they see young men thoughtful and considerate, nar-
rowly escaped from danger and death, to remind them of their
obligations to be the Lord's, and to devote themselves to him.
Happy are those who have such wise, useful guides, as Jehoiada
was, if they are sensible of their happiness ; and happy are the
people who have joined themselves to the Lord in an everlasting
covenant, never to be forgotten.
CHAPTER XII.
An]accoiinl of tlic good reign of Jehoash during the days of Jclioiada; he
is afterwards slain by his servants.
1 In the seventh year of Jehu Jehoash began to reign; and
forty years reigned he in Jerusalem. And his mother's name
[was] Zibiahof Beer-sheba. 2 And Jehoash did [that which was]
right in th-e sight of the Lord all his days wherein Jehoiada the
priest instructed him. 3 But the high places were not taken
away : the people still sacrificed and buint incense in the high
places.
4 And Jehoash said to the priests, All the money of the de-
dicated things that is brought into the house of the Lord, [even]
the money of every one that passeth [the account,] the money
that every man is set at, [and] all the money that cometh into
any man's heart to bring into the house of the Loud, let the
priests take [it] to them, every man of his acquaintance : and let
them repair tire breaches of the house, wheresoever any breach
shall be found. 6 But it was [so, that] in the three and twentieth
year of king Jehoash the priests had not repaired the breaches of
the house. 7 Then king Jehoash called for Jehoiada the priest, and
the [other] priests, and said unto thcin. Why repair ye not the
breaches of the house ^ now therefore receive no [more] nionev
4.26 II. KINGS. XII.
of your acquaintance, but deliver it for the breaches of the house.
6 And the priests consented to receive no [more] money of the
people, neither to repair the breaches of the house. 9 Kut
Jehoiada the priest took a chest, and bored a hole in the lid of it,
and set it beside the altar, on the right side as one cometh mto
the house of the Loud: and the priests that kept the door put
therein all the money [that was] brought into the house of the
Lord. 10 And it was [so,] when they saw that [there was]
much money in the chest, that the king's scribe and the high
priest came up, and they put up in bags, and told the money
[that was] found in the house of the Lord. 11 And they gave
the money, being told, into the hands of them that did the work,
that luKJ the oversight of the house of the Lord : and they laid it
out to the carpenters and builders, that wrought upon the house
of the Lord, 12 And to masons, and hewers of stone, and to
buy limber and hewed stone to repair the breaches of the house of
the Lord; and for all that was laid out for the house to repair [it.]
I. '3 Ilowbcit there were not made for the house of the Lord bowls
of silver, sniift'ers, basons, trumpets, any vessels of gold, or ves-
sels of silver, of the money [that was] brought into the house of
the Lord : 14 But they gave that to the workmen, and repaired
therewith the house of the Lord. 15 Moreover they reckoned
not with the men, into whose hand they delivered the money to
be bestowed on workmen : for they dealt faithfully. l6 The
trespass money and sin money was not brought into the house of
the LoJtD : it was the priests'.
17 Then Hazael king of Syria went up, and fought against
Gath, and took it : and llazael set his face to go up to Jerusalem.
IS And JclioaNh king of Judah took all the hallowed things that
Jehoshaphat, and Jelioram, and Ahaziah, his fathers, kings of
Judah, had dedicated, and his own hallowed things, and all the
gold [that was] found in the treasures of the house of the Lokd,
and in the king's house, and sent [it] to Hazael king of Syria:
and lie went away from Jerusalem.
19 And the rest of the acts of Joash, and all that he did, [are]
they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of
Judah .^ '20 And his servants arose, and made a conspiracy, and
slew Joash in the house of Millo, which goeth down to Silla.
'21 For Jozachar the son of Shimeath, and Jehozabad the son of
Shonier, his sei vants, sinote him, and he died ; and they buried
him with his fathers in the city o\ David : and Amaziah his sou
iei"'ned in his stead.
II. KINGS. XIII. 427
CHAPTER XIII.
The icign of Jehoahaz and of his son Joash ; and the death of Elisha.
1 AN the three and twentieth year of Joash the son of Aha-
ziah king of Judah Jelioahaz the son of Jehn began to reign over
Lsrael in Samaria, [and reigned] seventeen years. 2 And he did
[that which was] evil in the sight of the Lord, and followed
the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which made Israel to
sin ; he departed not therefrom ; he was not reclaimed bi/ the ca-
lamities brought on him and his family.
3 And tiie anger of the Lokd was khidled against Israel, and
he delivered them into the hand of Hazael king of Syria, and
into the hand of Ben-hadad the son of Hazael all [their] days ;
rather, every dai/ ; he was continually doing it by their makin<r in-
cursions upon them, and frequent advantages gained against them.
4 And Jehoahaz besought the Loud, probably on some public
humiliaiion, and the Lord liearkened unto him, because of his
pious ancestors, ver. 23., for he saw the oppression of Israel, be-
cause the king of Syria oppressed them. 5 (And the Lord gave
Israel a saviour, the present king's son, (as zee read aftenvards),
so that they went out from under the hand of the Syrians : and
the children of Israel dwelt in their tents, as beforetime ; securely
and quietly in the country, as icell as in the fortijied cities. 6 Ne-
vertheless they departed not from the sins of the house of Jero-
boam, who made Israel sin, [but] walked therein ; neither their
miseries nor God's mercy had any ejfect upon them : and tiieir re-
mained the grove also which Ahab had planted in Samaria.)
7 Neither did he leave of the people to Jehoahaz but fifty horse-
men, and ten chariots, and ten thousand footmen ; he had very
few soldiers ; war and captivity had reduced them to so inconsider-
able a number ; for the king of Syria had destroyed them, and had
made them like the dust by threshing ; weak and contemptible, so
that they tcere unable to oppose him. It does not appear that there
was any defect of courage in the king ; but it was the righteous
judgment of God upon hint, because he was wicked.
8 Now the rest of the acts of Jehoahaz, and all that he did,
and his might, [are] they not written in the book of the chroni-
cles of the kings of Israel: 9 And Jehoahaz slept with his
fathers ; and thcv buried him in Samaria: and Joash his son reijrncd
in his stead.
428 II. KINGS. XIII.
10 In the thirty and scventli year of Joash king of Jndali
began Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz to reign over Israel in Sa-
maria, [and reigned] si.K teen } ears. 11 And he did [that which
Mas] evil in the sight of the Lord ; he departed not from all the
sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel sin : [but]
he walked therein. 12 And the rest of the acts of Joash, and
all that he did, and his might wherewith he fought against Ama-
ziah king of Judali, are they not written in the book of the chro-
nicles of the kings of Israel.^ 13 And Joash slept with his fa-
thers : and Jeroboam sat upon his throne : and Joash was buried
in Samaria with the kings of Israel*.
14 Now Elisha was fallen sick, of his sickness whereof he
died. And Joash the king of Israel came down unto him, and
wept over his face, uot out of love to the prophet, or else he zcoiild
have rej'urincd; but from a concern that Israel should lose its glori/
and defence, ichile the Si/rians jtrobably zcere ravaging the coun-
trif ; and he saiil, in the very same words that Elisha used, when
I'Uijah rcas taken azcay, O my father, my father, the chariot of
Israel and the horsemen thereof; because by his counsels and pray-
ers he had obtained them many victories. 15 And Elisha said unto
him. Take bow and arrows. And he look unto him bow and ar-
rows, 16 And he said to the king of Israel, Put thine hand upon ihe
bow. And he put his hand [upon it:] and Elisha put his hands
upon the king's hands ; his Zieak and wasted arms, to shoio that he
should have deliverance, which was not to be ascribed to their valour,
but to the power (f God. 17 And he said. Open the window east-
ward. And he opened [itf.] Then Elisha said, Shoot. And he
shot. And he saiil. The arrow of ihc Loud's deliverance, and the
arrow of deliverance from Syria ; a sign that the Lord would give
deliverance : for thou shalt smite the Syrians in Aphek, or, as
some render it, thou shalt smite them mightily, till thou have
consumed [them ;] //// all their forces with which they iifested the
land are destroyed. 18 And he said. Take the arrows. And he
took [theui.] Having by the former sign showed that he should
overcome the Syiians, by another he should show him how often he
should overcome them. And he said unto the king of Israel,
Smite upon the ground. And he smote thrice, and stayed J.
* Thcvc verses contain only ;i •general acconntof the reigns of Joash and of his
successor Jeroboam ; but some |iaiticular facts, worthy of notice, arc recorded
in r. u.
t Samaria lay north-east, and Ihey had taken all tlie rest of the land beyond
Jordan, chap. x. 33.
t llicic was prulj.il iy aoniclhiii^ in tlic manner or the woni ot ihe prophet,
II. KINGS. XIII. 429
19 And the man of God was wroth with him, and said. Thou
shouldst have smitten five or six times ; then hadst thou smitten
Syria till thou hadst consumed [it:] whereas now thou shalt
smite Syria [but] thrice.
20 And Ehsha died, and they buried him. And the bands of
the Moabites invaded the land at the coming in of the year.
21 And it came to pass, as they were burying a man, that behold,
they spied a band [of men;] and, for fear of being surprised,
they 7'oUed away the stone, and cast the man into the sepulchre
of Elisha in haste : and when the man was let down, and touched
the bones of Elisha, he revived, and stood up on his feet*.
22 But Hazael king of Syria oppressed Israel all the days of
Jehoahaz. 23 And the Lord was gracious unto them, and had
compassion on them, and had respect unto them, because of his co-
venant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not destroy
them, neither cast he them from his presence as yet ; he remem-
bered his covenant and gave them time to repenX. 24 So Hazael
king of Syria died ; and Ben-hadad his son reigned in his stead.
25 And Jehoash the sou of Jehoahaz; took again out of the hand
of Ben-hadad the son of Hazael the cities, which he had taken
out of the hand of Jehoahaz his father by war; he re-took all the
country beyond Jordan. Three times did Joash beat him, and
recovered the cities of Israel, according to the promise. Probably
he was umvilling to enter on a fourth action, in which there was
no reason to expect equal success-\.
REFLECTIONS.
1. As sin is the cause of chastisement, so humiliation and prayer
are the means of deliverance, v. 3, 4. This is applicable to
society in general, and to private persons, tor their iniquity was
I xvroth, and smote them. Let such humble themselves under the
mighty hand of God, and call upon him in the day of trouble.
This is the appointed way to obtain deliverance and salvation.
which intiniatetl that lie should have smitton the tjionml oftcuoT ; but he stopped
then, probably thinking he iiad done enough to humour the old prophet, in what
he thought a "silly action.
* This was the highest honour to the propliet's memory ; it confii med the
truth of what he had promised to the king, and encouraged the belief of a future
state; and it showed also, that what the prophet had done in raising the dead,
was not by his own power, but by the jiower of God. The use which the
Church of Rome has made of this story, to encourage the worship of relics, is
too ridiculous to be confuted.
t After this chapter, 0 Clnon. chapter xxv. may be read.
1,30 II. KINGS. XIII.
2. The loss of good men, especially of good propliets aiKl in-
structors of youth, is greatly to be lamented. They are better
than chariots and horsemen. It is better to lose men of war, than
men of God. They are the ornament and support of a nation ;
they are highly to be valued, and greatly to be lamented. W hen
they are taken away we should mourn for ourselves, not for them ;
we should be concerned to rise up in theii' stead, and pray that
others may do so.
3. It is our own fault if spiritual enemies are not smitten and
subdued. It is owing to our sloth ; we take no pains to watch,
and pray, and strive ; and do not believe the gracious promises of
God. The more vigorously we attack them, and the more firmly
we depend on divine promises, the more successful we are like
to be. JVe wrestle not zcit/i Jiesh and hlood, hut zcifh principalities
and powers : if ice resist them steadfast in the faith, thci/ zcill fee
from lis ; and we shall be more than conquerors through Him that
loved us. It is a grief to all good men to see others losing the
victory, for want of faith, zeal, and resolution. Therefore let us
stir up ourselves and one another ; and fght the good jight of
faith.
4. All deliverance and success, in temporal and spiritual con-
cerns, is owing to the grace and compassion of God. v. 23., And
the Lord zcas gracious unto them, and had co7npassion on them, and
had respect u)ito them, because of his covenant with Abrahaniy
Isaac, and Jacob, and zcould not destroy them. Here are several
instructive and delightful phrases. He was gracious to them, had
compassion upon them, had respect unto them, and remembered
his covenant. He was willing to find out a reason to be long-
suflering and gracious to this rebellious people. This is great
encouragement to sinners to repent. God bears long with them.
He is not zcilling that ani/ should perish. With him is forgiveness,
that he may be feared. The goodness of God should lead us to
repentance and amendment, since we are not cast away from his
presence, but may enjoy the favourable tokens of it now luid for
ever.
II. KINGS. XIV. 431
CHAPTER XIV.
Amaziah's good reign ; he is slain by a conspiracy ; and is succeeded
by Azariah.
I xN the second year of Joash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel
reigned Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah. 2 He was
twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and reigned
twenty and nine years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name
[was] Jehoaddan of Jerusalem. 3 And he did [that which was]
right in the sight of the Lord, yet not like David his father : he
did according to all things as Joash his father did. 4 Howbeit the
high places were not taken away : as yet the people did sacrifice
and burn incense on the high places, 5 And it came to pass, as
soon as the kingdom was confirmed in his hand, that he slew his
servants which had slain the king his father. 6 But the children
of the murderers he slew not: according unto that which is written
in the book of the law of Moses, wherein the Loud commanded,
saying, The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, nor
the children be put to death for tiie fathers ; but every man shall
be put to death for his own sin. 7 He slew of Edom in the valley
of salt ten thousand, and took Selah by war, and called the name
of it Joktheel unto this day.
8 Then Amaziah sent messengers to Jehoash the son of Je-
hoahaz son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, Come, let us look one
another in the face. 9 And Jehoash the king of Israel sent to
Amaziah king of Judah, saying, The thistle that [was] in Lebanon
sent to the cedar that [was] in Lebanon, saying. Give thy daughter
to my son to wife : and there passed by a wild beast that [was] in
Lebanon, and trode down the thistle. 10 Thou hast indeed
smitten Edom, and thine heart hath lifted thee up : glory [of this,]
and tarry at home : for why shouldst thou meddle to [thy] hurt,
that thou shouldst fall, [even] thou, and Judah with thee?
I I But Amaziah would not hear. Therefore Jehoash king of
Israel went up; and he and Amaziah king of Judah looked one
another in the face at Beth-shemesh, which [bclongeth] to Judah.
12 And Judah was put to the worse before Israel ; and they fled
every man to their tents. 13 And Jehoash king of Israel took
Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Jehoash the son of Ahaziah,
432 II. KINGS. XIV.
at Betli-shemesh, and came to Jerusalem, and brake down tlie
wall of Jerusalem from the gate of Ephraun unto the corner gate,
four hundred cubits. 14 And he took all the gold and silver, and
all the vessels [that were] found in the house of the Lord, and in
the treasures of the king's honst, and hostages, and returned to
Samaria.
15 Now the rest of the acts of Jehoash which he did, and his
might, and how he fought with Amaziah king of Judah, [are]
they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of
Israeli* l6 And Jehoash slept with his fathers, and was buried
in Samaria with the kings of Israel; and Jeroboam his son
reigned in his stead.
17 And Ania/iah the son ofJoash king of Judah lived after
the death of Jehoash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel iiftecn years.
18 And the rest of the acts of Amaziah, [are] they not written in
the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah r 19 Now they
made a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem : and he fled to
Lachish ; but they sent after him to l^achish, and slew him
there. 20 And they brought him on horses : and he was buried
at Jerusalem with his fathers in the city of David.
21 And all the people of Judah took Azariah, which [was]
sixteen years old, and made him king instead of his father Ama-
ziah. 22 He built Elath, and restored it to Judah, after that
the king slept with his fathers.
23 In the fifteenth year of Amaziah the son of Joash king of
Judah Jeroboam tlie secutid, the son of Joash king of Israel began
to reign in Samaria, [and reigned] forty and one years ; he reivfied
longer than any nf the kings of Israel*. 24 And he did [that
which was] evil in the sight of the Loud : he departed not from
all the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to
sin ; as he bore his name, so he followed his bad example. 25 He
restored the coast of Israel from the entering of Ilamath unto the
sea of the plain, he re-took the countri/ zvhich hod been taken from
his predecessor, according to the word of the Lord God of Israel,
which he spake l)y the hand of his servant Jonah, the son of
Amittai, the prophet, which [was] of Gath-hepher ; he zcas encou-
raged in this zcar btf the prophet Jonah, icho assured him of success.
26 For the Lord saw the affliction of Israel, [that it was] very
bitter: for [there was] not any shut up, nor any left, nor any
* In his time Hosea and Amos propliesied ; and many passages in their pro-
phecies show, that the most shameful idolatries and debaucheries were practised
among the Israelites at tiiis time.
II. KINGS. XV. 433
helper for Israel. The reason of this was the divine compassion;
there were but few people in the fenced cities or in the country, all
were greatly depopulated. 27 And the Lord said not that he
would blot out the name of Israel from under heaven : but he
saved them by the hand of Jeroboam the son of .Joash ; he would
tiot destroy them yet, and therefore sated them hy the hand of this
wicked prince.
28 Now the rest of the acts of Jeroboam, and all that he did,
and his might, how he warred, and how he recovered Damascus,
and Hamath, [which belonged] to Judah, for Israel, [are] they
not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel ?
29 And Jeroboam slept with his fathers, [even] vvith the kings of
Israel ; and Zachariah his son reigned in his stead.
CHAPTER XV.
Azariah's good reign ; he is succeeded by Jotham ; and his good reign.
IN the twenty and seventh year of Jeroboam king of Israel began
Azariah son of Amaziah king of Judah to reign. 2 Sixteen years
old was he when he began to reign, and he reigned two and fifty
years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name [was] Jecholiah of
Jerusalem. 3 And he did [that which was] right in the sight of
the Lord, according to all that his father Amaziah had done;
4 Save that the high places were not removed : the people sa-
crificed and burnt incense still on the high places.
5 And the Lord smote the king, so that he was a leper unto
the day of his death, and dvvclt in a several house. And Jotham
the khig's son [was] over the house, judging the people of the land.
6 And the rest of the acts of Azaria'a, and all that he did, [are]
they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kinjis of
Judah? 7 So Azariah slept with his fathers; and they buried
him with his fathers in the city of David : and Jotham his son
reigned in his stead.
8 * In the thirty and eighth year of Azariah king of J udah did
* Tliis part of tlie liislory comes in between tJie twenty sixth and twenty-
seventh chapters of 2 Chronicles. There is great disorder in the dates when these
kings besran to reign ; but this is common in times of confusion. So tlie reign of
Charles ihe second is sometimes reckoned from his restoration iGoo, and some-
times from the year 1648, when liis tatlier was helieaded.
\OL. nr. 2 F
434. II. KINGS. XV.
Zachariah the son of Jeroboam reign over Israel in Samaria six
months. 9 And he did [that which was] evil in the sight of the
Lord, as his fathers had done: he departed not from the sins of
Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin. 10 And
Shalhim the son of Jabesh conspired against him, and smote him
before the people, and slew him, and reigned in his stead*.
1 1 And the rest of the acts of Zachariah, behold, they [are]
written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel.
12 This [was] the word of the Loud which he spake unto Jehu,
saying, Thy sons shall sit on the throne of Israel unto the fourth
[generation.] And so it came to pass. Herein God showed him-
self faithful to his engagements.
13 Shallum the son of Jabesh began to reign in the nine and
thirtieth year of Uzziah -f- king of Judah, and he reigned a full month
in Samaria. 14 For Menahem the son of Gadi, hearing that
Shallum had slain Zachariah, and usurped the kingdom^ determined
to dispute his title to it; and he went up from Tirzah, and came
to Samaria, and smote Shallum the son of Jabesh in Samaria, and
slew him, and reigned in his stead. 15 And the rest of the acts
of Shallum, and his conspiracy which he made, behold, they [are]
written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel.
16 Then Menahem smote Tiphsah, and all that [were] therein,
and the coasts thereof from Tirzah : because they opened not [to
iiim,] therefore he smote [it ; and] all the women therein that were
with child he ripped up. He began his reign with acts of the
greatest injustice and cruelty ; for when he came hack to the place
where the army lay, the city refusing to otvn his title to the kingdom,
he smote it, and was guilty of the most horrible barbarity; hi/
which he intended to intimidate others and prevent any future re-
sistance.
17 In the nine and thirtieth year of Azariah king of Judah be-
gan Menahem the son of Gadi to reign over Israel, [and reigned]
ten years in San)aria. 18 And he did [that which was] evil in the
sight of the Lord : he departed not all his days from the sins of
Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin.
19 [And] Pul the king of Assyria came against the land J: and
* Who Shallain was, and vvliat iiis pretence for tbis conspiracy, is not related.
It seems that tiie king was secretly hated, and that many were engaged in it ; that
they destroyed the king publicly ; and thus the prophecy, in Amos vii. 9-, was ac-
complisbed.
+ In Matthew i. s, 9. he is called Ozias ; and ver. 1. of this chapter, Azariah.
t Wo read, in 1 Chron. v. 26., that before this he had taken these captive be^
yond Jordan. Hw Isaac Newton is of opinion that this Pal was tiic founder o
II. KINGS. XV. 433
Menaliem gave Pul a thousand talents of silver, that his hand
inio^ht be with him to confirm the kingdom in his hand ; to turn
'hack his army atid purchase his friendsJiip. 20 And Menahem
exacted the money of Israel, [even] of all the mighty men of
wealth, of each man fifty shekels of silver *, to give to the king of
Assyria; to ingratiate himself zcith the common people, he laid this
tax on the great men. So the king of Assyria turned back, and
stayed not there in the land.
21 And the rest of the acts of Menahem, and all that he did,
[are] they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of
Israel ? 22 And Menahem slept with his fathers ; and PekahiaU
his son reigned in his stead.
23 In the fiftieth year of Azariah king of Judah Pekahiah the
son of Menahem began to reign over Israel in Samaria, [and
reigned] two years. 24 And he did [that which was] evil in the
sight of the Lord : he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam
the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin. 25 But Pekah the son
of Ilemaliah, a captain of his, conspired against him, as his father
had done against Shallum, and smote him in Samaria, in the palace
of the king's house, with Argob and Arieh, izco eminent courtiers
who were about the king, and with him fifty men of the Gileadites,
who were the king's guards : and he killed him, and reigned in his
room. 26 And the rest of the acts of Pekahiah, and all that he
did, behold, they [are] written in the book of the chronicles of the
kings of Israel.
27 In the two and fiftieth year of Azariah king of Judah Pekah
the son of Remaliah began to reign over Israel in Samaria, [and
reigned] twenty years. 28 And he did [that which was] evil in
the sight of the Lord : he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam
the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin. 29 In the days of
Pekah king of Israel came Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria, the son
of Pul, called by heathen historians, Arbaces, and took Ijon and
Abel-beth-maachah, and Janoah, and Kedesh, and Hazor, and
Gilead, and Galilee, all the land of Naphtali, and carried them
captive to Assyria. This was the second time that some of the Is-
raelites were carried captive ; he now took two tribes zcithin Jordan,
30 And Hoshea the son of Elah made a conspiracy against Pekah
the son of Remaliah, and smote him, and slew him, and reigned in
the Assyrian empire ; and was probably tbe king of Nlncvcb, to wlmm Jonah was
sent; (see his history in Prideadx's Conned.) at tliis period hisiiislory began.
* About six pounds live sliiliings each ; tlie whoh^ amounted lo ntar three hun-
dred and seventy-live thousand jioimds.
2F 2
436 > II. KINGS. XVr.
his stead, in the twentieth year of Jotham the son of Uzziah. Tke
reason seems to hare been, his expedition against Judah, of which
we afterzcards read; and thus erposi7ig his kingdom to the rava-
ges of the Jssyrians. 31 And llie rest of the acts of Pekah, and
all that he did, behold, they [are] written in the book of the chro-
nicles of the kings of Israel.
32 In the second year of Pekah the son of Remaliah king of
Israel began Jotham the son of Uzziah king of Judah to reign,
33 Five and twenty years old was he when he began to reign, and
he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name
[was] Jerusha, the daughter of Zadok. 34 And he did [that
which was] right in the sight of the Lord : he did according to
all that his father Uzziah had done. 35 Howbeit the high places
were not removed : the people sacrificed and burned incense still in
the high places. He built the higher gate of the house of the
Lord.
36 Now the rest of the acts of Jotham, and all that he did,
[are] they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings
of Judah.' 37 In those days the Lord began to send against
Judah Rezin the king of Syria, and Pekah the son of Remaliah.
38 And Jotham slept with his fathers, and was buried with his
fathers in the city of David his father : and Ahaz his son reigned
in his stead. See 2 Chron. xxvii. chapter, and the rejiections there.
CHAPTER XVI.
Compared witli 2 Chron. xxviii.
The general character of Ahaz ; lie is attacked by Rezin and Pekali, and
sends to Assyria for liclp ; he adopts their idolatry; destroys the tem-
ple worship; and dyin;; ingloriously, is succeeded by good Hczckiali.
1 IN the seventeenth year of Pekah the son of Remaliah Ahaz
the son of Jotham king of Judah began to reign ; his history re-
quires peculiar atlculiou, in order to understand the prophecies,
especially that of Isaiah, who lived at this time. 2 Twenty years
old [was] Ahaz when he began to reign, and reigned sixteen years
in Jerusalem, and did not [that which was] right in the sight of
the Lord his God, like David his father; he ivas the worst king
that Judah ever had, and the more inexcusable for hating had so
II. KINGS. XYI. 137
good a father. S But he walked in the way of the kings of Israel,
Jiezms as idolatrous as they, yea, and made his son to pass through
the fire, according to the abominations of the heathen, whom the
Loud cast out from before the children of Israel*. 4 And he
sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills,
and under every green tree, not to Jehovah, but to idols ; or some
imaginary deities whom they supposed inhabited the groves.
5 Then Rezin king of Syria and Pekah son of Ilemaliah king
of Israel came up to Jerusalem to war : and they besieged Ahaz,
but could not overcome [him.] Thisivas the first attempt to lake
and plunder Jerusalem, hut xoas ineffectual, Isaiah vii. 7- God
promised it should not succeed. What follows seems to be another
expedition, having divided their forces. G At that time Rezin
king of Syria recovered Elath to Syria and drave the Jews from
Elath : and the Syrians came to Elath, and dwelt there unto this
dayl*. So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglath-pilescr king of Assy-
ria, saying, I [am] thy servant and tliy son, / will hold nuj king-
dom by thy favour, and pay thee tribute: come up, and save me
out of the hand of the king of Syria, and out of the hand of the
king of Israel, which rise up against me. 8 And Ahaz took the
silver and gold that was found in the house of the Lord, and in
the treasures of the king's house, and sent [it for] a present to the
king of Assyria. 9 And the king of Assyria hearkened unto him :
for the king of Assyria went up against Damascus, and took it,
and carried [the people of] it captive to Kir, and slew Rezin.
This so far succeeded, that he made an excursion in his favour ;
took Damascus and sleio the king, Amos i. 3. 5., atid thereby
put an eud to the Syrian monarchy %'
* It is said in Chronicles that he burnt his children. Tlie worship of Molech
began in Judah now. Whether the children were burnt or only passed between
two fires, it was designed as a kind of purification or dedication to their god. He
was the first prince of Judah who was guilty of such abominable practices, like
the Canaanites. HLs predecessors only tolerated idolatry j but he encouraged it
and attended himself.
t This was a port on the Red sea, which Ahaz's grandfather had recovered to
Judah; aiid from whence they went to the Indies for gold. Here <• C'hron.
xxviii. 1 — i21. may be properly introduced.
t It is said, in -2 Clironicles xxviii. 21., that he helped him not ; his sending to the
king of Assyria was a mischief rather than a benefit, for though he delivered him
from Damascus, yet not from the Edomites or Philistines. He exhausted hii
treasure, destroyed the Israelites, and opened his way to Judah. So that upon the
whole heleft him worse than he found him, especially as he had lost Elath, and
with it all the East India trade, which supplied them witli gold.
This seeming contradiction is illustrated by what happened in our own nation.
The Britons called in the Saxons to help them against the Romans ; who came,
and assisted them for a while, but got for themselves the dominion of the country
at last.
438 II. KINGS. XVI.
10 And king Ahaz went to Damascus, to meet Tiglath-pileser
king of Assyria, to compliment him on his success^ and do him
homage, and saw an altar that [was] at Damascus, which struck
his fancy : and king Ahaz sent to Urijali the priest the fashion of
the altar, and the pattern of it, according to all the workmanship
thereof; not only of its shape, but of all its carvings and deco-
rations. 11 And IJrijah built an altar according to all that king
Ahaz had sent from Damascus : so Urijah the priest made [ilj
against king Ahaz came from Damascus ; he zoeakli/ and wickedly
complied, in direct opposition to the law of God. 12 And when
the king was come from Damascus, the king saw the altar: and
the king approached to the altar and offered thereon. 13 And
he burnt his burnt offering and his meat offering, and poured his
drink offering, and sprinkled the blood of his peace offerings,
upon the altar. He offered the sacrifice appointed by Moses, but
in an irregular manner, and to the zarong object, even to the Syrian
deities, 2 Chron. xxviii. 23. 14 And he brought also the brasen
altar, which [was] before the Loud, from the forefront of the
house, from between the altar and the house of the Lord, and
put it on the north side of the altar; put it in the place of God's
altar. 15 And king Ahaz commanded Urijah the priest, saying,
Upon the great new altar burn the morning burnt offerhig, and
the evening meat offering, and the king's burnt sacrifice, and his
meat offering, with the burnt offering of all the people of the land,
and their meat offering, and their drink offerings ; and sprinkle
upon it all the blood of the burnt offering, and all the blood of
the sacrifice, all public sacrifices ; and the brasen altar shall be for
me to inquire [by,] for my own private use. 16 Thus did Urijah
the priest, according to all that king Ahaz commanded.
17 And king Ahaz cut off the borders of the bases, and re-
moved the laver from off them ; and took down the sea from off
the brasen oxen that [were] under it, and put it upon a pavement
of stones; intending to abolish the temple zcorship. 18 And the
covert* for the sabbath that they had built in the house, and the
♦ This was a canopy or clotli of state, wl)idi covered the throne on which the
king sat on tlie sabbath ami other public solemnities, and the way to that throne,
whi<:h had some peculiar ornaments. These he sent to the king of Assyria. Or,
as some interpret it, he defaced the ornaments and stopped up this way ; to show
that he wonid have no further commerce with tiie temple. And all this was done
to ingratiate himself with the king of Assyria. T/us is that Idng Ahaz, that most
notorious offender, who never did any good, who never prospered in any attempt,
who shut up the doors of Gods iiouso, who cut in pieces the vessels, who i)uilt
altiirs in every corner of Jerusalem, and who sacriliced to Uie gods of S\ria,
• hough they could not help the Syrians themselves. This proved the ruili of
limi and all Israel, 2 Chrou. xxviii. "
II. KINGS. XVI. 439
king's entry without, turned he from the house of the Lord for
the king of Assyria.
19 Now the rest of the acts of Ahaz which he did, [are] they
not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah ?
20 And Ahaz slept with his fathers, and was buried with his
fathers in the city of David, but not in the sepulchre of the ki7igs,
because of his idolatry: and Hezekiah his son reigned in his
stead.
REFLECTIONS *.
1. Reflections on our own imperfections and guilt, should
make us candid and merciful to our brethren. Oded did not
take every advantage of them and treat them with severity.
2 Chron. xxviii. 9— 11. When we are tempted to revenge, to
continue our enmity, or find ourselves backward to submit for
peace' sake, or to make up differences, let us ask ourselves, Is
there not with me, even with me, si7is against the Lord my God ?
If he was strict to mark, or severe to punish, we could not stand
before him, nor answer for one sin of a thousand. His eyes are
upon our ways ; he loveth peace and mercy ; he hath judgment
without mercy for him that showeth no mercy, James ii. 13.
2. How fond are men of their own inventions in the worship
of God. Solomon's altar was a plain, old-fashioned one. Ahaz
would have something new and fine ; he wanted more show and
ornament. This is often the case in christian churches. Christ's
institutions are plain and simple, too much so for superstitious
men. They must add sacraments and rites of their own, and im-
pose them upon all worshippers. All innovations are dangerous,
even in the circumstantials of divine worship. Adding ornaments
to religious services, is generally spoiling them. The nearer we
keep to the divine pattern the better.
3. The treachery and cowardice of Urijah the priest were highly
scandalous. To ingratiate himself with the king, he makes his
altar, offers sacrifices upon it, and submits to those subversions
and profanations of the divine appointments, contrary to the law
of God, and his duty as a priest. When those who should reprove
great men for their sin, partake with them, or connive at their
irregularity, it is a melancholy thing. Let us pray that our mi-
nisters may have more zeal and courage to adhere or return to
^' TLcsf itflcctioiib niav also be read after J Cliion. cli:ii). xxviii.
110 II. K^^^GS. XVII.
his institutions, wliatever princes or great men may command or
desire. Once more,
4. Those who in their distresses trespass more against the
Lord, are abominably, and, it is to be feared, incurably, wicked.
This is that king Ahaz ; his name has a mark of infamy upon it.
Afflictions are intended to bring men to thought, to repentance,
and amendment; but if they are made worse instead of better by
them, it is a sign of great hardness of heart, and that they are in
the broad way to ruin. Let it be our concern to keep our con-
sciences tender, to humble ourselves under God's hand, and im-
prove our afflictions aright ; that by the sorrow of the countenance
the heart may be made better.
CHAPTER XVII.
The reign of Hoshca ; the captivity of the ten tribes for their sins; and
the religion which their successors in the land set up.
1 JlN the twelfth year of Ahaz king of Judah began Hoshea the
son of Elah to reign in Samaria over Israel nine years*. 2 And
he did [that which was] evil in the sight of the Lord, but not
as the kings of Israel that were before him ; he was not quite so
bad, for we find in the history of Hezehiah, that he did not hinder
the people from going to Jerusalem. 3 Against him came up Shal-
maneser king of Assyria, the son of Tiglath-pikser ; and Hoshea
became his servant, and gave him presents, became tributary to
him. 4 And the king of Assyria found conspiracy in Hoshea, he
refused payitig the tribute : for he had sent messengers to So, or
Sabacon, king of Egypt, to assist him, and brought no present to
the king of Assyria, as [he had done] year by year : therefore the
king of Assyria shut him up and bound him in prison.
6 Then the king of Assyria came up throughout all the land,
and went up to Samaria, and besieged it three years ; he first took
and destroyed Moab, to prevent any disturbances on that side, as
uefind Isaiah xv. xvif. 6 In the ninth year of Hoshea the king
♦ There was an inteiregnum of nine years; so long there was confusiou after
tlic death of Pckah.
t We have no particular account of the sicfire ; but hy many of the prophecies
It appears lli;,t the people were Iriated very eriully. The whole prophecy of
Hosea relates to this; and also the begiuniui; of Micah.
II. KINGS.:XVII. 441
of Assyria took Samaria, and carried Israel away into Assyria,
and placed them in Halali and in Habor [by] the river of Gozan,
and in the cities of the Modes ; hut many zcere still left in the land,
who were afterwards carried away hy his son. 7 For [so] it was,
that the children of Israel had sinned against the Lord their
God, which had brought them up out of the land of Egypt, from
under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and had feared other
gods, (his goodness in bringing them out of Egypt is mentioned,
as an aggravation of their ingratitude), 8 And walked in the
statutes of the heathen, that is, the Canaanites, whom the Loud
cast out from before the children of Israel, and of the kings of
Israel, which they had made ; this relates to the calves and their
worship. 9 And the children of Israel did secretly [those] things
that [were] not right against the Lord their God ; they had secret
retirements for their idolatrous worship and wicked rites ; and they
built them high places in all their cities, from the tower of the
watchmen to the fenced city, frotn the shepherd's lodge, where
country people secured their flocks and their grain. There were
great multitudes of them, scarce a farm without an high place for
idolatry. 10 And they set them up images and groves in every
high hill, and under every green tree ; wooden images, or the idols
to which the grove was dedicated : 1 1 And there they burnt in-
cense in all the high places, as [did] the heathen whom the Lord
carried away before them ; and wrought wicked things to provoke
the Lord to anger: 12 For they served idols, whereof the Lord
had said unto them, Ye shall not do this thing ; this was another
aggravation of their crime, that it was contrary to the command of
God, especially as given by a succession of prophets. 13 Yet the
Lord testified against Israel, and against Judah, by all the pro-
phets, [and by] all the seers, saying, Turn ye from your evil
ways, and keep my commandments [and] my statutes, according
to all the law which I commanded your fathers, and which I sent
to you by my servants the prophets. 14 Notwithstanding they
would not hear, but hardened their necks, like a resty bullock that
loill not hear the yoke, like to the neck of their fathers, that did
not believe in the Lord their God ; did 7iot believe what God
said by the prophets, but hearkened to deceivers. 15 And they re-
jected his statutes, and his covenant that he made with their
fathers, and his testimonies which he testified against them ; and
they followed vanity, and became vain, stupid, idle, and insensible,
like them, and went after the heathen that [were] round about
them, [concerning] whom the Lord had charged them, that llicy
U2 II. KINGS. XVII.
should not do like them. 16 And they left all the commandments
of the Loud their God, and made them molten images, [even]
two calves, and made a grove, in zc/iich lezid and abominahh rites
were practised, and v. orshipped all the host of heaven, that is, the
stars, and served Baal, that is, worshipped the sun. 17 And they
caused tiieir sons and their daughters to pass through the fire,
and used divination and enchantments, and sold themselves to do
evil in the sight of the Lord, to provoke him to anger ; they were
as incessant and industrious, as if they 7vere hired and received
wages to do such tcurk. 18 Therefore the Lord was very angry
with Israel, and removed them out of his sight, from the holy
land, zchich was especially under his eye and care : there was none
left but the tribe of Judah only. 19 Also Judah kept not the
commandments of the Lord their God, but walked in the statutes
of Israel which they made. It zcas an aggravation of the si77s of
Israel that they set an ill example to Judah, and iffected them with
their idolatry; therefore both at length were ruined. 20 And the
Loud rejected all the seed of Israel, and afflicted them, and de-
livered them into the hand of spoilers, until he had cast them out
of his sight. 1\ For he rent Israel from the house of David;
and they made Jeroboam the son of Nebat king : and Jeroboam
dravc Israel from following the Lord, and made them sin a
great sin. The foundation of their ruin was Jeroboam's iniquiti/.
20. For the children of Israel walked in all the sins of Jeroboam
which he did ; they departed not from them ; 7iof otic of their kings
but followed the iniquity of Jeroboam; 23 Until the Lord re-
moved Israel out of his sight, as he had said by all his servants
the prophets, whose threatenings they regarded not. So was Israel
carried away out of their own land to Assyria unto this day, atid
never returned any more. Thus the kingdom zcas destroyed, after
it had subsisted distinct from Judah two hundred and fifty -four
years.
24 And the king of Assyria brought [men] from Babylon *,
and from Cuthah, and from Ava, and from Hamath, and from
Sepharvaini, and placed [them] in the cities of Samaria instead
of the children of Israel : and they possessed Samaria, and dwelt
in the cities thereof. These were inhabitants of some nations which
lie had conquered, zdtosc fidelity he suspected, and therefore made
this exchange, and put them into the cities where the ten tribes for-
merly dwelt. Q.5 And [so] it was at the beginning of their dwelling
* It appears, by his bringing men from iLrncc, that be was now kinj? of Ba-
bylon also ; bill thoy iiuickly <iltcr ix voitctl, ami set up a kini; of ihtji own.
II. KINGS. XVII. 443
there, [thai] they feared not the Louo ; did not so much as pretend
any respect for him as the Israelites did: therefore the Lord sent
lions among them, which slew [some] of them ; this shozved that
it was not for want of power that God delivered his people captive.
26 Wherefore they spake to the king of Assyria, saying, The na-
tions which thou hast removed, and placed in the cities of Samaria,
know not the manner of the God of the land : therefore he hath
sent lions among them, and, behold, they slay them, because they
know not the manner of the God of the land. Thei/ thought
Jehovah was a topical god, like the gods of their country, whose
power extended only to their own land. 27 Then the king of
Assyria commanded, saying. Carry thither one of the priests
whom ye brought from thence ; and let them go and dwell
there, and let him teach them the manner of the God of the land.
28 Then one of the priests whom they had carried away from
Samaria came and dwelt in Beth-el, and taught them how they
should fear the Lord. Probably an idolatrous priest, by his set-
tling at Beth-el, zaho taught them the idolatrous customs thei/
practised there. 29 Howbeit every nation made gods of their own,
and put [them] in the houses of the high places which the Sa-
maritans had made, every nation in their cities wherein they
dwelt. They worshipped their own country gods as well as the
gods of Israel. 30 And the men of Babylon made Succoth-
benoth, tabernacles of Venus, where young people prostituted them-
selves in ho flour of Venus, luho has her name from hence; and the
men of Cuth made Nergal, zvhich signifies fire, another name for
the sun, ivhich was worshipped under different forms ; and the men
of Hamath made Ashima, 31 And the Avites made Nibhaz, and
Tartak, and the Sepharvites burnt their children in fire to Adram-
melech and Ananunelech, the gods of Sepharvaim. These are
different names for Molech. 32 So they feared the Lord, ac-
knozdedged Jehovah to be a God, and performed some outward
worship to him, lest they should be destroyed; and made unto
themselves of the lowest of them priests of the high places, which
sacrificed for them in the houses of the high places. S3 They
feared the Loud, and served their own gods, as the Israelites did,
who ivorshipped God and Baal too, after the manner of the nations
whom they carried away from thence, or, zcho carried them aicay
from thence. 34 Unto this day they do after the former manners :
they fear not the Lord, neither do they after their statutes, or
after their ordinances, or after the law and commandment which
the Loud commanded the children of Jacob, whom he named
lU II. KINGS. XVII.
Israel; (liei/ conlinued the same practices, and were not reformed,
as the Jervs were at Babijlon. The historian then takes notice again
of their disobedience and ingratitude. 3 J With whom the Loud
had made a covenant, and charged them, sayin;^, Ye shall not fear
other gods, nor bow yourselves to them, nor serve them, nor sa-
crifice to them: 3b" But the Lord, who brought you up out of
the land of Egypt with great power and a stretched out arm, him
shall ye fear, and him shall ye worship, and to him shall ye do
sacrifice. 37 And the statutes, and the ordinances, and the law,
and the commandment, which he wrote for you, ye shall observe
to do for evermore ; and ye shall not fear other gods. 38 And
the covenant that I have made with you ye shall not forget ;
neither shall ye fear other gods ; tliis was the principal thing in
the covenant. 39 Sut the Lord your God ye shall fear; and he
shall deliver you out of the hand of all your enemies. This is re-
peated, to show that idolatry zcas a provoking sin ; if ihcj/ had
served the true God, they might have escaped this calamity.
40 Howbeit they did not hearken, but they did after their former
manner. 41 So these nations feared the Lord, and served their
<»^raven images, both their children, and their children's children :
as did their fathers, so do they unto this day*.
REFLECTION.
SiiE what wretched work sin makes in a nation. These people
had all the advantages they could have desired from miracles and
prophets ; had full evidence that Jehovah was the supreme and
only God; had great and wonderful deliverances, but all had no
effect. Though there was something peculiar in their circum-
stances, as God was their temporal king, yet it is an awful lesson
to all, that righteousness exalteth a nation, secures the favour and
the friendship of God, and national prosperity ; but sin is a re-
proach and the ruin of a people. May we of this nation take warning
in time. All these things happened to them for cnsamples, and arc
writ ten for our admonition, on zihom the ends of the zvorld arc come.
* This medley of religion lasted about three hundred yeai-s, till the temple wai
built on mount Geiiziui, aud the people were brounlit to worship the true God.
They were afterwards called Samaritans. Here their history concliuks, there
being no account afterwards of what became of them. Some say, they wen- lost
anions; the nations. Many of tlicm no doubt settled together, and may subsist to
this day, probably among the Tartars. Tiiere are many siujilar customs among
some of the Kast Indians. Wherever they went, they would carry somk' general
knowledge of ilii Hue God ; and as .lames directcil his epistle to the twelve tribes,
some think it very probable they will be u stored at hut.
II. KINGS. XVIIf. 445
CHAPTER XVIII.
In Hosea xi. 1^., the Lord says, Ephraim compasseth me about with lies,
and the house of Israel with deceit, but Judah yet ruleth with God
and is faithful with the saints. — In the last chapter we beheld Israel in
desolation, which was indeed a melancholy scene, here we have a
more pleasant one opening upon us ; we see Judah in great prosperity,
under a zealous and pious king.
] iiOW it came to pass in the third year of Hoshea son of
Elah king of Israel, [that] Hezekiah the son of Ahaz king of
Judah began to reign. 2 Twenty and five years old was he when
he began to reign ; and he reigned twenty and nine years in Je-
rusalem. His mother's name also [was] Abi, the daughter of
Zachariah *. 3 And he did [that which was] right in the sight of
the Lord, according to all that David his father did; he. was a
genume son of David, a second David in his day.
4 He removed the high places, ivhich none even of the good
kings of Judah had zeal and resolution enough to do, and brake
the images, and cut down the groves, which their fathers had
multiplied, and brake in pieces the brasen serpent that Moses
had made, which was preserved to keep up the memory of that fact :
for unto those days the children of Israel did burn incense to it,
as to a god, or to Jehovah through this medium; and he called it
Nehushtan, a mere piece of brass, which had no divinity in it, no
power or skill to help them. 5 He trusted in the Loud God of
Israel, and not in any foreign force ; so that after him was none
like him among all the kings of Judah, nor [any] that were before
him, since the kingdoms were divided. 6 For he clave to the
LoKD, [and] departed not from following him, but kept his com-
mandments, which the Lord commanded Moses; he persevered
in it, and %oas not like some others who began well, but fell off at
last. 7 And the Lord was with him; [and] he prospered
whithersoever he went forth : and he rebelled against the king of
Assyria, and served him not ; he cast off his subjection to him,
which the king of Assyria called rebellion, and 8 He smote the
* This was probably tliat Zachariah wlio Imd so great influence in Uzziali's time
to keep him steady. His pious jnothrr contiibnteil nuicli to keep Hezekiah pure
in the midst of a very corrupt court.
U6 II. KINGS. XVIII.
Philistines, rcho in the time of Ahaz had seized on the frontiers of
Israel, [even] unto Gaza, and the borders thereof, from the tower
of the watchmen to the fenced city *.
9 And it came to pass in the fourth year of king Hezekiah,
which [was] the seventh year of Hoshea son of Elah king of
Israel, [that] Shalmaneser king of Assyria came up against
Samaria, and besieged it. 10 And at the end of three years they
took it : [even] in the sixth year of Hezekiah, that [is] the ninth
year of Hoshea king of Israel, Samaria was taken. 1 1 And the
king of Assyria did carry away Israel unto Assyria, and put them
in Halah and in Habor [by] the river of Gozan, and in the cities of
the Medes : 12 Because they obeyed not the voice of the Lord
their God, but transgressed his covenant, [and] all that Moses the
servant of the Loud commanded, and would not hear [them] or
do [them.]
13 Now in the fourteenth year of king Hezekiah did Sen-
nacherib king of Assyria come up against all the fenced cities of
Judah, and took them. 14 And Hezekiah king of Judah sent to
the king of Assyria, to Lachish, saying, I have offended ; return
from me: that which thou puttest on me will I beaft. x\nd the
king of Assyria appointed unto Hezekiah king of Judah three
hundred talents of silver, and thirty talents of gold ; above tico
hundred and fifty thousand pounds. \5 And Hezekiah had not
corn sufficient, and therefore gave [him] all the silver that was
found in the house of the Lord, and in the treasures of the
king's house ; he thought it 7vas better to take these things than
suffer the citi/ and temple to be plundered. l6 At that time did
Hezekiah cut off [the gold from] the doors of the temple of the
Loud, and [from] the pillars which Hezekiah king of Judah had
overlaid, and gave it to the king of Assyria.
17 And the king of Assyria sent Tartan, and Rabsaris and
Kab-shakeh, three chief captains, from Lachish to king Hezekiah
with a great host against Jerusalem, to frighten them and engage
them to surrender. And they went up and came to Jerusalem.
And when they were come up, they came and stood by the
conduit of the upper pool, which [is] in the highway of the
fuller's field. 13 And when they had called to the king, that is,
demanded audience of him, Hezekiah, not thinking it safe to go
• In Chronicles, chap. xxix. throughont, is a more full account of Hotokiah,
which may be read here.
t "^eiuiachcrih had taken some of the fenced cities of Jndah, whirli success
prohahly nuidc Hezekiah suspect he iiad done wrong in withliolihnj; ilie tribute,
sec r. 7.
II. KINGS. XVIII. U7
himself, sent three chief officers to hear what thei/ had to say ; and
there came out to them Eliakiin the sou of Hilkiah, which [was]
over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of
Asaph the recorder, probably that Asaph zoho wrote so many ex-
cellent psalms. 19 And Rab-shakeh, who was the chief speaker*,
said unto them, Speak ye now to Hezekiah, Thus saith the great
king, the king of Assyria, What confidence [is] this wherein thou
trustest? 20 Thou sayest, (but [they are but] vain words,) [I
have] counsel and strength for the war. Now on whom dost
thou trust, that thou rebellest against me? This shozoed the
highest pride, insolence, and falsehood, considering the presents
Hezekiah had sent him. 21 Now, behold, thou trustest upon
the staff of this bruised reed, [even] upon Egypt f, on which if u
rnan lean, it w^ili go into his hand, and pierce it : so [is] Pharaoh
king of Egypt unto all that trust on him, like one of the reeds on
the banks of the Nile ; which would not only disappoint him by
breaking under him, but the splinters would run into his hand and
wound him. 22 But if ye say unto me, We trust in the Lord
our God: [is] not that he, whose high places and whose altars
Hezekiah hath taken away, and hath said to Judah and Jeru-
salem, Ye shall worship before this altar in Jerusalem ? As to
the profession of religion and trust in God, on which he knew they
chiefly relied, he tells them that Hezekiah had little reason to trust
in that, considering how he had destroyed his altars, high places,
and groves ; thus representing the best act of Hezekiah* s life as a
vice and wickedness. 13 Now therefore, I pray thee, give
pledges to my lord the king of Assyria, and I will deliver thee
two thousand horses, if ihou be able on thy part to set riders
upon them; if he would stake the price of tzoo thousand horses, he
would furnish them if Hezekiah could find riders for them. Thus
representing him as destitute of men and arms. 24 How then
wilt thou turn away the face of one captain of the least of my
master's servants, and put thy trust on Egypt for chariots and for
horsemen ? He here intimates, that if with these horses he zcas
able to defeat one of the Assyrian captains, he would leave him to
himself and retire to his ozm country. If not, how much less could
* He was the king's cupbearer, as his name signifies ; ami by liis talking of
Jeliovah, and speaking so readily in the Jews' language, he seems to have been an
apostate Jew. He made a boasting speech, the main purpose of which was to tell
them that resistance would be vain, if they trusted to warlike preparations.
t Probably Hezekiah had made some proposals to the king of Egypt, but was
reproved and over-ruled by Isaiah. See tiie thirtieth and thirty-tirst chapters of
Isaiah,
448 II. KINGS. XVIII.
he stand against all the Assyrian army, though he had all the
cavalry of Egypt by him; nay he adds, 25 Am I now come up with-
out the Lord against this place to destroy it? The Lokd said
to me, Go up against this land, and destroy it ; he urges that he had
a commission from Jehovah himself to destroy it. This he thought
would terrify them more than am/ thing else, and it seems to have
had that effect. 26 Then said Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, and
Shebna, and Joah, unto Rab-shakeh, Speak, I pray thee, to thy
servants in the Syrian language ; for we understand [it] : and talk
not with us in the Jews' language in the ears of the people that
[are] on the wall. 2'he Hebrew plenipotentiaries perceiving the
people frightened by these blustering zt'ords, desire him to speak in
the Assyrian or Chaldee language zvhich they understood. 27 But
Rab-shakeh said unto them. Hath my master sent me to thy
master, and to thee, to speak these words r [hath he] not [sent
me] to the men which sit on the wall, that they may eat their
own dung, and drink their own piss with you ? He answers in a
very scornful manner, that he was not come to treat with them, but
to let the people know to what extremity he would reduce them by a
siege, if they did not surrender.
28 Then Rab-shakeh stood and cried with a loud voice in the
Jews' language, and spake, saying. Hear the word of the great
king, the king of Assyria ; instead of addressing the plenipoten-
tiaries, he raises his voice and addresses the people on the wall,
meanly endeavouring to stir them up to mutiny and division:
29 Thus saith the king. Let not Hezekiah deceive you : for he
shall not be able to deliver you out of his hand: 30 Neither let
Hezekiah make you trust in the Loud, saying, The Loud will
surely deliver us, and this city shall not be delivered into the hand
of the king of Assyria. He repeats again the power of his kino-,
and the weakness of Hezekiah. 31 Hearken not unto Hezekiah:
for thus saith the king of Assyria, Make [an agreement] with me
by a present, and come out to me, and [then] eat ye every man
of his own vine, and every one of his fig tree, and drink ye every
one the waters of his cistern ; he calls them to surrender upon ad-
vantageous conditions, and taste the siccets of peace and plenty :
32 Until I come and take you away to a land like your own land,
a land of corn and wine, a land of bread and vineyards, a land of
oil-olive and of honey, that ye may live, and not die ; and hearken
not unto Hezekiah, when he persuadeth you, saying, The Lord
will deliver us : he would remove them to a better country than their
t>avj ,• but because he thought the chief thing to encourage them to
II. KINGS. XVIII. 449
hold out, would be confidence in God, he urges the vanitij of such
expectations, and all arguments to persuade them from thai.
33 Hath any of the gods of the nations delivered at all his land
out of the hand of the king of Assyria? 34 Where [are] the gods
of Haniath, and of Arpad ? where [are] the gods of Sepharvaini,
Hena, and Ivah ? have they delivered Samaria out of mine hand ?
He urges the inability of the gods of those nations which his master
had conquered, to deliver them. 35 Who [are] they among all the
gods of the countries, that have delivered their country out of
mine hand? that the Lord should deliver Jerusalem out of
mine hand : He challenges them to show one instance of a god
being able to deliver his country when the king his master invaded
it. A good argument indeed, if Jehovah had been like them.
36 But the people held their peace, and answered him not a
word: for the king's commandment was, saying, Answer him not.
This was a wise and pious silence ; they would gain no advantage
by their answers, and only provoke him to utter further blasphe-
mies. 31 Then came Eliakim the son of Hiikiah, which [was]
over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of
Asaph the recorder, to Hezekiah with [their] clothes rent, and
told him the words of Rab-shakeh. They returned to Hezekiah
with their clothes rent, like mourners, on account of Bab-shakeh's
rage and blasphemy, and the terrors of the people *.
REFLECTIONS.
1. W^E hence learn, when we are entering on new stations of
life, that it is of great importance to begin well. Hezekiah did
so. In the lirst year, and first month, though Judah was brought
low, yet his first work was to restore God's worship. He knew
this was the way to please him and secure his favour ; and there-
fore immediately set about it. When young people set out in life,
and are entering on new scenes of action, they should take God
with them, and engage heartily in his service. Those who begin
with God, begin at the right end, and are likely to succeed.
2. Great courage and resolution are necessary for those who
would reform mankind. Notice is taken of Hezekiah's zeal and
resolution, and his trusting in the Lord. They have need of great
* In Isaiali x. 28. we liave an account of the terror the people were seized witli.
This history ilUistrates all the former part of Isaiah's prophecy. The burden of
other nations refers to those which the king of Assyria had conquered.
VOL. III. 2 G
450 II. KINGS. XVIII.
courage when the times are degenerate, when religion is at a low
ebb, and corruptions are general. But if they trust in the Lord,
and cleave to him, they may expect success, and often meet with
less difficulty than they expected, as in Hezekiah's case. That
may be done suddenly, which we despaired of doing at all. This
should engage us resolutely to appear and act for God, and put
our trust in him alone.
3. All occasions for superstition and idolatry, and things that
have been abused to that purpose, should be taken away, as
Hezekiah did the brasen serpent. The reformers made great use
of this instance ; insisting that it was necessary to destroy images
and crucifixes, which had been abused in the times of popery ;
and even to abolish those ceremonies, which, though not in them-
selves sinful, had yet been shamefully used to bad purposes.
Many others with great justice have urged the same objection
against retaining the sign of the cross in baptism, which had been
abused by superstition ; and kneeling at the Lord's supper, which
had been an act of idolatry in adoring a piece of bread. It would
have been better if these things had been quite removed or left
indifferent.
4. It becomes the greatest and best of men to own the hand
and justice of God in national afflictions. Wherefore the wrath
of the Lord was upon Judah and Jerusalem, and he hath delivered
them to trouble, to astonishment, and to hissing, as ye see with
your eyes. For, lo, our fathers hate fallen by the sivord, and our
sons and our daughters and our wives are in captivity for this,
2 Chron. xxix. 8, 9- They were not to lay the blame on the
Israelites, the Assyrians, or the Philistines, but on their own sins.
God was righteous in all that befell them. A sense of this will
promote humility and zeal in reformation.
5. When there has been a deep degeneracy in the church, the
renewal of a solenm covenant may be of great service. This was
conmion in the Old Testament, in the time of Jehoiada, and
of Hezekiah here ; and Nehemiah afterwards. This affects the
mind greatly, prevents it growing worse, or being discouraged
by little difficulties ; 7chen we have sworn, we shall be likely to
perform it.
6. In all our endeavours to sanctify ourselves, the word of
God should be regarded as our rule. They sanctified themselves
by the word or commandment of the Lord. His word is very
pure, and shows us what things defile us, and what are our orna-
ment and defence. To this let us adhere, if we desire to be holy
II. KINGS. XIX. 451
and unblameable in his sight. Let us trust to no external rites ;
for the blood of Christ, and the influences of the Spirit, can
alone purify the heart, and cleanse us from all sin.
7. We have great reason to rejoice when a spirit of reformation
and devotion are abroad ; especially where we have been in any
way instrumental to promote it. Hezekiah rejoiced to see his
exhortation regarded, and this good work going on. Let us re-
joice when magistrates and ministers do their part ; when abound-
ing iniquity is suppressed ; and decayed piety and charity revived.
8. The hand and grace of God are to be owned in preparing
the way for it. And HezeJciah rejoiced, and all the people, that
God had prepared the people, 2 Chron. xxix. S&. When men
speed or are intent and resolute in a good work, it is the Lord's
doing. When church work goes on vigorously, and reformation
spreads, let him have the praise, who worketh in men both to will
and to do according to his otvn good pleasure.
CHAPTER XIX.
We have here Hezekiah's message to Isaiah, and tlio answer ; Senna-
cherib's blasphemous letter ; Hezekiah's humble prayer ; Isaiah's
comfortable prophecy in his favour ; and the wonderful accomplish-
ment of it.
1 xxND it came to pass when king Hezekiah heard [it,] that
is, the words of Rab-shakeh, in the last chapter, that he rent his
clothes, and covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the
house of the Loud, with great humiliation and sorrozv. 2 And
he sent Eliakim, which [was] over the household, and Shebna
the scribe, and the elders of the priests, covered with sackcloth,
in the same habits of mourning zcith himself, to Isaiah the pro-
phet the son of Amoz. 3 And they said unto him. Thus saith
Hezekiah, This day [is] a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and
blasphemy ; God hath testified his displeasure against us, and suf-
fered the enemy to blaspheme : for the children are come to the
birth, and [there is] not strength to bring forth ; their strength
was quite gone in a critical moment, when they wanted it most.
4 It may be the Lord thy God will hear all the words of Rab-
shakeh, whom the king of Assyria his master hath sent to reproach
the living God; and will reprove the words which the Lord
2G a
452 II. KINGS. XIX.
tby God hath heard ; rcill so take notice of them as to punish them :
the late desolation of the ten tribes had filled them with great terror :
therefore lift up [thy] prayer for the remnant that are left ; for
Judah that they might not be carried anay captive, like Israel.
5 So the servants of king Hezekiah came to Isaiah, afid delivered
their message,
6 And Isaiah said unto them, Thus shall ye say to your master,
Thus saith the Lord, Be not afraid of the words which thou hast
heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have
blasphemed me. 7 Beiiold I will send a blast upon him, some
sudden destruction, and he shall hear a rumour of some other
enemies, and shall return to his own land in a fright; and I will
cause him to fall by the sword in his own land.
8 So Rab-shakeh returned to give the king an account of what
had been dune, and left the other captains to block up the citif ; and
he found the king of Assyria warring against Libnah : for he
had heard that he was departed from Lachish, being unable to
take it. 9 And when he heard say of Tirhakah king of Ethiopia,
Behold, he is come out to iight against thee : he sent messengers
again unto Hezekiah*, saying, 10 Thus shall ye speak to Hezekiah
king of Judah, saying, Let not thy God in whom thou trustest
deceive thee, saying, Jerusalem shall not be delivered into the
hand of the king of Assyria. 11 Behold, thou hast heard what
the kings of Assyria have done to all lands, by destroying them
utterly: and shalt thou be delivered? 12 Have the gods of the
nations delivered tiiem which my fathers have destroyed ; [as]
Gozan, and Haran, and Rezeph, and the children of Eden which
[were] in Thelasar ? 13 Where [is] the king of Hamath, and
the king of Arpad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, of
Ilena, and Ivah?
14 Hezekiah received the letter of the hand of the messengers,
and read it: and Hezekiah went up into the house of the Lord,
* The Ipanipcl are much ilivided about the event here referred to. The cose
seems to be as I'ridcaux h<ts stated it. Sennacherib, npon receiving Hezekiaii's
presents, went down towards Etjypt, and took Ashdod, (Isa. xx. 1.,) destroyed
No-Anion in Efiypt, of which we have an account in Naluim iii., and besieged
Pelusium, anotiicr city. Tirhakah, v. 9., came to its relief; whicii forced him to
raise the siege, but Sennacherib attacked him and beat him. In Isa. xviii. xix.,
we read of the judgments of God upon Esrypt and the Etliiopians. Now when
Sennacherib heard say (v. 9.) that Tirhakah was coming again, he was desirous to
terrify Hezekiah to surrender, that he might the better deal with the king of
Ethiopia afterwards. He therefore sends him a blasphemous letter, much the
same \\ith Uab-shakeh's speech before. He had heard that Hezekiah trusted in
tlie Lord, and had some promise of deliverance. This he ridicules, representing
Jehovah to be only a local deity ; and trnsling in his former conquests, he says,
Let not thy God in whom thou ifustcst, &c., v. 10 — 13.
II. KINGS. XIX. 453
and spread it before the Lord ; he read it, and instead cf writing
a provoking answer, he (as it ivere) sent it to the King of' kings ;
by earnest prayer acknowledging God's universal providence, and
refer rincf himself to the divine determination. 15 And Hezekiah
praved before the Lokd, and said, O Lord God of Israel,
which dwellest [between] the cherubims, thou art the God,
[even] thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth ; thou hast
made heaven and earth. l6 Lord, bow down thine ear, and
hear: open, Lord, thine eyes, and see: and hear the words of
Sennacherib, which hath sent him to reproach the living God ;
behold, here it is ; see, and read his blasphemy under his own hand :
deliberate blasphemy against thee the living God, and not an hasty
passionate word. 17 Of a truth, Lord, the kings of Assyria
have destroyed the nations and their lands, 1 8 And have cast
their gods into the fire ; in this they pretend to no more than they
have done, the>/ have prevailed over other gods : for they [were] no
gods, but the work of men's hands, wood and stone : therefore
they have destroyed them. 19 Now therefore, O Lord our
God, I beseech thee, save thou us out of his hand, that all the
kingdoms of the earth may know that thou [art] the Lord God,
[even] thou only; distinguish thyself from idols, and shozv that
thou art the only living and true God.
20 Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent to' Hezekiah, the mes-
sengers probabli/ came while he ivas praying in the temple, saying.
Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, [That] which thou hast
prayed to me against Sennacherib king of Assyria I have heard.
21 This [is] the word that the Lord hath spoken concerning
him, he elegantly addresses himself to the king of Assyria; the
virgin the daughter of Zion, that is, the upper part of the city,
which zcas called Zion, hath despised thee, [and] laughed thee to
scorn, the daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee ;
the lozver part, called Jerusalem, laughed and shook their head.
This is a prophetical representation oftvhat zcvuld as certainly be,
as if it were already past. 22 Whom hast thou reproached and
blasphemed ? and against whom hast thou exalted [thy] voice,
and lifted up thine eyes on high ? [even] against the Holy [One]
of Israel ; against his infnite excellency, who has a peculiar regard
to Israel. 23 By thy messengers thou has reproached the Lord,
and hast said, Witli the multitude of my chariots 1 am come up
to the height of the mountains, to the 'sides of Lebanon, and
will cut down the tall cedar trees thereof, [and] the choice fir
Ijees thereof : and 1 will enter into the lodgings of his borders,
45i II. KINGS. XIX.
[and into] the forest of his Carmel*. 24 I have digged and drunk
strange waters, lean have food and walcr where tlie enem}/ thought
I should have none; perhapa this zcas intended as a banter on Heze-
kiah's stopping up the fountains; and with tiie sole of my feet have
I dried up all the rivers of besieged places, or, as some render it,
I have dried up the rivers of Egypt, taken their fortresses as easily
as if their rivers ivere dried up, Isa. xix. 6. Then follow the words
of God in anszcer to all this empty boast. 25 Hast thou not heard
long ago [how] I have done it, [and] of ancient times that 1 have
formed it .'' now have I brought it to pass, that thou shouldst be
to lay waste fenced cities [into] ruinous heaps; what is this to
what I have done who have dried up the sea ? nor couldst thou have
done ivhat thou hast but by my pozcer arid help : I delivered them
to thee; 26 Therefore their inhabitants were of small power,
they were dismayed and confounded ; they were [as] the grass of
the field, and [as] the green herb, [as] the grass on the house
tops, and [as corn] blasted before it be grown up ; thou hast only
been an instrument in my hand, the rod of mine anger, Isa. x. 5.
27 But I know thy abode, and thy going out, and thy coming in,
and thy rage against me, and all thy contrivances against my
people. 28 Because thy rage against me and thy tumult is
come up into mine ears, the voice of thy threatenings and
thine armies, therefore 1 will put my hook in thy nose, and
my bridle in thy lips, and I will turn thee back by the way by
which thou earnest, as easily as a man turns and pulls out a
fish that hangs on his hook, or a rider turns his horse's head with
a bridle. 29 And this [shall be] a sign unto thee, 7tot a sign of
their ensuing deliverance, for that came immediately ; but a sign
of God's care of his people, and his favour towards them. Ye shall
cat this year such things as grow of themselves, and in the second
year that which springelh of the same ; and in the third year sow
ye, and reap, and plant vineyards, and eat the fruits thereof.
IV hen Sennacherib was gone, they were afraid of famine ; his army
having eaten up or trodden dozen the corn : but there was enough
for this year and the next, which was the sabbatical year, and the
third they should go on 2vith iheir usual husbandry, and prosper.
30 And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah
shall yet again take root downward, and bear fruit upward ; the
* This is an admirable description of a boasting king, puffed up with liis siic-
ftsscii. To what place cannot 1 torce my way and make an entire conquest of
liiL' < oiintry, of the inoimtaiiis, the cities, the woods, and the fields, and drive my
Uiiunphaul clianol over them ali I
II. KINGS. XIX. 455
inhahitcuits shall have a Jinn possession of the coinihy, and increase
and niultipli/ in it. 31 For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a rem-
nant, and they that escape out of mount Zion ; those that are shut
tip in the siege shall go forth : the zeal of the Lo u d [of hosts]
shall do this ; zeal for his honour and his people. 32 Therefore
thus saith the Lord concerning the king of Assyria, whom you
at present fear, He shall not come into this city, not make one
attack upon it, nor shoot an arrow there, nor come before it with
shield, nor cast a bank against it. 33 By the way that he came,
by the same shall he return, and shall not come into this city,
saith the Lord. 34 For I will defend this city, to save it, for
mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake ; for the sake of
iny pozcer and mercif, and relation to this people, and especially to
David, ivhose piety I remember, and to ivhom I have promised a
successor.
35 And it came to pass that night in zohich the promise was
made, that the angel of the Lord went out, and smote in the
camp of the Assyrians an hundred fourscore and five thousand;
he destroyed all the army that was encamped about Jerusalem,
probably by a pestilential wind under the direction of an angel:
these were common in this country ; and, as travellers inform us,
sometimes destroy a ichole caravan at once: it is called, in ver. 7-, «
blast: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they
[were] all dead corpses *. 36 So Sennacherib king of Assyria
departed, and went and returned, and dwelt at Nineveh, full of
shame and confusion and distraction of thought ; and in revenge he
destroyed many of the Jews there. 37 And he became so hateful
to his people and family, that it came to pass, as he was wor-
shipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adramraelech
and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword; and they
escaped into the land of Armenia. And Esarhaddon his sou
reigned in his stead.
REFLECTIONS.
1. Praylr is the best refuge of good men in every time of
difficulty and oppression. Hezekiah prayed himself, and sent to
Isaiah to pray for him and for the people. Their enemies en-
deavour to frighten them from it, as Rab-shakeh did Hezekiah,
iisying, Where is your God ? But here is the first and last resort
-^- r^alm Ix&vi. was composed on tbis occasion.
4<56 I[. KINGS. XIX.
of good men ; when heavy afflictions come upon them, when the
interest of religion is at the lowest ebb, when difficulties insmr-
monntable come, then is the time for prayer. In the mount of
danger the Ijord is seen. It is a comfort tliat they can spread
their cases before the Lord, and that he takes notice of them ;
that he will hear their prai/er and send an answer of peace.
2. It always becomes us in prayer to regard the honour of
God, and to fetch our pleas from thence. Adore him, with He-
zekiah, as the God of hrael : as the God of the kingdoms of the
earth; the supreme, universal, everlasting King; we should main-
tain a regard to his glory, that the nations may know and serve
him. A principle of religion is improved by prayer. Especially
that his name may be glorified, this should be our daily prayer,
hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come.
3. God, who takes notice of the boasts of proud men, can
easily humble them. When men, like Sennacherib, exalt their
voice, and lift up their haughty eyes on high, he sees and observes
it. All boastings are reflections upon God and his providence,
to whom we owe every thing. It is wrong to talk proudly ; * but,
(as Mr. Henry observes upon this story), it is worse to write proud
and angry letters ; for that shows deliberation and design ; and
these continue long, and do more mischief.' Every one that is
proud in heart, however he may show it, is an abomination to the
Lord.
4. It is a great satisfaction to the clmrch and people of God,
to think that he has the greatest and proudest of their enemies
under his control. He has his eye upon them, knows their
abode, their going out and coming in, their rage against his
people. He knows all their plots and contrivances; he has his
hand upon them ; his hook is in their nose, and his bridle in their
mouth; they are doing his work, and act by his power. He sees
and knows all their insolence and rage ; and, as the psalmist ob-
serves concerning this story, Psalm lx.\vi. 10., The zcrath of man
shall praise him, and the remainder ofiorath shall he restrain.
5. What a great, powerful, and terrible God is Jehovah ! At
his rebuke, the psalmist observes, the chariots and horses are cast
into a deep sleep ; none of the men of might have found their hands.
The greatest numbers cannot stand before him ; one of his mighty
angels destroyed this numerous host. Where is the great king,
the king of Assyria, now r Thou, says the psalmist, even thou, art
to be ffAired. Not the gicatcst kin*;,, but thou alone; and who
may stand in thy sight uhen once thou art angry t- The general
II. KINGS. XX. 457
lesson from the whole is, O love the Lord, all ye his saints ; for
the Lord preserveth the faithful, but plentifulli/ rewardeth the
proud doer. (See the seventy-sixth Psahn.)
CHAPTER XX.
Hezekiah's sickness, and his recovery upon earnest prayer ; a melan-
choly instance of his vanity, for which he is reproved ; and his pros-
perity and death.
1 xN those days, 7vhile Sennacherib n'as encamped against Jeru-
salem, and in the fourteenth year of his reign, was Hezekiah sick
unto death, sick of a mortal disease. And the prophet Isaiah the
sou of Amoz came to him, and said unto him. Thus saith the
Lord, Set thine house in order; for thou shall die, and not live.
2 Then he turned his face to the wall for privacy, and prayed
unto the Lord, saying, S I beseech thee, O Lord, remember
now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect
heart, and have done [that which is] good in thy sight. And
Hezekiah wept sore, because the reformation was not completed,
the city was in great danger, and he had no son to succeed him.
4 And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle
court, that the word of the Lord came to him, saying, 5 Turn
again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, that out of
regard to them his life is spared, Thus saith the Lord, the God
of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, 1 have seen thy
tears : behold, I will heal thee : on the third day thou shalt go
up unto the house of the Lord, and return thanks for the cure.
6 And I will add unto thy days fifteen years, longer than on ac-
count of this disease he could expect to live; and I will deliver thee
and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria; and 1 will
defend this city for mine own sake, and for my servant David's
sake. 7 And Isaiah said. Take a lump of figs. And they took and
laid [it] on the boil and he recovered*. 8 And Hezekiah said
unto Isaiali, What [shall be] the sign that the Lord will heal
me, and that I shall go up into the house of the Lord the third
* His disorder was probably a quinsy, or imposthuiiie in his throat. The figs
might have a natin-al tendency to ripen it j but could not succeed in so dangerous
a case without a miiaculous iuterposiliou.
158 II. KINGS. XX.
day; the me sua ge seemed contradicl or i/ to the former; he therefore
asks a sign, probably remembering that his father was reproved for
refusing one. 9 And Isaiah said, This sign shall thou have of
the Lord, that the Lord will do the thing that he hath spoken :
shall the shadow go forward ten degrees, or go back ten degrees?
He leaves him to choose. 10 And Hezekiah answered, It is a light
thing for the shadow to go down ten degrees : nay, but let the
shadow return backward ten degrees; which Hezekiah thought
more supernatural and cxtraordinari/. 1 1 And Isaiah the prophet
cried unto the Lord : and he brought the shadow ten degrees
backward, by which it had gone down in the dial of Ahaz*.
12 At that time Berodach-baladan, the son of Baladan, king
of Babylon, sent letters and u present unto Hezekiah : for he had
heard that Hezekiah had been sicki". 13 And Hezekiah heark-
ened unto them, and showed them all the house of his precious
things, the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious
ointment, and [all] the house of his armour, and all that was
found in his treasures : there was nothing in his house, nor in all
liis dominion th.at Hezekiah showed them not. This is ascribed, in
2 Chron. xxxii. 25, 26., to pride, and having his heart lifted up.
He shozced them these things to make them put a greater value on
the alliance. He did not show them the temple, the book of the
late, and their xoorship, nor introduce them to Isaiah, the greatest
treasure in all his dominions : but chiejly the treasures which %vere
the plunder of the Assyrians.
14 Then came Isaiah the prophet unto king Hezekiah, and in
the )iame of God calls him to accow{ for it, and said unto him.
What said these meni* and from who- ce came they unto thee?
Antl Hezekiah said, They are come i..\ (\ a far country, [even]
from Babylon. He mentions this to show the great honour they
had done him. \j And he said, What have they seen in thine
house? And Hezekiah answered. All [the things] that [are] in
mine house have they seen : there is nothing among my treasures
that I have not showed them. l(j And Isaiah said unto Hezekiah,
* Tlicic is 110 rtason to suppose the wliolc course of the heavens retired back
upon tliis oecasion ; only the beams of tlie .sun were inflected, or bent back ;
which might b(' done in an instant, and kept so for some considerable time. We
<lo not read of any sinidial so ancient as this. The original is, on the degrees or
steps of Ahaz; iiiWiihi of steps that led to the palace, near to which there was
some pyramid or obelisk, which might cast such a shadow on the steps, as to
measure the time. It seems to have been a sort of natural dial, which most
people by observation make for themselves.
t fhe king of Babylon had been tributary to Jhc Assyrians ; but now becoming
indepciKicnt, lie bad a mind to form an alliance with Hezekiah ; and therefore
icud; lu couipliuuul him on Lioiti-ovciy, and to form a league bct«ccu them.
II. KINGS. XX. 459
Hear the word of the Loud. 17 Behold, the days come, that
all that [is] in thine house, and that which thy fathers have laid
up in store unto this day, shall be carried into Babylon : nothing
shall be left, saith the Lord. 18 And of thy sons that shall issue
from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they
shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon*. 19 Then
said Hezekiah unto Isaiah, Good [is] the word of the Lord
which thou hast spoken. And he said, [Is it] not [good,] if peace
and truth be in my days? Hezekiah humbly acknoxuledges the
justice of the threatening, and that there was much mercy mingled
with it, in that the evil was def erred f.
20 And the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and all his might, and
how he made a pool and a conduit, and brought water into the
city, [are] they not written in the book of the chronicles of the
kings of Judah? 21 And Hezekiah slept with his fathers: and
Manasseh his son reigned in his stead.
REFLECTIONS.
1. This chapter suggests many useful hints to sick people,
and to those who are visited with other afflictions; to set their
houses in order, to make their wills, and settle other affairs ; but
especially to set their souls in order. Let them learn to pray to
God ; this is the way to have the evil removed, or to be made fit
for death. Let them learn also to use those means which Pro-
vidence affords; otherwise they tempt God, and do not trust him.
When recovered they should return public thanks; and love the
house of God better. The most grievous circumstance in afflic-
tion is keeping us from it. We should own the goodness of God
in moderating or deferring evil ; and wish and pray for public
peace and truth, whatever personal or relative afflictions we meet
with. See Hezekiah's thanksgiving, Isaiah xxxviii., and learn to
imitate it.
2. At sickness and death it is happy to be able to appeal to
God, as Hezekiah did. The testimony of a good conscience en-
* This was a very niortifyint; inpssage. But God was displeased that lie should
distrust his protection, and enter into an alliance with an heathen, of whicli the
prophet Micah had warned hini,(IMicah iv. 9, lo.) Babylon was now a very incon-
siderable nation, and the event seemed unlikely ; but it afterwards happened,
and Daniel and other youths of the royal blood were taken there.
t See a more particular account of this, and Hezekiah's prosperity aud deatli,
in i Chrou. xxxii. -24.. to the cud.
460 II. KINGS. XXI.
courages our prayers and hopes, either that God will remove our
coniphiints, or overrule them for our good, or that he will receive
us to a better world. If we desire it, herein let us exercise our-
selves daily.
3. We see that pride and vanity are sins which easily beset the
best of men. God observes this and is displeased at it. We are
always in danger of it. Wlio would have thought this should be
the case in Hezekiah ; that his heart would have been lifted up ?
Good men know too little of theniselves. God is righteous and
kind in sending afflictions to try us, that we may know what is in
our hearts, and cure what is amiss there. Let us then pray, that
God would hide pride from us, and keep us humble ; and that
the fruit of every ajjUction may be to take away sin, especially
this sin.
4. How unbecoming, base, and ungrateful is it, not to render
to the Lord according to benefits received ! Hezekiah did not
do so. It is a pity such a mark of infamy should < rest on a
name, in other respects so honourable. This is the character of
us all in some degree; and we have reason to be humble for our
ingratitude. Let all, especially those who have been recovered
from sickness, or been delivered from other afflictions, inquire^
What shall we render imfo the Lord for all his benefits'^ When he
delivers our eyes from tears, and our feet from falling ; let it be
our firm resolution, our diligent endeavour, and earnest prayer,
that we may walk before the Lord in truth, and with a petfect
heart, and do that zchicli is good in his sight.
CHAPTER XXI.
In this chapter is a mt'lanclmly change from llozckiah's reformation, in
the wickedness and corriiption of the people by Manasseh and
A men.
1 JMaNASSEH [was] twelve years old when he began to reign*
and reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem. And his mother's
name [was] Hephzibah. C And he did [that which was] evil in
the sight of the Loud, after the abominations of the lieathen,
whom the Lokd cast out before the children of Israel, Being
vcrif vci»;/ir, the i^randecs of ihc kingdom were his guardians ; and
II. KINGS. XXI. 461
not being pleased with Hezekiah's reformation, they set themselves
hxj their influence with Manasseh to undo it; S For lie built up
again the high places which Hezekiah his fiither had destroyed ;
and he reared up altars for Baal, and made a grove, as did Ahab
king of Israel ; and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served
them. 4 And he built altars in the house of the Loud, in the
sanctuarif itself, of which the Lord said, In Jerusalem will I put
my name. 5 And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the
two courts of the house of the Lord, so that the pious Israelites
could not attend the temple without defiling themselves with idolatry.
He did all in his poiver to make the remembrance of the God of Is-
rael to cease. 6 And he made his son pass through the fire to
Molechf and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt
with familiar spirits and wizards, and thus studied to find out what
God had forbidden in the lazo, that he might practise it: he wrought
much wickedness in the sight of the Lord, to provoke [him] to
anger. 7 And he set a graven image of the grove that he had
made in tW-s^house, of which the Lord said to David, and to
Solomon his son. In this house, and in Jerusalem, which I
have chosen out of all tribes of Israel, will I put my name for
ever; he set up a filthy idol, which was worshipped with the most
beastly ceremonies, even in the most holy place ; and even the ark
%cas taken out to make roomfor it, which Josiah afterwards restored
to its place. 8 Neither will I make the feet of Israel move any
more out of the land which I gave their fathers ; only if they will
observe to do according to all that I have commanded them, and
according to all the law that my servant Moses commanded
them. All this mckedness of the king and his people was aggra-
vated by these declarations of God, and the warning he gave them';
which, had they regarded it, would have been happy for them. 9 But
they hearkened not : and Manasseh seduced them to do more evil
than did the nations whom the Lord destroyed before the chil-
dren of Israel ; Manasseh was worse than any king of Judah be-
fore, and the people more grossly corrupted; accordingly, in several
places, but especially in Jer. xv. 4., the sin of Manasseh is specified
as the chief cause that brought the calamities upon them.
10 And the Lord spake by his servants the prophets, Isaiah^
Joel, Nahum, and Habakkuk,who all lived about this time, saying,
1 1 Because Manasseh king of Judah hath done these abomina-
tions, [and] hath done wickedly above all that the Amorites did,
which [were] before him, and hath made Judah also to sin with
his idols: 12 Therefore thus saith the Lord God of Israel,
4G2 II. KINGS. XXI.
Behold, I [am] bringing, that is, I will mrely and speedily bring,
[such] evil upon Jerusalem and Judah, that whosoever heareth of
it, both his ears shall tingle, it shall Jill evert/ one uith terror and
horror, 13 And I will stretch over Jerusalem the line of Sama-
ria, and the plummet of the house of Ahab; Jerusalem shall have
the same calamity which I brought upon Samaria, and the royal
family of Judah as Ahab: the metaphor is taken from a mason,
who measures with a line what is to be left standing, and what is to
be destroyed : and I will wipe Jerusalem as [a man] wipeth a dish,
wiping [it,] and turning [it] upside down ; / will turn every thing
upside dozen; empty Jerusalem of its inhabitants ; and its flthiness
shall be tviped away by its destruction. 14 And I will forsake the
remnant of mine inheritance, and deliver them into the hand of
their enemies ; and they shall become a prey and a spoil to all
their enemies. 15 Because they have done [that which was] evil
in my sight, and have provoked me to anger, since the day their
fathers came forth out of Egypt, even unto this day. \6 More-
over Manasseh shed innocent blood very much, till he had filled
Jerusalem from one end to another; besides his sin wherewith he
made Judah to sin, in doing [that which was] evil in the sight of
the Lord*.
17 Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh, and all that he did,
and his sin that he sinned, [are] they not written in the book of the
chronicles of the kings of Judah ? 1 8 And Manasseh slept with
his fathers, and was buried in the garden of his own house, in the
garden of Uzza : and x\mon his son reigned in his stead.
19 Amon [was] twenty and two years old when he began to
reign, and he reigned two years in Jerusalem. And his mother's
name [was] Meshullemeth, the daughter of Haruz of Jotbah.
20 And he did [that which was] evil in the sight of the Loud, as
his father Manasseh did. 21 And he walked in all the way that
his father walked in, and served the idols that his father served
and worshipped them : 22 And he forsook the Lord God of his
fathers, and walked not in the way of the Lord. 23 And the
servants of Amon conspired against him, and slew the king in his
• It was an additional reason for liis piniisliment, that lie persecuted and de-
stroyed those wlio would not comply witli liis idolatry ; persons of the l)est charac-
ter, and most zealous for God's service. He enforced his idolatrous statutes by
penal laws, and put those to death who would not comply with thcni. y\mong
others, it is supposed that at this time Isaiah was sawn asunder, and the chief men
concurred in all this. An instance of horrible wickedness, which, it is atYcrwards
said, (he Lord tvould not pardon, ch. xxiv. 4. We have no further account of
Manasseh in this book of Kings ; but, in .j Chron. xxxiii. 1 1—20., we shall find an
account of his repentance and reformation, and the reflections.
II. KINGS. XXII. 463
own house. 24 And llie people of the land slew all them that
had conspired against king Anion ; and the people of the land
made Josiah his son king in his stead. 25 Now the rest of the
acts of Amon which he did, [are] they not written in the book of
the chronicles of the kings of Judah ? 26 And he was buried in
his sepulchre in the garden of Uzza: and Josiah his son reigned
in his stead.
CHAPTER XXII.
Josiah, following the religion of David, docs that which was right before
God; he takes care to repair the temple; Hilkiah the high priest finds
the book of the law, supposed to be that written by Moses himself; the
king hearing it read, is greatly alarmed at the judgments denounced ;
he sends to Huldah to inquire of the Lord ; and she prophesieth the
destruction of Jerusalem.
1 Josiah [was] eight years old when he began to reign, and
he reigned thirty and one years in Jerusalem. And his mother's
name [was] Jedidah, the daughter of Adaiah of Boscath. 2 And
he did [that which was] right in the sight of the Lord, and walked
in all the way of David his father, and turned not aside to the
right hand or to the left.
3 And it came to pass in the eighteenth year of king Josiah,
[that] the king sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, the son of Me-
shuUam, the scribe, to the house of the Lord, saying, 4 Go up to
Hilkiah the high priest, that he may sum the silver which is
brought into the house of the Lord, which the keepers of tne
door have gathered of the people : 5 And let them deliver it into
the hand of the doers of the work, that have the oversight of the
house of the Lord : and let them give it to the doers of the work
which [is] in the house of the Lord : to repair the breaches of
the house, 6 Unto carpenters, and builders, and masons, and
to buy timber and hewn stone to repair the house. 7 Howbeit
there was no reckoning made with them of the money that was
delivered into their hand, because they dealt faithfully.
8 And Hilkiah the high priest said unto Shaphan the scribe, I
have found the book of the law in thejiouse of the Lord. And
Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he read it. 9 And Sha-
phan the scribe came to the king, and brought the king word again.
464 II. KINGS. XXII.
and said, Thy servants have gathered the money that was found
in the house, and have delivered it into the hand of them that do the
Avork, that have the oversight of the house of the Lord. 10 And
Shaphan the scribe showed tlie king, saying, Hilkiah the priest
liath delivered me a book. 1 1 And Shaphan read it before the
king. And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words
of the book of the law, that he rent his clothes. 12 And the king
commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan,
and Achbor the son of JNIichaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and
Asahiah a servant of the king's, saying, 13 Go ye, inquire of the
Lord for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning
the words of this book that is found : for great [is] the wrath of
the Lord that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not
hearkened unto the words of this book, to do according unto all
that which is written concerning us. 14 So Hilkiah the priest,
and Ahikam, and Achbor, and Sha^jhan, and Asahiah, went unto
Huldah the prophetess, the w ife of Shallum, the son of Tikvah,
the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe ; (now she dwelt in
Jerusalem in the college ;) and they communed with her.
15 And she said unto them; Thus saith the Lord God of
Israel, l6 Tell the man that sent you to me. Thus saith the
Lord, Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, and upon the
inhabitants thereof, [even] all the words of the book which the
king of Judah hath read: 17 Because they have forsaken me,
and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might pro-
voke me to anger with all the works of their hands ; therefore my
wrath shall be kindled against this place, and shall not be quench-
ed. 18 But to the king of Judah which sent you to inquire
of the Lord, thus shall ye say to him. Thus saith the Lord God
of Israel, [ As touching] the words which thou hast heard ; 19 Be-
cause thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before
the Lord, when thou heardest what I spake against this place,
and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a
desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before
me; 1 also have heard [thee,] saith the Lord. 0,0 Behold there-
fore, I will gather thee unto thy fathers, and thou shalt be gaUiered
into thy grave in peace ; and thine eyes shall not see all the evil
which 1 will bring upon this place. And they brought the king
word again.
II. KINGS. XXIII. 465
CHAP. XXIII. 1—25.
Josiah having received such a comfortable message in the last chapter,
set himself to do all he could to promote the reformation, arguing
from the encouragement which he had received, that if the people
humbled themselves with tenderness of heart, though judgments were
determined against Judah, yet the}' would not come in that generation.
1 xVND the king sent, and they gathered unto him all the elders
of Judah and of Jerusalem. 2 And the king went up into the
house of the Lord, and all the men of Judah, and all the inhabi-
tants of Jerusalem with him, and the priests, and the prophets,
Jeremiah, Zephaniah, and others, and all the people, both small
and great, that it might be a national act: and he read in their
ears all the words of the book of the covenant which was found in
the house of the Lord ; he read the law himself, to convince them
of the miserable state of the nation, in consequence of so long a course
of impiety.
3 And the king stood by a pillar, where his throne was, and
made a covenant before the Lord, to walk after the Lord, and
to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes
with all [their] heart and all [their] soul, to perform the words of
this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people
stood to the covenant ; cheerfully declared their consent to it, and
their concurrence with the king, probably by standing up.
4 And the king commanded, a second time, Hiikiah the high
priest, and the priests of the second order, who zoere assistants to
the high priest, or heads of courses, and the keepers of the door,
to bring forth out of the temple of the Lord all the vessels that
were made for Baal, and for the grove, and for all the host of
heaven, all the garments and instruments used in sacrifice and
burning of incense; and he burned them without Jerusalem in the
fields of Kidron, and carried the ashes of them unto Beth-el ; thus
making that place, which was the source and fountain of idolatry,
the dunghill for these shameful instruments. 5 And he put down,
caused to cease, and probably slew, the idolatrous priests *, whom
the kings of Judah had ordained to burn incense in the high places,
* The Cheniarim, Hosea x, 5. Zepli. i. 4., who were clothed in black, while
the pric»ts of the Lord were clothed in wliite.
VOL. in. s8 H
466 II. KINGS. XXIII.
in the cities of Judah, and in the places round about Jerusalem ;
them also that burned incense unto Baal, to the sun, and to the
moon, and to the planets, and to all the host of heaven. 6 And
he brought out the grove from the house of the Lord, 07- ra-
ther, an image called by that name, because among the heathen it
was worshipped in groves ; probably it was Astarte or Venus, uith
the representation of a grove about her in carving or painting, M'iih-
out Jerusalem, unto the brook Kidron, and burned it at the brook
Kidron, and stamped [it] small to powder, and cast the powder
thereof upon the graves of the children of the people, in detes-
tation of such practices ; and being thus rendered vnclcan, might
prevent any of it being taken away as a relick. 7 And he brake
down the houses of the sodomites, that [were] by the house of
the Lord, an impurity with which the worship of' these idols was
attended, where the women wove hangings for the grove, or
teiUs which zcere put about the image, in xvhich the worshippers
used to commit all manner of lewdness. 8 And he brought all the
priests out of the cities of Judah, that they might not corrupt the
people, and defiled the high places where the priests had burned
incense to the tutelar gods, to whom they committed the protection
of the city, from Geba to Beer-sheba, and brake down the high
places of the gates that [were] in the entering in of the gate of
Joshua the governor of the city, which [were] on a man's left
hand at the gate of the city ; to show his resolution, he did not
spare those of Joshua the governor, but let the greatest see his im-
partial zeal against idolatry. Q Nevertheless the priests of the
high places came not up to the altar of the Lord in Jerusalem,
but they did eat of the unleavened bread among their brethren.
Amidst these acts of justice he shoiced mercy ; for while the priests
wlio had offered to Jehovah in the high places were deposed from
their office, he still allozced them to share with their brethren in the
provision that the law made for them. 10 And he defiled Topheth,
the place tchere they sacrificed their children to Molech, or the sun;
a place which, as Jeremiah says, was filed with the blood of' the
innocent; which [is] in the valley of the children of Hinnoni,
that no man niight make his son or iiis daughter to pass through
the fire to Molech. 1 1 And he took away the horses that the
kings of Judah had given to the sun, to draw the chariot of the
sun, at the entering in of the house of the Lord, by the chamber
of ISalhan-UMlech the chamberlain, whicii was in tlie suburbs,
and burned the chariots of the sun with fire ; chariots in which the
vnage of the sun teas drawn in solemn procession ; a common
II. KINGS. XXIII. 467
practice to this day among the idolaters in the East Indies. 12 And
the altars that [were] on the top of the upper chamber of Ahaz,
at the top of the house, which the kings of Judali had made, and
the altars which Manasseh had made in the two courts of the
house of the Lord, did the king beat down, and brake [them]
down from thence, and cast the dust of them into the brook
Kidron. Manasseh in his better days removed them, but Amon
set them up again, Zeph. i. 5. 13 And the high places that
[were] before Jerusalem, which [were] on the right hand of the
mount of corruption, that is, the mount of Olives, here called the
mount of corruption, because there they had corrupted themselves
mth idolatry ; but all those high places which Solomon the king
of Israel had builded for Ashtoreth the abomination of the Zi-
donians, and for Chemosh the abomination of the Moabites, and
for Milcom the abomination of the children of Ammon, did the
king defile. 14 And he brake in pieces the images, and cut
down the groves, and filled their places with the bones of men,
to express his contempt of them, and that being thus defiled they
might never be used any more.
15 Moreover the altar that [was] at Beth-el, [and] the high
place which Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to
sin, had made, both that altar and the high place he brake down,
and burned the high place, [and] stamped [it] small to powder,
and burned the grove ; the calf was destroyed before, but now cdl
that belonged to it tvas utterly consumed. \6 And as Josiah turned
himself, he spied the sepulchres that [were] there in the mount :
this seems an accidental thing, a thought that came suddenly into
his head; and he sent, and took the bones out of the sepulchres,
and burned [them] upon the altar, and polluted it, according
to the word of the Lokd which the man of God proclaimed, who
proclaimed these words. See 1 Kings xiii. 1., where this was
foretold, above three hundred years before. 1 7 Then, seeing a large
rem.arkable inscription,he said, What title [is] that that I see ? And
the men of the city told him, [It ia] the sepulchre of the man
of God, which came from Judah, anJ proclaimed these things
that thou hast done against the altar of Beth-el*. 18 And he
said. Let him alone ; let no man move his bones. So they let
his bones alone, with the bones of the prophet that came out of
Samaria, 1 Kings xiii. 11.
19 And all the houses also of the high places that [were] hi
* Perhaps some worshippers of the true God, in tlic firm beUcf of the truth of
his prediction , had repaired the monument and renewed the insenption.
2 H 2
468 II. KINGS. XXIII.
the cities of Samaria, which the kings of Israel had made to
provoke [the Lord] to anger, Josiah took away, and did to
them according to all the acts that he had done in Beth-el.
PTohably this refers to some parts of Samaria which might be
conquered hy Jvdah during the late distractions of the kingdom of
Babi/ion; or the governor might allow his coming on this errand.
20 And he slew all the priests of the high places that [were]
there upon the altars, and burned men's bones upon them, and
returned to Jerusalem.
21 And the king commanded all the people, saying, Keep the
passover unto the Lord your God, as [it is] written in the book
of this covenant. 22 Surely there was not holden such a passover
from the days of the judges that judged Israel, nor in all the days
of the kings of Israel, nor of the kings of Judah ; a passover
celebrated ivith such solemn care, great preparation, numerous sa-
crifces, (2 Chron. xxxv. 7 — 9-), and universal joi/ qj' all good men :
23 But in the eighteenth year of king Josiah, [wherein] this pas-
sover was holden to the Loud in Jerusalem.
24 Moreover the [workers with] familiar spirits, and the wi-
zards, and the images, and the idols, and all the abominations
that were spied in the land of Judah and in Jerusalem did Josiah
put away, all the secret idolatry that he could discover, was en-
tirely removed and destroyed ; that he might perform the m ords
of the law which were written in the book that Hilkiah the
priest found in the house of the Loud. 25 And like unto him
was there no king before him, that turned to the Loud with
all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might, ac-
cording to all the law of Moses ; neither after him arose there
[any] like him ; this was a glorious character indeed*.
REFLECTIONS.
1. When times are ever so bad and discouraging, we should
not give way to despair, but stir up ourselves the more in en-
deavours to promote reformation. In ver. 17. of the former
chapter, we find that wrath loas gone out against Judah. Ne-
vertheless Josiah was willing to do what he could to lighten
and protract the judgment, and he therefore set about reforma-
tion vigorously. When iniquity abounds, the love of many waxes
* It will be proper next to read the thirty-fifth chapter of 2 Chronicles, where
the history of Josiah is continued.
II. KINGS. XXIII. 469
cold. Good men are too ready to be discouraged, and think it
vain to make any attempts to stem the tide and do good. But
duties are ours, and events are God's. We know not what
service God may make us instruments of; and whether we are
successful or no, it will give us peaceable reflections ; we know
that God is not unrighteous to forget auy zcork or labour of love.
2. When entering into covenant with God, we here see how it
is to be done, ver. 3., with resolutions to walk after the Lord, in
the way he has marked out ; to be followers of him, and obey
all his commands, moral and ceremonial, and to walk agreeably to
the law. It is to be done with all our heart and soul : with
care, sincerity, and vigorous resolutions. The best of men need,
like Josiah, to bind themselves to this work, considering the
many ill examples which surround them, and the treachery of the
human heart. In this view sacramental solemnities should be
considered and improved.
3. Let us lament these instances of the degeneracy of human
nature, and the corruptions of God's professing people. They
had adopted the idolatry of all their neighbours : like the Egyp-
tians, they worshipped calves; like the Persians, the sun and
fire ; like the Babylonians, the hosts of heaven ; like the Phoeni-
cians and their neighbours, Astarte or Venus. Let us lament that
the world should be so corrupt, so lost to reason, as to worship
the creature more than the Creator. No wonder God (rave them
up to vile affections, to all manner of folly, lewdness, and lascivi-
ousness. But that Israel should be so corrupted and abandoned,
and commit all these irregularities, was most infamous; especi-
ally that the image of Venus should be put up in the most holy
place, and sodomites and prostitutes be admitted there. That
the house of God should be turned into a brothel, in defiance of
his holiness and justice, was shocking indeed. No wonder his
wrath was kindled. How lamentable is it to reflect, that this is a
description of the greatest part of the world, that such idolatries
are yet practised in many nations. How should we wish and
pray for the propagation of the glorious gospel through the
whole earth, that the nations may turn from these vanities to
the living God. How thankful should we be for the light of the
gospel, and how careful to show forth the praises nf Him who hath
called us out of darkness into his marvellous light, and to walk
as children of the light, and of the day.
470 II. KINGS. XXIII. XXIV.
CHAP. XXIII. 26, to the end, and CHAP. XXIV.
From the thirty-first verse of this, to the end of the twenty-fourth, chap-
ter, we have a short account of the reign of four kings ; but there
was no good after Josiah's death.
26 Notwithstanding the Lord turned not from the
fierceness of his great wrath, wherewith his anger was kindled
against Judah, because of all the provocations that Manasseh had
provoked hira withal. 27 And the Lord said, I will remove
Judah also out of my sight, as I have removed Israel, and will
cast off this city Jerusalem which 1 have chosen, and the house
of which I said, My name shall be there.
28 Now the rest of the acts of Josiah, and all that he did,
[are] they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings
of Judah.
29 111 his days Pharaoh-nechoh king of Egypt went up against
the king of Assyria to the river Euphrates : and king Josiah went
against him ; and he slew him at Megiddo, when he had seen him.
30 And his servants carried him in a chariot dead from Megiddo,
and brought him to Jerusalem, and buried him in his own sepul-
chre. And the people of the land took Jchoahaz the son of Jo-
iiah, and anointed him, and made him king in his father's stead.
31 Jehoahaz the youngest son of Jusiah, called Skallum,
Ter. xxii. 11., [was] twenty and three years old when he began
.0 reign ; and he reigned three mouths in Jerusalem. And his
mother's name [was] Hamutal, the daughter of Jeremiah of
Libnah. 32 And he did [that which was] evil in the sight of
the Lord, according to all that his fathers had done. 33 And
Pharaoh-nechoh put him in bands at Riblah in the land of
Hamath, that he might not reign in Jerusalem ; and put the land
to a tribute of a hundred talents of silver, and a talent of gitld*.
34 And Pharaoh-nechoh made Eliakim the son of Josiah king
iu the room of Josiah his father, and turned his name to Jehoia-
* Pliaraoli liad no desifOi against Judali when lie came up first ; but Josiah
having attacked liim, lif bent liis forces against iiis family and king^doin. The
people bad chosen Jehoahaz king, because he was of an active, warlike spirit,
Ezek.iix,2., like a young lioti ; therefore Pharaoh deposed him, and made his
brother king in his stead.
II. KINGS. XXIII. XXIV. 4.71
kirn, and took Jehoahaz away : and he came to Egypt, and died
there, according to the prophecy of Jeremiah, chap. xxii. 12. It
was the custom of cofiqnerors to change the name of those kings which
they set up, to show their absolute poioer over them.
35 And Jehoiakim gave the silver and the gold that he had in
his treasures to Pharaoh, but he taxed the land to give the money
according to the commandment of Pharaoh, to make up the tvhole
sum that was demanded: he exacted the silver and the gold of
the people of the land, of every one according to his taxation,
to give [it] unto Pharaoh-nechoh.
36 Jehoiakim [was] twenty and five years old when he began
to reign; and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. And his
motlfer's name [was] Zebndah, the daughter of Pedaiah of Rumah.
37 And he did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord,
according to all that his fathers had done ; he was very tvicked,
like his predecessors ; some particulars of which are mentioned in
Jeremiah, chap. xxii. l3 — 19., and chap. xxvi. 20, 23, ^c.
Chap. XXIV. 1 In his days Nebuchadnezzar king of Baby-
lon came up, and Jehoiakim became his servant three years : then
he turned and rebelled against him*. 2 And the Lord sent
against him bands of the Chaldees, and bands of the Syrians,
and bands of the Moabites, and bands of the children of Amnion,
all of whom were tributary to him, and sent them against Judah
to destroy itf, according to the word of the Lord, which he
spake by his servants the prophets, chap. xx. 17- xxi. 10., S^c.
xxii. 16., and Jer. xxv. 9- xxvi. 20. 3 Surely at the command-
ment of the Lord came [this] upon Judah, to remove [them]
out of his sight, for the sins of Manasseh, according to all that
he did ; 4 And also for the innocent blood that he shed : for he
filled Jerusalem with innocent blood, which the Lord would not
pardon \.
5 Now the rest of the acts of Jehoiakim, and all that he did,
[are] they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings
* Nebuchadnezzar, having smitten Pharaoh's ai-my, came asjainst the Jews, to
make tlieni tributary to him, as they had beeu to Pharaoh. \Ve find iu 2 Chron.
xxxvi. 6., tliat he bound Jehoiakim m ciiains, and carried liim to Babylon ; but
upon his fair promises and engagements he suffered him to return, till he re-
belled against him.
f Some date the beginning of tlie captivity here ; row Daniel and his compa-
nions were carried to Babylon. Daniel i. i, S!.
t Manasseh's son is particularly mentioned, but many people concurred with
Manasseh in these executions ;, though, I think, the words may be understood of
Jehoiakim, for he shed iimooent blood, Jer. xxii. 17.
472 II. KINGS. XXIII. XXIV.
of Judah? 6 So Jehoiakim slept with his fathers* : and Jehoia-
chinf his son reigned in his stead.
7 And the king of Egypt came not again any more out of his
land : for the king of Babylon had taken from the river of Egypt
unto the river Euphrates all that pertained to the king of Egypt.
8 Jehoiachin [was] eighteen years old when he began to reign,
and he reigned in Jerusalem three months. And his mother's name
[was] Nehushta, the daughter of Elnathan of Jerusalem. 9 And
he did [that which was] evil in the sight of the Lord, according
to all that his father had done; he went on in his father s steps,
though he had been zvitness to the calamities he had suffered.
]0 At that lin)e the servants of Nebuchadnezzar king of Ba-
bylon came up against Jerusalem, and the city was besi^ed.
11 And Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came against the city,
and his servants did besiege it. 12 And Jehoiachin the king of
Judah went out to the king of Babylon, he, and his mother, and
his servants, and his princes, and his officers, a7id surrendered
themselves to the king of' Babylon ; and the king of Babylon took
him in the eighth year of his reign. 13 And he carried out thence
all the treasures of the house of the Lord, and the treasures of
the king's house, and cut in pieces J all the vessels of gold which
Solomon king of Israel had made in the temple of the Loud, as
the Lord had said, chap. xx. 17. 14 And he carried away all
Jerusalem, and all the princes, and all the mighty men of valour,
[even] ten thousand captives, and all the craftsmen and smiths :
none remained, save the poorest sort of the people of the land.
15 And he carried away Jehoiachin to Babylon, who continued
thirty-seven years in captivity, and the king's mother, and
the king's wives, and his officers, and the mighty of the land,
[those] carried he into captivity, from Jerusalem to Babylon.
16 And all the men of might, [even] seven thousand, and craftsmen
and smiths a thousand, all [that were] strong [and] apt for war,
even them the king of Babylon brought captive to Babylon ; all
but the poor people of the land. Mordecai was taken at this time,
Esther ii. 6., Ezek. xl. i. ; and from hence we must date the com-
mencement of the seventy years' captivity.
* We have only a general account of his death ; but it is probable that when
tlic city was besieged he made a sally, was taken prisoner, and slain, and lay
uuburied, agreeably to the prophecy in Jeremiah xxviii. i8, 19.
t In 1 Chron. iii. 16. he is called Jeconiah, or in short, Cooiab, in Jeremiah
xxii. 24, as.
t Or ratlier, he cut them oft from their bases or stands ; as they were afterwards
used by the king of Babylon, Dm. x, a, 3., aud were restored by Cyrus.
II. KINGS. XXIII. XXIV. 473
17 And the king of Babylon made Mattaniah liis father's bro-
ther king in his stead, and clianged his name to Zedekiah ; this
zcas Josiah's third son. 13 Zedekiah [was] twenty and one years
old when he began to reign, and he reigned eleven years in Jeru-
salem. And his mother's name [was] Hamutal, the daughter of
Jeremiah of Libnah. 19 And he did [that which was] evil in the
sight of the Lord, according to all that Jehoiakim had done;
persecuted the prophets, S^-c, an account of which we have in Jere-
miah's prophecy, chap, xxxvii. 20 For through the anger of the
Lord it came to pass in Jerusalem and Judah, until he had cast
them out from his presence, that Zedekiah rebelled against the
king of Babylon; having taken an oath of fidelity, 2 Chron.
XXX vi. 13., he broke it, for which he was reproved by Ezekiel. See
Ezekie], chap, xxvii, 18*.
REFLECTION.
This one reflection may naturally be made on what we have
been reading ; that sin brings misery on a nation ; it is a reproach
to it; and will finally be the ruin of it. For the iniquity of a land
many are the princes thereof. There was a quick succession of
them, but all came to an untimely end. These tlmigs are written
for our admonition, that if we desire the public welfare, the
honour and happiness of our king, and the continued tranquillity
of the nation, we should ourselves, and should endeavour and
pray that Others may, lead quiet and peaceable lives, in all god'
liness and honesty.
* I would here particularly recommend the reading of the prophecy of Jeremiah,
•where many particulars are recorded relating to these reigns, especially the
twenty-second, twcnty-sixtli, and twenty-seventh chapters, on whicli tlie account
now given will throw great light.
474. II. KINGS. XXV
CHAPTER XXV.
In 2Chron. xxxvi, 11 — 17., we find that their great wickedness, aggra-
vated by God's kindness and compassion, was the cause of their
calamities and ruin ; in this chapter we have the siege and taking of
Jerusalem; the captivity of the people; and the destruction of the
city and temple; an account of their new governor, his cruel murder,
and the advancement of Jchoiachin.
1 And it came to pass in the ninth year of his reign, in the
tenth month, in the tenth [day] of the month, [that] Nebuchad-
nezzar king of Babylon came, he, and all his host, against Jeru-
salem, and pitched against it; and they built forts against it round
about. '2 And the city was besieged unto the eleventh year of
king Zedekiah* S And on the ninth [day] of the [fourth] month
the famine prevailed in the city, and there was no bread for the
people of the land ; mani/ from the country Jied there for safety,
the famine became so terribk'f. 4 And the city was broken up,
a breach made, at which the enemy entered, and all the men of
[war] lied by night by the way of the gate ' • tween two walls,
which [is] by the king's garden : (now the Chaldees [were] against
the city round about :) and [the king] went llie way toward the
plain ; Jeremiah loould have persuaded the king to surrender, but
he would not. 5 And the army of the Chaldees pursued after the
king, and overtook him in the plains of Jericho : and all his army
were scattered from him. 6 So they took the king, and brought
him up to the king of Babylon to Riblah ; a city betzceen Jeru-
salem and Baby/on, xohere he lay waiting the issue of the siege ;
and they gave judgment upon him. 7 And they slew the sons
of Zedekiah before liis eyes, and put out the eyes of Zedekiah,
and bound him with fetters of brass, and carried him to Ba-
bylon %.
* As soon as Nebuchadnezzar licard of Zedekiah'* treachery, lie built forts to
keep relief from coming to the city, and besieged it. Jeremiah tells us, that the
king of Egypt came to help Zedekiah, but the Chaldees went against him, and he
lied. Upon this, they retunied to the siege, which lasted about two years. See
Jer. xxxvii.
t It is described in Lam. iv. 1 — 10.
i A council was held, and Zedekiah brought to trial, in whirh he was found
guilty of treachery and rebellion, upon wiiich thoy slew his sons before him, and
il. KINGS. XXV. 475
8 And ill the fifth month, on the seventh [day] of the month,
which [is] the nineteenth year of king Nebuchadnezzar king of
Babylon, came Nebuzar-adan, captain of the guard, a servant of
the king of Babylon, unto Jerusalem. 9 And he burnt the house
of the Lord, and the king's house, and all the houses of Jeru-
salem, and every great [man's] house burnt he with fire *. 10 And
all the army of the Chaldees, that [were with] the captain of the
guard, brake down the walls of Jerusalem round about, that it
might make no farther resistance. 1 1 Now the rest of the people
[that were] left in the city, and the fugitives that fell away to the
king of Babylon, with the remnant of the multitude, did Nebuzar-
adan the captain of the guard carry away. 12 But the captain
of the guard left of the poor of the land [to be] vine dressers and
husbandmen; he gdve them farms and vineyards: prohahly he had
a particular charge given him concerning Jeremiah, to preserve
him safe. See Jeremiah xl. 2 — 6.
13 And the pillars of brass that [were] in the house of the
Lord, and the bases, and the brasen sea that [was] in the house
of the Lord, did the Chaldees break in pieces, and carried the
brass of them to Babylon. 14 And the pots, and the shovels,
and the snufters, and the spoons, and all the vessels of brass
wherewith they ministered, took they away. 15 And the fire
pans, and the bowls, [and] such things as [were] of gold, [in]
gold, and of silver, [in] silver, the captain of the guard took away.
16 The two pillars, one sea, and the bases which Solomon had
made for the house of the Lord ; the brass of all these vessels
was without weight. 17 The height of the one pillar [was]
eighteen cubits, and the chapiter upon it [was] brass : and the
height of the chapiter three cubits ; and the wreathen-work, and
pomegranates upon the chapiter round about, all of brass : and
like unto these had the second pillar with wreathen work.
18 And the captain of the guard took Seraiah the chief priest,
and Zephaniah the second priest, the high priest's deputy, zoho was
to act in case of his sickness or incapacity, and the three keepers
then put out his eyes, that no other object might thrust out the ideas of that
bloody scene. He was tiien bound in chains, nnil carried to Babylon, to draj? out
a miserable existence there. While Jeremiah foretold this at Jernsalem, Ezekiel
foretold it at Babylon, Jer. xxxii. 5., Ezek. xii. 13. Jercmiali foretold his going
to Babylon, and dying there. Ezekiel foretold tiiat he should die at Babylon,
though ho siiould never see it ; and so it came to pass, he was brought there, but
never beheld it.
* The burning of the city and temple liad often been foretold, by Isaiah, Jere-
miah, and Ezekiel ; it was not burnt when the city was taken, but a month after
the cruel resolution was taken to burn both the city and the temple.
476 II. KINGS. XXV.
of the door. 19 And out of the city he took an officer, that was
set over the men of war, and five men of them that were in the
king's presence, which were found in the city, and the principal
scribe of the host, which mustered the people of the laind, and
threescore men of the people of the land [that were] found in the
city ; sixty gentlemen of fortune, zcho had concealed themselves in
the city *. 20 And Nebuzar-adan captain of the guard took
these, and brought them to the king of Babylon to Riblah. 21 And
the king of Babylon smote them, and slew them at Riblah in the
land of Hamath. So Judah was carried away out of their land ;
all Judah was carried captive, about one hundred and thirty years
after the captiviti/ of the ten tribes.
22 And [as for] the people that remained in the land of Judah,
■whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had left, even over them
he made Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, ruler;
probably upon the recommendation of Jeremiah, as he had been
saved by his father, and had a great respect for his son. £3 And
when all the captains of the armies, they and their men, heard
that the king of Babylon had made Gedaliah governor, there
came to Gedaliah to Mizpah, even Ishmael the son of Nethaniah,
and Johanan the son of Careah, and Seraiah the son of Tan-
luinicth the Netophathite, and Jaazaniah the son of a Maacha-
thite, they and their menf. 24 And Gedaliah sware to them,
and to their men, and said unto them, Fear not to be the servants
of the Chaldees : dwell in the land, and serve the king of Ba-
bylon ; and it shall be well with you ; he assured them rcith a
solemn oath, that they should be safe, if they zcould be faithful to
the king of Babi/lon. 25 But it came to pass in the seventh
month, that Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, the son of Elishama,
of the seed royal, came, and ten men with him, and smote Geda-
liah, that he died, and the Jews and the Chaldees that were with
him at !Mizpah t. 26 And all the people, both small and great,
and the captains of the armies arose, and came to Egypt : for they
were afraid of the Chaldees ; being afraid of' the resentment of
* Probably tlicse men were the chief instruments in persecuting Jeremiah, and
in persuading Zedekiah, coutrarj' to the prophet's command, not to surrender.
t These men had fled at the bef^inning of the siege, and gone to tlic Moabites
and Ammonites. Jer. xl. 7., but now returned, and put themselves under his
command; and Jereniiali also put himself under hLs protection, though the Chal-
dean general would have had him gone with him to Babylon, and promised to
use him kindly there. Jer. xl. t, 6.
X Ishmael being of the seed royal, thought he had more right to the government ;
and b«ing set on by the king of the Auuuouites ho treacherously nnirdcred Geda-
liah, at an wnUrlaiinucnt he had prepared for him. Gedaliah had been warned
of Ishmael's designs, but did not ap|trchciul the danger. See Jcr. xl. 13, &c.
II. KINGS. XXV. 477
the Chaldees, they went to Egypt, contrary to the command of the
Lord. Here they behaved very wickedly, and were all destroyed ;
they took Jeremiah with them, and he probably died there. See
Jeremiah \liii.
27 And it came to pass in the seven and thirtieth year of the
captivity of Jehoiachiu king of Judah, in the twelfth month, on
the seven and twentieth [day] of the month, [that] Evil-merodach
king of Babylon, and so)i of Nebuchadnezzar, in the year that he
began to reign did, lift up the head of Jehoiachin king of Judah
out of prison ; gave kirn dignity and promotion above other kings
who were then captive at Babylon. 28 And he spake kindly to
him, and set his throne above the throne of the kings that [were]
with him in Babylon ; 29 And changed his prison garments, and
gave him royal apparel : and he did eat bread continually before
him all the days of his life ; sat at his table, and had an allowance
for the support of his family. 30 And his allowance [was] a
continual allowance given him of the king, a daily rate for every
day, all the days of his life*.
* The Jews have a. tradition that Ibis prince was cast into prison with Jehoiacliin,
for his evil government dm ins; his futliei's seven years' distraction ; and that this
was the reason of his favour and affection to him afterwards. This wouM be an
encouragement to the pious Jev^s in captivity; and tbey would look upon it as an
omen of their approaching dtliverance. The last chapter of Jeremiah is almost
the same as this ; and was designed to throw light upon his prophecy. The fortieth
chapter of Jeremiah should be read in this connexion. The iiistory and the pro-
phecy illustrate and confirm one another. After this time the land lay desolate,
and kept a sabbath of seventy years' rest, because they had profaned the sabbath,
and neglected the observation of the sabbatical years, wiien the land should rest
every seventh year.
THK
FIRST BOOK OF CHRONICLES.
INTRODUCTION.
This and the following book contain something concerning the state of
tlie church from the beginning of the world, till after the Babylonish
captivity, and therefore probably were written at that time by Ezra,
compare 2 Chron. xxxvi. 22, 23. with Ezra i. 1,2, 3. The design
of them is chiefly to give an exact account of the genealogies, espe-
cially of the church, from Adam downwards; that so it might cer-
tainly be known of what tribe and family Christ, the promised seed,
was ; which therefore Matthew, but Luke especially, make use of to
this purpose. Here are also related several passages of the kings of
Judali, omitted in the books of Samuel and the Kings, and some other
passages are explained.
CHAPTER I.
The genealogies from Adam to Abraham, whose posterity is recounted ;
especially the kings and dukes of Edcm.
1 Ada M, Sheth, Enosh, 2 Kenan, Mahalaleel, Jered, 3 Henoch,
Methuselah, Lamech, 4 Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth.
5 The sons of Japheth ; Gomer, and Magog, and Madal, and
Javan, and Tubal, and Meshech, and Tiras. 6 And the sons of
Gomer; Aslichenaz, and Uiphath, and Togarmah. 7 And the
sons of Javan; Elisha, and Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim.
8 Tlie sons of Ham; Cush, and Mizraim, Fut and Canaan.
9 And the sons of Cush ; Sebah, and Havilah, and Sabta, and
Raamali, and Sabtecha. And the sons of Raamah; Sheba, and
Dedan. 10 And Cush begat Nimrod : he bcran to be mighty
upon tlie earth. 11 And ^lizraim begat Ludim, and Anamim,
and Lchabim, and Naphluhim, 12 And P-'hrusim, and Casluhim,
(of whom came the Philistines) and Caphthornn. IS And Ca-
naan begat Zidon his first born, and Heth, 14 The Jebnsitc also,
and the Amoritc, and the Girgushite, J 5 And the Hivite, and
I. CHRONICLES. I. 479
ihe Arkite, and the Sinite, l6 And the Arvadite, and the Ze-
marite, and the Hamathite.
] 7 The sons of Sheni ; Elam, and Asshur, and Arphaxad, and
Lud, and Aram, and Uz, and Hul, and Gether, and Meshech,
18 And x\rphaxad begat Shelah, and Shelah begat Eber. 19 And
unto Eber were born two sons : the name of the one [was]
Peleg ; because in his days the earth was divided : and his brother's
name [was] Joktan. 20 And Joktan begat Almodad, and She-
ieph, and Hazarmaveth, and Jerah, 2 1 Hadoram also, and Uzal,
and Diklah, 22 And Ebal, and Abimae), and Sheba, 23 And
Ophir, and Havilah, and Jobab. All these [were] the sons of
Joktan.
24 Shem, Arphaxad, Shelah, 25 Eber, Peleg, Reu, 26 Serug,
Nahor, Terah, 27 Abram, the same [is] Abraham. 28 The
sons of Abraiiam ; Isaac, and Ishmael.
29 These [are] their generations: the first born of Ishmael,
Nebaioth ; then Kedar, and Abdeei, and Mibsam, 30 Mishma,
and Dumah, Massa, Hadad, and Tenia, 31 Jetur, Nephish, and
Kedemah. These are the sons of Ishmael.
32 Now the sons of Keturah, Abraham's concubine : she bare
Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and
Shuah. And the sons of Jokshan ; Sheba, and Dedan. 33 And
the sons of Midian ; Ephah, and Epher, and Henoch, and Abida,
and Eldaah. All these [are] the sons of Keturah.
34 And Abraham begat Isaac. The sons of Isaac ; Esau and
Israel. 35 The sons of Esau; Eliphaz, Reuel, and Jeush, and
Jaalam, and Korah. 36 The sons of Eliphaz ; Temau, and
Omar, Zephi, and Gatam, Kenaz, and Timna, and Amalek.
37 The sons of Reuel; Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah.
38 And the sons of Seir; Lotan, and Shobal, and Zibeon, and
Anah, and Dishon, and Ezar, and Dishau. 39 And the sons of
Lotan ; liori, and Honiam : and Tinina [was] Lotan's sister.
40 The sons of Shobal ; Alian, and Manalialh, and Ebal,
Shephi, and Onam. And the sons of Zibeon; Aiah, and Anah.
41 The sons of Anah; Dislion. And the sons of Dishon;
Amram, and Eshban, and Ithran, and Cheran. 42 The sons of
Ezer; Bilhan, and Zavan, [and] Jakau. The sons of Dishan;
Uz, and Aran.
43 Now these [are] the kings that reigned in the land of
Edom, before [any] king reigned over the children of Israel ;
Bela the son of Beor : and the name of his city [was] Dinhabah.
44 And when Bela was dead, Jobab the son of Zerah of Bozrah
4S0 I. CHRONICLES. II.
reigned in his stead. 45 And when Jobab was dead, Husham of
the land of the Temanites reigned in his stead. 46 And when
Husham was dead, Hadad the son of Bedad, which smote Midian
in the field of Moab, reigned in his stead : and the name of his
city [was] Avith. 47 And when Hadad was dead, Samlah of
Masrekah reigned in his stead. 48 And when Samlah was dead,
Shaul of Rehoboth by the river reigned in his stead. 49 And
when Shaul was dead, Baal-hanan the son of Achbor reigned in
his stead, 50 And when Baal-hanan was dead, Hadad reigned
in his stead : and the name of his city [was] Pai ; and his wife's
name [was] Mehetabel the daughter of Matred, the daughter of
Mezahab.
5 1 Hadad died also. And the dukes of Edom were ; duke
Timna, duke Aliah, duke Jetheth, 52 Duke Aholibamah, duke
Elah, duke Pinon, 53 Duke Keuaz, duke Teman, duke Mibzar,
54 Duke Magdiel, duke Iram. These [are] the dukes of Edom.
CHAPTER II.
The posterities of Israel, Judah, Jesse, Caleb, Hezron, and Jerahmeel.
1 A HESE [are] the sons of Israel ; Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and
Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun, C Dan, Joseph, and Benjamin,
Naphtali, Gad, and Asher.
3 The sons of Judah; Er, and Onan, and Shelah : [which] three
were born unto him of the daughter of Shuah the Canaanitess.
And Er, the first born of Judah, was evil in the sight of the
Lord; and he slew him. 4 And Tamar his daughter in law
bare him Pharez and Zerah. All the sons of Judah [were] five.
5 The sons of Pharez ; Hezron, and Hamul. 6 And the sons
of Zerah ; Zimri, and Ethan, and Heman, and Calcol, and Dara :
five of them in all. 7 And the sons of Carmi ; Achar, the
troubler of Israel, who transgressed in the thing accursed.
8 And the sons of Ethan ; Azariah. 9 The sons also of Hezron,
that were born unto him; Jerahmeel, and Ram, and Chelubai.
10 And Ram begat Amminadab; and Ammiuadab begat Nah-
shon, prince of the children of Judah; 11 And Nahshon begat
Salma, and Salma begat Boaz, 12 And Boaz begat Obed, and
Obed begat Jesse,
I. CHRONICLES. II. ISI
13 And Jesse begat his first born Eliab, and Abinadab the
second, and Shimma the third. 14 Nethaneel the fourth, Reddai
the fifth. 15 Ozem the sixth, David the seventh. \6 Whose
sisters [were] Zeruiah, and Abigail. iVnd the sons of Zeruiah;
Abishai, and Joab, and Asahel, three. 17 And Abigail bare
Amasa : and the father of Amasa [was] Jether the Ishmeelite.
18 And Caleb the son of Hezron begat [children] of Azubah
[his] wife, and of Jerioth : her sons [are] tliese ; Jesher, and
Shobab, and Ardon. 19 And when Azubah was dead, Caleb
took unto him Ephrath, which bare him Hur. £0 And Hur
begat Uri, and Uri begat Bezalcel.
21 And afterward Hezron went in to the daughter of ISTachir,
the father of Gilead, whom he married when he [was] threescore
years old, and she bare him Segub. 22 And Segub begat Jair,
who had three and twenty cities in the land of Gilead. 23 And
he took Geshur, and Aram, with the towns of -lair, from them,
with Kenath and the towns thereof, [even] threescore cities : all
these [belonged to] the sons of Machir, the father of Gilead.
24 And after that Hezron was dead in Caleb-ephratah, then
Abiah Hezron's wife bare him Asl.ur the father of Tekoa.
25 And the sons of Jerahmeel the first born of Hezron were.
Ram the first born, and Bnnah, and Oren, and Ozem, [and]
Ahijah. 26 Jarahmeel had also another wife, whose name [was]
Atarah; she [was] the mother of Onam. 27 And the sons of
Ram the first born of Jerahmeel were Maaz, and Jamin, and
Eker. 28 And the sons of Onam were, Shammai, and Jada.
And the sons of Shammai; Nadab, and Abishur. 29 And the
name of the wife of Abishur, [was] Abihail, and she bare him
Ahban, and Molid, 30 And the sons of Nadab; Seled, and
Appaim: but Seled died without children. 31 And the sons of
Appaim ; Ishi. And the sons of Ishi; Sheshan. And the chil-
dren of Sheslian ; Ahlai. 32 And the sons of Jada the brother
of Shammai ; Jether, and Jonathan : and Jether died without
children. 33 And the sons of Jonathan; Pcleth and Zara.
These were the sons of Jerahmeel.
34 Now Sheshan had no sons, but daughters. And Sheshan
had a servant, an Egyptian, whose name [was] Jarha. 35 And
Sheshan gave his daughter to Jarha his servant to wife; and she
bare him Attai. 36 And Attai begat Nathan, and Nathan begat
Zabad, 3? And Zabud begat Epiilal, and Ephlal begat Obed,
38 And Obed begat Jehu, and Jehu begat Azariah, 39 And
Azariah begat Helcz, and Helez begat Eleasah, 40 And Eleasah
VOL. III. 2 I
482 I. CHRONICLES. III.
begat Sisamai, and Sisamai begat Shallum, 41 And Shallum
begat Jekamiah, and Jekamiah begat Elishama.
42 Now the sons of Caleb the brother of Jerahmeel [were]
Mesha his first born, which [was] the father of Ziph ; and the
sons of Mareshah the fatlier of Hebron. 43 And the sons of
Hebron ; Korah, and Tappuah, and Rekeni, and Shema.
44 And Shema begat Rahani, the father of Jorkoam : and
Ilekem begat Shammai. 45 And the son of Shammai [was]
Maon ; and Maon [was] the father of Beth-zur. 46 And Ephah,
Caleb's concubine, bare Haran, and Moza, and Gazez; and Haran
begat Gazez. 47 And the sons of Jahdai ; Regem, and Jotham,
and Gesham, and Pelet, and Ephah, and Shaaph. 48 Maachah,
Caleb's concubine, bare Sheber, and Tirha* ;;h. 49 She bare
also Shaaph the father of Madmannah, Sheva the father of
Machbena, and the fadier of Gibea: and the daughter of Caleb
[was] Achsa.
50 These were the sons of Caleb the son of Hur, the first
born of Ephratah ; Shobal the father of Kirjath-jearim, 51 Salma
the father of Beth-lehein, Hareph the father of Beth-gader.
52 And Shobal the father of Kirjath-jearim had sons ; Haroeh,
[and] half of the Manahethites. 53 And the families of Kiijath-
jearim; the Ithrites, and the Puhites, and the Shumathites, and
the Mishraites ; of them came the Zareathites, and Eshtaulites.
54 The sons of Salma; Beth-lehem, and the Netophathites,
Ataroth, the house of Joab, and half of the Manahethites, the
Zorites. 55 And the families of the scribes which dwelt at
Jabez; the Tirathites, the Shimeathites, [and] Suchathites. These
[are] the Kenites that came of Hemath, the father of the house of
Rechab.
CHAPTER III.
The sons of David ; his line to Zcdekiah ; and the posterity of Jcconiah.
1 ii OW these were the sons of David which were born unto
him in Hebron ; the first born, Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreel-
itess: the second Daniel, of Abigail the Carmelitess : 2 The
third, Absalom the son of Maachah the daughter of Talmai king
of Geshur : the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith : 3 The fifth,
Shephatiah of Abital: the sixth, Ithream by Eglah his wife.
I. CHRONICLES. III. 4S3
4 [Tiiese] six were born unto him in Hebron ; and there he
reigned seven years and six months : and in Jerusalem he reigned
thirty and three years. 5 And these were born unto him in Je-
rusalem ; Shimea, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon, four,
of Bathshua the daughter of Ammiel : 6 Ibhar also, and Eli-
shama, and Eliphelet, 7 And Nogah, and Nepheg, and Japhia,
8 And Ehshama, and Eliada, and Eliphelet, nine, y [These
were] all the sons of David, besides the sons of the concubines,
and Tamar their sister.
10 And Solomon's son [was] Rehoboam, Abia his son, Asa his
son, Jehoshaphat his son, 1 1 Joram his son, Ahaziah his son, Joash
his son, 12 Amaziah his son, Azariah his son, Jotham his son,
13 Ahaz his son, Hezekiah his son, Manasseh his son, 14 Anion
his son, Josiah his son. 15 And the sons of Josiah [were,] the
first born Johanan, the second Jehoiakim, the third Zedekiah, the
fourth Shallum. l6 And the sons of Jehoiakim; Jeconiah his
son, Zedekiah his son.
17 And the sons of Jeconiah; Asslr, Salathiel his son, 18 Mal-
chiram also, and Pedaiah, and Shenazar, Jecamiah, Hoshania, and
Nedabiah. 19 And the sons of Pedaiah [were,] Zerubbabel,
and Shimei ; and the sons of Zerubbabel ; Meshullam, and Ila-
naniah, and Shelomith their sister : 20 And Hashubah,and Ohel,
and Berechiah, and Hasadiah, Jushab-hesed, five. 21 And the
sons of Hananiah ; Pelatiah, and Jesaiah ; the sons of Rephaiah,
the sons of Arnan, the sons of Obadiah, the sons of Shechaniah.
22 And the sons of Shechaniah ; Shemaiah : and the sons of She-
maiah ; Hattush, and Igeal, and Bariah, and Neariah, and Sha-
phat, six. 23 And the sons of Neariah ; Elioenai, and Hezekiah,
and Azrikam, three. 24 And the sons of Elioenai [were,] Ho-
daiah, and Eliashib, and Pelaiah, and Akkub, and Johanan, and
Dalaiah, and Anani, seven.
I 2
i84 I. CHRONICLES. IV.
CHAPTER IV.
The posterity of Judali by Caleb the son of Ilur ; of Ashur, the posthu-
mous son of Ilezron ; of Jabcz ; of Shelah ; and of Simeon ; the con-
quest of Gedor, &c. |
1 1 HE sons of Judali ; Pharez, Hezron, and Carmi, and Hur,
and Shobal. 2 And Reaiah the son of Shobal begat Jaliath ; and
Jahatli begat Ahiimai, and Lahad. These [are] the families of
the Zoratbiles. 3 And these [were] of the father of Etam;
Jezreel, and Ishma, and Idbash : and the name of their sister [was]
Hazelelponi: 4 And Penuel the father of Gedor, and Ezer the
father of Hushah, These [are] the sons of Hur, the first born
of Ephratah, the father of Beth-lehem.
5 And Ashur the father of Tekoa had two wives, Helah,
and Naarah. 6 And Naarah bare him Ahuzam, and Hepher,
and Temeni, and Haahashtari. These [were] the sons of Naarali.
7 And the sons of Helah [were,] Zereth, and Jezoar, and Ethnan.
8 And Coz begat Anub, and Zobebah, and the families of Ahar-
hel the son of Harum.
9 And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren : and his
mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with
sorrow. 10 And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh
that thou wouldst bless me indeed, and enlarge faiy coast, and that
thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldst keep [me]
from evil that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that
which he requested.
1 1 And Chelub the brother of Shuah begat Mehir, which [was]
the father of Eshton. 12 And Eshton begat Beth-rapha, and
Paseah, and Tehinnah the father of Irnahash. These [are] the
men of Rcchah. 13 And the sons of Kenaz ; Othniel, and Sc-
raiah : and the sons of Othniel; Hathath. 14 And Meonolhai
begat Ophrah ; and Seraiah begat Joab, the father of the valley of
Charashim ; for they were craftsmen. 15 And the sons of Ca-
leb the son of Jephunnch ; Iru, Elah, and Naam : and the
sons of Elah, even Kenaz. 16 And the sons of Jehaleleel ; Ziph,
and Ziphah, Tiria, and Asarcel. 17 And the sons of Ezra [were,]
J ether, and Mered, and Epher, and Jalon : and she bare Miriam^
and Shammai, and Ishbah the father of Eshtemoa. 18 And his
I. CHRONICLES. IV. 485
wife Jeluidijah bare Jered the father of Gedor, and Hebcr the
father of Socho, and Jekuthiel the father of Zanoah. And these
[are] the sons of Bithiah the daughter of Pharaoh, which Mered
took. 19 And the sons of [his] wife Hodiah the sister of Na-
ham, the father of Keilah the Garmite, and Eslitemoa the Ma-
achathite. 20 And the sons of Shimon [were] Amnon, and Rin-
nah, Ben-hanan, and Tidon. And the sons of Ishi [were] Zo-
heth, and Ben-zoheth.
21 The sons of Shelah the son of Judah [were,] Er the father
of Lecah, and Laadah the father of Mareshah, and the families of
the house of them that wrought fine linen, of the house of Ashbea.
22 And Jokim, and the men of Chozeba, and Joash, and Saraph,
who had the dominion in Moab, and Jashubi-lehem. And [these
are] ancient things. 23 These [were] the potters, and those that
dwelt among plants and hedges : there they dwelt with the king
for his work.
24 The sons of Simeon [were,] Nemuel, and Jamin, Jarib,
Zerah, [and] Shaul : 25 Shallum his son, Mibsam his son, Mish-
ma his son. 26 And the sons of Mishma ; Hamuel his son,
Zacchur his son, Shimei his son. 27 And Shimei had sixteen
sons and six daughters ; but his brethren had not many children,
neither did all their family multiply, like to the children of Judah.
28 And they dwelt at Beer-shcba, and Molada, and Hazarshual,
29 And at Bilhah, and at Ezem, and ac Tolad, 30 And at Bethuel,
and atHormah, and at Ziklag, 31 And at Beth-marcaboth, and
Hazar-susim, and at Beth-birei, and at Shaaraim. These [were]
their cities unto the reign of David. 32 And their villages [were,]
Etam, and Ain, Rimmon, and Tochen, and Ashan, five cities.
33 And all their villages that [were] round about the same cities
unto Baal. These [were] their habitations, and their genealogy.
34 And Meshobab, and Jamlech,and Joshah the son of Amaziah,
35 And Joel, and Jehu the son of Josibiah, the son of Seraiah,
the son of Asiel, 36 And Eliocnai, and Jaakobah, and Jeshohaiah,
and Asaiah, and Adiel, and Jesimiel, and Benaiah, 37 And Ziza
the son of Shiphi, the son of AUon, the son of Jedaiah, the son
of Shimri, the son of Shemaiah ; 38 These mentioned by [their]
names [were] princes in their families : and the house of their
fathers increased greatly.
39 And they went to the entrance of Gedor, [even] unto the
east side of the valley, to seek pasture for their flocks. 40 And
they found fat pasture and good, and the land [was] wide, and
quiet, and peaceable ; for [they] of Ham had dwelt there of old.
486 I. CHRONICLES. V.
41 And these written by name came in the clays of Hezekiah king
of Judah, and smote their tents, and the habitations that were
fonnd there, and destroyed tliem utterly unto this day, and dwelt
in their rooms : because [there was] pasture there for their flocks.
42 And [some] of them, [even] of the sons of Simeon, five hun-
dred men, went to mount Seir, having for their captains Pelatiah,
and Neariah, and Rephaiah, and Uzziel, the sons of Ishi. 43 And
they smote the rest of the Amalokites that were escaped, and dwelt
there unto this dav.
CHAPTER V.
The line of Reuben; their habitation, and conquest of the Hagaritcs.
1 iMOW the sons of Reuben the first bom of Israel, (for he
[was] the first born ; but forasmuch as he defiled his father's bed,
liis birthright was given unto the sons of Joseph the son of Israel:
and the genealogy is not to be reckoned after the birthright.
2 For Judah prevailed above his brethren, and of him [came] the
chief ruler; but the birthright [was] Joseph's:) 3 The sons, [I
say,] of Reuben the first born of Israel [were,] Hanoch, and
Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi. 4 The sons of Joel ; Shemaiah his
son, Gog his son,Shimei his son, 5 Micah his son, Reaia his son,
Baal his son, 6 Beerah his son, whom Tilgath-pilnescr king of
Assyria carried away [captive :] he [was] prince of the Reubenites.
7 And his brethren by their families, when the genealogy of their
generations was reckoned, [were] the chief, Jeiel, and Zechariah,
8 And Bela, the son of Azaz, the son of Shema, the son of Joel,
•who dwelt in Aroer, even unto Nebo and JBaal-meon : 9 And
eastward he inhabited unto the entering in of the wilderness from
the river Euphrates : l)ccause their cattle were multiplied in the
land of Gilead. 10 And in the days of Saul they made war with
the Hagarites, who fell by their hand : and they dwelt in their
tents throughout all the cast [land] of Gilead.
11 And the children of Gad dwelt over against them, in the
land of Rashan unto Salcah : \'2 Joel the chief, and Shapham the
next, and Jaanai, and Shaphat in Bashan. IS And their brethren
of the house of their fathers [were,] Michael, and Meshullam,
and Sheba, and Jorai, and Jachan, and Zia, and Heber, seven.
I. CHRONICLES. V. 487
14 Tliese [are] the children of Abihail the son of Huri, the son
of Jaroah, the son of Gilead, the son of Michael, the son of
Jeshishai, the son of Jahdo, the son of Buz; 15 Ahi the son of
Abdiel, the son of Guni, chief of the house of their fathers.
16 And they dwelt in Gilead in Bashan, and in her towns, and
in all the suburbs of Sharon, upon their borders. 17 AH these
were reckoned by genealogies in the days of Jotham king of
Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam king of Israel.
18 The sons of Reuben, and the Gadites, and half the tribe of
Manasseh, of valiant men, men able to bear buckler and sword,
and to shoot with bow, and skilful in war, [were] four and forty
thousand seven hundred and threescore, that went out to the war.
19 And they made war with the Hagarites, with Jetur, and
Nephish, and Nodab. 20 And they were helped against them,
and the Hagarites were delivered into their hand, and all that
[were] with them ; for they cried to God in the battle, and he
was entreated of them ; because they put their trust in him.
21 And they took away their cattle; of their camels lifty thou-
sand, and of sheep two hundred and fifty thousand, and of asses
two thousand, and of men an hundred thousand. 22 For there
fell down many slain, because the war [was] of God. And they
dwelt in their steads until the captivity. 23 And the children of
the half tribe of Manasseh dwelt in the land : they increased from
Bashan unto Baal-hermon and Senir, and unto mount Hermon.
24 And these [were] the heads of their fathers, even Epher, and
Ishi, and Eliel, and Azriel, and Jeremiah, and Hodaviah, and
Jahdiel, mighty men of valour, famous men, [anJ] heads of the
house of their fathers. 23 And they transgressed against the God
of their fathers, and w ent a whoring after the gods of the people
of the land, whom God destroyed before them. 26 And the God
of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul king of Assyria, and the
spirit of Tilgath-pilneser kiiig of Assyria, and he carried them
away, even the Reubenites and the Gadites, and the half tribe of
Manasseh, and brought them unto Halah, and Habor, and Ilara,
and to the river Gozaii, unto this day.
488 1. CHRONICLES. VI.
CHAPTER VI.
The sons of Levi ; the line of the priests ; tlic office of Auion, and his
line.
1 1 HE sons of Levi; Gershon, Koliatb, and Merari. 2 And
the sons of Kohath ; Amram, Izliar, and Hebron, and Uzzie).
3 And the children of Amram ; Aaron, and Moses, and Miriam.
The sons also of Aaron ; Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and
Ithamar. 4 Eleazar begat Phincbas, Pliinchas begat Abishua,
5 And Abishna begat Bukki, and Bukki begat Uzzi, 6 And Uzzi
begat Zcrabiah, and Zerahiah begat Meraioth. 7 Meraioth begat
Amariah, and Amariah begat Ahitub, 8 And Aliitub begat Zadok,
and Zadok begat Ahimaaz^ 9 And Ahimaaz begat Azariab, and
Azariah begat Johanan, 10 And Johanan begat Azariah, (he [it
is] that executed the priest's office in the temple that Solomon
built in Jerusalem :) 1 1 And Azariah begat Amariah, and Amariah
begat Ahitub, 12 And Ahitub begat Zadok, and Zadok begat
Shallum, 13 And Shallum begat Hilkiah, and Hilkiah begat
Azariah, 14 And Azariah begat Seraiah, and Seraiah begat Je-
hozadak, l.f> And Jehozadak went [into captivity,] when the
Lord carried away Judah and Jerusalem by the hand of Nebu-
chadnezzar. iG The sons of Levi ; Gershom, Kohath, and Me-
rari. 17 And these [be] the names of the sons of Gershom;
Libni, and Shimei. 18 And the sons of Kohath [were,] Amram,
and Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel. 19 The sons of Merari;
l\Jahli, and Muslii. And these [are] the families of the Levites
according to their fathers. GO Of Gershom ; Libni his son, Ja-
hath bis son, Zimniah his son, 21 Joah his son, Iddo his son,
Zerah his son, Jeaterai his son. 22 The sons of Kohath; Am-
minadab his son, Korah his son, Assir his son, 23 Elkanah his
son, and Ebiasaph his son, and Assir his son. 24 Tahath his son,
Uriel his son, Uzziah his son, and Shaul his son. 25 And the
sons of Elkanah ; Amasai, and Ahimoth. 26 [As for] Elkanah :
the sons of Elkanah ; Zophai his son, and Nahath his son,
27 Eliab his son, Jerohani his son, Elkanah his son. 28 And
the sons of Samuel ; the hrst born Vashui, and Abiah. 29 The
sons of Merari, Mahli, Libni his son, Shimei his son, Uzza his
son, SO Shimei his son, llaggiah his son, Asaiah his son.
I. CiiRONlCLES. VI. iS9
31 And these [are they] whom David set over the service of
song in the house of the Lord, after that the ark had rest.
32 And they ministered before the dwelling place of the tabernacle
of the congregation with singing, until Solomon had built the
house of the Lord in Jerusalem : and [then] they waited on their
office according to their order. 33 And these [are] they that
waited with their children. Of the sons of the Kohathites;
Heman a singer, the son of Joel, the son of Shemuel, 34 The
son of Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Eliel, the son of
Toali, 35 The son of Zuph, the son of Elkanah, the son of Ma-
hath, tlie sou of Anuisai, 36 The son of Elkanah, the son of Joel,
the son of Azariah, the son of Zephaniah, 37 The son of Tahath,
the son of Assir, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, 38 The
son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, the son of Israel.
39 And his brother Asaph, who stood on his right hand, [even]
Asaph the son of Berachiah, the son of Shimea, 40 The son of
Michael, the son of Baaseiah, the son of Malchiah, 41 The son
of Ethni, the son of Zerah, the son of Adaiah, 42 The son of
Ethan, the son of Zimmah, the son of Shimei, 43 The son of
Jahath, the son of Gershom, the son of Levi. 44 And their
brethren the sons of Merari [stood] on the left hand : Ethan the
son of Kishi, the son of Abdi, the son of Malluch, 45 The son
of Hashabiah, the son of Amaziah, the son of Hilkiah, 40 The
son of Amzi, the son of Bani, the son of Shamer, 47 The son of
Mahli, the son of Mushi, the son of Alerari, the son of Levi.
48 Their brethren also the Levites [were] appointed unto all
manner of service of the tabernacle of the house of God.
49 But x\aron and l)is sons offered upon the altar of the burnt
offering, and on the altar of incense, [and were appointed] for all
tlie work of the [place] most holy, and to make an atonement
for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had
commanded, 50 And these [are] the sons of Aaron ; Eleazar his
son, Phinehas his son, Abishua his son, 51 Bukki his son, Uzzi
his son, Zerahiah his son, 52 Meraioth his son, Amariah his son,
Ahitub his son, 53 Zadok his son, Ahimaaz his son.
54 Now these [are] their dwelling places throughout their
castles in their coasts, of the sons of Aaron, of the families of
the Kohathites: for their's was the lot. 55 And they gave them
Hebron in the land of Judah, and the suburbs thereof round
about it. 56 But the tields of the city, and the villages thereof,
they gave to Caleb the son of Jephunneli, 57 And to the sons
of Aaron they gave the cities of Judah, [namely,] Hebron, [the
490 I. CHRONICLES. VI.
•
city] of refuge, and Libnali with her suburbs, and .lattir and
Eshtetnoa, with their suburbs, 58 And Hilcn with lier suburbs,
Debir with her suburbs, 59 And Ashan with her suburbs, and
Beth-shemesh with her suburbs. 60 And out of the tribe of
Benjamin ; Geba with her suburbs, and Alemeth with her suburbs,
and Anathoth with her suburbs. All their cities throughout their
families [were] thirteen cities. 6 1 And unto the sons of Kohath,
[which were] left of dic family of that tribe, [were cities given]
out of the half tribe, [namely, out of] the half [tribe] of Manas-
sch, by lot, ten cities. 62 And to the sons of Gershom through-
out their families [were given] out of the tribe of Issachar, and
out of the tribe of Asher, and out of the tribe of Naphtali, and
out of the tribe of Manasseh in Bashan, thirteen cities. 03 Unto
the sons of Merari [were given] by lot, throughout their families,
out of the tribe of Reuben, and out of the tribe of Gad, and out of
the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities. 64 And the children of Israel
gave to the Levites [these] cities with their suburbs. 65 And
they gave by lot out of the tribe of the children of Judah, and
out of the tribe of the children of Simeon, and out of the tribe
of the children of Benjamin, these cities, which are called by
[their] names. GO And [the residue] of the families of the sons
of Kohath had cities of their coasts out of the tribe of Ephraim.
67 And they gave unto them, [of] the cities of refuge, She-
chem in mount Ephraim with her suburbs; [they gave] also
Gezer with her suburbs, 68 And Jokmeam with her suburi)s, and
Beth-horon with her subuibs, 69 And Aijalon with her suburbs,
and Gath-rimmon with her suburbs: 70 And out of the half
tribe of Manasseh; Aner with her suburbs, and Bileam with her
suburbs, for the family of the remnant of the sons of Kohath.
71 Unto the sons of Gershom [were given] out of the family of
the half tribe of Manasseh, Golan hi Bashan with her suburbs,
and Ashtaroth with her suburbs. 72 And out of the tribe of
Issachar; Kedcsh with her suburbs, Daberath with her suburbs,
73 And llamoth with lier suburbs, and Anem with her suburbs:
74 And out of the tribe of Asher ; Mashal with her suburbs, and
Abdon with her suburbs, 75 And Hukok with her suburbs, and
Rehob with her suburbs : 76 And out of the tribe of Naphtali ;
Kedesh in Galilee with her suburbs, and Ilammon with her sub-
urbs, and Kirjathaim with her suburbs. 77 Unto the rest of
the children of Merari [were given] out of the tribe of Zebidim,
Rimnion with her suburbs. Tabor with her suburbs: 78 And on
the other side Jordan by Jrnrho, on the cast side of Jordan,
I. CHRONICLES. VII. 491
[were given them] out of the tribe of Reuben, Bezer in the wil-
derness with her suburbs, and Jahzah with her suburbs, 79 Kede-
nioth also with her suburbs, and Mephaath with her suburbs :
80 And out of the tribe of Gad ; Ramoth in Gilead with her
suburbs, and Mahanaini with her suburbs, 81 And Hcshbon with
her suburbs, and Jazer with her suburbs.
CHAPTER VII.
The sons of Issachar, Ijcnjaniin, Nuphtali, Manassch, and Ephraim,
J iNOW the sons of Issachar [were,] Tola, and Puah, Jashub,
and Shimron, four. 2 And the sons of Tola ; Uzzi and Rephaiah
and Jeriel, and Jahmai, and Jibsam, and Shenniel, heads of their
father's house, [to wit] of Tola: [they were] valiant men of
might in their generations ; whose number [was] in the days of
David two and twenty thousand and six hundred. 3 And the sons
of Uzzi; Izrahiah : and the sons of Izrahiah ; Michael, and
Obadiah, and Joel, Ishiah, five: all of them chief men. 4 And
with them, by their generations, after the house of their fathers,
[were] bands of soldiers for war, six and thirty thousand [men :]
for they had many wives and sons. 5 And their brethren among
all the families of Issachar [were] valiant men of might, reckoned
in all by their genealogies fourscore and seven thousand.
6 [The sons] of Benjamin ; Bela, and Becher, and Jediael,
three. 7 And the sons of Bela ; Ezbon, and Uzzi, and Uzziel, and
Jcrimoth, and Iri, tive ; heads of the house of [their] fathers,
mighty men of valour; and were reckoned by their genealoo-ies
twenty and two thousand and thirty and four. 8 And the sons of
Becher ; Zemira, and Joash, and Eliezer, and Elioenai, and
Omri, and Jerimoth, and Abiah, and Anathoth, and Alameth. All
these [are] the sons of Becher. 9 And the number of then), after
their genealogy by their generations, heads of the house of their
fathers, mighty men of valour, [was] twenty thousand and two
hundred. 10 The sons also of Jediael; Bilhan; and the sons of
Bilhan ; Jeush, and Benjamin, and Ehud, and Chenaanah, and
Zethan, and Tharshish, and Ahishahar. 1 1 All these the sons of
Jediael, by the heads of their fathers, mighty men of valour, [were]
seventeen thousand and two hundred [soldiers,] lit to go out for
492 I. CHRONICLES. VII.
war [and] battle. 12 Shnppim also, and Huppini, the children of
Ir, [and] Hushini, the sons of Aher.
13 The sons of Naphtali; Jahziel, and Guni, and Jezer, and
Shallum, tl)e sons of Bilhah.
14 The sons of Manasseh ; Ashriel, whom she bare : ([bnl]
his concubine the Araniitess bare Machir the father of Gilead:
15 And Machir took to wife [the sister] of Iluppim and Shup-
pini, whose sister's nan>e [was] Maacliah;) and the name of the
second [was] Zelopheiiad : and Zelophehad had daughters.
16 And Maacha the wife of JNlachir bare a son, and she called
his name Peresh ; and the name of his brother was Sheresh ; and
liis sons [were] Ulam and Rakem. 17 And the sons of Ulani ;
13edan. These [were] the sons of Gilead, the son of Machir, the
son of Manasseh. 18 And his sister Hammoleketh bare Ishod,
and Abiezer, and Mahalah. ]{) And the sons of Shemidah were,
Ahian, and Shechem, and Likhi, and Aniam.
CO And the sons of Ephraim ; Shuthelah, and Bered his son,
and Tahath his son, and Eladah his son, and Taliath his son,
21 And Zabad his son, and Shuthelah his son, and Ezer^ and
Elead, whom the men of Gath [that were] born in [that] land
slew, because they came down to take away their cattle, 22 And
Ephraim their father mourned many days, and his brethren came
to comfort him. 23 And when he went in to his wife , she con-
ceived, and bare a son, and he called his name Beriah, because
it went evil with his house. 24 (And his daughter [was] Sherah,
who built Beth-horon the nether, and the upper, and Uzzen-
sherah.) 25 And Rephah [was] his son, also Reshepii, and
Telah his son, and Tahan his son, 20 Laadan his son, Animihud
his son, Elishama his J>on, 27 Non his son, Jehoshua his son.
23 And their possessions[and habitations [wore], Beth-el and the
towns thereof, and eastward Naaran, and westward Gezer with
the towns thereof; Shechem also and the towns thereof, unto
Gaza and the towns thereof: 29 And by the borders of the chil-
dren of Manasseh, Beth-shean and her towns, Taanach and her
towns, Mcgiddo and her towns, Dor and her towns, in these
dwelt the children of Joseph the son of Israel.
30 The sons of Asher; Imnah, and Isuah, and Ishuai, and
Beriah, and Serah their sister. 31 And the sons of Beriah;
Heber, and Malchiel, who [is] the father of Birzavith. 32 And
Heber begat Japhlet, and Shomer, and Uotham, and Shua their
sister. 33 And the sons of Japhlet ; Pasach, and Bimhal, and
Ashvaih. These [are] the children of Japhlet. 34 And the
I. CHRONICLES. VIII. 493
sons of Shamer ; Ahi, and Rohgah, Jehubbah, and Aram. 55 And
the sons of his brother Helem ; Zophah, and Inuia, and Shelesh,
and Anial. 36 The sons of Zophah ; Suah, and Harnepher, and
Shual, and Beri, and Imrah, 37 Bezer, and Hod, and Shamma,
and Shilsha, and Ithran, and Beera. 38 And the sons of Jether ;
Jephunneh, and Pispah, and Ara. 39 And the sons of Ulla ;
Arab, and Haniel, and Rezia. 40 All these [were] the children
of Asher, heads of [their] father's bouse, choice [and] mighty
men of valour, chief of the princes. And the number throughout
the genealogy of them that were apt to the war [and] to battle
[was] twenty and six thousand men.
CHAPTER VIII.
The sons and chief men of Benjamin; and the stock of Saul and
Jonathan.
1 l\l OW Benjamin begat Bela his first born, Ashbel the second,
and Aharah the third, 2 Nohah the fourth, and Rapha the fifth.
3 And the sons of Bela were, Addar, and Gera, and Abihud,
4 And Abishua, and Naaman, and Ahoah, 5 And Gera, and
Shephuphan, and Huram. G And these [are] the sons of Ehud :
these are the heads of the fathers of the inhabitants of Geba,
and they removed them to Manahath: 7 And Naaman, and Ahiah,
and Gera, he removed them, and begat Uzza, and Ahiud. 8 And
Shaharaim begat [children] in the country of Moab, after he had
sent them away ; Hushim and Baara [were] his wives. 9 And
he begat of Hodesh his wife, Jobab, and Zibia, 'and Mesha, and
Malcham, 10 And Jeuz, and Shachia, and Mirma. These [were]
his sons, heads of the fathers. ] 1 And of Hushim he begat
Abitub, and Elpaal. 12 The sons of Elpaal ; Eber, and Mis-
ham, and Shamed, who built Ono, and Lod, with the towns
thereof: 13 Beriah also, and Shema, who [were] heads of the fathers
of the inhabitants of Aijalon, who drove away the inhabitants of
Gath : 14 And Ahio, Shashak, and Jeremoth, 15 x\nd Zebadiah,
and Arad, and Ader, l6 And Michael, and Ispah, and Joha, the
sons of Beriah ; 17 And Zebadiah, and Meshullam, and Hezeki,
and Heber, 18 Ishmerai also, and Jezliah, and Jobab, the sons
of Elpaal; 19 And Jakira, and Zichri, and Zabdi, 20 And Elie-
491. I. CHRONICLES. IX.
nai, and Zilthui, and Eliel, 21 And Adaiah, and Beraiali, and
Shimratli, the sons of Shinihi ; '2'2 And Ishpan, and Heber, and
Eliel, 23 And Abdon, and Zichri, and Hanan, 24 And Hananiah,
and Elani, and Antothijah, 25 And Ipliedeiali, and Penuel, the
sons of Shashak ; 26 And Slmmsherai, and Shehariah, and Atha-
liah, 27 And Jaresiah, and Eliah, and Zichri^ the sons of Jeroham.
28 These [were] heads of the fathers, by their generations, chief
[men.] These dwelt in Jerusalem. 29 And at Gibeon dwelt
the father of Gibeon; uhose wife's name [was] Maachah :
30 And his first born son Abdon, and Zur, and Kish, and Baal,
and Nadab, 31 And Gedor, and Ahio, and Zacher. 32 And
Mikloth begat Shimeah. And these also dwelt with their brethren
in Jerusalem, over against them.
33 And Ner begat Kish, and Kish begat Saul, and Saul begat
Jonathan, and Malchi-shua, and Abinadab, and Esh-baal. 34 And
the son of Jonathan [was] Merib-baal ; and Merib-baal begat
Micah. 35 And the sons of Micah [were,] Pithon, and Melach,
and Tarea, and Ahaz. 36 And Ahaz begat Jehoadah, and Je-
hoadah begat Alemeth, and Azmaveth, and Zimri ; and Zinn i
begat Moza ; 37 And Mosa begat Binea : Rapha [was] his son,
Eleasah his son, Azel his son : 38 And Azel had six sons, whose
names [are] these, Azrikam, Bocheru, and Ishmael, and Sheariah,
and Obadiah, and Hanan. All these [were] the sons of Azel.
39 And the sons of Eshek liis brother [were,] Ulam his first born,
Jehush the second, and Eliphelet the third. 40 And the sons of
Ulam were mighty men of valour, archers, and had many sons,
and sons' sons, an hundred and fifty. All these [are] of tlie sons
of Benjamin.
CHAPTER IX.
Concerning the original registers of the genealogies of Israel and Judali ;
the charge of certain Levitcs; and the stock of Saul and Joiiatlian.
1 I^O all Israel were reckoned by genealogies; and, behold,
they [were] written in the book of the kings of Israel and Jndah,
[who] were carried away to Babylon for their transgression. 2 Now
the first inhabitants that [dwelt] in their possessions in their cities
[were] the Israelites, the priests, Levites, and the Nethinims.
3 And in Jerusalem dwelt of the children of Judali, and of the
I. CHRONICLES. IX. 495
clilldren of Benjamin, and of the children of Ephraim, and Ma-
uasseh ; Uthai the son of Anniiihud, the son of Omri, the soft
of Inni, the son of Bani, of the children of Pharez the son of
Judah. 5 And of the Shilonites ; Asaiah the first born, and his
sons. 6 And of the sons of Zerah ; Juel, and their brethren, six
hundred and ninety. 7 And of the sons of Benjamin ; Sallu the
son of Meshullam, the son of Hodaviah, the son of Hasenuah,
8 And Ibneiah the son of Jeroham, and Elah the son of Uzzi,
the son of Michri, and Meshullam, the son of Shephathiah, the
son of Reuel, the son of Ibnijah ; 9 And their brethren, according
to their generations, nine hundred and fifty and six. All tliese
men [were] chief of the fathers in the house of their fathers.
10 And of the priests ; Jedaiah, and Jehoiarib, and Jachin,
1 1 And Azariah the son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam,
the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, the
ruler of the house of God ; 12 And Adaiah the son of Jeroham,
the son of Pashur, the son of Malchijah, and Maasiai the son of
Adiel, the son of Jahzerah, the son of Meshullam, the son of
Meshillemith, the son of Immer; 13 And their brethren, heads of
the house of their fathers, a thousand and seven hundred and
threescore ; very able men for the work of the service of the house
of God.
14 And of the Levites ; Shemaiah the son of Hashub, the son
of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, of the sons of Merari ; 15 And
Bakbakkar, Heresh, and Galal, and Mattaniah the son of Micah,
the son of Zichri, the son of Asaph ; 1 6 And Obadiah the son of
Shemaiah, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun, and Berechiah
the son of Asa, the son of Elkanah, that dwelt in the villages of
the Netophathites. 17 And the porters [were,] Shallum, and
Akkub, and Talmon, and Ahiman, and their brethren : Shallum
[was] the chief; 18 Who hitherto [waited] in the king's gate east-
ward : they [were] porters in the companies of the children of
Levi. 19 And Shallum the son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph,
the son of Korah, and his brethren, of the house of his father,
the Korahites, [were] over the work of the service, keepers
of the gates of the tabernacle : and their fathers, [being] over
the host of the Lord, [were] keepers of the entry. 20 And
Phinehas the son of Eleazar was the ruler over them in time past,
[and] the Loud [was] with him. 21 [And] Zechariah the son of
Meshelemiah [was] porter of the door of the tabernacle of the
congregation. 22 All these [which were] chosen to be porters
in the gates [were] two hundred and twelve. These were rec-
4i)r> I. CHRONICLES. IX.
koned by their genealogy in their villages, whom David and
Samuel the seer did ordain in their set office. 23 So they and
their children [had] tiie oversight of the gates of the house of the
Lord, [namely,] the house of the tabernacle, by wards. 24 In
four quarters were the porters, toward the east, west, north, and
south. 23 And their brethren, [which were] in their villages,
[were] to come after seven days from time to time with them.
26 For these Levites, the four chief porters, were in [their] set
office, and were over the chambers and treasuries of the house of
God. 27 And they lodged round about the house of God, be-
cause the charge [was] upon them, and the opening thereof every
morning [pertained] to them. 28 And [certain] of them liad the
charge of the ministering vessels, that they should bring them in
and out by tale. 29 [Some] of them also [were] appointed to
oversee the vessels, and all the instruments of the sanctuary, and
the line flour, and the wine, and the oil, and the frankincense,
and the spices. 30 And [some] of the sons of the priests made
the ointment of the spices. 31 And Mattithiah, [one] of the
Levites, who [was] the first born of Shallum the Korahite, had
the set office over the things that were made in the pans. 32 And
[other] of their brethren of the sons of the Kohathites, [were]
over the shew bread, to prepare [it] every sabbath. 33 And
these [are] the singers, chief of the fathers of the Levites [who
remaining] in the chambers [were] free : for they were employed
in [that] work day and night. .'34 These chief fathers of the
Levites [were] chief throughout their generations : these dwelt
at Jerusalem.
35 And in Gibeon dwelt the father of Gibeon, Jehiel, whose
wife's name [was] JSIaacha : 36 And his first born son Abdon,
then Zur, and Kish, and Baal, and Ner, and Nadab, 37 And
Gedor, and Ahio, and Zechariah, and Mikloth. 38 And Mik-
lotli begat Shimeam. And they also dwelt with their brethren at
Jerusalem, over against their brethren. 39 And Ner begat Kish ;
and Kish begat Saul : and Saul begat Jonathan, and Malchishua,
and Abinadab, and Esli-baal. 40 And the son of Jonathan [was]
Merib-baal: and Merib-baal begat ISiicah. 41 And the sons of
Micah [were,] Pillion, and Melech, and Tallica, [and Ahaz,]
cliap. viii. 25. 42 And Ahaz begat Jarah ; and Jarah begat
Alemeth, and Azmavcih, and Zimri ; and Zimii begat ISIoza;
43 And Moza begat Binea ; and Rephaiah his son, Eleasah his
son, Azel his son. 44 And Azel had six sons, whose names [are]
these, Azrikam, Bochcru, and Ishmael, and Sheariah, and Oba-
diah, and Hanan : these [were] the sons of Azel.
I. CHRONICLES. X. 497
CHAPTER X.
An account of the overthrow and death of Saul; the triumph of the
Philistines over him; and the kindness of the men of Jabesh-giU'ad
to him and his sons.
1 1\0W the Philistines fought against Israel; and the men of
Israel fled from before the Philistines, and fell down slain in
mount Gilboa. 2 And the Philistines followed hard after Saul,
and after his sons ; and the Philistines slew Jonathan, and Abi-
nadab, and Malchishua, the sons of Saul. 3 And the battle went
sore against Saul, and the archers hit him, and he was wounded
of the archers. 4 Then said Saul to his armourbearer. Draw thy
sword, and thrust me through therewith ; lest these uncircumcised
come and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he
was sore afraid. So Saul took a sword, and fell upon it. 5 And
when his armourbearer saw that Saul was dead, he fell likewise
on the sword, and died. 6 So Saul died, and his three sons and
all his house died together. 7 And when all the men of Israel
that [were] in the valley saw that they fled, and that Saul and his
sons were dead, then they forsook their cities, and fled : and the
Philistines came and dwelt in them.
8 And it came to pass on the morrow, when the Philistines
came to strip the slain, that they found Saul and his sons fallen
in mount Gilboa. 9 And when they had stripped him, they took
his head, and his armour, and sent into the land of the Philistines
round about, to carry tidings unto their idols, and to the people.
10 And they put his armour in the house of their gods, and fas-
tened his head iu the temple of Dagon.
1 1 And when all Jabesh-gilead heard all that the Philistines
had done to Saul, IC They arose, all the valiant men, and took
away the body of Saul, and the bodies of his sons, and brought
them to Jabesh, and buried their bones under the oak in Jabesh,
and fasted seven days.
13 So Saul died for his transgression which he committed
against the Lord, [even] agahist the word of the Loud, which
he kept not, and also for asking [counsel] of [one that had] a
familiar spirit, to inquire [of it;] 14 And inquired not of the
Lord: therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto
David the sou of Jesse.
VOL. III. 2 K
498 I. CHRONICLES. XI.
CHAPTER XI.
Darid by general consent is made king at Hebron ; he wins the castle of
Zion from the Jebusitcs by Joab's valour ; a catalogue of David's
mighty men, w ith their principal achievements.
1 A HEN all Israel gathered themselves to David unto Hebron,
saying. Behold, we [are] thy bone and thy flesh. 2 And more-
over in time past, even when Saul was king, thou [wast] be that
leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the Loud thy God
said unto thee. Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt
be ruler over my people Israel. 3 Therefore came all the elders
of Israel to the king to Hebron ; and David made a covenant
with them in Hebron before the Lord; and they anointed
David king over Israel, according to the word of the Lord by
Samuel.
4 And David and all Israel went to Jerusalem, which [is]
Jebus; where the Jebusites [were,] the inhabitants of the land.
5 And the inhabitants of Jebus said to David, Thou shalt not
come hither. Nevertheless David took the castle of Zion, Mhich
[is] the city of David. 6 And David said, Whosoever smiteth
the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain. So Joab the son
of Zeruiah went first up, and was chief. 7 And David dwelt in
the castle; therefore they called it the city of David. 8 And he
built the city round about, even from Millo round about : and
Joab repaired the rest of the city. 9 So David waxed greater
and greater, for the Loud of hosts [was] with him. 10 These
also [are] the chief of the mighty men whom David had, who
strengthened themselves with him in his kingdom, [and] with all
Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the Lord
concerning Israel.
11 And this [is] the number of the mighty men whom David
had; Jashobeam, an Ilachmonite the chief of the captains: he
lifted up his spear against three hundred slain [by him] at one
time. 12 And after him [was] Eleazar the son of Dodo, the
Ahohite, who [was one] of the three mighties. 13 He was with
David at Pasdammim, and there the Philistines were gathered
together to battle, where was a parcel of ground full of barley ;
and the people fled from before the Philistines. 14 And they
I. CHRONICLES. XI. 499
set themselves in the midst of [that] parcel, and delivered it, and
slew the Philistines; and the Lord saved [them] by a great deli-
verance. 15 Now three of the thirty captains went down to the
rock to David, into the cave of Adullam ; and the host of the
Philistines encamped in the valley of Rephaim. 16 And David
[was] then in the hold, and the Philistines' garrison [was] then at
Beth-lehem. 17 And David longed, and said, Oh that one would
give me drink of the water of the well of Beth-lehem, that [is] at
the gate ! 18 And the three brake through the host of the Philis-
tines, and drew water out of the well of Beth-lehem, that [was]
by the gate, and took [it] and brought [it] to David : but David
would not drink [of] it, but poured it out to the Lord, 19 And
said. My God forbid it me, that I should do this thing : shall I
drink the blood of these men that have put their lives in jeopardy ?
for with [the jeopardy of] their lives they brought it. Therefore
he would not drink it. These things did these three mightiest.
20 And Abishai the brother of Joab, he was chief of the three:
for lifting up his spear against three hundred, he slew [them,] and
had a name among the three. 21 Of the three he was more ho-
nourable than the two ; for he was their captain : howbeit he
attained not to the [first] three. 22 Benaiah the son of Jehoiada,
the son of a valiant man of Kabzeel, who had done many acts ; he
slew two lion like men of Moab : also he went down and slew a
lion in a pit in a snowy day. 23 And he slew an Egyptian, a
man of [great] stature, five cubits high ; and in the Egyptian's
hand [was] a spear like a weaver's beam ; and he went down to
him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian's
hand, and slew him with his own spear. 24 These [things] did
Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and had the name among the three
mighties. 25 Behold, he was honourable among the thirty, but
attained not to the [first] three : and David set him over his
guard. 26 Also the valiant men of the armies [were] Asahel the
brother of Joab, Elhanan the son of Dodo of Beth-lehem,
27 Shamoth the Harorite, Helez the Pelonite, 28 Ira the son of
Ikkesh the Tekoite, Abiezer the Antothite, 29 Sibbecai the Hu-
shathite, Ilai the Ahohite, 30 Maharai the Netophathite, Heled
the son of Baanah the Netophathite, 31 Ithai the son of Ribai of
Gibeah, [that pertained] to the children of Benjamin, Benaiah
the Pirathonite, 32 Hurai of the brooks of Gaash, Abiel the Ar-
bathite, 33 Azmavetli the Baharumite, Eliahba the Shaalbonite,
34 The sons of Hasham the Gizonite, Jonathan the son of Shage
the Harrarite, 55 Ahiam the son of Sacar the Hararite, Eliphal
■J K 2
500 I. CHRONICLES. XIL
the son of Ur, 36 Hepher the Mecherathite, Ahijah the Pelonite,
37 Hezro the Carmelite, Naari the son of Ezbai, 38 Joel the
brother of Nathan, Mibhar the son of Haggeri, Zelek the Ammo-
nite, 39 Nahari the Berothite, the armourbearer of Joab the son
of Zeruiah, 40 Ira the Ithrite, Gareb tlie Ithrite, 41 Uriah the
Hittite, Zabad the son of Ahlai, 42 Adina the son of Shiza the
Renbenite, a captain of the Reubenites, and thirty with him,
43 Hanan the son of Maachah, and Joshaphat the Mithnite,
44 Uzzia the Ashterathitc, Shama and Jehiel the sons of Hothan
the Aroerite, 45 Jediacl the son of Shimri, and Joha his brother,
the Tizitc, 4(i Eiiel the Mahavite, and Jeribai, and Joshaviah,
the sous of Elnaam, and Ithmah the Moabite, 47 Eliel, and Obed,
and Jasiel the Mesobaitc.
CHAPTER XII.
A list of the companies tliat came to David at Ziklag ; and the armies,
that came to him at Hebron.
1 J\|OW these [are] they that came to David to Ziklag, while
he yet kept himself close because of San! the son of Kish; and
they [were] among the mighty men, helpers of the war. 2 [They
were] armed with bovvs, and could use both the right hand and
the left in [hurling] stones and [shooting] arrows out of a bow,
[even] of Saul's brethren of Benjamin. 3 The chief [was] Ahi-
czer, then Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite ; and Jeziel,
and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth ; and Berachah, and Jehu the
Antothite, 4 And Ismaiah the Gibeonite, a mighty man among
the thirty, and over the thirty ; and Jeremiah, and Jehaziel, and
Johanan, and Josabad the Gederathite, 5 Eluzai, and Jerimoth,
and Bealiah, and Shemariah, and Shephatiah the Haruphite,
6 Elkanah, and Jesiah, and Azareel, and Joezer, and Jashobeam,
the Korhites, 7 And Joelah, and Zcbadiah, the sons of Jeroham
of Gedor. 8 And of the Gadites there separated themselves
unto David into the hold to the wilderness men of might, [and]
men of war [tit] for the battle, that could handle shield and buckler,
whose faces [were like] the faces of lions, and [were] as swift as
the roes upon the mountains ; 9 Ezcr the first, Obadiah the
second, Eliab the third, 10 Mishmannah the fourth, Jeriniiah the
fifth, 11 Attai the sixth, Eliel the seventh, 12 Johanan the eighth,
I. CHRONICLES. XII. 501
Sllzubad the niulh, 13 Jeremiah the tenth, Machbani the eleventh.
!4 Hiose [were] of tlie sons of Gad, captains of the host: one
of the least [was] over an hundred, and the greatest over a thousand.
15 These [are] they that went over Jordan in the first month,
when it had overflown all his banks ; and they put to flight all
[them] of the valleys, [both] toward the east, and toward the west.
! 6 And there came of the children of Benjamin and Judah to
the hold unto David. ] 7 And David went out to meet them,
and answered and said unto them. If ye be come peaceably unto
me to help me, mine heart shall be knit unto you : but if [ye be
come] to betray me to mine enemies, seeing [there is] no wrong
ill mine hands, the God of our fathers look [thereon,] and rebuke
[it.] 18 Then the spirit came upon Amasai, [who was] chief of
the captains, [and he said,] Thine [are we,] David, and on thy
side, iliou son of Jesse : peace, peace [be] unto thee, and peace
[be] to thine helpers ; for thy God helpeth thee. Then David
received them, and made them captains of the band. 19 And
there fell [some] of Manasseh to David, when he came with the
Philistines against Saul to battle : but they helped them not : for
the lords of the Philistines upon advisement sent him away,
saying, He \\\\\ fall to his master Saul to [the jeopardy of] our
heads. 20 As he went to Ziklag, there fell to him of Manasseh,
Adnah, and Jozabad, and Jediael, and Michael, ;«nd Jozabad, and
Elihu, and Zilthai, captains of the thousands that [were] of Ma-
nasseh. 21 And they helped David against the band [of the
rovers :] for they [were] all mighty men of valour, and were
captains in the host. 22 For at [that] time day by day, there
came to David to help him, until [it was] a great host, like the
iiosl of God.
23 And these [are] the numbers of the bands [that were] ready
armed to the war, [and] came to David to Hebron, to turn the
kingdom of Saul to him, according to the word of the Lord.
24 The children of Judah that bare shield and spear [were] six
thousand and eight hundred, ready armed to the war. 25 Of the
children of Simeon mighty men of valour fur llie war, seven thou-
sand and one hundred. 26 Of the children of Levi lour thousand
and six hundred. 27 And Jehoiada [was] the leader of the Aa-
ronites, and with him [were] three thousand and seven hundred ;
28 And Zadok, a young man mighty of valour, and of his father's
house twenty and two captains. 29 And of the children of Benja-
min, the kindred of Sj^ul, throe thousand : for hitherto the greatest
part of them hud kept the ward of the house of Saul. 30 And of the
502 I. CHRONICLES. XIII.
children of Ephraim twenty thousand and eight hundred, mighty
men of valour, famous throughout the house of their fathers.
31 And of the half tribe of Manasseh eighteen thousand, which
•were expressed by name, to come and make David king. 32 And
of the children of Issachar, [which were men] that had under-
standing of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads
of them [were] two hundred; and all their brethren [were] at
their commandment. 33 Of Zebulun, such as went forth to
battle, expert in war, with all instruments of war, fifty thousand,
which could keep rank : [they were] not of double heart. 34 And
of Naphtali a thousand captains, and with them with shield and
spear thirty and seven thousand. 35 And of the Danites expert
in war twenty and eight thousand and six hundred. 36 And of
Asher, such as went forth to battle, expert in war, forty thousand.
37 And on the other side of Jordan, of the Reubenites, and the
Gadites, and of the half tribe of Manasseh, with all manner
of instruments of war for the battle, an hundred and twenty
thousand. 38 All these men of war, that could keep rank, came
with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make David king over all
Israel: and all the rest also of Israel [were] of one heart to make
David king. 39 And there they were with David three days,
eating and drinking : for their brethren had prepared for them.
40 Moreover they that were nigh them, [even] unto Issachar and
Zebulun and Naphtali, brought bread on asses, and on camels,
and on mules, and on oxen, [and] meat, meal, cakes of figs, and
bunches of raisins, and wine, and oil, and oxen, and sheep abun-
dantly : for [there was] joy in Israel:
CHAPTER XIII.
David, with great solemnity, fetches the ark from Kirjath-jcarim ; Uzza
being smitten for putting his hand to it, the ark is left at the house of
Obed-edom.
1 And David consulted with the captains of thousands and
hundreds, [and] with every leader. 2 And David said unto all
th6 congregation of Israel, If [it seem] good unto you, and [that
it be] of the Lord our God, let us send abroad unto our brethren
every where, [that are] left in all the laud of Israel, and with them
I. CHRONICLES. XIV. 503
[also] to the priests and Levites [which are] in their cities [and]
suburbs, that they may gather themselves unto us: 3 And let us
bring again the ark of our God to us : for we inquired not at it
ill the days of Saul. 4 And all the congregation said that they
would do so : for the thing was right in the eyes of all the
people. 5 So David gathered all Israel together, from Shihor of
Egypt even unto the entering of Hemath, to bring the ark of God
from Kirjath-jearim. 6 And David went up, and all Israel, to
Baalah, [that is,] to Kirjath-jearim, v.hich [belonged] to Judah,
to bring up thence the ark of God the Lord, that dwelleth [be-
tween] the cherubims, whose name is called [oil it.] 7 And they
carried the ark of God in a new cart out of the house of Abina-
dab : and Uzza and Ahio drave the cart. 8 And David and all
Israel played before God with all [their] might, and with singing,
and with harps, and with psalteries, and with timbrels, and with
cymbals, and with trumpets.
9 And when they came unto the threshing floor of Chidon,
Uzza put forth his hand to hold the ark 5 for the oxen stumbled.
10 And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzza, and he
smote him, because he put his hand to the ark : and there he
died before God. 1 1 And David was displeased, because the
Lord had made a breach upon Uzza: wherefore that place is
called Perez-uzza to this day. 12 And David was afraid of God
that day, saying, How shall 1 bring the ark of God [home] to me?
13 So David brought not the ark [home] to himself to the city of
David, but carried it aside into the house of Obed-edom the Git-
tite. 14 And the ark of God remained with the family of Obed-
edom in his house three months. And the Lord blessed the
house of Obed-edom, and all that he had.
CHAPTER XIV.
An account of Hiram's kindness to David ; of David's felicity in people,
wives, and children ; and of his two victories.
1 l\OW Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and
timber of cedars, with masons and carpenters, to build him an
house.
2 And David perceived that the Loud had confirmed him
50* I. CHRONICLES. XIV.
king over Tsrael, for his kingdom was lifted up on high, because
of his people Israel.
3 And David took more wives at Jerusalem: and David begat
more sons and daughters. 4 Now these [are] the names of [his]
children which he had in Jerusalem ; Shammua, and Shobab, Na-
than, and Solomon, 5 And Ibhar, and Elishua, and Elpalet,
6 And Nogah, and Nepheg, and Japhia, 7 And Elishama, and
Beeliada,and Eliphalet.
8 And when the Philistines heard that David was anointed king
over all Israel, all the Philistines went up to seek David. And David
heard [of it,] and went out against them. 9 And the Philistines
came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim. 10 And
David inquired of God, saying, Shall I go up against the Philis-
tines? and wilt thou deliver them into mine hand ? And the Lord
said unto him, Go up ; for I will deliver them into thine hand.
1 1 So they came up to Baal-perazim ; and David smote them
there. Then David said, God hath broken in upon mine enemies
by mine hand like the breaking forth of waters : therefore they
called the name of that place Baal-perazim. 12 And when they
had left their gods there, David gave a commandment, and they
were burned with fire. 13 And the Philistines yet again spread
themselves abroad in the valley. 14 Therefore David inquired
again of God ; and God said unto him, Go not up after them ;
turn away from them, and come upon them over against the mul-
berry trees. 15 And it shall be, M"hen thou slmlt hear a sound
of going in the tops of the mulberry trees, [that] then thou shalt
go out to battle : for God is gone forth before thee to smite the
host of the Philistines. \6 David therefore did as God com-
manded him: and they smote the host of the Philistines from Gi-
beon even to Gazer. 17 And the fame of David went out
into al! lands ; and the Lord brought the fear of him upon all
nations.
I. CHRONICLES. XV. 505
CHAPTER XV.
David having prepared a place for the ark, orders it to be brought from
the house of Obed-cdom ; which is performed with great demonstra-
tions of joy ; he is despised by Michal for dancing before it.
1 And [David] made him houses in the city of David, and pre-
pared a place for the ark of God, and pitched for it a tent.
2 Then David said. None ought to carry the ark of God but the
Levites : for them hath the Lord chosen to carry the ark of
God, and to minister unto him for ever. 3 i\nd David gathered
all Israel together to Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the Lord
unto his place, which he had prepared for it. 4 And David as-
sembled the children of Aaron, and the Levites : 5 Of the sous
of Kohath ; Uriel the chief, and his brethren an hundred and
twenty : G Of the sons of Merari ; Asaiah the chief, and his
brethren two hundred and twenty: 7 Of the sons of Gershom;
Joel the chief, and his brethren an hundred and thirty : 8 Of the
sons of Elizaphan ; Shemaiah the chief, and his brethren two
hundred : Q Of the sons of Hebron ; Eliel the chief, and his
brethren fourscore : 10 Of the sons of Uzziel ; Amminadab the
chief, and his brethren an hundred and twelve. J 1 And David
called for Zadok and Abiathar the priests, and for the Levites, for
Uriel, Asaiah, and Joel, Shemaiah, and Eliel, and Amminadab,
12 And said unto them. Ye [are] the chief of the fathers of the
Levites : sanctify yourselves, [both] ye and your brethren, that ye
may bring up the ark of the Lord God of Israel unto [the place
that] 1 have prepared for it. 13 For because ye [did it] not at
the first, the Lord our God made a breach upon us, for that
we sought him not after the due order. 14 So the priests and the
Levites sanctified themselves to bring up the ark of the Lord
God of Israel. 13 And the children of the Levites bare the ark
of God upon their shoulders with the staves thereon, as Moses
commanded, according to the word of the Lord. 16 And Da-
vid spake to the chief of the Levites to appoint their brethren
[to be] the singers with instruments of music, psalteries, and
harps, and cymbals, sounding, by lifting up the voice with joy.
17 So the Levites appointed Heman the son of Joel ; and of his
brethren, Asaph the son of Berechiah ; and of the sons of Merari
,506 I. CHRONICLES. XV.
their brctlijcii, Ethan the son of Ciisliaiah ; 18 And with them
their brethren of the second [degree,] Zechariah, Ben, and Jaa-
ziel,and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, Eliab, and Benniah,
and Maaseiah, and Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah,
and Obed-edom/ and Jeiel, the porters. 19 So the singers, He-
man, Asaph, and Ethan, [were ajjpointed] to sound with cymbals
of brass ; 20 And Zechariah, and Aziel, and Shemiramoth, and
Jehiel, and Unni, and Eliab, and Maaseiah, and Benaiah with psal-
teries on Alamoth; 21 And Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and
Mikneiah, and Obed-edom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps on
the Sheminith to excel.
22 And Chenaniah, chief of the Levites, [was] for song : he
instructed about the song, because he [was] skilful. 23 And
Berechiah and Elkanah [were] doorkeepers for the ark. 24 And
Shebaniali and Jchoshaphat, and Nethaneel, and Aniasai, and
Zechariah, and Benaiah, and Eliezer, the priests, did blow with
the trumpets before the ark of God: and Obed-edom and Jehiah
[were] doorkeepers for the ark. 25 So David, and the elders
of Israel, and the captains over thousands, went to bring up the
ark of the covenant of the Lord out of the house of Obed-edom
with joy. 26 And it came to pass, when God helped the Le-
vites that bare the ark of the covenant of the Lord, that they of-
fered seven bullocks and seven rams. 27 And David [was]
clothed with a robe of tine linen, and all the Levites that bare the
ark, and the singers, and Chenaniah the master of the song with
the singers : David also [had] upon him an ephod of linen.
28 Thus all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the
Loud with shouting, and with sound of the cornet, and with
trumpets, and with cymbals, making a noise with psalteries and
harps.
29 And it came to pass, [as] the ark of the covenant of the
Lord came to the city of David, that Michal the daughter of
Saul looking out at a window saw king David dancing and playing :
and she despised him in her heart.
I. CHRONICLES. XVI. 507
CHAPTER XVI.
David's festival sacrifice, and liberality to the people; he appointeth a
band of singers and music to praise the Lord ; and the psalm of
thanksgiving.
1 feO they brought the ark of God, and set it in the midst of the
tent that David had pitched for it : and they offered burnt sacri-
fices and peace offerings before God. 2 And when David had
made an end of offering the burnt oflerings and the peace offer-
ings, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord. 3 And
he dealt to every one of Israel, both man and woman, to every
one a loaf of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon [of
wine.]
4 And he appointed [certain] of the Levites to minister before
the ark of the Lord, and to record, and to thank and praise the
Lord God of Israel: 5 Asaph the chief, and next to him Ze-
chariah,' Jeiel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Mattithiah, and
Eliab, and Benaiah, and Obed-edom : and Jeiel with psalteries
and with harps ; but Asaph made a sound with cymbals ; 6 Be-
naiah also and Jahaziel the priests with trumpets continually
before the ark of the covenant of God.
7 Then on that day David delivered first [this psalm] to thank
the Lord, into the hand of Asaph and his brethren, 8 Give
thanks unto the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds
among the people. 9 Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk
ye of all his wondrous works. 10 Glory ye in his holy name :
let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord. 11 Seek
the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually. 12 Re-
member his marvellous works that he hath done, his wonders,
and the judgments of his mouth: 13 O ye seed of Israel
his servant, ye children of Jacob his chosen ones. 14 He
[is] the Lord our God; his judgments [are] in all the earth.
1 5 Be ye mindful always of his covenant ; the word [which] he
commanded to a thousand generations; l6 [Even of the co-
venant] which he made with Abraham and of his oath unto
Isaac ; 17 And hath confirmed the same to Jacob for a law, [and]
to Israel [for] an everlasting covenant, 18 Saying, Unto theo
will I give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance ;
508 I. CHRONICLES. XVI.
19 When ye were but few, even a few, and strangers in it,
20 And [when] they went from nation to nation, and from [one]
kingdom to another people; 21 He suffered no man to do them
wrong : yea, he reproved kings for their sakes, 22 [Saying,]
Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.
23 Sing unto the Lord, all the earth; show forth from day to
day his salvation. 24 Declare his glory among the heathen ; his
marvellous works among all nations. 25 For great [is] the
Lord, and greatly to be praised : he also [is] to be feared above
all gods. 26 For all the gods of the people [are] idols : but the
Loud made the heavens. 27 Glory and honour [are] in his
presence, strength and gladness [are] in his place. 28 Give unto
the Lord, ye kindreds of the people, give unto the Loud glory
and strength. 29 Give unto the Loud the glory [due] unto his
name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the
Loud in the beauty of holiness. 30 Fear before him all the
earth : the world also shall be stable, that it be not moved.
31 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice: and let
[men] say among the nations. The Loud reigneth. 32 Let the
sea roar, and the fullness thereof: let the fields rejoice, and all that
[is] therein. 33 Then shall the trees of the wood sing out at the
presence of the Lord, because he cometh to judge the earth.
34 O give thanks unto the Lord; for [he is] good; for his
mercy [endureth] for ever. 35 And say }e, Save us, O God of
our salvation, and gather us together, and deliver us from the
heathen, that we may give thanks to thy holy name, [and] glory in
thy praise. 36 Blessed [be] the Lord God of Israel for ever
and ever. And all the people said, Amen, and praised the
Lo u D.
37 So he left there before the ark of the covenant of the
Lord, Asaph and his brethren, to minister before the ark con-
tinually, as every day's work required: 33 And Obed-edom, with
their brethren, threescore and eight: Obed-edom also the son of
Jpduthun, anil Ilosah, [to be] porters : 39 And Zadok the priest
aiid his brethren the priests, before the tabernacle of the Lord,
in the high place that [was] at Gibeon, 40 To offer burnt oft'er-
ings unto the Lord, upon the altar of the burnt otlering con-
liiuially morning and evening, and [to do] according to all that is
written in the law of the Lord, which he commanded Israel:
41 And with them Ileman and Jcduthun, and the lest that were
chosen, who were expressed by name to give thanks to the
Lord, because his mercy [enduretii] for ever; 42 And with
I. CHRONICLES. XVII. 509
them Heman and Jeduthun with trumpets and cymbals, for those
that should make a sound, and with musical instruments of God :
and the sons of Jeduthun [were] porters. 43 And all the people
departed, every man to his house : and David returned to bless
his house.
CHAPTER XVII.
David is here forbidden to build God a house ; is promised blessings in
his seed ; his prayer and thanksgiving.
1 l\OW it came to pass, as David sat in his house, that David
said to Nathan the prophet, Lo, I dwell in an house of cedars,
but the ark of the covenant of the Lord [remaincth] under cur-
tains. 2 Then Nathan said unto David, Do all that [is] in thine
heart; for God [is] with thee.
3 And it came to pass the same night, that the word of God
came to Nathan, saying, 4 Go and tell David my servant, Thus
saith the Loud, thou shalt not build me an house to dwell in :
5 For I have not dwelt in an house since the day that I brought
up Israel unto this day ; but have gone from tent to tent, and
from [one] tabernacle [to another.] 6 Wheresoever I have
walked with all Israel, spake I a word to any of the judges of
Israel, whom I commanded to feed my people, saying, Why have
ye not built me an house of cedars.' 7 Now therefore thus shalt
thou say unto my servant David, Thus saith the Lord of hosts, I
took thee from the sheep cote, [even] from following the sheep,
that thou shouldst be ruler over my people Israel: 8 And I have
been with thee whitliersoever thou hast walked, and have cut off
all thine enemies from before thee, and have made thee a name
like the name of the great men that [are] in the earth. 9 Also I will
ordain a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, and they
shall dwell in their place, and shall be moved no more; neither
shall the children of wickedness waste them any more, as at the
beginning, 10 And since the time that I commanded judges [to
be] over my people Israel. Moreover I will subdue all thine
enemies. Furthermore I tell thee that the Lord will build thee
an house.
1 1 And it shall come to pass, when thy days be expired that
thou must go [to be] with thy fathers, that I will raise up thy
olO I. CHRONICLES. XVII.
seed after thee, which shall be of thy sons ; and I will establish
his kingdom. 12 He shall build me an house, and I will stablish
his throne for ever. 13 I will be his father, and he shall be my
son ; and I will not take my mercy away from him, as I took [it]
from [him] that was before thee. 14 But I will settle him in
mine house and in my kingdom for ever ; and his throne shall be
established for evermore. 15 According to all these words, and
according to all this vision, so did Nathan speak unto David.
l6 And David the king came and sat before the Lord, and
said. Who [am] I, O Lord God, and what [is] mine house, that
thou hast brought me hitherto? 17 And [yet] this was a small
thing in thine eyes, O God ; for thou hast [also] spoken of thy
servant's house for a great while to come, and hast regarded me
according to the estate ef a man of high degree, O Lord God.
13 What can David [speak] more to thee for the honour of thy
servant? for thou knowest thy servant. 19 O Lord, for thy
servant's sake, and according to thine own heart, hast thou done
all this greatness, in making known all [these] great things.
20 O Lord, [there is] none like thee, neither [is there any] God
beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.
21 And what one nation in the earth [is] like thy people Israel,
whom God went to redeem [to be] his own people, to make thee
a name of greatness and terribleness, by driving out nations from
before thy people; whom thou hast redeemed out of Egypt?
22 For thy people Israel didst thou make thine own people for
ever; and thou, Lord, becamest their God. 23 Therefore now,
Lord, let the thing that thou hast spoken concerning thy servant
and concerning his house be established for ever, and do as thou
hast said. 24 Let it even be established, that thy name may be
magnified for ever, saying, The Lord of hosts [is] the God of
Israel, [even] a God to Israel : and [let] the house of David thy
servant [be] established before thee. 25 For thou, O my God,
hast told thy servant that thou wilt build him an house : therefore
thy servant hath found [in his heart] to pray before thee.
26 And now. Lord, thou art God, and hast promised this good-
ness unto thy servant : 27 Now therefore let it please thee to
bless the house of thy servant, that it may be before thee for
ever: for thou blessest, O Lord, and [it shall be] blessed for
ever.
I. CHRONICLES. XVIII. 511
CHAPTER XVni.
David subdues tlie Philistines and the Moabites ; and smites Hadarczer
and the Syrians.
I i\ O W after this it came to pass, that David smote the Phi-
listines, and subdued them, and took Gath and her towns out of
the hand of the Philistines. 2 And he smote Moab; and the
Moabites became David's servants, [and] brought gifts. 3 And
David smote Hadarezer king of Zobah unto Hamath, as he went
to stablish his dominion by the river Euphrates. 4 And David
took from him a thousand chariots, and seven thousand horse-
men, and twenty thousand footmen : David also houghed all the
chariot [horses,] but reserved of them an hundred chariots.
5 And when the Syrians of Damascus came to help Hadarezer
king of Zobah, David slew of the Syrians two and twenty thou-
sand men. 6 Then David put [garrisons] in Syria-damascus ;
and the Syrians became David's servants, [and] brought gifts.
Thus the Lou 1) preserved David whithersoever he went. 7 And
David took the shields of gold that were on the servants of Ha-
darezer, and brought them to Jerusalem. 8 Likewise from Tib-
hath, and from Chun, cities of Hadarezer, brought David very
much brass, wherewith Solomon made the brasen sea, and the
pillars, and the vessels of brass.
9 Now when Ton king of Hamath heard how David had
smitten all the host of Hadarezer king of Zobah; 10 He sent
Hadoram his son to king David, to inquire of his welfare, and to
congratulate him, because he had fought against Hadarezer, and
smitten him; (for Hadarezer had war with Tou ;) and [with him]
all manner of vessels of gold and silver and brass. 1 1 Them
also king David dedicated unto the Lord, with the silver and
the gold that he brought from all [these] nations ; from Edom,
and from ^loab, and from the children of Amnion, and from the
Philistines, and from Amalek.
12 Moreover Abishai the son of Zeruiah slew of the Edomites
in the valley of salt eighteen thousand. 13 And he put garrisons
in Edom ; and all the Edomites became David's servants. Thus
the Lord preserved David whithersoever he went.
14 So David reigned over all Israel, and executed judgment
512 I. CHRONICLES. XIX.
and justice among all his people. 15 And Joab the son of
Zeruiah [was] over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud,
recorder. l6 And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Abimelech the
son of Abiathar, [were] the priests ; and Shavsha was scribe.
17 And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada [was] over the Cherethites
and the Pelethites ; and the sons of David [were] chief about the
king.
CHAPTER XIX.
David's messengers sent to comfort Hanun, are disgracefully treated ;
the Ammonites are overcome by Joab and Abishai.
1 JNOW it came to pass after this, that Nahash the king of the
children of Amnion died, and his son reigned in his stead. 2 And
David said, I will show kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash,
because his father showed kindness to me. And David sent mes-
sengers to comfort him concerning his father. So the servants of
David came into the land of the children of Amnion to Hanun, to
comfort him. 3 But the princes of the children of Ammon said to
Hanun, Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father, that he
hath sent comforters unto thee ? are not his servants come unto
thee for to search, and to overthrow, and to spy out the land ?
4 Wherefore Hanun took David's servants, and shaved them, and
cut oft* their garments in the midst hard by their buttocks, and
sent them away. 5 Then there went [certain,] and told David
how the men were served. And he sent to meet them : for the
men were greatly ashamed. And the king said. Tarry at Jericho
until your beards be grown, and [then] return.
6 And when the children of Ammon saw that they had made
themselves odious to David, Hanun and the children of Ammon sent
a thousand talents of silver to hire them chariots and horsemen out
of Mesopotamia, and out of Syria-maachah, and out of Zobah.
7 So they hired thirty and two thousand chariots, and the king of
Maachah and his people; who came and pitched before Medeba.
And the children of Amnion gathered themselves tofrether from
their cities, and came to battle. 8 And when David heard [of
it,] he sent Joab, and all the host of the mighty men. 9 And
the children of Ammon came out, and put the battle in array
before the gate of the city : and the kings tliat were come [w ere]
I. CHRONICLES. XX. 513
by themselves in the field. 10 Now when Joab saw that the
battle was set against him be'fore and behind, he chose out of all
the choice of Israel, and put [them] in array against the Syrians.
1 1 And the rest of the people he delivered unto the hand of
Abishai his brother, and they set [themselves] in array against
the children of Amnion. 12 And he said, If the Syrians be too
strong for me, then thou shalt help me: but if the children of
Amnion be too strong for thee, then I will help thee. 13 Be of
good courage, and !et us behave ourselves valiantly for our people
and for the cities of our God: and let the Lord do [that which
is] good in his sight. 14 So Joab and the people that [were] with
him drew nigh before the Syrians unto the battle ; and they fled
before him. 15 And when the children of Ammon saw that the
Syrians were fled, they likewise fled before Abishai his brother,
and entered into the city. Then Joab came to Jerusalem.
16 And when the Syrians saw that they were put to the worse
before Israel, they sent messengers, and drew forth the Syrians
that [were] beyond the river : and Shophach the captain of the
host of Hadarezer [went] before them. 17 And it was told David-
and he gathered all Israel, and passed over Jordan, and came
upon them, and set [the battle] in array against them. So when
David had put the battle in array against the Syrians they fought
with him. 18 But the Syrians fled before Israel; and David
slew of the Syrians seven thousand [men which fought in] cha-
riots, and forty thousand footmen, and killed Shophach the cap-
tain of the host. 19 And when the servants of Hadarezer saw
that they were put to the worse before Israel, they made peace
with David, and became his servants : neither would the Syrians
help the children of Ammon any more.
CHAPTER XX.
Rabbah is besieged by Joab, spoiled by David, and the people tortured;
three giants slain by David's servants in three several battles with the
Philistines.
1 And it came to pass, that after the year was expired, at the
time that kings go out [to battle,] Joab led forth the power of the
army, and wasted the country of the children of Ammon, and
VOL. III. 9 L
5U I. CHRONICLES. XXI.
came and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried at Jerusalem.
And Joab smote Rabbah, and destroyed it. 2 And David took
the crown of their king from off his head, and fomid it to weigh a
talent of gold, and [there v\ ere] precious stones in it ; and it was
set upon David's head : and he brought also exceeding much
spoil out of the city. 3 And he brought out the people that
[were] in it, and cut [them] with saws, and with harrows of iron,
and with axes. Even so dealt David with all the cities of the
children of Ammon. And David and all the people returned to
Jerusalem.
4 And it came to pass after this, that there arose war at Gezer
with the Philistines : at which time Sibbechai the Hushathite
slew Sippai, [that was] of the children of the giant : and they
were subdued. 5 And there was war again with the Philistines;
and Elhanan the son of Jair slew Lahmi the brother of Goliath
the Gittite, whose spear staff' [was] like a weaver's beam. 6 And
yet again there was war at Gath, where was a man of [great]
stature, whose fingers and toes [were] four and twenty, six [on
each hand,] and six [on each foot :] and he also was the son of
the giant. 7 But when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of
Shimea David's brother slew him. 8 These were born unto the
giant in Gath ; and they fell by the hand of David, and by the
hand of his servants.
CHAPTER XXI.
David forcelh Joab to number the people ; he repenteth, and acknow-
ledges his fault; and out of three plagues which God proposed to
punish him by, he chooseth the pestilence.
1 And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to
number Israel. And David said to Joab and to the rulers of the
people, Go, number Israel from Beer-sheba even to Dan : and
bring the number of them to me, that I may know [it.] 3 And
Joab answered, The Lord make his people an hundred times
so many more as they [be]: but, my lord the king, [are]
they not all my lord's servants ? why then doth my lord require
this thing? why will he be a cause of trespass to Israel?
4 Nevertheless the king's word prevailed against Joab. Where-
fore Joab departed, and went throughout all Israel," and came
I. CHRONICLES. XXI. 515
to Jerusalem. 5 And Joab gave the sum of the nunjber of the
people unto David. And all [they of] Israel were a thousand
thousand and an hundred thousand n)en that drew sword : and
Judah [was] four hundred threescore and ten thousand men that
drew sword. 6 But Levi and Benjamin counted he not amono-
them : for the knig's word was abommable to Joab.
7 And God was displeased with this thing : therefore he
smote Israel. 8 And David said unto God, I have sinned o-reatly,
because 1 have done this thing : but now, I beseech thee do
away the iniquity of thy servant ; for I have done very foolishly.
9 And the Lord spake unto Gad, David's seer, saying, Go and
tell David, saying, 10 Thus saith the Lord, I offer thee three
[things :] choose thee one of them, that I may do [it] unto thee.
1 1 So Gad came to David, and said unto him. Thus saith the
Lord, Choose thee 12 Either three years famine; or three
months to be destroyed before thy foes, while that the sword of
thine enemies overtaketh [thee ;] or else three days the sword
of the Lord, even the pestilence, in the land, and the ano-el
of the Lord destroying throughout all the coasts of Israel.
Now therefore advise thyself what word I shall bring again to
him that sent me. 13 And David said unto Gad, I am in a
great strait : let me fall now into the hand of the Lord; for
rery great [are] his mercies : but let me not fall into the hand of
man.
14 So the Lord sent pestilence upon Israel : and there fell
of Israel seventy thousand men. 15 And God sent an angel unto
Jerusalem to destroy it : and as he was destroying, the Lord
beheld, and he repented him of the evil, and said to the angel
that destroyed, It is enough, stay now thine hand. And the
angel of the Lord stood by the threshing floor of Oman the
Jebusite.
l6 And David lifted up his eyes, and saw the angel of the
Lord stand between the earth and the heaven, having a drawn
sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David
and the elders [of Israel,] who were clothed in sackcloth, fell upon
their faces. And David said unto God, [Is it] not I [that] com-
manded the people to be numbered? even 1 it is that have
sinned and done evil indeed ; but [as for] these sheep, what have
they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, O Lord my God, be
on me, and on my father's house ; but not on thy people, that they
should be plagued.
18 Then the angel of the Lord commanded Gad to say to
^ L 3
516 I. CHRONICLES. XXI.
David, that David should go up, and set up an altar unto tlie
Lord in the threshing floor of Oman the Jebusite. 19 And
David went up at the saying of Gad, which he spake in the
name of the Lord. 20 And Oman turned back, and saw the angel ;
and his four sons with him hid themselves. Now Oman was
threshing wheat. 21 And as David came to Oman, Oman looked
and saw David, and went out of the threshing floor, and bowed
himself to David with [his] face to the ground. 22 Then
David said to Oman, Grant me the place of [this] threshing floor,
that I may build an altar therein unto the Loud : thou shalt
grant it me for the full price: that the plague may be stayed
from the people. 23 And Oman said unto David, Take [it] to
thee, and let my lord the king do [that which is] good in his
eyes : lo, I give [thee] the oxen [also] for burnt offerings, and
the threshing instruments for wood, and the wheat for the meat
offering; 1 give it all. 24 And king David said to Oman, Nay ;
but I will verily buy it for the full price : for I will not take
[that] which [is] thine for the Loud, nor ofter burnt oft'erings
without cost. 25 So David gave to Oman for the place six hun-
dred shekels of gold by weight. 26 And David built there an altar
unto the Lord, and oflered burnt ofl'erings and peace oft'erings,
and called upon the Lord; and he answered him from heaven
by fire upon the altar of burnt offering. 27 And the Lord
commanded the angel ; and he put up his sword again into the
sheath thereof. 28 At that time when David saw that the Lord
had answered him in the threshing floor of Oman the Jebusite,
then he sacrificed there. 2f) For the tabernacle of the Lord,
which Moses made in the wilderness, and the altar of the burnt
offering, [were] at that season in the high place at Gibeon.
30 But David could not go before it to hiquire of God: for he
was afraid because of the sword of the angel of the Loud.
I. CHRONICLES. XXII. 517
CHAPTER XXII.
The plague for numbering the people being stayed, and the altar built
{see 2 Sam. ch, xxiv.), David prepares for building the temple ; and
gives a charge to Solomon about it.
1 A HEN David said, This is the house of the Lord God, and
this [is] the altai of the burnt offering for Israel*. 2 And Da-
vid commanded to gather together the strangers that [were] in
the land of 1 srael ; t/ie proselj/tes from other nations, especially
Sidonians and Tyrians, who were better artists, the Israelites
being principally farmers ; and he set masons to hew wrought
stones to build the house of God. Though lie was not permitted
to build it himself, he might provide materials fur it. 3 And
David prepared iron in abundance for the nails for the doors of
the gates, and for the joinings, or hinges; and brass in abun-
dance without weiglit; 4 Also cedar trees in abundance: for
the Zidonians and they of Tyre brought much cedar wood to
David. 5 And David said, Solomon my son [is] young and ten-
der, and the house [that is] to be builded for the Lord [must
be] exceeding magniticai, of fame and of glory throughout all
countries ; I will [therefore] now make preparation for it f. So
David prepared abundantly before his death.
G Then he called for Solomon his son, and charged him to
build an house for the Lord God of Israel ; he did not leave it
to his choice, but charged him to do it. 7 And David said to
Solomon, My son, as for me, it was in my mind to build an
house unto the name of the Lord my God : 8 But the word of
the Lord came to me saying, Thou hast shed blood abun-
dantly, and hast made great wars : thou shalt not build an house
unto my name, because thou hast shed much blood upon the
* God had declared by Moses, Deut. xii. 5., that a lionse should be built ;
and he bad told David that his son .should build it. This David thought was the
proper place for it, because of the extraordinary token of the divine presence and
acceptance which he found here, chap. xxi. 26. Or there may be an allusion to
the words of Jacob, this is none other than the house of God, und this is the gate of
heaven.
t David here gives two reasons for this : Solomon was young, and could not
make such preparations for the house as he could ; ar.d tlie biiilHiug was to be
very magnitiicnt, for the glory of Israel, and its fame among neighbouring na-
tions ; and that tlie grandeur of the house might attract and mHueuce the wor-
shippers.
518 I. CHRONICLES. XXII.
earth in my sight *. 9 Behold, a son shall be born to thee,
who shall be a man of rest ; and I will give him rest from all his
enemies round about : for his name shall be Solomon, that is,
peaceable, and I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his
days ; no civil broils, 7tor J'oreign invasions and enemies ; this will
be a proper season for the work. 10 He shall build an house tor
my name ; and he shall be my son, and I [w ill be] his father ;
and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel for
ever. Thus having related what God had said to him, he turns
his speech directly to Solomon, and says, 1 1 Now, my son, the
Lord be with thee ; and prosper thou, and build the house of
the Lord thy God, as he hath said of thee; he encourages him
in the work, having no doubt but God would succeed him, because
he commanded it. 12 Only the Lord give thee wisdom and un-
derstanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel, that is, di-
rection and co'unsel how to rule the people, and conduct this great
affair, that thou mayest keep the law of the Lord thy God. 13
Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes
and judgments which the Loud charged Moses with concern-
ing Israel ; he assures him of prosperity if he did so ; and therefore
exhorts him to put forth his utmost strength ; be strong, and of
good courage ; dread not, nor be dismayed ; let itot the greatness
of the work discourage thee ; but depend upon divine assistance
while thou art faithful in thy duty ; and to encourage him to these,
he tells him what preparations he had made. 14 Now, behold,
in my trouble, though, on the whole, mine has been a turbulent
reign, yet I have not forgot this great design, I have prepared
for the house of the Lord an hundred thousand talents of gold,
and a thousand thousand talents of silver t ; and of brass and
* Tlie reason why lie was forbid, we find in 2 Sam. vii. 2. The wars were
■warranted and succeeded by Jciiovah ; yet it did not suit with his majesty to have
an house built by such an one. Human life was precious to God, and he was
tender of the blood of his creatures. It was more proper for a peaceable prince
to do it, who was a type of the Prince of Peace.
t This was a prodigious sum, near seven hundred and fifty millions ; enough,
say some, to have built all the vralls with silver, and the roofs with gold. But it
should be considered, that it was not all spent upon the temple ; there were other
buildings, and vast treasures laid up for maintainmg above two hundred tlioiisand
workmen, for so many were eni|)loyed for eleven years together, besides those em-
ployed in David's time. In early ages there was great plenty of gold ; and David
had many sources of wealth, from husbandry, trade, and tribute. Solomon bud
six hundred and sixty-six talents of gold yearly, and he had no subjects but
what Daviil had ; he had many successful wars with rich nations, from whom he
had ear-rings and jewels of gold, shields of gold, and gods of gold. It is not dif-
ficult to account how he had so much wealth, and how he laid it out, considering
the buildings the workmen, the treasures laid up, the gold about the temple, the
utensils and the precious stonctr—
I. CHRONICLES. XXII. 519
iron without weight ; for it is in abundance : timber also and
stone have I prepared ; and thou niayest add thereto ; there
is room for all thou canst addin such a work as this. 15 More-
over, [there are] workmen with thee in abundance, hewers and
workers of stone and timber, and all manner of cunning men
for every manner of work ; the zoorkmen are already chosen, and
their work assigned. l6 Of the gold, the silver, and the brass,
and the iron, [there is] no number, the weight of' them is so great
that it cannot be told. Arise, [therefore] and be doing, and the
Loud be with thee ; when thou art settled on the throne set about
it immediately, and doubt not but God will be with thee.
17 David also commanded all the princes of Israel to help
Solomon his son *', [saying, 18 Is] not the Lord your God with
you ? and hath he [not] given you rest on every side ? for he hath
given the inhabitants of the land into mine hand ; and the land is
subdued before the Lord, and before his people : zee have had
large experience of his goodness ; and what he hath already done is
a ground of hope in his further favour. All the enemies of Israel
are subdued; zee have peace round about ; therefore, ingratitude
for those favours, set to work, especially as it is for his service and
honour. 19 Now, set your heart and your soul to seek the
Lord your God ; arise, therefore, and build ye the sanctuary of
the Lord God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the Lokd,
and the holy vessels of God, into the house that is to be built
to the name of the Lord ; engage heartily in the work, and seek
the divine blessing ; then you will go on cheerfully and prosperously
in it.
REFLECTIONS.
1. Aged christians, like David, should consider the circum-
stances of young ones, and consult their benefit. They should
not overburden them, but provide them what help they can, that
they may go on easily and cheerfully in God's work. They
should instruct ihem in it, ver. 11., in the nature and design of
true religion ; and encourage them to it, ver. 13., by their own
experience, and the promise of a divine blessing ; and pray for
them, ver. 12., that God would give them zcisdom and under-
standing to see and pursue their true interest : considering how
* This was probably a private exhortation for the great men to assist in pre-
paring lor the work, as there was a public address to them afterwards.
520 I. CHRONICLES. XXII.
much the honour of God, and the support of reUgion, depend
on the wisdom and piety of the rising generation, and that all the
care of ministers and parents is little enough to promote it.
2. When God gives rest to a people, he expects they should
devote themselves more closely and resolutely to his service.
This argument David urged upon Solomon and his people. We
should be solicitous to improve time while it is continued ; while
there is no foreign or domestic enemy ; and while the gospel has
a free course. Let us resolutely work the works of God ; im-
prove every opportunity to build up his house, support his wor-
ship, and advance religion. Then had the churches rest, and were
edified; and walking iii the fear of the Lord, and the comfort of
the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.
3. The promises of God, and the hope of his presence,
should encourage us to work for him. Arise, and he doing, and
the Lord zeill be with thee. Words that may well be addressed
to every christian. Religion is the most important work ; it re-
quires vigour and resolution. God has promised assistance; and
if the work be ever so hard, and the difficulties and enemies ever
so many and formidable, he will be with us, and that is enough.
Wherefore work out your own salvation with fear and trembling ;
for it is God who worketh i?i you to will and to do of his own good
pleasure.
4. We should mind to add our prayers to all our endeavours
in promoting the work and service of God. Ver. 19-, Now set
your heart and your soul to seek the Lord your God. Prayer will
quicken our own spirits ; make us sensible of the importance of
the work, that we may not dare to be insincere and trifling in it.
It will also engage divine help, without which we shall flag
and tire. If we are once deeply impressed with a sense of our
dependance on God, and have our hearts filled with devout re-
gards to him, we shall stick at nothing for his service and his sanc-
tuary. If, by David's example, we stir up ourselves and all
about us in this work, God will bless us, and reward all our la-
bours of love in a better world, and through a happy eternity.
I. CHRONICLES. XXIII. 521
CHAPTER XXni.
David in his old age makes Solomon king ; the Levites ordered ; the sons
of Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.
1 I^O when David was old and full of days, he made Solomon
his son king over Israel.
2 And he gathered together all the princes of Israel, with the
priests and the Levites : 3 Now the Levites were numbered from
the age of thirty years and upward : and their number by their
polls, man by man, was thirty and eight thousand. 4 Of which,
twenty and four thousand [were] to set forward the work of the
house of the Lord ; and six thousand [were] officers and judges :
5 Moreover four thousand [were] porters; and four thousand
praised the Lord with the instruments which I made, [said
David,] to praise [therewith.] 6 And David divided them into
courses among the sons of Levi, [namely,] Gershon, Kohath, and
Merari.
7 Of the Gershonites [were,] Laadan, and Shimei. 8 The
sons of Laadan ; the chief [was] Jehiel, and Zetham, and Joel,
three. 9 The sons of Shimei; Shelomith, and Haziel, and Haran,
three. These [were] the chief of the fathers of Laadan. 10 And
the sons of Shimei [were,] Jahath, Zina, and Jeush, and Beriali.
These four [were] the sons of Shimei. 1 1 And Jahath was the
chief, and Zizah the second : but Jeush and Beriah had not many
sons ; therefore they were in one reckoning, according to [their]
father's house.
12 The sons of Kohath ; Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel,
four. 13 The sons of Amram; Aaron and Moses : and Aaron
was separated, that he should sanctify the most holy things, he
and his sons for ever, to burn incense before the Lord, to mi-
nister unto him, and to bless in his name for ever. 14 Now [con-
cerning] Moses the man of God, his sons were named of the
tribe of Levi. 15 The sons of Moses [were,] Gershom, and
Eliezer. l6 Of the sons of Gershom, Shebuel [was] the chief.
17 And the sons of Eliezer [were,] Rehabiah the chief. And
Eliezer had none other sons ; but the sons of Rehabiah were very
many. 18 Of the sons of Izhar; Shelomiih the chief. IQ Of
522 I. CHRONICLES. XXIII.
the sons of Hebron; Jeriah the first, Amariah the second, Jeha-
ziel the third, and Jekameam the fourth. 20 Of the sons of Uz-
ziel; Micah the first, and Jesiah the second.
21 The sons of Merari, Mahli; and Mushi. The sons of
Mahli; Eleazar, and Kish. 22 And Eleazar died, and had no sons,
but daughters : and their brethren the sons of Kish took them.
23 The sons of Mushi; MahH, and Eder, and Jeremoth, three.
24 These [were] the sons of Levi after the house of their fa-
thers ; [even] the chief of the fathers, as they were counted by
number of names by their polls, tliat did the work for the service
of the house of the Lord, from the age of twenty years and up-
ward. 25 For David said, The Lord God of Israel hath given
rest unto his people, that they may dwell in Jerusalem for ever;
26 And also unto the Levites ; they shall no [more] carry the ta-
bernacle, nor any vessels of it for the service thereof. 27 For by
the last words of David the Levites [were] numbered from
twenty years old and above: 28 Because their office [was] to
wait on the sons of Aaron for the service of the house of the
Lord, in the courts, and in the chambers, and in the pu-
rifying of all holy things, and the work of the service of the
house of God ; 29 Both for the shew bread, and for the fine flour
for meat offering, and for the unleavened cakes, and for [that
which is baked [in] the pan, and for that which is fried, and for all
manner of measure and size ; 30 And to stand every morning to
thank and praise the Lord, and likewise at even ; 31 And to
offer all burnt sacrifices unto the Lord in the sabbaths, in the
new moons, and on the set feasts, by number, according to the
order commanded unto them, continually before the Lord :
32 And that they should keep the charge of the tabernacle of the
congregation, and the charge of the holy [place,] and the charge
of the sons of Aaron their brethren, in the service of the house of
the Lord.
I. CHRONICLES. XXIV. 523
CHAPTER XXIV.
The divisions of the sons of Aaron into four and twenty orders ; the re-
mainder of the Kohathites and the Merarites divided by lot.
1 l\OW [these are] the divisions of the sons of Aaron. The
sons of Aaron ; Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. 2 But
Xadab and Abihu died before their father, and had no children ;
therefore Eleazar and Ithamar executed the priest's office. 3 And
David distributed them, both Zadok of the sons of Eleazar, and
Ahimelech of the sons of Ithamar, according to their offices in
their service. 4 And there were more chief men found of the
sons of Eleazar than of the sons of Ithamar ; and [thus] were
they divided. Among the sons of Eleazar [there were] sixteen chief
men of the house of [their] fathers, and eight among the sons of
Ithamar according to the house of their fathers. 5 Thus were
they divided by lot, one sort with another ; for the governors of
the sanctuary, and governors [of the house] of God, were of the
sons of Eleazar, and of the sons of Ithamar. 6 And Shemaiah
the son of Nethaneel the scribe, [one] of the Levites, wrote them
before the king, and the princes, and Zadok the priest, and Ahi-
melech the son of Abiathar, and [before] the chief of the fathers of
the priests and Levites : one principal household being taken for
Eleazar, and [one] taken for Ithamar. 7 Now the first lot came
forth to Jehoiarib, the second to Jedaiah, 8 The third to Harim,
the fourth to Seorim, 9 The fifth to Malchijah, the sixth to Mi-
jamin, 10 The seventh to Hakkoz, the eighth to Abijah, 1 1 The
ninth to Jeshua, the tenth to Shecaniah, 12 The eleventh to Elia-
shib, the twelfth, to J akim, 13 The thirteenth to Huppah, the
fourteenth to Jeshebeab, 14 The fifteenth to Bilgah, the sixteenth
to Immer, 15 The seventeenth to Hezir, the eighteenth to Aphses,
16 The nineteenth to Pethahiah, the tM'entieth to Jehezekel,
17 The one and twentieth to Jachin, the two and twentieth to
Gamul, 18 The three and twentieth to Delaiah, the four and
twentieth to Maaziah. 19 These [were] the orderings of them
in their service to come into the house of the Lord, according to
their manner, under Aaron their father, as the Lord God of Is-
rael had commanded him.
20 And the rest of the sona of Levi [were these :] of the sons
524 I. CHRONICLES. XXV.
of^Amrani ; Sluibael : of the sons of Shubael; Jchdeia'.i. 21 Con-
cerning Rehabiah : of the sons of Rehabiah ; the first [was]
Ishiah. 22 Of the Izharites ; Shelomoth : of the sons of She-
lomoth; Jahath. 23 And the sons [of Hebron;] Jeriah [the
first,] Aniariaii the second, Jahaziel the third, Jekanieam the
fourth. 24 [Of] the sons of Uzziel ; Michah : of the sons of
Wichah ; Shamir. 25 Tlie brother of Michah [was] Isshiah :
of the sons of Isshiah ; Zechariah. 26 The sons of Merari
[were,] Mahli and Mushi: the sons of Jaaziah ; Beno. 27 The
sons of Merari by Jaaziah ; Beno, and Shoham, and Zaccur,
and Ibri. 28 Of Mahli [came] Eleazar, wlio had no sons.
29 Concerning Kish : the son of Kish [was] Jerahmee!. SO The
sons also of Mushi ; Mahli, and Eder, and Jerimoth, These
[were] the sons of the Levites after the house of their fa-
thers. 31 These likewise cast lots overagainst their brethren the
sons of Aaron in the presence of David the king, and Zadok, and
Ahimelech, and the chief of the fathers of the priests and Levites,
even the principal fathers overagainst their younger brethren.
CHAPTER XXV.
The number and oniccs of the singers ; and their division by lot into
four and twenty orders.
1 iVlOREOVER David and the captains of the host separated
to the service of the sons of Asaph and of Ilemun, and of Jedu-
thun, who should prophesy with harps, with psalteries, and with
cymbals : and the number of the workmen, according to their
service was : 2 Of the sons of Asaph ; Zaccur, and Joseph, and
Nethaniah, and Asajelah, the sons of Asaph under the hands of
Asaph, which prophesied according to the order of the king.
3 Of Jeduthun : the sons of Jeduthun; Gedaliah, and Zeri, and
Jcshaiah, Hashabiah, ami Mattithiah, six, under the hands of their
father Jeduthun, who prophesied with a harp, to give thanks aiid
to praise the Lord. 4 Of Heman : the sons of Heman ; IJuk-
kiah, Mattaniah, Uzziel, Shebuel, and Jerimoth, Hananiah, Ila-
nani, Eliathah, Giddalti, and Romamti-ezer, Joshbekashah, Mal-
lothi, Hothir, [and] Mahazioth: 5 All these [were] the sous of
I. CHRONICLES. XXV. 525
Heman the king's seer in the words of God, to lift up the horn.
And God gave to Heman fourteen sons and three daughters.
6 All these [were] under the hands of their father for song [in]
the house of the Lord, with cymbals, psalteries and harps, for
the service of the house of God, according to the king's order to
Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman. 7 So the number of them, with
their brethren that were instructed in the songs of the Lord,
[even] all that were cunning, was two hundred fourscore and
eight.
8 And they cast lots, ward against [ward,] as well the small as
the great, the teacher as the scholar. 9 Now the first lot came
forth for Asaph to Joseph : the second to Gedaliah, who with
his brethren and sons [were] twelve : 10 The third to Zaccur>
[he,] his sons, and his brethren, [were] twelve: 1 1 The fourth to
Izri, [he,] his sons, and his brethren, [were] twelve : 12 The fifth
to Netlianiah, [he,] his sons, and his brethren, [were] twelve:
13 The sixth to Bukkiah, [he,] his sons, and his brethren, [were]
twelve : 14 The seventh to Jesharelah, [he,] his sons, and his bre-
thren, [were] twelve : 15 The eighth to Jeshaiah, [he,] his sons,
and his brethren, [were] twelve: l6The ninth to Mattaniah, [he,]
his sons, and his brethren, [were] twelve : 17 The tenth to Shimei,
[he,] his sons, and his brethren, [were] twelve : 18 The eleventh
to Azareel, [he,] his sons, and his brethren, [were] twelve : 19 The
twelfth to Hashabiah, [he,] his sons, and his brethren, [were]
twelve : 20 The thirteenth to Shubael, [he,] his sons, and his
brethren, [were] twelve : 21 The fourteenth to Mattithiah, [he,] his
sons, and his brethren, [were] twelve : 22 The fifteenth to Jeremoth,
[he,] his sons, and his brethren, [were] twelve : 23 The sixteenth
to Hananiah, [he,] his sons, and his brethren, [were] twelve :
24 The seventeenth to Joshbekasha, [he,] his sons, and his brethren,
[were] twelve: 25 The eighteenth to Hanani, [he,] his sons, and
brethren, [were] twelve : 26 The nineteenth to Mallothi, [he,] his
sons, and his brethren, [were] twelve: 27 The twentieth to Elia-
thah, [he,] his sons, and his brethren, [were] twelve : 28 The one
and twentieth to Hothir, [he,] his sons, and his brethren, [were]
twelve : 29 The two and twentieth to Giddalti, [he,] his sons, and
his brethren, [were] twelve: 30 The three and twentieth to Ma-
hazioth, [he,] his sons, and his brethren, [were] twelve: 31 The
four and twentieth to Romamti-ezer, [he,] his sons, and his bre-
thren, [were] twelve.
526 I. CHRONICLES. XXVI.
CHAPTER XXVI.
The division of the porters ; the gates assigned by lot ; and the Levites
that had the charge of the treasures.
1 (concerning the divisions of the porters: of the Kor-
hites [was] Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of the sons of Asaph.
2 And the sons of Meshelemiah [were,] Zechariah the first born,
Jediael the second, Zebadiah the third, Jathniel the fourth,
3 Elam the fifth, Jehohanan the sixth, Elioenai the seventh.
4 Moreover the sons of Obed-edom [were,] Shemaiah the first
born, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, and Sacar the fourth,
and Nethaneel the fifth. 5 Amniiel the sixth, Issachar the
seventh, Peulthai the eighth : for God blessed him. 6 Also unto
Shemaiah his son were sons born, that ruled throughout the
house of their father : for they [were] mighty men of valour.
7 The sons of Shemaiah ; Othni, and Rephael, and Obed,
Elzabad, whose brethren were strong men, Elihu and Semachiah.
8 All these of ^the sons of Obed-edom: they and their sons and
their brethren, able men for strength for the service, [were] three-
score and two of Obed-edom. 9 And Meshelemiah had sons
and brethren, strong men, eighteen. 10 Also Hosah, of the
children of Merari, had sons; Simri the chief, (for [though] he
was not the first born, yet his father made him the chief;)
1 1 Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth :
all the sons and brethren of Hosah [were] thirteen. 12 Among
these [were] the divisions of the porters, [even] among the chief
men, [having] wards one against another, to minister in the house
of the Lord. 13 And they cast lots, as well the small as the
great, according to the house of their fathers, for every gate.
14 And the lot eastward fell to Shelemiah. Then for Zechariah
his son, a wise counsellor, they cast lots ; and his lot came out
northward. 15 To Obed-edom southward; and to his sons the
house of Asuppim. 16 To Shuppim and llosah [the lot came
forth] westward, with the gate Shallecheth, by the causeway of
the going up ward against ward. 17 Eastward [were] six Le-
vites, northward four a day, southward four a day, and toward
Asuppim two [and] two. 18 At Parbar westward, four at the
causeway, [and] two at Parbar. 19 These [are] the divisions of
I. CHRONICLES. XXVI. 527
the porters among the sons of Kore, and among the sons of
Merarl.
20 And of the Levites, Ahijah [was] over the treasures of the
house of God, and over the treasures of the dedicated things.
21 [As concerning] the sons of Laadan ; the sons of the Ger-
shonite Laadan, chief fathers [even] of Laadan the Gershonite,
[were] Jehieli. 22 The sons of Jehieli; Zetham, and Joel his
brother, [which were] over the treasures of the house of the
Loud. 23 Of the Amramites, [and] the Izharites, the Hebron-
ites, [and] the UzzieUtes : 24 And Shebuel the son of Gershom,
the son of Moses, [was] ruler of the treasures. 25 And his
brethren by Eliezer : Rehabiah his son, and Jeshaiah his son, and
Joram his son, and Zichri his son, and Shelomith his son.
26 Which Shelomith and his brethren [were] over all the
treasures of the dedicated things, which David the king, and the
chief fathers, the captains over thousands and hundreds, and the
captains of the host, had dedicated. 27 Out of the spoils won
in battles did they dedicate to maintain the house of the Lord.
28 And all that Samuel the seer, and Saul the son of Kish, and
Abner the son of Ner, and Joab the son of Zeruiah, had dedi-
cated ; [and] whosoever had dedicated [any thing, it was] under
the hand of Shelomith, and of his brethren.
29 Of the Izharites, Chenaniah and his sons [were] for the
outward business over Israel, for officers and judges. 30 [And]
of the Hebronites, Hashabiah and his brethren, men of valour,
a thousand and seven hundred, [were] officers among them of
Israel on this side Jordan westward in all business of the Lord,
and in the service of the king. 31 Among the Hebronites [was]
Jerijah the chief, [even] among the Hebronites, according to the
generations of his fathers. In the fortieth year of the reign of
David they were fought for, and there were found among them
mighty men of valour at Jazer of Gilead. 32 And his brethren,
men of valour, [were] two thousand and seven hundred chief
fathers, whom king David made rulers over the Reubenites, the
Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh, for every matter per-
taining to God, and affairs of the king.
528 I. CHRONICLES. XXVII.
CHAPTER XXVII.
The twelve captains for every several month ; and the princes of the
twelve tribes.
1 'i\OW the children of Israel after their number, [to wit,] the
chief fathers and captains of thousands and hundreds, and their
officers that served the king in any matter of the courses, Avhich
came in and went out month by month throughout all the months
of the year, of every course [were] twenty and four thousand.
2 Over the first course for the first month [was] Jashobeam the
son of Zabdiel : and in his course [were] twenty and four thou-
sand. 3 Of the children of Perez [was] the chief of all the
captains of the host for the first month. 4 And over the course
of the second month [was] Dodai an Ahohite, and of his course
[was] Mikloth also the ruler : in his course likewise [were] twenty
and four thousand. 5 The third captain of the host for the third
month [was] Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, a chief priest: and
in his course [were] twenty and four thousand. 6 This [is that]
Benaiah, [who was] mighty [among] the thirty, and above the
thirty : and in his course [was] Ammizabad his son. 7 The
fourth [captain] for the fourth month [was] Asahel the brother of
Joab, and Zebadiah his son after him : and in his course [were]
twenty and four thousand. 8 The fifth captain for the fifth
month [was] Shamluith the Izrahite : and in his course [were]
twenty and four thousand. 9 The sixth [captain] for the sixth
month [was] Ira the son of Ikkesli the l^ekoite : and in his
course [were] twenty and four thousand. 10 The seventh [cap-
tain] for the seventh month [was] Helez the Pelonite, of the
children of Ephraim : and in his course [were] twenty and four
thousand. 1 1 The eighth [ca[)tain] for the eighth month [was]
Sibbecai the Hushathite, of the Zarhites : and in his course
[were] twenty and four thousand. 12 The ninth [captain] for
the ninth month [was] Abiezer the Anetothile, of the Benjamites :
and in his course [were] twenty and four thousand. IS The
tenth [captain] for the tenth month [was] Mahari the Netopha-
thitc, of the Zarhites : and in his course [were] twenty and four
thousand. 14 The eleventh [captain] for the eleventh month
[was] Benaiah the Piralhonite, of the children of Ephraim : and
I. CHRONICLES. XXVII. 529
in his course [were] twenty and four thousand. 15 The twelfth
[captain] for the twelfth month [was] Heldai the Netophathite,
of Othniel : and^in his course [were] twenty and four thousand.
16 Furtiiermore over the tribes of Israel : the ruler of the Reu-
benites [was] Eliezer the son of Zichri : of the Sinieonites, She-
phatiah the son of Maachah : 17 Of the Levites, Hashabiah the
son of Kemuel : of the Aaronites, Zadok : ISOfJudah, Elihu,
[one] of the brethren of David : Of Issachar, Omri the son of
Michael: 19 Of Zebulun, Ishmaiah tiie son of Obadiah : of
Naphtali, Jerimoth the son of Azricl : 20 Of the children of
Ephraim, Hoshea the son of Azaziah : of the half tribe of Ma-
nasseh, Joel the son of Pedaiah : 21 Of the half [tribe] of Ma-
nasseh in Gilead, Iddo the son of Zechariah : of Benjamin,
Jaasiel the son of Abner: 22 Of Dan, Azareel the son of Jero-
hani. These [were] the princes of the tribes of Israel.
23 But David took not the number of them from twenty years
old and under: because the Loud had said he would increase
Israel like to the stars of the heavens. 24 Joab the son of Zeruiah
began to number, but he finished not, because there fell \vrath
for it against Israel ; neither was the number put in the account
of the chronicles of king David.
25 And over the king's treasures [was] Azmavclh the son of
Adiel : and over the storehouses in the fields, in the cities, and in
the villages, and in the castles, [was] Jehonathan the son of
Uzziah : 26 And over them that did ttie work of the field for
tillage of the ground [was] Ezri the son of Chelub: 27 And over
the vineyards [was] Shimei tlic Raujathite : over the increase of
the vineyards for the wine cellars [was] Zabdi the Shipmite ;
28 And over the olive trees and the sycamore trees that [were] in
the l(tw plains [was] Baal-hanan the Gederite: and over the cellars
of oil [was] Joash : 29 And over the herds that fed in Sharon
[was] Shitrai the Sharonite : and over the herds [that were] in the
valleys [was] Shaphat the son of Adlai : 30 Over the camels also
[was] Obil the Ishmaelite : and over the asses [was] Jehdeiah
the Meronothite: 31 And over the flocks [was] Jahziz the
Hagerite : all these [were] the rulers of the substance which [was]
king David's. 32 Also Jonathan David's uncle was a counsellor,
a wise man, and a scribe : and Jthiel the son of Uachmoni [was]
with the king's sons : 33 And Ahilhophel [was] the king's coun-
sellor : and Hushai the Archite [was] the king's conipanion :
34 And after Ahithophel [was] Jehoiada the son of Benaiah, and
Abiathar : and the general of the king's army [was] Joab,
VOL. III. '2 M
530 I. CHRONICLES. XXVIII.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
David, in a grand assembly, declares God's clioico of Solomon to build
him an house; David's exhortation to the people and Solomon to be
religious ; the plan and materials of the temple delivered to Solomon,
who is encouraged to set about it.
1 xxND David assembled all the princes of Israel, the princes
of the tribes, and the captains of the companies that ministered to
the king by course, and the captains over tiie thousands, and
captains over the hundreds, and the stewards over all the sub-
stance and possession of the king, and of his sons, with the
officers, and with the mighty men, and with all the valiant men,
unto Jerusalem*. 2 Then David the kuig, mho teas sitting on
the throne, and his son by him, stood up upon his feet, out of
respect to this great and honoiaable assembly, and said, Hear me,
my brethren, and my people : [as for me,] I [had] in mine heart
to build an house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the Lord,
that it might not be carried about as before , and for the footstool
of our God, or, even the footstool of our God; the divine glory
resting betioeen the cherubims over the ark, K'as called the mercy
seat, so that the ark zias his footstool ; and had made ready for the
building: 3 But God said unto mc, Thou shalt not build an
house for my name, because thou [hast been] a man of war, and
hast shed blood. 4 Ilowbeit the Loud God of Israel chose me
before all the house of my father to be king over Israel for ever :
for he hath chosen Judah [to be] the ruler: and of the house of
Judah the house of my father; and among the sons of my father
he liked me to make [me] king over all Israel -f : 5 And of all my
sons, (for the Loud hath given me many sons,) he hath chosen
Solomon my son to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the
* In 1 Kiiiijs, cljap. i.,wc fiiid David wns ill ; but whether the sickness llion «oni
off, or Adnnijub';s consiiiracy roused his spirits, or iiis joy at Soloniou's elevation
>;ave hiui fiesli vij^oin-, we find by tlie course of the story that he was williiijr to
have Solomon's advancement rec(ij;iiized atid made public. He therefore called
tosjclher tlie chief mca of the kingdom, both from the court and camp, and every
department.
t If was proper to specify this, to show tliat there was nothing of hereditary
ri(;!ii in this case. Judah was not the eldest son ; Jesse was not tlie most consi-
derable family in it ; David was the youngest son of this family j aud .Solomon
one of his youngest.
I. CHRONICLES. XXVIII. 531
Loud over Israel ; this was God's design, and not a partial fond-
ness of his oivn, therefore ihey should submit to him. 6 And he
said unto me, Solomon thy sou, he shall buihl uiy house aud my
courts : for I have chosen him [to be] my son, and I will be his
father. 7 Moreover I will establish his kingdom for ever, if he
be constant to do my commandments and my judgments, as at
this day ; hitherto he had done well, and he hoped he would per-
severe, and answer the expectations which he and the people had
entertained of hirn. 8 Now therefore in the sight of all Israel the
congregation of the Lord, he addresses them as the representatives
of all Israel, aud in the audience of our God, who is witness to
this solemn remonstrance, and all their engagements, he exhorts and
charges them, saying. Keep aud seek for all the commandments
of the Lord your God, study them and endeavour to understand
them, that ye may possess this good land, and leave [it] for an in-
heritance for your children after you for ever ; this is the only zcay
in which you can expect God's favour. Then with a noble and af-
fecting apostrophe he addresses Solomon.
9 And thou, Solomon my sou, know thou the God of thy
father, inquire after him, endeavour to know more of him, so as
to love and trust him ; and serve him with a perfect heart aud
with a willing mind ; let your obedience be cheerful and univer-
sal; for the LoKD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the
imaginations of the thoughts ; this is one argument, the divine
omniscience which extends to the hearts of the greatest men : if
thou seek him, he will be found of thee ; but if thou forsake him,
he will cast thee off for ever; this was another argument, the
pronnse was conditional; as he behaved to God, so God would do
to him. As great as David was, he minded the divine favour :
and how powe?ful soever Solomon might be, if he forsook God he
zcould be cast off and abhorred. 10 Take heed now ; for the Lo n d
hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary : be strong
and do [it] ; though ihou art young, be not discouraged at the great-
ness of the ivork.
1 1 Then David gave to Solomon his sou the plan of the temple,
containing the pattern of the porch, aud of the houses thereof, and
of die treasuries thereof, and of the upper chambers thereof, and
of the inner parlours thereof, and of the place of the mercy seat,
of the holy and most holy place and the several apartments, VZ And
the pattern of all that he had by the spirit, of the courts of the
house of the Loud, and of all the chambers round about, of the
treasuries of the house of God, and of the treasuries of the
2 M 2
532 I. CHRONICLES. XXVIII.
dedicated things ; not onhj those zchich David had dedicated, or
added above what was stij/icienl to finish the temple, hut the taber-
nacle of Moses and its utensils, which, having been so long sa-
cred, were carefidly laid up: 13 Also for the courses of the
priests and the Levites, and for all the work of the service of
the house of the Lord, and for all the vessels of service in the
house of the Lord. 14 [He gave] of gold by weight for [diings]
of gold, for all instruments of all manner of service ; [silver also]
for all instruments of silver by weight, for all instruments of every
kind of service : he gave materials in due proportion to the things
that zcere to be made of them: 15 Even the weight for the can-
dlesticks of gold, and for their lamps of gold, by weight for
every candlestick, and for the lamps thereof: and for the can-
dlesticks of silver by weight, [both] for the candlestick, and
[also] for the lamps thereof, according to the use of every candle-
stick ; there were ten large ones of gold to befxed, and silver ones
to be carried about. 16 And by weight [he gave] gold for the
tables of shew bread, for every table ; and [likewise] silver for
the tables of silver: 17 Also pure gold for the fleshhooks, and
the bowls, and the cups : and for the golden basons [he gave
gold] by weight for every bason; and [likewise silver] by weight
for every bason of silver, such a proportio)i of gold and silver
as would make the tables and basons as large as he proposed:
1 8 And for the altar of incense refined gold by weight ; and gold
for the pattern of the chariot of the cherubims, that spread
out [their wings,] and covered the ark of the covenant of the
Lord*. 19 All [this, said David,] the Lord made me un-
derstand in writing by [his ] hand upon me, [even] all the works
of this pattern ; he had it bi/ particular and divine direction, as
plaiidy as if God had written every idea on his mind, or had
delivered it to a prophet, and he had given it in trriting to
Davidf.
20 And David said to Solomon his son. Be strong and of good
courage, and do [it:] fear not, nor be dismayed: for the Lord
God, [even] my God, [will be] with thee ; he will not fail thee,
nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the
service of the house of the Lord ; he urges his own experience of
* God is described as riding on the wings of angels, because the glory rested
upon the cherubims; tliereforc it is called his chariot, Psalm xviii. lO.
♦ It is probable that tiie Koinan and Greek architecture was derived from
this. It is certain, that tiic earliest models of the (iiceian l)uildin!js are most
p«M-fect. lluinan wisdom, industry, and study, never m.ule any iuiiirovi-mont in
this art, tinougU so many ages, thoiif;li in all otlier arts tiiey have improxed.
I. CHRONICLES. XXVIII 533
God's goodfiess, and his appointment of Sohmon to the work ; that
God would both help him and restrain his enemies ; and make all
quiet and prosperous till the zcork ivas finished. 21 And, be-
hold, the courses of the priests and the Levites, [even they sliall
be with thee] for all the service of the house of God : and [there
shall be] with thee for all manner of workmanship every willing
skilful man for any manner of service : also the princes and all
the people [will be] wholly at thy commandment; manu were
ready to help him, some to advise him, and some to labour ; all
would lend an helping hand to Jinish this great and pious design.
REFLECTIONS.
1. It is the duty of everyone, even the greatest of men, to
seek and keep God's commandments. They are our rule. We
should inquire after them, study them carefully, and pray for
understanding hearts. We should be excited hereto, by considering
that God and man are witnesses to the engagements we arc
under, and the instructions we receive ; and that both will be
witnesses against us, if we are ignorant and disobedient.
2. We learn that perseverance is necessary to obtain divine
acceptance and approbation. It is not sufficient sometimes to
do God's commandments and keep his judgments, but we must
be constant in it. Many begin well, but grow bad, and fail of'
the grace of God : it is our duty to be patient in well-doing, and
faithful to the end, that we may receive a crown of life and glory.
3. David's advice to Solomon is worthy the attention of all
young people ; to knoio God, inquire after him, his nature, works,
and word ; to serve him, that is, to worship and obey him, with
upright aims, and observe all he commands with cheerfulness and
gladness of heart. Religion is our business and our pleasure.
What an awful motive is the omniscience of God ! He knows
what we have been taught ; the warnings and admonitions we
have received ; what professions and promises we have made ;
and what vows and engagements we are under. What an en-
couraging motive is this, if you seek him, he will be found of you,
will furnish you with assistance, and communicate all necessary
blessings ; but if you forsake him, whatever has been done, what-
ever expectations or experience you may have had, though you
are ever so wise or great, though you are the sons of God's
servants, and of prj^yeis and promises, yet he will cast you off for
531^ I. CHRONICLES. XXIX.
ever ; m ill never look favourably on you any more. Let young
persons hea;- and fear ; and serve (he God of their fathers zcith a
perfect heart.' We reflect,
4. What an encouragement it is to all, especially to the rising
generation, that the God of our fathers will be with us, to assist
and strengthen us. He carried them through the services and
sufferings of life. There is the sanjc power, the same love, and
the same promises for our support. He hath said, I xcill 7/ever
leave thee nor forsake thee. Young persons should plead these
promises ; and exalt, and serve, and trust in their fathers' God ;
and let this be their prayer. The Lord our God be uilli us, as
he was nith our fathers.
CHAPTER XXIX.
David by iiis example urges the people to contribute towards building
llic temple ; which they do generously ; lie give thanks on the oc-
casion, and all the people do homage to God.
1 Furthermore David the king, having finished zdmt he
had to sai/ to So/omon, turns h/msef to the people, to stir them up
to lielp Solomon, and he said unto all the congregation, Solomon
my son, whom alone God hath chosen, [is yet] young and tender,
and the work [is] great: for the palace [is] not for man, but for
the Lord God. 2 Now I have prepared with all my might for
the house of my God the gold for [things to be made] of gold,
and the silver for [things] of silver, and the brass for [things] of
brass, the iron for [things] of iron, and wood for [things] of wood ;
onyx stones, and [stones] to be set, glistering stones, and of divers
colours, and all manner of precious stones, and marble stones in
abundance. 3 Moreover, because I have set my alfection to the
liouse of my God, I have of mine own proper good, of gold and
silver, [which] I have given to the house of my God, over and
above all that 1 have prepared for the holy house, 4 [Even] three
thousand talents of gold, of the gold of Ophir, and seven tliousand
talents of refined silver, to overlay the walls of the houses [withal;]
he tells them what large preparations he had made, and moreover,
besides zchat teas necessari/ in (mild and furnish the houses, he had
given all this out of his own private properti/, io4eautH)/ and adorn
I. CHRONICLES. XXIX. 535
ihe apartments, the porch, and the chambers: 5 The gold for
[things] of gold, and the silver for [things] of silver, and for all
manner of work [to be made] by th(! hands of artificers ; he had
left enough to provide materials and pay the workmen. And vi^ho
[then] is willing to consecrate his service this day nnto the Loud ?
to Jill his hands mth gifts, and offer them to the service of God, as
he had done. G Then the chief of the fathers and pruices of the
tribes of Israel, and the captains of thousands and of hundreds,
with the rulers over the king's work, offered willingly, generously^
and from a good principle, and a great sum; 7 And gave for the
service of the house of God of gold five thousand talents and ten
thousand drams, and of silver ten thousand talents, and of brass
eighteen thousand talents, and one hundred thousand talents of
iron. 8 And they with whom [precious] stones were found,
zcilliiigly parted zcith their jezcels and ornaments, and gave [them]
to the treasure of the house of the Lord, by the hand of Jehiel
the Gershonite, zvho ivas keeper of the treasures of God's house.
9 Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because
with perfect heart they offered willingly to the Lord ; 7iot by any
constraint, but willingly, for the honour of God and the support
of his "Worship : and David the king also rejoiced with great joy.
It was a singular comfort to the good old king to see the people so
zvilling ; that his example and exhortation had so good an effect ;
it gave him hopes that the 'ivork icould go on prosperously, and be
happily completed.
10 Wherefore David blessed the Lord before all the con-
gregation*: and David said. Blessed [be] thou. Lord God of
Israel our father, for ever and ever. 1 1 Thine, O Lord, [is] the
greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the
majesty : for all [that is] in the heaven and in the earth [is thine ;]
thine [is] the kingdom, O Loud, and thou art exalted as head
above all ; he expresses a deep sense of the divine excellency and
perfections; that he has these excellencies in himself, and reigns
supreme ; having universal influence and authority over these lower
worlds, and all the circumstances of mankind. 12 Both riches
and honour [come] of thee, and thou reignest over all ; and in
thine hand [is] power and might ; and in thine hand [it is] to
make great, and to give strength unto all. 13 Now therefore,
* It is no woikUc that such a siglit firerl his muse. Indeed it is natural to
expect when David rejoiced, to find afterwards a psalm of praise. Accordinply
we liave iierc one of his noblest, most devout, and spirited couipositions, though lie
was now in the decline of life.
53G I. CHRONICLES. XXIX.
our God, \vc lliaiik thee, and praise thy glorious name ; he ac^
hiouledges with tlmnhfiilness his providence, which had furnished
them with what they hud contrihnled, and his grace, which inclined
them to it ; and he 7ni)igles zcith these thankful achnozcJedgments
the deepest humi/itj/. 14 IJut who [am] I, and what [is] my
people, that we should be able to oti'er so willingly after this sort,
so plentifully and so cJicerfully'{ I'or all things [come] of thee, and
of thine own have we given thee, have only returned what thou
hast lent us ; zee hate no reaaon for boasting, because all the
pozcer and ability came from thee. 15 For we [are] strangers
before thee, and sojourners, as [were] all our fathers ; toe are not
proprietors, but stewards, the land is God's* : our days on the
earth [are] as a shadow, and [there is] none abiding ; zee have but
a little time to live, and must leave all our treasures behind; how
then can v:e better employ it than in God's service, who can give us
heavenly treasures, and an eternal inheritance. 16 O Lord our
God, all this store that we have prepared to build thee an house
for thine holy name [cometh] of thine hand, and [is] all thine
own; he repeats this important truth, to fix it deeply Ofi his ozcn
mind and theirs. 17 I know also, my God, that thou triest the
heart, and hast pleasure in upiightness. As for me, in the up-
rightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things :
and now have 1 seen with joy thy people, which are present here,
to offer willingly unto thee ; he hod the highest satisfaction in the
consciousness of his ozcn integrity, and it was a great additional
comfort that there was such a disposition in the people. 18 O
Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep
this for ever in the imagination of the thought of the heart of thy
people, and prepare their heart unto thee ; by thy grace keep
them in the same pious disposition, that thei/ may not be iveary in
well-doing: 19 And give unto Solomon my son a perfect, or
upright, heart, to keep thy commandments, thy testimonies, and
thy statutes, and to do all [these things,] and to build the palace,
[for] the which I have made provision; to fnish the zcork, and
behave becoming one so highly favoured. Then David called upon
them to give their assent to the prayers he hud presented to God,
and join in this act of' adoration.
20 And David said to all the congregation. Now bless the
Lord your God. And all the congregation blessed the Lord
God of their fathers, gave a loud acclamation or amen, and bowed
* Thii ib an allusiou to Lev. xxv. iiS.
I. CHRONICLES. XXIX. 537
down their heads, and worshipped the Lord, and ihe king ; pros-
trated themselves before the Lordy and then bozccd to the king, to
thank him for all his kiiidness and care toivards Israel, and the
happiness they had enjoyed in his reign. 21 And they sacrificed
sacrifices unto the Lord, and ofl^ered burnt offerings unto tiie
Loud, on the morrow after that day, [even] a thousand bullocks,
a thousand rams, [and] a thousand lambs, with their drink offer-
ings, and sacrifices in abundance for all Israel ; these zcere chief y
peace offerings, on which they feasted and rejoiced together : 22 And
did eat and drink before the Lord on that day with great gladness.
And they made Solomon the son of David king the second lime,
and anointed [him] unto the Lo R d [to be] the chief governor *,
and Zadok [to be] priest; he was made high priest instead of Abi-
athar ; and thus the p/iesthood was translated to the eldest branch
of Aaron's J ami /y, in which it zvas bejore Eli's time.
23 Then Solomon sat on the throne of the Lord as king
instead of David his father, and prospered ; and all Israel obeyed
him; it is called the throne of the Lord, because God zcas IsraePs
king. 24 And all the princes, and the mighty men, and all the
sons likewise of king David, submitted themselves unto Solomon
the king ; swore allegiance to him, 'lave ihe hand under Solomon;
either the ancient J or m or the ancient language was still used.
9,5 And the Loud magnified Solomon exceedingly in the sight of
all Israel, and bestowed upon him [such] royal majesty as had
not been on any king before him in Israeli".
26 Thus David the son of Jesse reigned over all Israel. 27 And
the time that he reigned over Israel [was] forty years ; seven
years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three [years] reigned
he in Jerusalem. 28 And he died in a good old age, full of days,
riches, and honour: and Solomon his son reigned in his stead.
29 Now the acts of David the king, first and last, behold, they
[are] written in the book of Samuel the seer, and in the book of
Nathan the prophet, and in the book of Gad the seer, 30 With
all his reign and his might, and the times that went over him, and
over Israel, and over all the kingdoms of the countries.
* Solomon was before anointed, on occa-.ion of Absalom's conspiracy, by a few
of David's servants; but now by the representatives of the wliole kingdom, and
ill a more solcnui manner.
t Tills chapter concludes with an acco(mt of David's deatli ; but we shall find
ome otlier particulars of his reign before that event hnjtpened, in 1 Kings, chap, ii.,
which need explanation, and deserve atteuliou, and may be read alter this.
538 I. CHRONICLES. XXIX.
REFLECTIONS.
1. The generosity of David and llie states of Israel should
excite us to imitate it ; and especially their zeal for the house and
service of God. What a noble figure David here makes, com-
pared Avith many other princes. Let all give encouragement to
the worship of God according to their ability. It is a good work;
and zcith such sacrifices God is well pleased.
2. It is our duty, by our exhortations and example, to lead
others to promote the service and honour of God. Those who
are most able should lead the way in acts of generosity, set good
examples, as David did, and do nothing that is mean. Then they
may with a good grace, and hopes of success, exhort others to do
the like. It is the duty of christians to consider one another, and
to provoke unto love and to good ivorks.
3. It affords great satisfaction to a good man when leaving the
world, to see a spirit of piety and generosity prevailing. David
the king rejoiced zcith great joy. It revived his good old heart to
see such a disposition in the people, and especially that his own
example should have such a good effect. It gives joy to aged and
dying saints to see those who are likely to survive them zealous
for God and religion, and for the support of his house and worship.
It gives them hopes that religion will be supported and maintained
in the world ; and that the rising generation will walk in God's
ways, and transmit religion to those who shall come after them.
4. i\ll good dispositions and good deeds are to be ascribed to
God. All our good things come from him ; he gives us wealth
and plenty; both riches and honour come of thee. And if we have
hearts to do good with it, that also should be ascribed to him, icho
tcorkelh in us to will and lo do. Good deeds and generous actions
should not lead us to indulge pride and vanity, but all should be
ascribed to God, the fountain of good. Let us not glory in riches,
generosity, and strength, but glojy only in the Lord.
5. A serious consideration of the shortness and uncertainty of
human life, should excite us to every good work : v. 15., Our days
arc as a shadoic ; we are strangers ; have but a little tinje to serve
God iti ; and should therefore embrace every opportunity, and
every day Kc kind and bountiful to others. If any day hath passed
without doing something for the glory of God and the good of
I. CHRONICLES. XXIX. 539
others, we should say with an eastern monarch, ' I have lost a
day;' for zte hiozo not zchat shall be on the morrorc. So vain and
transient is life! The fashion of this world passeth azcai/ ; there-
fore let us make a good use of it, by being 7e(idi/ to distribute
and willing to communicate, both in temporal and spiritual things.
This will make our lives comfortable, and death happy. We
shall give tip our account with joy, and be rezcarded at the resur-
rection of the just.
6. It is a great satisfaction to be able to appeal to God for the
sincerity of what we do, v. 17. No other sacrifices are accept-
able. Let us inquire into our aims and motives, that it is not to
be seen of men, and to gain their esteem, but to glorify God, and
to approve ourselves in his sight. Others may misrepresent our
motives, and impute them to a bad principle ; but if we are con-
scious of our integrity, that is enough.
7. Whenever there is a good disposition in the heart, it should
be our desire and prayer that it be kept there. When we find
this in our own hearts, let us pray, as v. 18., Lord, keep it there,
that it be not lost or weakened. Also, when in the hearts of
others, when we see relations and friends in a good mind, showing
good inclinations and desires, let us j)ray that God would keep
them there ; that they may not be lost or weakened ; that he
would establish every good thought and design ; that nothing may
remove or destroy it ; that it be not like the morning cloud or the
early deiv that soon passelh aivay. We learn once more,
8. That pious parents are greatly concerned for their children's
souls. David, amidst all his joys, hopes, and expectations, was
chietly concerned about Solomon's piety, r. IQ-, that he should
have a pcrj'cct heart. He does not pray that God would make
him a rich, great, and learned man; but an honest and holy man.
That is the main thing ; without it, every thing else is but a snare
and a curse. This is the best blessing which can be sought for
our children ; and God grant that they may ail attain it.
THi:
SECOND BOOK OF CHRONICLES.
INI'IlODUCnON.
Tills Hook cliii-fly r(.lal('.'> wluit conci-rns the l\iii;j;(l(iin oi' Jmlali, wilh
an intc'imixtiux' ol bomc lew passages conccniini; llic kingdom of
Israel.
CHAPTER I.
Tlic soU'iiiii ollfi'mg of ISolomon at Gibcon ; his choice of wisdoia is
hU'sscd by Ciod, who adds to it riches and honour; his forces and
wealth.
1 xxND Solomon the son of David was strengthened in liis
kingdom, and the Lord liis God [was] with him and inagniiied
him exceedingly. 2 Then Solomon spake nnto all Israel, to the
captains of thousands and of hundreds, and to the judges, and to
every governor in all Israel, the chief of the fathers. 3 So So-
lomon, and all the congregation with him, went to the high place
that [was] at Gibeon ; for there was the tabernacle of the congre-
gation of God, which Moses the servant of the Loud had made
in the wilderness, 4 But the ark of God had David brought up
from Kiijath-jearim to [the place which] David had prepared
for it: for he had pitched a tent for it at Jerusalem, o Moreover
the brasen altar, that liezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur,
had made, he put before the tabernacle of the Loud : and Solo-
mon and the congregation sought unto it. 6 And Solomon went
up thither to the brasen altar before the Loud, which was at the
tabernacle of the congregation, and oifered a thousand burnt
offerings upon it.
7 III that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto
him. Ask what I shall give thee. 8 And Solomon said unto God,
Thou hast showed great mercy unto David my father, and hast
made nie to reign in his stead. 9 Now, O Loud God, let thy
II. CHRONICLES. II. r)i\
promise unto David my father be cstablislied : for thou hast made
me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude.
10 Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and
come in before this people : for who can judge this thy people,
[that is so] great? 11 And God said to Solomon, Because this
was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or
honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked lono-
life ; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou
mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee kino-:
12 Wisdom and knowledge [is] granted unto thee; and I will
give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the
kings have had that [have been] before thee, neither shall there
any after thee have the like.
13 Then Solomon came [from his journey] to the high place
that [was] at Gibeon to Jerusalem, from before the tabernacle
of the congregation, and reigned over Israel. 14 And Solomon
gathered chariots and horsemen : and he had a thousand and four
hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, which he placed
in the chariot cities, and with the king at Jerusalem. 15 And
the king made silver and gold at Jerusalem [as plenteous] as
stones, and cedar trees made he as the sycamore trees that [are]
in the vale for abundance. 16 And Solomon had horses brought
out of Egypt, and linen yarn : the king's merchants received the
linen yarn at a price. 17 And they fetched up, and brought forth
out of Egypt a chariot for six hundred [skekels] of silver, and an
horse for an hundred and iifty : and so brought they out [horses]
for all the kings of the Hittites, and for the kings of Syria, by
their means.
CHAPTER II.
Solomon's labourers for the builciinn; of the temple; his message to
Iluram ; and II urani's kind answer.
1 And Solomon determined to build an house for the name of
theLt>UD, and an house for his kingdom. 2 And Solomon told
out threescore and ten thousand men to bear burdens, and four-
score thousand to hew in the mountain, and three thousand and
six hundred to oversee them.
J And Solomon sent to Huram the king of Tyre, saying, As
54^2 II. CHRONICLES. II.
thou didst deal with David my father, and didst send him cedars
to build him au house to dwell therein, [even so deal with nie.]
4 Behold, I build an house to the name of the Lord my God,
to dedicate [it] to him, [and] to burn before him sweet incense,
and for the continual shew bread, and for the ]burnt offerings
morning and evening, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons,
and on the solemn feasts of the Lord our God. This [is an
ordinance] for ever to Israel. 5 And the house which I build [is]
great : for great [is] our God above all gods. 6 But who is able
to build him an house, seeing the heaven and heaven of heavens
cannot contain him ? who [am] I then, that 1 should build him
an house, save only to burn sacrifice before him ? Send mc now
therefore a man cunning to work in gold, and in silver, and in
brass, and in iron, and in purple, and in crimson, and in blue, and
that can skill to grave with the cunning men that [are] with me
in Judah and in Jerusalem, whom David my father did provide.
8 Send me also cedar trees, fir trees, and algum trees, out of Le-
banon : for I know that thy servants can skill to cut timber in
Lebanon ; and, behold, my servants [shall be] with thy servants,
9 Even to prepare me timber in abundance : for the house which
I am about to build [shall be] wonderful great. 10 And, behold,
1 will give to thy servants, the hewers that cut limber, twenty
thousand measures of beaten wheat, and twenty thousand mea-
sures of barley, and twenty thousand baths of wine, and twenty
thousand baths of oil.
1 1 Then Huram the king of Tyre answered in writing, which
he sent to Solomon, Because the Lord hath loved his people,
he halh made thee king over them. 12 Huram said moreover,
Blessed [be] the Loiiu God of Israel, that made heaven and
earth, who hath given to David the king a wise son, endued with
prudence and understanding, that might build an house for the
Lord, and an house for his kingdom. 13 And now I have sent
a cunning man, endued with understanding, of Huram my father's,
14 The son of a woman of the daughters of Dan, and his father
[was] a man of Tyre, skilful to work in gold, and in silver, in brass,
in iron, in stone, and in timber, in purple, in blue, and in tine
linen, and in crimson ; also to grave any manner of graving, and
to iind out every device which shall be put to him, with thy
cunning men, and wilh the cunning men of my lord Da\id thy
father. 15 Now therefore the wheat, and the barley, the oil, and
the wine, which my lord hath spoken of, let him send unto his
servants: \0 And we will cut wood out of Lebanon, as much as
II. CHRONICLES. III. 543"
thou shalt need : and we will bring it to thee in floats by sea to
Joppa; and thou shalt carry it up to Jerusalem. 17 And So-
lomon numbered all the strangers that [were] in the land of
Israel, after the numbering wherewith David his father had num-
bered them; and they were found an hundred and fifty thousand
and three thousand and six hundred. 18 And he set threescore
and ten thousand of them [to be] bearers of burdens, and four-
score thousand [to be] hewers in the mountain, and three thou-
sand and six hundred overseers to set the people a .work.
CHAPTER III.
The situation of the temple, and the time it was begun; the measure and
ornaments oCtlie house; and a description of the cherubims.
1 X HEN Solomon began to build the house of the Lord at
Jerusalem in mount Moriah, where [the Lokd] appeared unto
David his father, in the place that David had prepared in the
threshing floor of Oman the Jebusite. 2 And he began to build in
the second [day] of the second month, in the fourth year of his reign.
3 Now these [are the things wherein] Solomon was instructed
for the building of the house of God. The length by cubits after
the first measure [was] threescore cubits, and the breadth twenty
cubits. 4 And the porch that [was] in the front [of the house,]
the length [of it was] according to the breadth of the house,
twenty cubits, and the height [was] an hundred and twenty :
and he overlaid it within with pure gold. 5 And the greater
house he ceiled with fir tree, which he overlaid with fine gold, and
set thereon palm trees and chains. 6 And he garnished the house
with precious stones for beauty : and the gold [was] gold of Par-
vaim. 7 He overlaid also the house, the beams, the posts, and
the walls thereof, and the doors thereof, with gold ; and graved
cherubims on the walls.
8 And he made the most holy house, the length whereof [was]
according to the breadth of the house, twenty cubits, and the
breadth thereof twenty cubits: and he overlaid it with fine gold,
[amounting] to six hundred talents. 9 And the weight of the
nails [was] fifty shekels of gold. And he overlaid the upper
chambers with gold. 10 And in tlie most holy house he made
5U II. CHRONICLES. IV.
two cherubims of image work, and overlaid them with gold.
1 1 And the wings of the cherubims [were] twenty cubits long :
one wing [of the one cherub was] five cubits, reaching to the wall
of the house : and the other wing [was likewise] five cubits,
reaching to the wing of the other cherub. 12 And [one] wing of
the other cherub [was] five cubits, reaclung to the wall of the
house : and the other wing [was] five cubits [also,] joining to the
wing of the other cherub. 13 The wings of these cherubims
spread themselves forth twenty cubits : and they stood on their
feet, and their faces [were] inward.
14 And he made the vail [of] blue, and purple, and crimson,
and fine linen, and wrought cherubims thereon.
15 Also he made before the house two pillars of thirty and five
cubits high, and the chapiter that [was] on the top of each of
them [was] five cubits. 1() And he made chains, [as] in the
oracle, and put [them] on the heads of the pillars ; and made an
hundred pomegranates, and put [them] on the chains. 1 7 And
he reared up the pillars before the temple, one on the right hand,
and the other on the left; and culled the name of that on the right
hand Jachin, and the name of that on the left Boaz.
CHAPTER IV.
A description of the brascn altar, and the molten sea; the ton lavors, the
candlesticks, tlie tables, and the instruments of gold.
1 iVlOREOVEU he made an altar of brass, twenty cubits the
length thereof, and twenty cubits the breadth thereof, and ten
cubits the height thereof. 2 Also he made a molten sea of ten
cubits from brim to brim, round in compass, and five cubits the
height thereof; and a line of thirty cubits did compass it round
about. 3 And under it [was] the similitude of oxen, which did
compass it round about: ten in a cubit, compassing the sea round
about. Two rows of oxen [were] cast, when it was cast. 4 It stood
upon twelve oxen, three looking toward the north, and three looking
toward the west, and three looking toward the south, and three
looking toward the east : and the sea [was set] above upon them,
and all their hinder parts [were] inward, o And the thickness of
it [was] an lunid breiidlh, and the biim of it like the work of the
II. CHRONICLES. IV. 545
brim of a cup, with flowers of lilies; [and] it received andheld
three thousand baths. 6 He made also ten lavers, and put five
on the right hand, and five on the left, to wash in them : such
things as they offered for the burnt offering they washed in them ;
but the sea [was] for the priests to wash in. 7 And he made
ten candlesticks of gold according to their form, and set [them]
in the temple, five on the right hand, and five on the left. 8 He
made also ten tables, and placed [them] in the temple, five on the
right side, and five on the left. And he made an hundred basons
of gold. 9 Furthermore he made the court of the priests, and
the great court, and doors for the court, and overlaid the doors of
them with brass. 10 And he set the sea on the right side of the
east end, over against the south.
1 1 And Huram made the pots, and the shovels, and the basons.
And Huram finished the work that he was to make for king So-
lomon for the house of God; 12 [To wit,] the two pillars, and
the pommels, and the chapiters [which were] on the top of the
two pillars, and the two wreaths to cover the two pommels of the
chapiters which [were] on the top of the pillars ; 13 And four
hundred pomegranates on the two wreaths ; two rows of pome-
granates on each wreath, to cover the two pommels of the chapi-
ters which [were] upon the pillars. 14 He made also bases, and
lavers made he upon the bases; 15 One sea, and twelve oxea
under it. 16 The pots also, and the shovels, and the flesh hooks,
and all their instruments, did Huram his father make to kino- So-
lomon for the house of the Lord of bright brass. 17 In the
plain of Jordan did the king cast them, in the clay ground between
Succoth and Zeredathah. 18 Thus Solomon made all these ves-
sels in great abundance : for the weight of the brass could not be
found out. 19 And Solomon made all the vessels that [were for]
the house of God, the golden altar also, and the tables whereon
the shew bread [was set;] 20 Moreover the candlesticks with
their lamps, that they should burn after the manner before the
oracle, of pure gold ; 21 And the flowers, and the lamps, and the
tongs [made he of] gold, [and] that perfect gold ; 22 And the
snufters, and the basons, and the spoons, and the censers, [of]
pure gold : and the entry of the house, the inner doors thereof
for the most holy [place,] and the doors of the house of the teniple,
[were of] gold.
VOL. III.
om II. CHRONICLES. V.
CHAPTER V.
The dedicated treasures are deposited in the temple ; the bringing up of
the ark of the covenant into the most holy place; while God is praised,
he gives them a sign of his favour.
1 X HUS all the work that Solomon made for the house of the
Lord was finished : and Solomon brought in [all] the things that
David his father had dedicated; and the silver, and the gold, and
all the instruments, put he among the treasures of the house of
God.
2 Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and all the
heads of the tribes, the chief of the fathers of the children of Is-
rael, unto Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the
Lord out of the city of David, which [is] Zion. S Wherefore
all the men of Israel assembled themselves unto the king in the
feast which [was] in the seventh month. 4 And all the elders of
Israel came; and the Levites took up the ark. 5 And they
brought up the ark, and the tabernacle of the congregation, and
all the holy vessels that [were] in the tabernacle, these did the
priests [and] the Levites bring up. 6 Also king Solomon, and
all the congregation of Israel that were assembled unto him before
the ark, sacrificed sheep and oxen, which could not be told nor
numbered for multitude. 7 And the priests brought in the ark of
the covenant of the Lord unto his place, to the oracle of the
house, into the most holy [place, even] under the wings of the
cherubims. 8 For the cherubims spread forth [their] wings over
the place of the ark, and the cherubims covered the ark and the
staves thereof above. 9 And they drew out the staves [of the
ark,] that the ends of the staves were seen from the ark before the
oracle; but they were not seen without. And there it is unto this
day. 10 [There was] nothing in the ark save the two tables
which Moses put [therein] at Horeb, M'hen the Lord made [a co-
venant] with the children of Israel, when they came out of Egypt.
II And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of
the holy [place :] (for all the priests [that were] present wej-e
sanctified, [and] did not [then] wait by course : 12 Also the Le-
vites [which were] the singers, all of them of Asaph, of Heman,
of Jeduthun, with tiieir sous, and their brethren, [being] arrayed
II. CHRONICLES. VI. 517
in white linen, having cymbals and psalteries and harps, stood at
the east end of the altar, and with them an hundred and twenty
priests sounding with trumpets :) 13 It came even to pass, as the
trumpeters and singers [were] as one, to make one sound to be
heard in praising and thanking the Lord; and when they lifted
up [their] voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments
of music, and praised the Loud, [saying,] For [he is] good;
for his mercy [endureth] for ever: that [then] the house was tilled
with a cloud, [even] the house of the Lord; 14 So that the
priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud : for the,
glory of the Loud had filled the house of God.
CHAPTER VI.
Solomon having blessed the people, praisoth God for the performance
of his promise to David concerning the building of the house ; and
his prayer at the consecration of the temple.
1 AH EN said Solomon, The Lord hath said that he would
dwell in the thick darknessv 2 But I have built an house of
habitation for thee, and a place for thy dwelling for ever. 3 And
the king turned his face, and blessed the whole congregation of
Israel: and all the congregation of Israel stood. 4 And he said.
Blessed [be] the Lord God of Israel, who hath with his hands
fulfilled [that] which he spake with his mouth to my father David,
saying, 3 Since the day that I brought forth my people out of the
land of Egypt I chose no city among all the tribes of Israel to
build an house in, that my name might be there ; neither chose
I any man to be a ruler over my people Israel : 6 But I have
chosen Jerusalem, that my name might be there ; and have
chosen David to be over my people Israel. 7 Now it was in
the heart of David my father to build an house for the name of
the Lord God of Israel. 8 But the Lord said to Davici niy
father. Forasmuch as it was in thine heart to build an house for
my name, thou didst well in that it was in thine heart : 9 Not-
withstanding thou shalt not build the house ; but thy son which
shall come forth out of thy loins, he shall build the house for
my name. 10 The Lord therefore hath performed his word that
he hath spoken : for I am risen up in the room of David my
2 N 2
548 II. CHRONICLES. VI.
father, and am set on the throne of Israel, as the Lord pro-
mised, and have built the house for the name of the Lord God
of Israel. 11 And in it I have put the ark, wherein [is] the
covenant of the Lord, that he made with the children of Israel.
12 And he stood before tlie altar of the Lord in the presence of
all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands: 13 For
Solomon had made a brasen scaftold, of five cubits long, and five
cubits broad, and three cubits high, and had set it in the midst of
the court : and upon it he stood, and kneeled down upon his knees
before all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands
toward heaven, 14 Ami said, O Lord God of Israel, [there is]
no God like thee in the heaven, nor in the earth ; which keepest
covenant, and [shovvest] mercy unto thy servants, that walk be-
fore thee with all their hearts : 15 Thou which hast kept with
thy servant David my father that which thou hast promised him ;
and spakest with thy mouth, and hast fulfilled [it] with thine
hand, as [it is] this day. iG Now therefore, O Lord God of
Israel, keep with thy servant David my father that which thou
hast promised him, saying, There shall not fail thee a man in my
sight to sit upon the throne of Israel ; yet so that thy children
take heed to their way to walk in ujy law, as thou hast walked
before me. 17 Now then, O Lohd God of Israel, let thy word
be verified, which thou hast spoken unto thy servant David.
18 But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth?
behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee ;
how much less this house which I have built! 19 Have respect
therefore to the prayer of thy servant, and to his supplication,
O Lord my God, to hearken unto the cry and the prayer which
thy servant prayeth before thee : 20 That thine eyes may be
open upon this house day and night, upon the place whereof
thou hast said that thou wouldst put thy name there : to hearken
unto the prayer which thy servant prayeth toward this place.
2 1 Hearken therefore unto the supplications of thy servant, and
of thy people Israel, which they shall make toward this place :
hear thou from thy dwelling place, [even] from heaven: and
when thou hearest, forgive.
22 If a man sin against his neighbour, and an oath be laid
upon him to make him swear, and the oath come before thine
altar in this house; 23 Then hear thou from heaven, and do, and
judge thy servants, by requiting the wicked, by recompensing
his way upon his own head ; and by justifying the righteous, by
uivinsi him according to his righteousness.
II. CHRONICLES. VI. . 549
24 And if thy people Israel be put to the worse before the
enemy, because they have sinned against thee ; and shall return
and confess thy name, and pray and make supplication before
thee in this house ; 25 Then hear thou from the heavens, and
forgive the sin of thy people Israel, and bring them again unto
the land which thou gavest to them and to their fathers.
26 When the heaven is shut up, and there is no rain, because they
have sinned against thee ; [yet] if they pray toward this place,
and confess thy name, and turn from their sin, when thou dost
afflict them : 27 Then hear thou from heaven, and forgive the
sin of thy servants, and of thy people Israel, when thou hast
taught thei'.i the good way, wherein they should walk ; and send
rain upon thy land, which thou hast given unto thy people for an
inheritance.
28 If there be dearth in the land, if there be pestilence, if
there be blasting, or mildew, locusts or caterpillers ; if their
enemies besiege them in the cities of their land; whatsoever sore,
or whatsoever sickness [there] be : 29 [Then] what prayer [or]
what supplication soever shall be made of any man, or of all thy
people Israel, when every one shall know his own sore and his
own grief, and shall spread forth his hands in this house : 30 Then
hear thou from heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and render
unto every nian according unto all his ways, whose heart thou
knowest ; (for thou only knowest the hearts of the children of
men:) 31 That they may fear thee, to walk in thy ways, so long
as they live in the land which thou gavest unto our fathers.
32 Moreover concerning the stranger, which is nut of thy
people Israel, but is come from a far country for thy great
name's sake, and thy mighty hand, and thy stretched out arm ;
if they come and pray in this house; 33 Then hear thou from
the heavens, [even] from thy dwelling place, and do accord-
ing to all that the stranger calleth to thee for ; that all people
of the earth may know thy name and fear thee, as [doth] thy
people Israel, and may know that this house which i have built
is called by thy name.
34 If thy people go out to war against their enemies by the way
that thou shalt send them, and they pray unto thee toward this
city which thou hast chosen, and the house which I have built
for thy name; 35 Then hear thou from the heavens their prayer
and their supplication, and maintain their cause.
36 If they sin against thee, (for [there is] no m:in which sinneth
not,) and thou be angry with them, and deliver them over before
550 II. CHRONICLES. VII.
[their] enemies, and they carry ihem away captives unto a land far
off or near; 37 Yet [if] they bethink themselves in the land whi-
ther they are carried captive, and turn and pray unto thee in the
land of their captivity, saying, We have sinned, we have done
amiss, and have dealt wickedly: 38 If they return to thee with
all their heart and with all their soul in the land of their captivity,
whither they have carried them captives, and pray toward their
land, which thou gavest unto their fathers, and [toward] the city
which thou hast chosen, and toward the house which 1 have
built for thy name : 39 Then hear thou from the heavens, [even]
from thy dwelling place, their prayer and their supplications, and
maintain their cause, and forgive thy people which have sinned
against thee.
40 Now, my God, let, I beseech thee, thine eyes be open,
and [let] thine ears [be] attent unto the prayer [that is made] in
this place. 41 Now therefore arise, O Loud God, into thy
resting place, thou and the ark of thy strength ; let thy priests,
O LoKD God, be clothed with salvation, and let thy saints re-
joice in goodness. 42 O Lord God, turn not away the face of
thine anointed : remember the mercies of David thy servant.
CHAPTER VII.
The acceptance of Solomon's prayer testified by fire from heaven ;
upon which the people worship God ; and Solomon sacrifices at the
dedication.
1 INIOVV when Solomon had made an end of praying, the lire
came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and
the sacrifices; and the glory of the Lord lilled the house.
2 And the priests ci.uld not enter into the house of the Lord,
because the glory of the Lord had filled the Lord's house.
3 And when all the children of Jsrael saw how the tire came
down, and the glory of the Lord upon the house, they bowed
themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement,
and worshipped, and praised the Lord, [saying,] For [he is]
good ; for his mercy [endureth] for ever.
4 Then the king and all the people offeied sacrifices before the
Loud, o And king Solomon olfered a sacrifice of twenty and
II. CHRONICLES. VII. 551
two thousand oxen, and an hundred and twenty thousand sheep :
so the king and all the people dedicated the house of God.
6 And the priests waited on their offices : the Levites also widi
instruments of music of the Lord, which David the king had
made to praise the Lord, because his mercy [endureth] forever,
when David praised by their ministry ; and the priests sounded
trumpets before them, and all Israel stood. 7 Moreover Solo-
mon hallowed the middle of the court that [was] before the
house of the Lord : for there he offered burnt offerings, and the
fat of the peace offerings, because the brasen altar which Solo-
mon had made was not able to receive the burnt offerings, and
the meat offerings, and the fat.
8 Also at the same time Solomon kept the feast seven days,
and all Israel with him, a very great congregation, from the enter-
ing in of Hamath unto the river of Egypt. 9 And in the eighth
day they made a solemn assembly : for they kept the dedication
of the altar seven days, and the feast seven days. 10 And on
the three and twentieth day of the seventh month he sent the
people away into their tents, glad and merry in heart for the
goodness that the Loud had showed unto David, and to Solo-
mon, and to Israel iiis people. 11 Thus Solomon finished the
house of the Lord, and the king's house : and all that came into
Solomon's heart to make in the house of the Lord, and in his
own house, he prosperously effected.
12 And the Lord appeared to Solomon by night, and said
unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to
myself for an house of sacrifice. 13 If I shut up heaven that
there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land,
or if I send pestilence among my people; 14 If my people,
which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray,
and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways ; then will I
hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their
land. 15 Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent
unto the prayer [that is made] in this place. 16 Fornow have
I chosen and sanctified this house, that my name may be there
forever: and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpe-
tually. 17 And as for thee, if thou wilt walk before me, as
David thy father walked, and do according to all that I have
commanded thee, and shalt observe my statutes and my judg-
ments; 18 Then will I stablish the throne of thy kingdom, ac-
cording as 1 have covenanted with David thy father, saying.
There shall not fail thee a man [to be] ruler in Israel. IQ But
552 II. CHRONICLES. VIII.
if ye turn away, and forsake my statutes and my commandments,
which I have set before you, and shall go and serve other gods,
and worship them ; 20 Then will I pluck them up by the roots
out of my land which I have given them ; and this house which I
have sanctified for my name, will I cast out of my sight, and will
make it [to be] a proverb, and a by-word among all nations.
21 And this house, which is high, shall be an astonishment to
every one that passeth by it; so that he shall say. Why hath the
Lord done thus unto this land, and unto this house? 22 And
it shall be answered, Because they forsook the Lord God of
their fathers, which brought them forth out of the land of Egypt,
and laid hold on other gods, and worshipped them, and served
them : therefore hath he brought all this evil upon them.
CHAPTER YIII.
An account of Solomon's buildings ; the remnants of the Hittitcs, i'tc,
made tributaries ; and Solomon's yearly sacrifices.
1 ixND it came to pass at the end of twenty years, wherein
Solomon had built the house of the Lord, and his own house,
2 That the cities which Huram had restored to Solomon, So-
lomon built them, and caused the children of Israel to dwell
there. 3 And Solomon went to Hamath-zobah, and prevailed
against it. 4 And he built Tadmor in the wilderness, and
all the store cities, which he built in Hamath. 5 Also he
built Bethhoron the upper, and Belh-horon the nether, fenced
cities, with walls, gates, and bars; 6 And Baalath, and all liie
store cities that Solomon had, and all the chariot cities, and
the cities of the horsemen, and all that Solomon desired to
build in Jerusalem, and in Lebanon, and throughout all the
land of his dominion.
7 [As for] all the people [that were] left of the Hittites, and
the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebu-
sites, which [were] not of Israel, 8 [But] of their children, who
were left after them in the land, whom the children of Israel con-
sumed not, them did Solomon make to pay tribute until this (hiv.
9 But of the children of Israel did Solomon make no servants
for his work ; but they [were] men of war, aud chief of his
II. CHRONICLES. YIII. 553
captains, and captains of his chariots and horsemen. 10 And
these [were] the chief of king Solomon's officers, [even] two
hundred and fifty, that bare rule over the people.
1 1 And Solomon brought up the daughter of Pharaoh out of
the city of David unto the house that he had built for her : for he
said, My wife shall not dwell in the house of David king of
Israel, because [the places are] holy, whereunto the ark of the
Lord hath come.
12 Then Solomon oflfered burnt offerings unto the Lord on
the altar of the Lord, which he had built before the porch,
13 Even after a certain rate every day, offering according to the
commandment of Moses, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons,
and on the solemn feasts, three times in the year, [even] in the
feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the
feast of tabernacles.
14 And he appointed according to the order of David his
father, the courses of the priests to their service, and the Levites
to their charges, to praise and minister before the priests, as the
duty of every day required : the porters also by their courses at
every gate: for so had David the man of God commanded.
15 And they departed not from the commandment of the king
unto the priests and Levites concerning any matter, or concerning
the treasures.
16 Now all the work of Solomon was prepared unto the day
of the foundation of the house of the Lord, and until it was
finished. [So] the house of the Lord was perfected.
17 Then went Solomon to Ezion-geber, and to Eloth, at the
sea side in the land of Edom. 18 And Huram sent him by the
hands of his servants ships, and servants that had knowledge of
the sea; and they went with the servants of Solomon to Ophir,
and took thence four hundred and fifty talents of gold, and
brought [them] to king Solomon.
551< II. CHRONICLES. IX.
CHAPTER IX.
The queen of Shcba's visit to Solomon ; her admiration of his wisdom;
and account of his riches and death.
1 xxND when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of So-
lomon, she came to prove Solomon with hard questions at Je-
rusalem, with a very great company, and camels that bare spices,
and gold in abundance, and precious stones : and when she was
come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was
in her heart. 2 And Solomon told her all her questions : and
there was nothing hid from Solomon which he told her not.
3 And when the queen of Sheba had seen the wisdom of So-
lomon, and the house that he had built, 4 And the meat of his
table, and the sitting of his servants, his cupbearers also, and
their apparel, and the attendance of his ministers, and their ap-
parel ; and his ascent by which he went up into the house of
the Lord; there was no more spirit in her. 5 And she said
to the king, [It was] a true report which 1 heard in mine own
land of thine acts, and of thy wisdom : 6 Howbeit I believed not
their words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen [it :] and, be-
hold, the one half of the greatness of thy wisdom was not told
me : [for] thou exceedest the fame that I heard. 7 Happy [are]
thy men, and happy [are] these thy servants, which stand con-
tinually before thee, and hear thy wisdom. 8 Blessed be the
Lord thy God, which delighted in thee to set thee on his throne,
[to be] king for the Lord thy God: because thy God loved
Israel, to establish them for ever, therefore made he thee king
over them, to do judgment and justice. 9 And she gave the
king an hundred and twenty talents of gold, and of spices great
abundance, and precious stones : neither was there any such
spice as the queen of Sheba gave king Solomon. 10 And the
servants also of Huram, and the servants of Solomon, which
brought gold from Ophir, brought algum trees and precious
stones. 1 1 And the king made [of] the algum trees terraces to
the house of the Lord, and to the king's palace, and harps and
psalteries for singers : and there were none such seen before in
the land of Judah. 12 And king Solomon gave to the queen of
Shcbu all her desire, whatsoever she asked, besides [tliat] which
II. CHRONICLES. IX. 555
she liad brought unto the king. So she turned, and went away
to her own land, she and her servants,
13 Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year
was six hundred and threescore and six talents of gold; 14 Be-
sides [that which] chapmen and merchants brought. And all the
kings of Arabia and governors of the country brought gold and
silver to Solomon. 15 And king Solomon made two hundred
targets [of] beaten gold : six hundred [shekels] of beaten gold
went to one target. \6 And three hundred shields [made he of]
beaten gold: three hundred [shekels] of gold went to one shield.
And the king put them in the house of the forest of Lebanon.
17 Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid
it with pure gold. 18 And [there were] six steps to the throne,
with a footstool of gold, [which were] fastened to the throne, and
stays on each side of the sitting place, and two lions standing by
the stays: 19 And twelve lions stood there on the one side and
on the other upon the six steps. There was not the like made in
any kingdom. 20 And all the drinking vessels of king Solomon
[were of] gold, and all t!ie vessels of the house of the forest of
Lebanon [were of] pure gold : none [were of] silver; it was [not]
any thing accounted of in the days of Solomon. 21 For the
king's ships went to Tarshish with the servants of Huram: every
three years once came the ships of Tarshish bringing gold, and
silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks. 22 And king Solomon
passed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. 23 And
all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon, to
hear his wisdom, that God had put in his heart. 24 And they
brought every man his present, vessels of silver, and vessels of
gold, and raiment, harness, and spices, horses, and mules, a rate
year by year. 25 And Solomon had four thousand stalls for
horses and chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen ; whom he
bestowed in the chariot-cities, and with the king at Jerusalem.
26 And he reigned over all the kings from the river even unto
the land of the Philistines, and to the border of Egypt. 27 And
the king made silver in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar-trees made
he as the sycamore-trees that [are] in the low plains in abun-
dance. 28 And they brought unto Solomon horses out of
Egypt, and out of all lands.
29 Now the rest of the acts of Solomon, first and last, [are]
they not written in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the
prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite, and in the visions of Iddo the
seer against Jeroboam the son of Nebatr 30 And Solomon
556 II. CHRONICLES. X.
reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel forty years. 31 And So-
lomon slept with his fathers, and he was buried in the city of
David his father : and Rehoboam his son reic;ued in his stead.
CHAPTER X.
Rehoboam by rcfiisinpr the old men's counsel, caubi-th the ti'n tribes to
revolt ; al which he flecth.
1 xtLND Rehoboam went to Shechem : for to Shechem were
all Israel come to make him king. Q, And it came to pass, when
Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who [was] in Egypt, whither he had
fled from the presence of Solomon the king, heard [it,] that Jero-
boam returned out of Egypt. 3 And they sent and called him.
So Jeroboam and all Israel came and spake to Rehoboam,
saying, 4 Thy father made our yoke grievous ; now therefore ease
thou somewhat the grievous servitude of thy father, and his heavy
yoke that he put upon us, and we will serve thee. 5 And he
said unto them, Come again unto me after three days. And the
people departed.
6 And king Rehoboam took counsel with the old men that had
stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, saying, What
counsel give ye [nie] to return answer to this people ? 7 And they
spake unto him, saying, If thou be kind to this people, and
please them, and speak good words to them, they will be thv
servants for ever. 8 But he forsook the counsel which the old
men gave him, and took counsel with the young men that were
brought up with him, that stood before him. 9 And he said unto
them. What advice give ye that we may return answer to this
people, which have spoken to me, saying. Ease somewhat the
yoke that thy father did put upon us? 10 And the young men
that were brought up with him spake unto him, saying. Thus
shall thou answer the people that spake unto thee, saying, Thy
father made our yoke heavy, but make thou [it] somewhat lighter
for us ; thus shalt thou say unto them. My little [finger] shall be
thicker than my father's loins. 1 1 For whereas my father put a
heavy yoke upon you, I will put more to your yoke : my father
chastised you with whips, but 1 [will chastise you] with scor-
pions. 12 So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam
II. CHRONICLES. XI. 557
on the third day, as the king bade, saying, Come again to me on
the third day. 13 And the king answered them roughly ; and
king Rehoboam forsook the counsel of the old men, 14 And
answered them after the advice of the young men, saying, My
father made your yoke heavy, but I will add thereto : my father
chastised you with whips, but I [will chastise you] with scor-
pions. 15 So the king hearkened not unto the people: for the
cause was of God, that the Loud might perform his word, which
he spake by the hand of Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the
son of Nebat.
iG And when all Israel [saw] that the king would not hearken
unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion
have we in David ? and [we have] none inheritance in the son of
Jesse : every man to your ten's, O Israel : [and] now, David,
see to thine own house. So all Israel went to their tents. 17 But
[as for] the children of Israel that dwelt in the cities of Judah,
Rehoboam reigned over them. 13 Then king Rehoboam sent
Iladoram that [was] over the tribute ; and the children of Israel
stoned him with stones, that he died. But king Rehoboam made
speed to get him up to [his] chariot, to flee to Jerusalem. 19 And
Israel rebelled against the house of David unto this day.
CHAPTER XI.
Rehoboam raising an army to subdue Israel, is forbidden by tlie prophet
Sliemaiah : an account of Rc-hoboam's wives and children.
1 xxND when Rehoboam was come to Jerusalem, he gathered
of the house of Judah and Benjamin an hundred and fourscore
thousand chosen [men,] which were warriors, to fight against
Israel, that he might bring the kingdom again to Rehoboam.
2 But the word of the Loud came to Shemaiah the man of God,
saying, 3 Speak unto Rehoboam the son of Solomon, king of
Judah, and to all Israel in Judah and Benjamin, saying, 4 Thus
saith the Loi;d, Ye shall not go up, nor tight against your
brethren : return every man to his house : for this thing is done
of me. And they obeyed the words of the Lord, and retinned
from going against Jeroboam.
5 And Rehoboam (Iwtli iu Jerusalem, nml built cities for
558 11. CHRONICLES. XI.
defence in Judah. 6 He built even Beth-lehem, and Etam, an.i
Tekoa, 7 And Beth-zur, and Shoco, and Adullam, 8 And Gath,
and Mareshah, and Ziph, 9 And Adoraim, and Lachish, and
Azekah, 10 And Zorah, and Aijalon, and Hebron, which [are]
in Judah, and in Benjamin fenced cities. 1 1 And he fortified
the stronsT holds, and put captains in them, and store of victual,
and of oil and wine. 12 And in every several city [he put] shields
and spears, and made them exceeding strong, having Judah and
Benjamin on his side.
13 And the priests and the Levite? that were in all Israel
resorted to liim out of all their coasts. 14 For the Levites left
their suburbs and their possession, and came to Judah and Jeru-
salem : for Jeroboam and his sons had cast them oflf from exe-
cuting the priest's office unto th^ Lord : 15 And he ordained
him priests for the high places, and for the devils, and for the
calves which he had made. l6 And after them cut of all the
tribes of Israel, such as set their hearts to seek the Lord God of
Israel came to Jerusalem, to sacrifice imto the Lord God of
their fathers. 17 So they strengthened the kingdom of Judah,
and made Rehoboam the son of Solomon strong, three years : for
three years thev walked in the way of David and Solomon.
18 And Rehoboam took him Mahalath the daughter of Jeri-
moth the son of David to wife, [and] Abihail the daughter of
Eliab the son of Jesse ; 19 Which bare him children ; Jeush, and
Shamariah, and Zaham. 20 Aud after her he took Maachah the
daughter of Absalom ; which bare him Abijah, and Attai, and
Ziza, and Shelomith. 21 And Rehoboam loved Maachah the
daucrhter of Absalom above all his wives and his concubines : (for
he took eighteen wives, and threescore concubines ; and begat
twentv and eight sons, and threescore daughters.) 22 And Re-
hoboam made Abijah the son of Maachah the chief, [to be] ruler
amon<; his brediren : for [he thought] to make him king. 23 Aud
he dealt wiselv, and dispersed of all his children throughout all
the countries of Judah and Benjamin, unto every fenced city: aud
he gave them victual in abundance. Aud he desired many wives.
II. CHRONICLES. XII. 559
CHAPTER XII.
Rehoboam forsaking God, is punished by Shishak's invasion ; an account
of Rehoboam 's reign and death.
I And it came to pass, when Rehoboam had established the
kingdom, and had strengthened himself, he forsook the law of
the Lord, and all Israel with him. 2 And it came to pass, [that]
in the tifth year of king Rehoboam Shishak king of Egvpt came
up against Jerusalem, because they had transgressed against the
Lord, 3 With twelve hundred chariots, and threescore thousand
horsemen: and the people [were] without number that came with
him out of Egypt; the Lubims, the Sukkiims, and the Ethio-
pians. 4 And he took the fenced cities which pertained to Judah,
and came to Jerusalem.
5 Then came Shemaiah the prophet to Rehoboam, and [to]
the princes of Judah, that were gathered together to Jerusalem
because of Shishak, and said unto them. Thus saith the Lord,
Ye have forsaken me, and therefore have I also left vou in the
hand of Shishak. 6 Whereupon the princes of Israel, and the
king, humbled themselves; and they said. The Lord [is] righ-
teous. 7 And when the Lord saw that they humbled them-
selves, the word of the Loud came to Shemaiah, saving, They
have humbled themselves, [therefore] 1 will not destroy them,
but I will grant them some deliverance ; and ray wrath shall not
be poured out upon Jerusalem by the hand of Shishak. 8 Never-
theless they shall be his servants ; that they may know ray service,
and the service of the kingdoms of the countries. 9 So Shishak
king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem, and took away the
treasures of the house of the LoiiD, and the treasures of the
king's house; he took all : he carried away also the shields of gold
which Solomon had made. 10 Instead of which kinc Rehoboam
made shields of brass, and committed [them] to the hands of the
chief of the guard, that kept the entrance of the king's house.
II And when the icing entered into the house of the Loud, the
guard came and fetched them, and brought them again into the
guard chamber. 12 And when he humbled himself, the wrath
of the Lord turned from him, that he would not destroy [him]
altogether: and also in Judah things went well.
560 II. CHRONICLES. XIII.
13 So king Rehoboani, stiengthenocl himself in Jerusalem, and
reigned : for Ivehoboam [was] one and forty years old when he
began to reign, and he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the
city which the Lord had chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, to
put his name there. And his mother's name [was] Naamah an
Ammonitcss. 14 And he did evil, because he prepared not his
heart to seek the Lord. 15 Now the acts of Rehoboam, first
and last, [are] they not written in the book of^Shemaiah the
prophet, and of Iddo the seer concerning genealogies ? And
[there were] wars between Rehoboam and Jeroboam continually.
l6 And Rehoboam slept with his fathers, and was buried in the
city of David : and Abijah his sou reigned in his stead.
CHAPTER XIII.
In 1 Kings xv,, at the beginning, we have a general account of Abijah's
reign and character. His heart was not perfect like David's; he
made a fair show, but wanted sincerity. We have here a larger
account of Abijah ; his war with Jeroboam, and his victory over hiro.
1 1 1 OW in the eighteenth year of king Jeroboam began Abijah
to reign over Judah. 2 lie reigned three years in Jerusalem.
His mother's name also [was] Michaiah the daughter of Uriel of
Gibeah. And there was war between Abijah and Jeroboam; in
which prohahlij Jeroboam zcus the aggressor. 3 And Abijah set
the battle in array with an army of valiant men of war, [even] four
hundred thousand chosen men : Jeroboam also set the battle in
array against him with eight hundred thousand chosen men,
[being] mighty men of valour; these were prodigious armies, con-
sisli)ig of the whole strength oj' each kingdom.
4 And Abijah stood up upon mount Zemaraim, which [is] in
mount Ephraim ; a parley was agreed upon to see if the matter
could be accommodated, and Abijah stood so as Jeroboam and the
captains might hear him, and said. Hear me, thou Jeroboam, and
all Israel ; 5 Ought ye not to know, that is, consider and acknou:-
ledge, that the Lord (iod of Israel gave the kingdom over Israel
to David for ever, [even] to him and to his sons by a covenant
of salt ? a perpetual covenant, as salt preserves from corruption ; or
rulhcr, u solemn covenant made bij sacrifices, which were always
II. CHRONICLES. XIII. 561
salted. Lev. ii. 13. He does not exhort them to return to the house
of David, because God had othemise determined it, but not to fight
against it. 6 Yet Jeroboam the son of Nebat, the servant of
Solomon the son of David, is risen up, and hath rebelled against
his lord. 7 And there are gathered unto him vain men, the chil-
dren of Belial ; this zcas the character of his subjects, especially the
commanders of them, who easilj/ changed their religion avd forsook
God; and have strengthened themselves against Kehoboam the
son of Solomon, when Rehoboam was young and tender hearted,
and could not withstand them ; when he was young and unexpe-
rienced in state matters, and especially in war, and was tender
hearted or conardly*. 8 And now ye think to withstand the
kingdom of the Loud in the hand of the sons of David; and ye
[be] a great multitude, and [there are] with you golden calves,
which Jeroboam made you for gods; or, though you be a great
mulliludc, ye hare golden calves among you, and therefore your
numbers will not save you. 9 Have ye not cast out the priests
of the Lord, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites, and have made
you priests after the manner of the nations of [other] lands,
toithout any regard to their coujitry or family ? so that whosoever
Cometh to consecrate himself with a young bullock and seven
rams, [the same] may be a priest of [them that are] no gods.
10 But as for us, the Lord [is] our God, and we have not for-
saken him as you have done, (1 Kings xii. 28.); and the priests
which minister unto the Lord [are] the sons of Aaron, and the
Levites [wait] upon [their] business ; his worship is maintained
and his service performed by them in an orderly manner : \ 1 And
they burn unto the Lord every morning and every evening burnt
sacrifices and sweet incense: the shew bread also [set they in
order] upon the pure table; and the candlestick of gold with the
lamps thereof, to burn every evening ; we omit nothing which the
law has required, by day or night. It was politic to recite the
several parts of the temple worship, and it tvas all the good he had
to say for himself: for we keep the charge of the Lord our God,
those rules and directions he has given us in charge; but ye have
forsaken him. 12 And, behold, God himself [is] with us for [our]
captain, and his priests with sounding trumpets to cry alarm
against you. O children of Israel, fight ye not against the Lok d
• This was wrong to reflect on his father, as it does not appear tliat lie wanted
courage, for he raised an army, and would have attacked them, hnt God forbade
him. It was most to his purpose to put it on this footing, intimating tliat he durst
not have done it at any other time, and that his condnrt was disingennoiis atid
impious.
VOL. III. 2 O
562 II. CFIRONICLES. XIII.
God of your fathers; for ye shall not prosper; tve pay a strict
regard to his laws in war as well as peace, therefore ye do uotjighl so
much against me as against Jehovah.
IS But Jeroboam, uho came not so much to argue as to fight,
and was determined that the longest sword should carry it, caused
an ambushnient to come about bcliind them : so they were before
Judah, and the ambushment [was] behind them *. 14 And when
Judah looked back, hearing a noise behind them, behold, the battle
[was] before and behind: and they cried unto the Lord, and
the priests sounded with the trumpets, imploring the divine aid,
and encouraging their expectations from God, according to his pro-
mise. Numb. X. 9- 15 Then the men of Judah gave a shout, to
terrify the enemy and express their confidence in God; and as the
men of Judah shouted, it came to pass, that God smote Jeroboam
and all Israel before Abijah and Judah; he terrified the Israelites
so that they fed without a stroke. l6 And the children of Israel
fled before Judah : and God delivered them into their hand.
17 And Abijah and his people slew them with a great slaughter :
»o there fell down slain of Israel five hundred thousand chosen
men. 18 Thus the children of Israel were brought under at that
time, but did iiot become subject to Judah ; and the children of
Judah prevailed, because they relied upon the Loud God of
their fathers, and not upon their own valour. 19 And Abijah
pursued after Jeroboam, and took cities from him, Belh-el with
tlie towns thereof, and Jeshanah with the towns thereof, and
Ephrain with the towns thereof +. 20 Neither did Jeroboam
recover strength again in the days of Abijah: and the Lord
struck him, and he died. Jeroboam never recovered this bloiv;
the Jjord struck him with some painful disease, under which he
languished for near two years, and then died miserably.
21 But Abijah waxed mighty, and married fourteen wives, and
begat twenty and two sons, and sixteen daughters. 2^2 And the
rest of the acts of Abijah, and his ways, and his sayings, or wise
sentences, [are] written in the story of the prophet Iddo; they
were worthy recording in the commentary of the prophet Iddo, of
whom we read, chap. xii. 15.
* He was probably so nmcli moved as not to tni<;t lo liis numbers, without re-
ronrseto a stratafjem, wliicli lie tliou;jlit was worth all Abijah's fine speeches, and
would soon give an answer to all his arguments, if a parley was agreed upon, it
was base to take this advantage.
t It is likely that the calf was earned with them, and sccnreii by some who
fled, or was removed from Beth-cl for safety; tor we can scarce suppose that
when Abijaii took the city, he would have left it there.
II. CHRONICLES. XIII. 503
REFLECTIONS.
1. IjV.t us adore the goodness and mercy of God in overlookino-
the intirniities, and pardoning the transgressions, of his people.
] Kings XV. 5. David had nnany infirmities not mentioned there ;
the matter of Uriah is forgiven ; the manner in which he is spoken
of is remarkably gracious, and an encouragement to repentance,
and to earnest endeavours to serve God with sincerity, and not
turn aside from any thing which he commands us. There is fur-
give/less with thee that thou mayest be feared.
2. It is a sign of true wisdom to try reason before force ; so
Abijah did. He proposed terms of peace before he entered on
action, which, whoever gained, must be atteutfed with prodigious
slaughter. Force is the last refuge of a king j and those who are
wise and good are always tender of the lives of their subjects, and
do not delight in war.
3. It is common for those who want real religion to boast
much of the profession and external forms of it. How eloquently
Abijah talked of the regular order of the priests, and the exactness
of the service of the temple, when his heart was not right with
God, but followed the vices of his father. So the Pharisee said,
God, I thank thee that I am not as other men. Thus too many
christians boast of their zeal, the regularity of their attendance on
divine worship, and exactness in all points of form and ceremony,
while their hearts are far from God, and strangers to the life of
religion : they think themselves better than others, when perhaps
they are really more criminal in the sight of God. Be not de-
ceived, God will not be mocked. If the heart be not upright, all
profession is vain. They are hypocrites in heart, let them be
ever so exact in the rites of worship, or talk ever so fluently, or
eloquently, or confidently of their own goodness. They are an
abomination in the sight of God.
2 0 2
564 II. CHRONICLES. XIV. XV.
CHAP. XIV. and CHAP. XV.
In this and the following chapter we have an account of Asa's piety and
prudence ; his great success over the army of the Ethiopians ; the
message God sent by the prophet, and the happy effect it had upon
the prince and people.
1 feO Abijah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the
city of David : and Asa his son reigned in his stead. In his days
the land was quiet ten years. 2 And Asa did [that which was]
good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God, and began a re-
formation in the land: 3 For he took away the altars of the
strange [gods,] and the high places of strange gods, (for other high
places were left, chap. xv. 17-, 1 Kings xv. 14), and brake down
the images, and cut down the groves : 4 And commanded Judah,
bu a royal edict, to seek the Lord God of their fathers, and to
do the law and the commandment. 5 Also he took away out of all
the cities of Judah the high places and the images: and the
kingdom was quiet before him ; so that no one made ani/ oppo-
sition to his attempt. 6 And he built fenced cities in Judah : for
the land had rest, and he had no war in those years ; because the
Lord had given him rest. 7 Therefore he said unto Judah,
Let us build these cities, and make about [them] walls, and
towers, gates, and bars, [while] the land [is] yet before us, let ns
prepare for war before the enemy attacks us; because we have
sought the Lord our God, we have sought [him,] and he hath
given us rest on every side. So they built and prospered : had no
disturbance from the Israelites or other neighbours while they icere
thus fortifying themselves.
8 And Asa had an army [of men] that bare targets and spears,
out of Judah three hundred thousand ; and out of Benjamin, that
bare shields and drew bows, two hundred and fourscore thousand:
all these [were] mighty men of valour.
9 And there came out against them Zerah the Ethiopian *,
with an host of a thousand thousand, and three hundred chariots ;
and came unto Mareshah, a frontier town. 10 Then Asa went
out against him, and they set the battle in array in the valley of
*
taaccs
This should be the Arabian, tlie Ethiopians being too far oti'; the eircum-
s of tlie tents and cattle, v. 15,, continns this.
II. CHRONICLES. XIV. XV. 565
Zephathah at Mareshah ; Asa attacked him before he had invaded
the land. 1 1 And Asa cried unto the Lord his God, and said
Lord, [it is] nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or
with them that have no power : lielp us, O Lord our God ; for
we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude.
O Lord, thou [art] our God; let not man prevail against thee.
j4sa offered this short but comprehensive prayer in the face of the
army, expressing their trust in God's power, their encouracrement
because he mas their God, and would defend his own religion and his
ozvn cause. 12 So the Lord smote, or struck terror ijito, the
Ethiopians before Asa, and before Judahj and the Ethiopians
fled. 13 And Asa and the people that [were] with him pursued
• them unto Gerar, a city of the Philistines, loho were probably
allies : and the Ethiopians were overthrown, that they could not
recover themselves, nor rally their forces ; for they were destroyed
before the Lord and before his host; and they, ^sa's army, car-
ried away very much spoil. 14 And they smote all the cities
round about Gerar; for the fear of the Lord, a terror from God
came upon them : and they spoiled all the cities ; for there was
exceeding much spoil in them, which they had taken from the
countries they had ravaged. 15 They smote also the tents of
cattle, the tents in which the Arabians lived, and carried away
sheep and camels in abundance, ivhich were very common among
them, and returned to Jerusalem.
Chap. XV. 1 And the spirit of God came upon Azariah the
son of Oded : 2 And he went out to meet Asa, not to compliment
but exhort him, lest he and the people should be puffed up with this
victory and slacken their diligence, and said unto him. Hear ye me,
Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The Lord [is] with you,
while ye be with him ; and if ye seek him, worship him alone, he
will be found of you; hut presume not on his favour without this,
for if ye forsake him, he will forsake you; if you abandon his
worship and fall into apostacy, he will cast you off. Then follows
an illustration of this : 3 Now for a long season Israel [hath been]
without the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without
law*. 4 But when they in their trouble did turn unto the Lord
God of Israel and sought him, he was found of them, (as Judges
iii. 9, 15. X. 10, l6. ] Sam. vii. 4, &c.) 3 And in those times
[there was] no peace to him that went out, nor to him that came
* Some think tliis refers to the state of the kingdom of Israel at that time, as
separate from that of Judah. Others, to tiie wiiole nation of tlie Jews in the time
of the Judges.
d66 II. CHRONICLES. XIV. XV.
in, but great vexations [were] upon all the inhabitants of the coun-
tries. 6 And nation was destroyed of nation, and city of city,
one part of the people of Israel destroyed another: for God did
vex them with all adversity; vpon this the prophet grounds his
advice. 7 Be ye strong therefore, in rooting out idolatry, and let
not your hands be weak : for your work shall be rewarded ; as you
may learn from this signal victorii you have obtained. 8 And
when Asa heard these words, and the prophecy of Oded* the
prophet, he took courage and put away the abominable idols out
of all the land of Judah and Benjamin, and out of the cities which
he had taken from mount Ephraim, from the cities taken by
Abijah his father, and renewed the altar of the Lord, that [was]
before the porch of the Lord, and ichich by long neglect was
decayed. 9 And he gathered all Judah and Benjamin, and the
strangers with them out of Ephraim and Manasseh, and out of
Simeon : for they fell to him out of Israel in abundance, when
they saw that the Lord his God [was] with him. 10 So they
gathered themselves together at Jerusalem in the third month,
iu the fifteenth year of the reign of Asa, at the feast of weeks,
or pentecost. 11 And they offered unto the Lord the same time,
of the spoil [which] they had brought, seven hundred oxen and
seven thousand sheep, the spoils of the Arabians; burnt offerings
for thankfulness to God, and peace offerings to renew their covenant,
by eating jyart and giving the rest to the priests and the people.
12 And they entered into a covenant to seek the Loud God of
their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul + ; 13 'I'hat
whosoever would not seek the Lord God of Israel should be
put to death, whether small or great, whether man or woman,
(Deut. xiii. 9) 14 And they sware unto the Lord with a loud
voice, and with shouting, with expressions of great joy, and with
trumpets of metal, and with cornets. 15 And all Judah rejoiced
at the oath: for they had sworn with all their heart, and sought
him with their whole deoire, that is, sincerely and heartily; this
was the case with the greatest part of them however some were al-
tered aftenvards; and he was found of them : and the Lokd gave
them rest round about, and made them reap the happy fruits of
their reformation, in their present peace and prosperity.
* Kather, of Azariah the sonof Oded, as it is in some of the ancient versions.
t Tiiey bound themselves to wiiatvvas their duty before, but thus they acknow-
ledi'cd the reasonaljlcnrss of the preeept, armed" tliemselves agamst temptation,
and encouraged one another; and they farther bound themselves to put llie lav»s
against idolatrv into execution.
II. CHRONICLES. XIV. XV. 567
16 And also [concerning] Maachah the mother of Asa the
king*, he removed her from [being] queen i*, took away her ensign
of authoriti/ : because she had made an idol in a grove, and Asa
cut down her idol, and stamped [it,] and burnt [it] at the brook
Kidron, destroyed it with the utmost contempt. 17 But the high
places were not taken away out of Israel J: nevertheless the heart
of Asa was perfect all his days ; perfect in this, that he hated all
idolatrous worship.
1 8 And he brought into the house of God the things that his
father had dedicated, and rchich he had taketifrom Jeroboam, hut
which he had not brought to the house of God, and that he himself
had dedicated, silver, and gold, and vessels, which he had taken
from the Arabians. I9 And there was no [more] war unto the
five and thirtieth year of the reign of Asa.
REFLECTIONS.
1. Those who resolutely set about reformation will probably
meet with less difficulties than they imagine, v. 5. It is a discou-
ragement to many, when they think others are gone too far to
mend, and there is no room to hope ; but let not such be discou-
raged; vice may be weaker, and a disposition to amend, stronger
than we imagine. God may succeed our endeavours. Though
iniquity should abound, let not our love wax cold ; at least let us
do our duty, and leave the event to God.
2. Our rest and peace ought to be thankfully acknowledged,
and carefully improved : Asa did so, v. 6, 7- VVe should own the
hand of God in public rest, in the peace and comfort of our fa-
milies, in our ease of body and quietness of mind, and improve it
to work the works of God, to grow in wisdom and holiness, and
exert ourselves to do good.
3. Whatever enemies attack us, let us encourage ourselves in
the almighty power of God, as Asa did, v. II. We wrestle not
withfesh and blood, but with principalities and powers. Without
* She was his grandmother, but called his mother, because probably she had
the care of his education, his mother dying while he was young, and so she was
regent during his minority.
t As the word being is not in the original, some interpret it, that he removed her
from tlie queen, Asa's wife, lest she should corrupt her to idolatry.
t Perhaps these may refer to the high places in Ephrairn, where the people
were so much wedded to them, that he thon<;ht it not good policy to remove
them ; or rather, to the high places iu which God was worshipped, though he de-
stroyed all their idols.
568 II. CHRONICLES. XIV. XV.
are fightings, and within are fears; but let us still remember his
strength; that we are fighting in his cause; and therefore put
our trust in him ; and not fear what earth or hell can do
against us.
4. We learn, that God will be with us while we are with him.
chap. XV. 2. He will not forsake the souls that seek him and
cleave to him. If we forsake him, what can we expect but that
he will forsake us. Let this engage us to be active and resolute
in religion. It is not without its reward, v. 7- It brings present
peace and joy, and hope of a glorious reward hereafter.
5. Those who would seek God, so as to find him, must do it
with their whole hearts, v. 12. Must seek him by fervent, con-
stant pniyer ; seek his favour by a course of piety, make heart-
work of religion, and engage all the powers of the soul to serve
God ; for thus only will they be accepted of him.
G. It is wise to enter into solemn engagements to be the
Lord's, and to renew them with cheerfulness and joy. It is
proper at all times, to prevent temptations, and to keep us
resolute ; but especially in times of degeneracy, when we have
bad examples and many temptations about us, we should renew
them cheerfully. The people of Judah were not ashamed nor
afraid to let all know that they were for God. Times of sacra-
mental engagements should be times of rejoicing in the goodness
of God. They are pledges of his love, means of holiness, and a
seal of the covenant of eternal life. We are taught,
7. Not to regard our wicked relations, when we are engaged
in the cause of God and religion. So Asa acted in the case of
his grandmother ; neither her authority, her age, her sex, or his
obligations to her, prevented him from removing her. Let our
reformation begin at home ; let us mind first our own family, and
not spare sin in the nearest relative or dearest friend. This will
show that our heart is upright, and wc shall not be ashamed.
11. CHRONICLES. XVI. 569
CHAPTER XVI.
Compared with i Kings, cliap. xv. 25, to the end.
Asa's confidence in the king of Syria ; the message of a prophet to him,
on account of this confidence ; with the close of his rergn and death.
1 XN the six and thirtieth year of the reign of Asa* Baasha king
of Israel came up against Judah, and built, or fortified, Ramah,
to the intent that he might let none go out or come in to Asa king
of Judah ; being a frontier toivn it cut off the communication, and
zms a place they could not easily pass zoithout discovery. 2 Then
Asa brought out silver and gold out of the treasures of the house
of the Lord and of the king's house, and sent to Ben-hadad king
of Syria, that dwelt at Damascus, saying, 3 [There is] a league be-
tween me and thee, as [there was] between my father and thy fa-
ther : beiiold, 1 have sent thee silver and gold ; go, break thy
league with Baasha king of Israel, that he may depart from me f.
4 And Ben-hadad hearkened unto king Asa, and sent the cap-
tains of his armies against the cities of Israel ; and they smote Ijon,
and Dan, and Abel-maim, and all the store cities of Naphtali ;
Ben-hadad attacked him in the north, rchile hefortijied Ramah in
the south. 5 And it came to pass, when Baasha heard [it,] that
he left off building of Ramah, and let his work cease; it had the
desired effect. 6 Then Asa the king took all Judah ; and they
carried away the stones of Ramah, and the timber thereof, where-
with Baasha was building, and he built therewith Geba and Miz-
ytnh, fortified his own frontier towfisl^.
7 And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Ju-
dah, and said unto him. Because thou hast relied on the king of
* Tlieie is a remarkable difference between the date of this and the parallel
place in Kinfi;s. Here it is said, in the thirty-sixth year of Asa' s reign ; Josepiuis
says in the twenty-sixth. There is either a mistake in some early transcrihtr, or
they con)])ute from different periods, the death of the possessor, tlic establish-
ment of the empire, or some remarkable action, as was the case of some Greek
and Roman emperors. So Augustus has three different periods assigned him by
three different historians.
t This was held lawful in ca^es of great necessity ; but there was no necessity
to use these treasmes now ; the thing was evil in itself, it was done from a bad
principle and foi a bad end, to make Baasha violate the public faith.
t So fearful was Asa lest Baasha should seize his kingdom, that he made a great
cave under ground ; perhaps to hide himself and his treasures, Jer. xli. 9.
570 II. CHRONICLES. XVI.
Syria, and not relied on the Lord thy God, ivlio had promisefl him
success if' he continued obedient and faithful, therefore is the host
of the king of Syria escaped out of thhie liand, and reserved to be
a scourge to thy kingdom and posterity hereafter; whereas if he had
joined with Baasha against thee, thou shouldst have overthrown
them both. 8 Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubims * a huge
host, with very many chariots and horsemen? yet, because thou
didst rely on the Lord, he delivered them into thine hand, 9 For
the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth,
to shew himself strong in the behalf of [them] whose heart [is]
perfect toward him. This is the general conduct of Providence ; his
power and might are emphyed in behalf of those that are upright.
Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou
shalt have warsf. 10 Then Asa was wroth with the seer, and
put him in a prison-house, a)id in the stocks, whereas he ought to
have thanked him, for [he was] in a rage with him because of this
[thing.] And Asa oppressed [some] of the people the same time ;
fie grew tyrannical in general, or else he punished some of those who
interposed in behalf of the prophet.
1 1 And behold, the acts of Asa, first and last, lo, they [are]
written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel. 12 And
Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his
feet, until his disease [was] exceeding [great,] yet in his disease he
sought not to the Lord, but to the physicians ; trusted to their
skill and power mure than to the goodness of God J.
1 3 And Asa slept with his fathers, and died in the one and for-
tieth year of his reign. 14 And they buried him in his own se-
pulchres, which he had made for himself in the city of David,
a vault which he had made for himself and family among the kings,
and laid him in the bed which was tilled with sweet odours and
divers kinds [of spices] prepared by the apothecaries' art : and
they made a very great burning for him of sxoeet perfumes, in ho-
nour to his remains; which teas also customary among the Greeks
and Romans.
^!^ Before tlie Reflections read i Kings, chap. xv. 25, to the eud.
»
* The inhabitants of Lybia in Africa.
f It was said Asa was perfect all his days, see chap. xv. 17., that is, with regard
to liis zeal against idolatry ; for tlicrc were many blemishes in his moral conduct.
J Some think this was a punishment for usiiifj the prophet so ill; he bruised
the prophet's feet, and God now luude him a cripple.
II. CHRONICLES. XVI. 571
REFLECTIONS.
1. We infer, that trust in God is a reasonable and important
duty ; and he is justly displeased with those that do not rely upon
him. Thus, because Asa relied not on God, especially after such
extraordinary appearances of his power and goodness in his be-
half, he brought wars and heavy judgments upon him. Cursed is
the man that maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart depart eth from
the Lord.
2. A belief of God's providence, and experiences of his good-
ness, should excite us to trust in him for the future. Thus he re-
minds Asa ; Were not the Ethiopians a great host ? Yet the Lord
delivered them into thy hand. The eyes of the Lord run to and
fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the be-
half of them whose heart is perfect toward him. God has appeared
for us in six and in seven troubles; it is therefore unreasonable to
distrust him. He is quick-sighted; sees our wants and dangers in
a moment ; and is ready to help us. Let us therefore trust in
the J^ordfor ever, for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength.
3. How difficult is it even for good men to bear plain and use-
ful reproof ! Asa was an enemy to idolatry, and had a veneration
in general for the prophets ; but he was angry at Hauani the pro-
phet, and oppressed him for telling him the truth. Pride is too
predominant in those who in the main are good men ; therefore
they account those enemies that deal plainly with them : but it is
an unhappy temper, very uncomfortable to ministers, and danger-
ous to themselves ; and it ought cautiously to be guarded against.
4. Those who are sick and pained are in danger of being fret-
ful and peevish, and should carefully watch against it. It is gene-
rally supposed that it was Asa's disorder which made him abuse
the prophet, and oppress his people. Let us guard our hearts
when visited with pain and sickness, lest we are tempted to mur-
mur against God, and behave in a fretful manner with men. Let
' those who have such inhrmitics watch and pray, lest at such times
they enter into temptation.
5. The help of creatures should always be sought with a de-
pendance on God. Asa did right in seeking after a physician.
There was no blame for that ; but he is justly blamed for not
seeking the Lord. All creatures are that to us which God makes
them. Skilful physicians arc but inslruujcnts in hib hands, and
572 II. CHRONICLES. XVII.
should be used and acknowledged as such. All second causes
are under his direction ; without him physicians are of no value.
Therefore our eyes should be ever towards the Lord, to bless the
means used ; and we should own his hand in every success and
every disappointment.
6. Honour should be done to the remains and memory of good
men, though they may have had their foibles and blemishes. The
people were sensible of Asa's worth, and tnade a great burning
for him. So we should forget the errors of such, and do honour
to their virtues ; especially to those who have been publicly and
extensively useful. The memory of the just should be blessed.
CHAPTER XV 11.
Contains the character of Jehoshaphat, and the nK'lliod he took to pro-
mote religion,
1 xTlND Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead, and strength-
ened himself against Israel. 2 And he placed forces in all the
fenced cities of Judah, and set garrisons in the land of Judah, and
in the cities of Ephraim, which Asa his father had taken. 3 And
the Lord was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first
ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim ; 4 But
sought to the [Loud] God of his father, and walked in his com-
mandments, and not after the doings of Israel. 5 Therefore the
Lord stablished the kingdom in his hand ; and all Judah brought
to Jehoshaphat presents; and he had riches and honour in abun-
dance. 6 And his heart was lifted up in the ways of the Lokd :
he became zealous and very courageous in God's cause, his heart
being lifted up above all discouragements, dif lenities and fears :
moreover he took away the high places and groves out of Judah,
wherein idols were worshipped.
7 Also in the third year of his reign he sent to his princes, [even]
to Ben-hail, and to Obadiah, and to Zechariah, and to Nathaneel,
and to Michaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah. & And with
them [he sent] Levitcs, [even] Shemaiah, and Nethaniah, and Ze-
badiah, and Asahel, and Sheniiraniolh, and Jehonalhan, and Ado-
nijah, and Tobijah, and Tob-adonijuh, Leviles ; and with ihcm
II. CHRONICLES XVII. 573
Eli-shama and Jehorani, priests *. 9 And they taught in Judah,
and [had] the book of the law of the Lord with them, and went
about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught the people.
He soon found the good effecl of this, in the prosperity of his king-
dom, and in presents from neighbouring nations.
]0 And the fear of the Lord fell upon all the kingdoms of the
lands that [were] round about Judah, so that they made no war
against Jehoshaphat. 1 1 Also [some] of the Philistines brought
Jehoshaphat presents, and tribute silver; and the Arabians brought
him flocks, seven thousand and seven hundred rams, and seven
thousand and seven hundred he-goats.
12 And Jehoshaphat waxed great exceedingly; and he built
in Judah castles, and cities of store. 13 And he had much bu-
siness in the cities of Judah : and the men of war, mighty men of
valour, [were] in Jerusalem. 14 And these [are] the numbers' of
them according to the house of their fathers ; Of Judah, the cap-
tains of thousands ; Adnah the chief, and with him mighty men of
valour three hundred thousand. 15 And next to him [was] Je-
hohanan the captain, and with him two hundred and fourscore
thousand. l6 And next him [was] Amasiah the son of Zichri
who willingly offered himself unto the Lord ; and with him two
hundred thousand mighty men of valour. 17 And of Benjamin •
Eliada a mighty man of valotu", and with him armed men with
bow and shield two hundred thousand. 18 And next him [was] Je-
hozabad, and with him an hundred and fourscore thousand ready
prepared for the war. 19 These waited on the king, besides
[those] whom the king put in the fenced cities throu"^hout all
Judah.
* The Levites and priests only were to leacli the law ; bnt the princes went
with them, to see that it was done, to punish obstinate offenders and idolaters to
give greater respect to the instructors, and solemnity to the work.
574 II. CHRONICLES. XVIII.
CHAPTER XVIII.
^^ This chapter is, in a groat measure, the same as i Kings, chapter xxii.
Jehosluiphat goes with Ahab against Ramoth-gilead ; Ahab, seduced by
false prophets, is slain.
1 i\iOW Jehoshaphal liad riches and honour in abundance, and
joined affinity with Ahab. 2 And after [certain] years he went
down to Ahab to Samaria. And Ahab killed sheep and oxen for
him in abundance, and for the people that [he had] with him, and
persuaded him to go up [with him] to Ramoth-gilead. 3 And
Ahab king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat king of Judah, Wilt
thou go with nie to Ramoth-gilead ? And he answered him, I [am]
as thou [art,] and my people as thy people : and [we will be] with
thee in the war.
4 And Jehoshaphat said unto the king of Israel, Inquire, I
pray thee, at the word of the Lord to day. 5 Therefore the king
of Israel gathered together of prophets four hundred men, and said
unto them, Sliall we go to Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall I
forbear? And they said. Go up: for God will deliver [it] into
the king's hand.
6 But Jehoshaphat said, [Is there] not here a prophet of the
Lord besides, that we might inquire of himr 7 And the king
of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, [There is] yet one man, by
whom we may inquire of the Lord: but I hate him; for he
never prophesied good unto me, but always evil: the same [is]
Micaiaii the son of Iinla. And Jehoshaphat said. Let not the
king say so. 8 And the king of Israel called for one [of his]
officers, and said. Fetch quickly Micaiah the son of Imla.
9 And the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah sat
either of them on his throne, clothed in [their] robes, and they
sat in a void place at the entering in of the gate of Samaria ; and
all the prophets prophesied before them. 10 And Zedekiah the
son of Chenaanah had made him horns of iron, and said. Thus
saith the Lord, With these ihou shalt push Syria until they be
consumed. 11 And all the prophets prophesied so, saying. Go
up to Kamoth-gilead, and prosper: for the Lord shall deliver
[it] into the hand of the king. 1'2 And the messenger that went
II. CHRONICLES. XVIII. 575
to call Micaiah spake to him, saying, Behold, the words of the
prophets [declare] good to the king with one assent; let thy
word therefore, I pray thee, be like one of theirs, and speak thou
good. 13 And Micaiah said, [As] the Lord liveth, even what
my God saith, that will I speak. 14 And when he was come to
the king, the king said unto him, Micaiah, shall we go to Ra-
moth-gilead to battle, or shall I forbear ? And he said. Go ye
up, and prosper, and they shall be delivered into your hand.
1.3 And the king said to him. Mow many times shall I adjure
thee that thou say nothing but the truth to me in the name of the
Lord? 16 Then he said, I did see all Israel scattered upon
the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd : and the Loud
said, These have no master ; let them return [therefore] every
man to his house hi peace. 17 And the king of Israel said to
Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell thee [that] he would not prophesy
good unto me, but evil? 18 Again he said. Therefore hear the
word of the Loud; I saw the Loud sitting upon his throne,
and all the host of heaven standing on his right hand and [on] his
left. 19 And the Lord said, Who shall entice Ahab king of
Israel, that he may go up and fall at Ramoth-gilead ? And one
spake saying after this manner, and another saying after that
manner. 20 Then there came out a spirit, and stood before the
Lord, and said, I will entice him. And the Lord said unto
him, Wherewith? 21 And he said, I will go out, and be a lying
spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And [the Lord] said,
Thou shalt entice [him,] and thou shalt also prevail: go out, and
do [even] so. 22 Now therefore, behold, the Lord hath put a
lying spirit in the mouth of these thy prophets, and the LoitD
hath spoken evil against thee.
23 "^riien Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah, came near, and
smote Micaiah upon the cheek, and said, Which way went the
Spirit of the Lord from me to speak unto thee? 24 And
Micaiah said, Behold, thou shalt see on that day when thou shalt
go into an inner chamber to hide thyself. 25 Then the king of
Israel said. Take ye Micaiah, and carry him back to Anion the
governor of the city, and to Joash the king's son ; 26 And say.
Thus saith the king, Put this [fellow] in the prison, and feed him
with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until 1 return
in peace. 27 And Micaiah said. If thou certainly return m
peace, [then] hath not the Loud spoken by me. And he said,
Hearken, all ye people.
28 So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the kingofjudah
576 II. CHRONICLES. XIX.
went up to Ramoth-gilcad. 29 And the king of Israel said unto
Jehoshaphat, I will disguise myself, and will go to the Ijallle ;
but put thou on thy robes. So the king of Israel disguised him-
self; and they went to the baUle. 30 Now the king of Syria
had commanded the captains of the chariots that [were] with him,
saying, Fight ye not with small or great, save only with the king
of Israel. 31 And it came to pass, when the captains of the
chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, It [is] the king of
Israel. Therefore they compassed about him to light : but Je-
hoshaphat cried out, and the Lord helped him; and God moved
them [to depart] from him. 32 For it came to pass, that, when
the captains of the chariots perceived that it was not the king of
Israel, they turned back again from pursuing him.
33 And a [certain] man drew a bow at a venture, and smote
the king of Israel between the joints of the harness : therefore
he said to his chariot man. Turn thine hand, that thou mayest
carry me out of the host; for I am wounded. 34 And the battle
increased that day: howbeit the king of Israel stayed [himself]
up in [his] chariot against the Syrians until the even : and about
the time of the sun sioinij down he died.
CHAPTER XIX.
Jehoshaphal's return to his kingdom; is reproved by a prophet for his
alliance with Aliab; and appoints magistrates in the land.
1 x\.ND Jehoshaphat the king of Judah returned to his house
in peace to Jerusalem, i)i safety ; being delivered Jrom thai im-
minent danger he was in, ch. xviii. 31, 32. 2 And Jehu the son
of Ilanani the seer went out to meet him before he came to the
city, that being thus admonished, he might be more sensib/e of the
goodness of God in his deliverance, and said to king Jehoshaphat,
Shouldst thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the
Lord? It was contrary to reason, and to the conwiand of God,
to join in alliance with such an infamous zcretch as Ahab was :
therefore [is] wrath upon thee from before the Lord, taho
brought a numerous army against him, as we read in the next
chapter. 3 Nevertheless there are good things found iu thee, in
that thou hast taken away the groves out of the land ; the high
II. CHRONICLES. XIX. 577
places dedicated to the idols, and not those that were dedicated to
God; and hast prepared thine heart to seek God; hast done it
sincerely/ and heartili/, with thought and reflection ; therefore God
did not punish him in his person, but in his posterity.
4 And Jehoshaphat dwelt at Jerusalem; he was not angry
with the prophet, as his father was zdth Hanani, but laid it to
heart, and set about a further reformation : and he went out again
through the people from Beer-sheba to mount Ephraim, and
broujrht them back unto the Lord God of their fathers. 5 And
he set judges in the land throughout all the fenced cities of
Judah, city by city*, 6 And said to the judges, Take heed what
ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the Lord, who [is]
with you in the judgment. 7 Wherefore now let the fear of the
Lord be upon you; take heed and do [itf:] for [there is] no
iniquity with the Loud our God, nor respect of persons, nor
taking of gifts, and therefore they ought to imitate him. 8 More-
over in Jerusalem did Jehoshaphat set of the Levites, and [of]
the priests, and of the chief of the fathers of Israel, for the judg-
ment of the Lord, ybr sacred and civil matters, and for contro-
versies, when they returned to Jerusalem,yb/' causes received from
inferior courts loho had applied to this higher court X. 9 And he
charged them, saying, Thus shall ye do in the fear of the Lord,
faithfully, and with a perfect heart ; with an heart possessed with
and guided by the fear of God, acti)ig as in his presence. 10 And
what cause soever, by way of appeal, shall come to you of your
brethren that dwell in their cities, between blood and blood,
whether the murder be designed or an accident \, between law and
commandment, statutes, and judgments, whether the moral law or
jyositive institution, where one party pleads one law and another
another, ye shall not only give righteous judgment, but ye shall
even warn them that they trespass not against the Lord, and
[so] wrath come upon you, and upon your brethren ; give them
charge to behave better and to improve the punishment of others for
their own warning; this do, and ye shall not trespass, but worthily
* There were judges in tlie laiul before ; hut they were eitlier indolent or
corrupt, tliercfore he now set up otiiers to punish idolatry, and tio justice between
man and man ; uiid he gave them a most excellent admonition.
t Judges represent God, have their commission from him, his eyes are upon
them, and his liouour is concerned in their lidelity.
i Some think this was the institution of the sanhedrim, or great council, men-
tiooed in the New Testament, which was the highest court among the Jews.
§ This was particularly necessary, because all the cities of refuge, except
Hebron, were in the land of Israel.
VOL. III. a P
578 II. CHRONICLES. XIX.
and honourablif discharge your office. 1 1 And, behold, Amariah
the chief priest [is] over you in all matters of the Lord, such as
are to be judged by the law, the high priest being well acquainted
zcithit; and Zebadiah the son of Ishniael, the ruler of the house
of Judah, for all the king's matters, 7vhere the law of God gives no
particular direction : also the Levites [shall be] officers before
you ; ready to assist and see the orders executed, and follow them
with their advice. Deal courageously, and the Lord shall be
with the good ; be not afraid of men, and doubt not but God will
bless you.
REFLECTIONS.
1. Public solemn instruction is the way to reclaim back-
sliders, and prevent the apostacy of others. Jehoshaphat began
at the right end, in sending princes and priests to instruct the
people, as many were ignorant of the law, others were not suffi-
ciently acquainted with it ; and thus he promotes the reformation.
God is wise and good in appointing stated seasons for religious
worship and instruction ; in giving pastors and teachers. These
have an happy influence on the righteousness, peace and welfare
of nations. All christians should say, How beautiful are the
feet of those that bring glad tidings, who publish peace, and say
unto Sion, Thy God reigneth !
2. God is much displeased with those that associate with the
wicked, and strengthen them in their wickedness. Ahab perhaps
was hardened by Jehoshaphat's alliance. At least Jehoshaphat
showed that he had not that dread of idolatry he should have had,
and his people might be encouraged in it by the king's joining
with notorious idolaters. Shall the servants of God (v. 2.) help
the ungodly, and love them that hate the Lord ? Wicked men
hate God, and we should hate them, that is, hate their crimes but
not their persons ; we should shun their society, and have no
communion with them ; have no friendship with the unfruitful
works of darkness, but rather reprove them; come out from
among them, and be separate.
3. Learn to take reproof well, and amend what is amiss. If
it is too late to mend the case reproved, be more resolute in
others. Jehoshaphat took it well. To atone for his visit to
Ahab, he made a visitation through his kingdom, to reform what
was amiss, and to make up former defects by greater zeal for the
future, and especially by attempts to reform others, and prevent
the increase of national Eruilt.
II. CHRONICLES. XX. 579
4. Here is excellent instructions to magistrates ; and I wish
they were written in every court of justice, to remind them by
whose authority they act, whom they represent ; that the eyes of
God, the supreme judge, are upon them; and that they are ac-
countable to him for all their behaviour, especially in the judg-
ments they pass. And let us all learn to be resolute and cou-
rageous in the cause of God and public virtue, and to pray that
our magistrates may be such that we may lead quiet and peace-
able lives, in all godliness and honesty.
.5. Those who do not prevent sin in others and warn them of
it, trespass themselves, v. 10., Ye shall even warn them that they
trespass not against the Lord, and so wrath come upon you and
upon your brethren. It is every one's duty to promote the re-
formation of others as much as lies in his power ; otherwise he is
accessary to their guilt and ruin. We should warn men that
they trespass not against the Lord, and thus endeavour to prevent
national calamities coming upon us ; remembering that righteous-
ness exalteth a nation, but sin is the reproach of any people, and
will sooner or later, prove their ruin.
CHAPTER XX.
The invasion of Judah by a iiumerous army ; Jehoshaphat's conduct
on receiving the news of this ; the comfortable message he received
from God ; the grateful acknowledgment of the prince and people
for this encouragement ; they go forth assured of victory, with the
praises of God in their mouths, and the event answers their expec-
tations.
1 IT came to pass after this also, [that] the children of Moab,
and the children of Amnion, and with them [other] beside the
Ammonites, came against Jehoshaphat to battle; things went on
well till Jehoshaphat joined xuith Ahab, which he roas now punished
for. 2 Then there came some that told Jehoshaphat, saying,
There cometh a great multitude against thee from beyond the sea
on this side Syria ; and, behold, they [be] in Hazazon-tamar,
which [is] Engedi, on the very borders of thy country. 3 And
Jehoshaphat, at the remembrance of the judgment denounced
against him for helping Ahab, feared, and set himself to seek
the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah, in token
2 P2
580 II. CHRONICLES. XX.
of his hamiliti/, as an acknowledgment of his nnxoorlhiness, and
his earnest desire of God's help, while he disregarded the calls of
nature to attend to the service of God. 4 And Judah gathered
themselves together, to ask [help] of the Lord ; even out of all
the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord.
5 And Jehoshaphat stood on an eminence in the congregation
of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the Lord, before the
new court; the court of the priests newly repaired; 6 And said,
O Lord God of our fathers, [art] not thou God in heaven? and
rulebt [not] thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen : and in
thine hand [is there not] power and might, so that none is able to
withstand thee ? 7 [Art] not thou our God, the God of Israel,
[who] didst drive out the inhabitants of this land before thy
people Israel, and gavest it to the seed of Abraham thy friend for
ever*: 8 And they dwelt therein, and have built thee a sanc-
tuary therein for thy name, saying, 9 If [when] evil comelh
upon us, [as] the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we
stand before this house, and in thy presence, (for thy name [is]
in this house,) and cry unto thee in our aftiiction, then thou wilt
hear and help ; pleading the solemn manner in ichich the temple
was dedicated, and the promise God had made there, (I Kings
viii. 37-) 10 And now, behold, the children of Anmion and Moab,
and mount Seir, whom thou wouldst not let Israel invade, when
they came out of the land of Egypt, but they turned from them,
and destroyed them not; he pleads their ingratitude, in coming
vp against Israel, who did not invade them when they were march-
ing by their land ; 11 Behold, [I say, how] they reward us, to
come to cast us out of thy possession, which thou hast given us
to inherit ; it is rebelling against God, who they well kneiv had
given them this land. 12 O our God, wilt thou not judge them '•:
for we have no might against this great company that cometh
against us ; neither know we what to do : but our eyes [are] upon
thee ; he applies to the justice of God in their behalf, and enforces
his prayer by an acknowledgment of their own weakness and pcr-
plexity^;. 13 And all Judah stood before the Lord, with their
little ones, their wives, and their children]:.
* Abraham was his friend ; to liim he {rave the original grant, and promised
the perpetuity of it, and these wei e liis posterity.
f This may seem stran<,'e, wlien we eompare cliap. xvii. 11 — iG ; l)iit on a
sudden invasion they conkl not {;atlier so iai};c an army togetlier ; perhaps they
mipht have lost many in their expedition to Kamoth-gilead ; or it may intimate
tiieu ignorance of the best means to help themselves, and tlierefore they lly to (iod.
4 It was wise to bring their wives and liltle ones forth, to excite both compas-
II. CHRONICLES. XX. 581
14 "^riicn iipoji Jahazicl the son of Zechariali, the son of Be-
uaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the
sons of Asaph, came the spirit of the Loud in the midst of the
congregation*; 15 And he gaid, Hearken yc, all Judah, and ye
inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith
the Lord unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of
this great multitude ; for the battle [is] not your's, but God's ; the
cause is his, and he will succeed you. l6 To-morrow go ye down
against them: behold, they come up by the cliff of Ziz, and ye
shall find them at the end of the brook, before the wilderness
of Jeruel. 17 Ye shall not [need] to fight in this [battle ;] set your-
selves, stand ye [still,] and see the salvation of the Lord with
you, O Judah and Jerusalem : fear not, nor be dismayed ; to-
morrow go out against them ; for the Lord [will certahily be]
^'ith you ; he assures them of deliverance, but does not tell them
by zchat meatis, repeating the encouragement, and inviting them to
make an experiment of God's goodness and truth. 18 And Je-
hoshaphat bowed his head with [his] face to the ground : and all
Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell before the Lord,
worshipping the Lord ; they did not ask a sign to confirm this,
but, as it was an answer to prayer, they fulli/ believed it. 19 And
the Levites, of the children of the Kohathites and of the children
of the Korhites, stood up to praise the Lord God of Israel
with a loud voice on high ; the Levites were so affected by this
merciful declaration that theif stood up and sung a hymn of triumph
before the victory, and raised their voices that they might be the
better heard, and express their full assura)ice of success.
20 And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into
the wilderness of Tekoa : and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat
stood in the gate of the city, and said, Hear me, O Judah, and
ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the Lord your God, so
shall ye be established ; believe his prophets, sv) shall yc prosper;
shall have present peace, be delivered from all uneasy apprehen-
sions, and enjoy immediate prosperity. 21 And when he had con-
sulted with the people, that is, the commanders and leaders, he
appointed singers unto the Loud, and ihat should praise the
beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say,
Praise the Lord; for his mercy [endureth] for everf.
sion and courage in the minds of tlie men ; to make tl)eni more serious and fci--
veiit in prayer ; and to move, as it were, the divine compassion in their favour.
* Perhaps he had never propiiesied before, but tiie spn it then first came upon
liiin ; while they were pra>in^ God licard, and assured tliem of deliverance.
t They were to praise God in the same habit and in the same manner as they
582 II. CHRONICLES. XX.
22 And when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set
ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount
Seir, which were come against Judah ; and they were smitten *.
23 For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the
inhabitants of mount Seir, utterly to slay and destroy [them :] and
when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, every one
helped to destroy another. 24 And when Judah came toward the
watch-tower in the wilderness, they looked unto the multitude, and
behold they were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and none
escaped; they found the greatest part of their enemies slain.
25 And when Jehoshaphat and his people came to take away the
spoil of them, they found among them in abundance both riches
with the dead bodies, and precious jewels, which they stripped
off for themselves, more than they could carry away : and they
were three days in gathering of the spoil, it was so much.
2,6 And on the fourth day, when they had done gathering the
spoils they assembled themselves in the valley of Berachah ; on
the spot of ground where the allies lay dead, they joined together,
in a solemn manner, to praise the Lord, for there they blessed the
Lord : therefore the name of the same place was called. The valley
of Berachah, that is, blessing, unto this day. 27 Then they re-
turned, every man of Judah and Jerusalem, and Jehoshaphat in
the forefront of them, to go again to Jerusalem with joy; for
the Lord had made them to rejoice over their enemies. 28 And
they came to Jerusalem with psalteries and harps and trumpets
unto the house of the Lord ; 7iot content with what they had
done in the valley, they renewed their praise at Jerusalem ; appear-
ing before God in a solemn manner in (he temple. They did not
go home to their families, or dispose of their booty, but came
to the temple, where they probably offered many sacrijices. 29 And
the fear of God was on all the kingdoms of [those] countries,
when they had heard that the LoFD fought against the enemies
of Israel ; they zcere all a/<irmedzchen they heard of such a victory,
obtained without fghting, and in ansioer to their prai/ers. SO So
the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet : for his God gave him rest
round about.
ilid in tlie tomple, which via& cdWcA the bcoutj/ of holiness, being a beautiful anil
holy place. They probably repeated tlie laGlii psalm, the Levitcs singing the
first part of the verse, and all the people the chorus for his mercy endurcth for
ever. This was a uoble procession, worthy a people who believed in God.
■* They lay in ambush against Judah, but God confounded their minds, and
Ihey f«ll upon th<ir own army ; and the allies, suspecting treachery, fell upon one
another ; while the Israelites had nothing to do but to look ou.
II. CHRONICLES. XX. 583
3 I And Jehoshapliat reigned over Judah : [he was] lliirty and
five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty and
Hve years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name [was] Azubah
the daughter of Shilhi. 32 And he walked in the way of Asa
his father, and departed not from it, doing [that which was] right
in the sight of the Lord. S3 Howbeit, the high places were
not taken away : for as yet the people had not prepared their
hearts unto the God of their fathers ; though they complied out-
zcardli/ zvith some reformation, yet their hearts zvere not thoroughly
purged from their idols. 34 Now the rest of the acts of Jeho-
shaphat, first and last, behold, they [are] written in the book of
Jehu the son of Hanani, who [is] mentioned in the book of
the kings of Israel.
35 And after this did Jehoshapliat king of Judah join himself
with Ahaziah king of Israel, who did very wickedly. 36 And he
joined himself with him to make ships to go to Tarshish : and
they made the ships in Ezion-gaber ; this was wrong, and he was
reproved for it. 37 Then Eliczer the son of Dodavah of
Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshapliat, saying. Because thou
liast joined thyself with Ahaziah, the Loud hath broken thy
works. And the ships were broken, that they were not able to
go to Tarshish; Jehoshapliat repented, and broke off the alliance j
as we read in 1 Kings xxii. 49-
REFLECTIONS.
1. When public dangers appear, it is a time for prayer. Je-
hoshaphat was alarmed at the tidings, and therefore proclaimed
a fast. Me lays in a stock of prayers from the first appearance of
danger, and secures the help of heaven. Happy is it when good
men and princes lead the way in such reasonable and beneficial
services.
2. In prayer we should acknowledge the perfections and glory
of God, and take encouragement from them. He hath almichty
power and universal dominion. We should consider this to en-
courage our faith and hope.
3. We may recollect and plead former instances of the divine
favour and goodness. So Jehoshaphat here, v. 7, 8., Art not thou
that God who didst drive out the inhabitants of this land, before
thy people hrael, and gavest it to the seed (f Abraham thy friend
584 II. CHRONICLES. XX.
for ever, and they dtoelt therein, and built thee a sanctuary for thy
name? This shews care to observe former mercies, and gratitude
for them, and strengthens our believing expectations of further
deliverance.
4. Learn to plead the promises of God in prayer. His solemn
declarations are designed to give us strong consolation. We should
treasure them up in our minds, and urge and plead them at the
tiirone of grace.
5. Let us be duly sensible of our own weakness, and humbly
entreat strength of God against our spiritual enemies, against flesh
and blood, satan, and the world. We have comparatively no
might in ourselves ; therefore let us direct our views to God and
trust in the Lord for ever, for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting
strength.
6. Those who can speak sincerely to God in prayer may humbly
hope he will direct his ministers to speak comfortably to tliem,
V. 14., Then upon Jahaziel, the son of Zechariah, came the spirit of
the Lord, in the midst of the congregation. Then, immediately,
while they were praying, the prophet is sent with good and com-
fortable tidings. If the faithful servants of God abound in fervent
devotion, ministers have a commission to speak comfortably to
them, and his Spirit shall make the consolation efi^ectual.
7. It is good to praise God for the prospect of deliverance, and
thank him for merciful declarations before they are accomplished.
This testimony of our faith is pleasing to God, and brings the
mind into a suitable frame to receive and improve the favours of
heaven.
8. Faith, in God's promises, while we follow his directions, is
the certain vvay to peace and establishment, and prosperity in
both worlds. We have no extraordinary propliet now ; but we
have the revelation of prophets, apostles, and Christ ; let us give
credit to their messages, and be strong in the faith, so shall we
prosper.
9. The divine goodness must be thankfully acknowledged in
national deliverances. So it was here. And we should perpetuate
the memory of these favours, that we may long value them, and
render unto the Lord according to his benefits.
]{). Those who have separated themselves from keeping bad
company, should have nothing to do with them any more. Jeho-
shaphat had suffered by joining with Ahab. He lost his ships
and men, and narrowly escaped with his life ; but when Ahaziah
II. CHRONICLES. XXI. 585
solicited him afterwards to join him, he would not. Thus let us
say to every one that would tempt us to repeat our former sins,
Depart from me, ye evil doers, for I am determined to serve the
Lord .
CHAPTER XXI.
Contains the history of Jehorani, one of the vilest kings of Judah.
There is some little confusion in the date of his reign, probably occa-
sioned by his being viceroy to his father once or twice when lie went
from iiome.
1 iNOVV Jehoshaphat slept with his fathers, and was buried
with his fathers in the city of David, (1 Kings xxii.), 50 And Je-
horam his son reigned in his stead. 2 And he had brethren the
sons of Jehoshaphat, Azariah, and Jehiel, and Zechariah, and
Azariah, and Michael, and Shephatiah , all these [were] the sons
of Jehoshaphat king of Israel, or Jiidah, as the Seventy read it,
and as it undoubtedly ought to he read; the other being a mistake
of some transcriber. 3 And their father gave them great gifts of
silver, and of gold, and of precious things, after the patriarchal
manner, with fenced cities in Judah; at a distance from the ca-
pital, that they might give their brother no disturbance, and be
secure from any sudden attack: but the kingdom gave he to Je-
horam ; because he [was] the first born. 4 Now when Jehoram
was risen up to the kingdom of his father, he strengthened him-
self, and slew all his brethren with the sword ; he founded his
kingdom in blood, and slew all his brethren, not because they gave
him any disturbance, but, as we read afterwards, because they were
better than he, probably not joining in his idolatry ; and [divers]
also of the princes of Israel; some of those who came over from
that kingdom, and were most zealous against corruptions in re-
ligion.
5 Jehoram [was] thirty and two years old when he began to
reign, and he reigned eight years in Jerusalem. 6 And he walked
in the way of the kings of Israel, like as did the house of Ahab,
and worse he could not do : for he had Athaliah the daughter of
Ahab to wife : and he wrought [that which was] evil in the eyes
of the Lord, and forsook the ways of his pious ancestors. 7 liow-
beit the LoKD would not destroy the house of David, would not
586 II. CHRONICLES. XXI.
cut off the succession till the Messiah came, because of the covenant
that he had made with David, and as he promised to give a light
to him and to his sons for ever ; to supply the lamp with fresh oil,
that it should not go out, 2 Sam. vii. 12., 1 Kings xi. 36.
8 In his days the Edomites revolted from under the dominion
of Judah, and made themselves a king ; thei/ had been subject to
the Israelites since David's time, about one hundred and fifty years,
and were used to have a viceroy sent them. 9 Then Jehoram went
forth with his princes, and all his chariots with him : and he rose
up by night, and smote the Edomites which compassed him in,
and the captains of the chariots ; he gained a victory over ilie
Edomites, but did tiot reduce them to subjection*. 10 So the
Edomites revolted from under the hand of Judah unto this day,
and thus Isaac's prophecy, in Genesis xxvii. 40., was fulfilled.
The same time [also] did Libnah revolt from under his hand ;
because he had forsaken the Loud God of his fathers f.
11 Moreover he made high places in the mountains of Judah,
and caused the inhabitants of Jerusalem to commit fornication,
and compelled Judah [thereto ;] he set up idolatry, with impure
and detestable rites in their worship. Jerusalem zms easily brought
into it by the influence of the king and the court ; but it was more
difficult to corrupt the country, they were the last that became de-
generate, therefore he loas obliged to usejorce with them.
12 And there came a writing to him from Elijah the prophet J,
saying, Thus saith the Lord God of David thy father. Because
thou hast not walked in the ways of Jehoshaphat thy father, nor
in the ways of Asa king of Judah ; intimating that his degeneracy
ivas aggravated by the piety of his ancestors, especially of his fa-
ther and grandfather ; 13 But hast walked in the way of the
kings of Israel, and hast made Judah and the inhabitants of Je-
rusalem to go a vvlioring, like to the whoredoms of the house
* Others think tlie words ure capable of being rendered thus, Uie Edomitea
xmote those ivlw were about hivi, that is, about Jchorani, and the captains of the
chariots; and the people fled to their tents, lliat is, from wlience they had made a
sally in the nif;ht upon the Edomites, as it is in 2 Kings viii. 21.
t Libnali was a considerable city of the priests, ou the frontiers of Judah, which
revolted because lie had set up idolatrous worship, contrary to the law of God.
Thus he had work cuougli at home, and therefore could not recover his domiaion
over the Edomites.
J It is generally thought that l^lijuli was translated long before this ; but fore-
seeing Jehorams wickedness, he might leave this letter behind to be sent to him,
that coming in this extraordinary way it might have the greater etlect. Perhaps
liis insolence and ciuelty were so gr<at, as not to bear the reproof of a living pro-
phet ; though I rather think this might be before Elijah's trauslalioii, as the order
of the siorv is not exactly observed.
II. CHRONICLES. XXI. 587
of Ahab ; he had not only been an idolater himself, but com-
pelled others to be so ; and also hast slain thy brethren of thy fa-
ther's house, [which were] better than thyself; this was peculiarly
heinous, as they were good men, far better than himself. These
are the charges against him ; then follows the sentence: 14 Behold,
with a great plague will the Lord smite thy people, and thy
children, and thy wives, and all thy goods : 15 And thou [shall
have] great sickness by disease of thy bowels, until thy bowels
fall out by reason of the sickness day by day ; almost every cala-
mity that could be thought of should come upon him and on the
people xoho complied with his idolatry ; but the threatening had no
eject.
16 Moreover the Lord stirred up against Jehoram the spirit
of the Philistines, and of the Arabians, that [were] near the Ethi-
opians ; the Philistines invaded him on the west, and the Arabians
and their neighbours on the south and on the east : 17 And they
came up into Judah, and brake into it, and carried away all the
substance that was found in the king's house, and his sons also,
and his wives ; the chief calamity fell upon him and upon his icives
and children; so that there was never a son left him, save Je-
hoahaz, or Ahaziah, the youngest of his sons, who reigned after
him, and one wife also, who was a great scourge to the nation after-
wards ; the other sons were cdl slain, as we jind in the first verse of
the next chapter, which was a just judgment upon him for slaying
his brethren.
18 And after all this, which he had seen and felt, the Lord
smote him in his bowels with an incurable disease. 19 And it
came to pass, that in process of time, after the end of two years,
his bowels fell out by reason of his sickness : so he died of sore
diseases. And his people made no burning for him, like the
burning of his fathers. 20 Thirty and two years old was he when
he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years, and
departed without being desired ; they were glad he was dead, ami
they delivered from such a plague. Howbeit they buried him in
the city of David, but not in the sepulchres of the kings ; they
showed even him some little respect.
^S^ After tliis, a Kings, cliap. ix. may be read.
588 II. CHRONICLES. XXI.
REFLECTIONS.
1. See the sad consequences of marrying a wicked person, and
being allied to an irreligious family. The source of Jehoram's
wickedness and misery was a bad wife, of Ahab's accursed race ;
who counselled him and her son after him to do wickedly. Great
caution is required in making a settlement for life. Professors
and profane uniting, was the ruin of the old world. Those
that are ill-matched are half ruined ; and no charms of person,
wealth, or honour, will tempt any that are wise and thoughtful to
run such a desperate risk.
2. The sins of the children of good parents are highly aggra-
vated, and they expose themselves to severe condemnation. Ob-
serve how Jehoram is reminded of the piety of his good father
and grandfather; and let children of good parents see in his
misery the sad consequences of forsaking the God of their fathers,
and despising their counsel. Such are, like Joram, generally the
worst of men ; worse than those who never enjoyed such advan-
tages. Let young people, therefore, know the God of their fathers;
and serve him with a perfect heart and a willing mind.
3. What a spectacle of horror was this wicked prince in the
last scenes of life ! and what misery do men run themselves into
by obstinate disobedience ! To have the hand of God upon him
in so awful a manner; a messenger sent from God to forwarn him
of it, to let him know that he must die, and die in this dreadful
manner; must surely occasion inexpressible terror and anguish.
Yet, astonishing ! we do not read of his repentance. Perhaps
the torments of hell work upon him, and the other unhappy crea-
tures who are there, just in the same manner. What distress must
it have occasioned him, that his wives and children were taken
from him, who might have been comforts to him, ail but a young
child; and a wicked, ill-natured, cruel wife was left to torment
him. His substance gone, his kingdom divided ; his people, some
revolting, and all despising him ; unable by reason of his disorder
to do any thing towards recovering his substance or his kingdom.
A more dreadful situation can scarcely be conceived. The instruc-
tion conveyed by it is, that we should stand in aice and sin not . To
be sick, without substance, wilhout friends, is bad enough ; but
to be sick and in sin, under the curse of God; to have no grace
II. CHRONICLES. XXII. 589
to bear it, nor wisdom to improve it ; to have no prospect, but
a fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, Heb. x.
27., is a sad case indeed. This wicked prince was exhibited as a
warning to all wicked men, what a fearful thing it is to fall into
the hands of the living God!
4. Wickedness will make the greatest of men mean and con-
temptible in the e}es of others ; yea, those who have no religion
themselves will despise them. 'J'he people wished him dead ;
were glad when he was gone ; and he had not the customary
honours of a king paid him at his funeral. Those who despise
God shall be lightly esteemed. When the righteous are in hotioitr,
(he people rejoice ; but when the ivicked perish, there is shouting.
CHAPTER XXII.
Aliaziali succocdcth Jclioram, and rcigncth wickedly; ho is slain by
Jehu; Atlialiali destioyeih all the royal seed, except Joash, and
usurpeth the kingdom.
1 xVND the inhabitants of Jerusalem made Ahaziah his youngest
son king in his stead : for the band of men that came with the
Arabians to the camp had slain all the eldest. So Ahaziah the
son of Jehoram king of Judah reigned. 2 Forty and two years
old was Ahaziah when ho began to reign, and he reigned one year
in Jerusalem. His mother's name also [was] Athaliah the daugh-
ter of Omri. 3 He also walked in the ways of the house of
Ahab : for his mother was his counsellor to do wickedly. 4 Where-
fore he did evil in the sight of the Lord like the house of Ahab:
for they were his counsellors after the death of his father to his
destruction.
5 He walked also after their counsel, and went with Jehoram
the son of Ahab king of Israel to war against Hazael king of
Syria at Kanioth-gilead : and the Syrians smote Joram. G And
he returned to be healed in Jezrcel because of the wounds which
were given him at Ramah, when he fought with Hazael king of
Syria. And Azariah the son of Jehoram king of Judah went down
to see Jehoram the son of Ahab at Jezreel, because he was sick.
7 And the destruction of Ahaziah was of God by coming to
590 II. CHRONICLES. XXIII.
Joram : for when he was come, he went out with Jehoram against
Jehu the son of Nimshi, whom the Lord had anointed to cut
off the house of Ahab. 8 And it came to pass, that, when Jehu
was executing judgment upon the house of Ahab, and found the
princes of Judah, and the sons of tlie brethren of Ahaziah, that
ministered to Ahaziah, he slevv them. 9 And lie sought Ahaziah :
and they caught him, (for he was hid in Samaria,) and brouglit
him to Jehu : and when they had slain him, they buried him :
Because, said they, he [is] the son of Jehoshaphat, who sought
the Lord with all his heart. So the house of Ahaziah had no
power to keep still the kingdom.
10 But when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son
was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal of the house
of Judah. 1 1 But Jehoshabeath, the daughter of the king, took
Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king's
sons that were slain, and put him and his nurse in a bedchamber.
So Jehoshabeath, the daughter of king Jehoram, the wife of
Jehoiada the priest, (for she was the sister of Ahaziah,) hid him
from Athaliah, so that she slew him not. 12 And he was with
them hid in the house of God six years : and Athaliah reigned
over the land.
CHAPTER XXIII.
Jehoiada maketh Joash king; Athaliah is slain; and Jehoiada rcsloreth
the worship of God.
1 And in the seventh year Jehoiada strengthened himself, and
took the captains of hundreds, Azariah the son of Jeroham, and
Ishmael the son of Jehohanan, and Azariah the son of Obed, and
Maaseiah the son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat the son of Zichri,
into covenant with him. 2 And they went about in Judah, and
gathered the Levites out of all the cities of Judah, and the chief
of the fathers of Israel, and they came to Jerusalem. 3 And all
the congregation made a covenant with the king in the house of
God. And he said unto them. Behold, the king's son shall reign,
as the Lord hath said of the sons of David. 4 This [is] the thing
that ye shall do ; A third part of you entering on the sabbath,
of the priests and of the Levites, [shall be] porters of the doors ;
II. CHRONICLES. XXIII. 591
5 And a third part [shall be] at the king's house ; and a third part
at the gate of the foundation : and all the people [shall be] in the
courts of the house of the Lord. 6 But let none come into the
house of the Lord, save the priests, and they that minister of
the Levites ; they shall go in, for they [are] holy : but all the
people shall keep the watch of the Lord. 7 And the Levites
shall compass the king round about, every man with his weapons
in his hand; and whosoever [else] cometh hito the house, he shall
be put to death : but be ye with the king when he cometh in, and
when he goeth out. 8 So the Levites and all Judah did according
to all tilings that Jehoiada the priest had commanded, and took
every man his men that were to come in on the sabbath, with
them that were to go [out] on the sabbath : for Jehoiada the
priest dismissed not the courses. 9 Moreover Jehoiada the priest
delivered to the captains of hundreds spears, and bucklers, and
shields, that [had been] king David's, which [were] in the house
of God. 10 And he set all the people, every man having his
weapon in his hand, from the right side of the temple, to the left
side of the temple, along by the altar and the temple, by the king
round about, 1 1 Then they brought out the king's son, and
put upon him the crown, and [gave him] the testimony, and made
him king : and Jehoiada and his sons anointed him, and said, God
save the king.
12 Now when Athaliah heard the noise of the people running
and praishig the king, she came to the people into the house of
the Lord: 13 And she looked, and, behold, the king stood at his
pillar at the entering in, and the princes and the trumpets by the
king : and all the people of the land rejoiced, and sounded with
trumpets, also the singers with instruments of music, and such as
taught to sing praise. Then Athaliah rent her clothes, and said.
Treason, Treason. 14 Then Jehoiada the priest brought out the
captains of hundreds that were set over the host, and said unto
them. Have her forth of the ranges : and whoso followeth her, let
him be slain with the sword. For the priests said. Slay her not
in the house of the Lord. 15 So they laid hands on her; and
when she was come to the entering of the horse gate by the king's
house, they slew her there.
l6 And Jehoiada made a covenant between him, and between
all the people, and between the king, that they should be the
Lord's people. 17 Then all the people went to the house of
Baal, and brake it down, and brake his altars and his images in
pieces, and slew Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars.
592 II. CHRONICLES. XXIV.
18 Also Jehoiada appointed the offices of the house of the Lord
by the hand of the priests the Levites, whom David had distri-
buted in the house of the Lord, to offer the burnt offerings of the
Lord, as [it is] written in the hiw of Moses, with rejoicing and
with singing, [as it was ordained] by David. 19 And he set the
porters at the gates of the house of the Lord, that none [which
was] unclean in any thing should enter in, 20 x\nd he took the
captains of hundreds, and the nobles, and the governors of the
people, and all the people of the land, and brought down the king
from the house of the Lord : and they canie through the high
gate into the king's house, and set the king upon the throne of
the kingdom. 21 And all the people of the land rejoiced: and
the city was quiet, after that they had slain Athaliah with the
sword.
CHAPTER XXIV.
Joash, during the time of Jehoiada, reigns well, and repairs the temple ;
but afterwards apostatizes from God, and is slain.
1 J OASH [was] seven years old when he began to reign, and
he reigned forty years in Jerusalem. His mother's name also
[was] Zibcah of Beer-sheba. 2 And .loash did [that which was]
right in the sight of the Lord all the days of Jehoiada the priest ;
hut he did not take away the high places, 2 Kings xii. 3., he durst
not attempt that, {they zcere not taken away till the time of Ileze-
kiah) though he sacrijiced only to the tiue God. 3 And Jehoiada
took for him two wives ; and he begat sons and daughters ; he icas
directed in his choice by this good high priest.
4 And it came to pass after this, [that] Joash was minded to re-
pair the house of the Lord; which was gone to decay, having
been neglected in the former reign, and out of gratitude to God for
having been preserved there. 5 And he gathered together the
priests and the Levites, and said to them. Go out imto the cities
of Judah, and gather of all Israel money to repair the house
of your God from year to year, and see that ye hasten the
matter*. Howbeit the Levites hastened [it] not; there was a
* It is called, in 2 Kings xii. 4., the money of the dedicated thinf^x, wliat were, or
should have been, devoted to God, besides the half siiekel for all above twenty.
Sonielliing
II. CHRONICLES. XXIV. 593
ipirit of carelessness and indevotion among them ; undue read else-
where, that nothing was done for twenty-three years. The king
therefore takes another method, and appoints other people. 6 And
the king called for Jelioiada the chief, and said unto him,
Why hast thou not required of the Levites to bring in out of
Judah and out of Jerusalem the collection, [according to the
commandment] of Moses the servant of the Lord, and of the
congregation of Israel, for the tabernacle of witness ? 7 For the sons
of Athaliah, that wicked woman, had broken up the house of God*;
and also all the dedicated things of the house of the Lokd did
they bestow upon Baalim, to adorn the temple and promote the
worship of Baal. 8 And at the king's commandment they made a
chest, with a slit in the top to put in money, and set it without at
the gate of the house of the Lord. 9 And they made a procla-
mation through Judah and Jerusalem, to bring in to the Lord
the collection [thai] Moses the servant of God [laid] upon Israel
in the wilderness, for building the tabernacle. 10 And all the
princes and all the people rejoiced, and brought in, and cast into
the chest, until they had made an end, till they had brought in
enough, for they offered freely to this service. 1 1 Now it came to
pass, that at what time the chest was brought unto the king's
office by the hand of the Levites, and when they saw that there
was much money ; the king's scribe and the high priest's officer
came and emptied the chest, and took it, and carried it to his
place again ; this was done in the presence of the high priest's offi-
cer and the secretary of state, that there might be 7W fraud. Thus
they did day by day, and gathered money in abundance. 12 And
the king and Jehoiada gave it to such as did the work of the ser-
vice of the house of the Loud, and hired masons and carpenters
to repair the house of the Lord, and also such as wrought iron
and brass to mend the house of the Lord. 13 So the workmen
wrought, and the work was perfected by them, and they set the
house of God in his state, and strengthened it, the workzcent on
prosperously, the xcorkmen zcere faithful, 2 Kings xii. 1 5., and the
whole teas speedily completed. 14 And when they had finished
[it ,] they brought the rest of the money before the king and Je-
hoiada, whereof were made vessels for the house of the Lord,
Somotliinj; w;is due on botli llicsc accounts, (Lev. xxvii. 2.) He therefore .«.ends to
solicit tlic acqiiiitance of tiiose debts, year by year, tliat sonietliing might be done
every yeai till the temple was quite repaired, and tliat it should be done imme-
diately.
* Tliese were probably by another husband, whom she intended to advance,
and therefore slew the house of Uavid.
VOL. III. iQ
594. II. CHRONICLES. XXIV.
[even] vessels to minister, and to oflfer [withal,] and spoons, and
vessels of gold and silver ; nothing of this hind was done till the
temple was put in repair, and then what remained was laid out in
furniture and ornaments, 2 Kings xii. 13. And they offered bnrnt-
offerings in the house of the Lord continually all the days of
Jehoiada ; the sacrifices andzcorship were constantly and regularly
carried on.
1 5 But Jehoiada waxed old, and was full of days when he
died ; an hundred and thirty years old [was he] when he died ;
this was a great age, he remembered Solomon, and lived in eight
kings' reigns. l6 And they buried him in the city of David
among the kings, because he had done good in Israel, both toward
God, and toward his house, repaired, the temple ayid restored the
worship.
17 Now after the death of Jehoiada came the princes of Judah,
and made obeisance to the king ; they durst not come before, be-
cause they knew Jehoiada had great itfluence over him; hut noio
they came zcith fine faltering speeches, complaining that Jerusalem
was too far of, and desiring leave to worship Baal. Then the king-
hearkened unto them. 18 And they left the house of the Lord
God of their fathers, and served groves and idols, zcorshipped idols
in the groves : and wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for
this their trespass *. 19 Yet he sent prophets to them, to bring
them again unto the Lord ; and they testified against them : but
they would not give ear. 20 And the spirit of God came upon
Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, which stood above
the people : lohen the king and the people zcere assembled upon some
public occasion, he felt a divine motion to speak and reprove them,
and said unto them. Thus saith God, Why transgress ye the com-
mandments of the Lord that ye cannot prosper? because ye have
forsaken the Lord, he hath also forsaken you. 21 And they
conspired against him, and stoned him with stones at the com-
mandment of the king in the court of the house of the LoRni".
22 Thus Joash the king remembered not the kindness which
* Hazael came up and took Gatli, wliich belonged to Jmlali in David's lime ;
after that lie intended to Iiave come up to Jerusalem, but Joasli sent him the trea-
sures of the temple and the king's house, and lie went away for that time, 2 Kind's
xii. 17, 18.; but this had no effect, the people persisted in their idolatry, with the
king at the head of them.
f This was an abominable crime, considering the person, the place, and the
lime it was done. They went aftci iiim into the court of the prit'sts, where they
were commanded not to enter, an! >.!evv lilm between the temple and tlin altar, see
Matt, xxiii. 35. Barachiah was anotlier name for Jelioiada, given him in honour,
as the blessed of the Lord.
II. CHRONICLES. XXIV. 595
Jehoiada his father had done to him, but slew his son ; this was hor-
rible ingratitude ; the son of him who saved his life, and the person
zn'ho assisted to anoint and crown him. And when he died, he said,
The Loi:n look upon [it,] and require [it;] the Lord icill look
upon it ; it zvas a prophetic motion, and the Judgment immediately
followed.
23 And it came to pass at the end of the year, [diat] the host
of Syria came up against him : and they came to Judah and Je-
rusalem, and destroyed all the princes of the people from among
the people, the princes who had flattered Joash and seduced him,
and set tip idolatry, and sent all the spoil of them unto the king
of Damascus. '24 For the army of the Syrians came with a small
company of men, and the Lord delivered a very great host into
their hand, because they had forsaken the Lord God of their
fathers. So they executed judgment against .Toash. 25 And
when they were departed from him, (for they left him in great
diseases, he zcas greatly zcounded, and probably in great anguish of
spirit,) his own servants conspired against him for the blood of
the sons of Jehoiada the priest, and slew him on his bed, and he
died : and they buried him in the city of David, but they buried
him not in the sepulchres of the kings, because he had forsaken
God and slain one of his prophets. 26 And these are they that
conspired against him ; Zabad the son of Shimeath an x\mraonitess,
and Jehozabad the son of Shimrith a Moabitess. 27 Now [con-
cerning] his sons, and the greatness of the burdens [laid] upon
him, the tribute of the Syrians, or the afflictions frotn the hand of
God, and the repairing of the house of God, behold they [are]
written in the story of the book of the kings. And Amaziah bis
son reigned in his stead *.
REFLECTIONS.
1. Learn what an happiness it is for young men to have good
guides, to teach them what is useful, especially that \\hich is ri<rht
in the sight of God. Joash was good while Jehoiada lived. Let
young people value such, reckon their instruction a blessing, and
not a burden ; following them in all the imjjortant aft'airs of life
is a mark of wisdom, not of weakness, especially in raaniawe,
which is the most important. A child left to himself is generally
* After this chapter, 2 Kings, chap. xiii. may be read.
^' Q 2
596 11. CHRONICLES. XXIV.
ruined. He that tvalketh zcith wi&e men shall be wise, but a com'
panion of fools shall be destroyed.
2. How careful should aged saints be that they do not grow in-
dolent, and cloud the honour of their useful days; v. 6., And the
king called for Jehoiada the chief, and said, Why hast thou not
required of the Levites to bring in out ofJudah, and out of Jeru-
salem, the collection according to the commandment of Moses the
servant of the Lord'^ He was not sufficiently careful to quicken
the priests and see them perform their work faithfully. This is
the case with too many aged christians. Let us guard against it;
be fruitful and active as long as we are able ; and never indulge a
slothful temper, but show our zeal for God ; because the time is
short, and our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.
3. How amiable and lovely is a generous concern for the ho-
nour of God and the support of his house and worship ! Princes
and people cheerfully brought in supplies. The workmen were
diligent and honest ; all contributed their part. What a lovely
sight! We should show such zeal ourselves; excite it in others,
and stir up acquaintances to such labours of love.
4. How much is it to be wished that all who are employed in
public affairs should show such integrity as these workmen did.
They were so faithful that they never neglected their work ; there
was no occasion to examine their accounts. A good conscience
is especially requisite in laying out public money, and the more
so when the deceit is not likely to be known. Such persons are
peculiarly criminal in the sight of God when dislionest and un-
faithful. • Those that think it no crime to cheat their king, the
church, or their country, (as Mr. Henry observes,) will be of a
different mind when God sets their sins in order before them.'
5. See how much the public often lose by the death of good
men, though past the active scenes of life. Thus while Jehoiada
lived he kept things in order, supported the worship of God, and
prevented idolatry. Zeal and piety seemed to go with him. We
should value such while they live, and lament them when they
die. It is a peculiar honour to have done good to God and his
house; and it is to be wished their spirit may remain with survi-
vors, that instead of the fathers there may be the children to serve
the Lord.
6. See the danger men, especially great men, are in from flat-
terers; V. 17-, After the death of Jehoiada came the princes of
Judah and made obeisance to the Jcing. Then the king hearkened
unto them. He had lost his counsellor. These men made a
II. CHRONICLES. XXV. 597
fine speech, and he hearkened to them. Many young people are
ruined by being told how clever and how wise they are. This en-
courages their folly, and teaches them to laugh at the counsel of
their friends. A faithful regard to conscience and to the word of
God would prevent such danger, for the word of God flatters no
man.
7. God is a witness of our conduct, when those whom we re-
verenced are removed. Joash thought if Jehoiada was gone he
might act as he would ; but God knew him and sent prophets to
reprove him. Let young people when their parents are dead, or
when removed from under the eyes of their masters or parents,
remember God knows the way they take; and however they may
think to walk in the way of their hearts, and the sight of their
eyes, yet know that for all these things God will bring them into
judgment.
8. Reflect on the sad consequences of apostacy, and the mise-
rable state of those whose heart is not right with God. Joash set
out well, quickened the priests, vvas intent upon repairing the
temple ; but all this was by the force of education, or regard to
the high priest, without any real principle. So far men often go;
but the mask quickly drops, and like this unhappy prince, they
form wicked alliances, and are undone. There are many, like
him, who set out well ; their friends have agreeable hopes ; they
begin in the spirit but end in the flesh. Such should remember
God's judgment upon Joash; after all these pleasing prospects, he
died miserable. Let those who forsake God after having known
him, and for a while walked in his ways, remember their guilt is
peculiarly aggravated, and their plagues shall be great and won-
derful. Let all, especially those that are young, and are now
hopeful, beware, lest they draw buck to perdition. May they
believe and persevere to the end, that they may be saved.
CHAPTER XXV.
The rciiin and death of Amaziah.
1 Amaziah, the son of Joash, [was] twenty and five years
old [when] he began to reign, and he reigned twenty and nine
years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name [was] Jehoaddan of
598 II. CHRONICLES. XXV.
Jerusalem. 2 And he did [that which was] right in the sight of
the Lord, but not witli a perfect licart, not like king David, as
it is expressed in 2 Kings xiv. 13. 3 Now it came to pass, when
the kingdom was established to him, that he slew his servants
that had killed the king his father ; as thej/ were persons of con-
siderable eminence at court, he durst not do it till he was settled.
4 But he slew not their children ; this was commendable, not-
withstanding there was danger of their raising a faction and re-
venging their father s death ; but [did] as [it is] written in the law
in the book of Moses, where the Lord commanded, saying.
The fathers shall not die for the children, neither shall the chil-
dren die for the fathers, but every man shall die for his own sin.
5 Moreover Amaziah gathered Judah together, and made them
captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, according
to the houses of [their] fathers, throughout all Judah and Ben-
jamin; all of one family he put under the command of one of that
family : and he numbered them from twenty years old and above,
and found them three hundred thousand choice [men, able] to go
forth to war, that could handle spear and shield; they zcere sadly
diminished since Jehoshaphat's time, when they were about four
times that number. 6 He hired also an hundred thousand mighty
men of valour out of Israel for an hundred talents of silver. This
was wrong, because they were idolaters ; God had determined that
the kingdoms should be kept distinct, and had forbidden any alli-
ance between them. 7 But there came a man of God to him saying,
0 king, let not the army of Israel go with thee ; for the Lord
[is] not with Israel, [to wit, with] all the children of Ephraim,
because they are idolaters. 8 But if thou wilt go, do [it,] be
strong for the battle : God shall make thee fall before the enemy;
thou shalt have no success, all shall be in vain : for God hath
power to help, and to cast down. 9 And Amaziah said to the
man of God, But what shall we do for the hundred talents which
1 have given to the army of Israel ? 77iust I lose the money which is
already paid? And the man of God answered. The Lord is able
to give thee much more than this, if thou wilt obey him and trust
his goodness. 10 Then Amaziah separated them, [to wit,] the
army that was come to him out of Ephraim, to go home again :
wherefore their anger was greatly kindled against Judah, and they
returned home in great anger, resolving to be revenged for this
insult.
1 1 And Amaziah strengthened himself, and led forth his people
against the Edomites, and went to the valley of salt, and smote of
II. CHRONICLES. XXV. 599>
the children of Seir ten thousand ; and, as we find in 2 Kings xiv. 7.,
he took Selnh, or Petra, the capital of the country, the chief city
of Arabia the stoni/. 12 And [other] ten thousand [left] alive did
the children of Judah carry away captive, and brought them unto
the top of the rock, and cast them down from the top of the
rock, that they all were broken in pieces*.
13 But the soldiers of the army which Amaziah sent back, that
they should not go with him to battle, took the advantage of his
army being gone against Edom, and fell upon ihe cities of .]udah,
frorti Samaria even unto Beth-horon, and smote three thousand
of them, and took much spoil, tohich ^vas a punishment to Ama-
ziah for joining with those idolaters.
14 Now it came to pass, after that Amaziah was come from
the slaughter of the Edomites, that he brought the gods of the
children of Seir, zi'hich he ought to have burned, and set them up
[to be] his gods, and bowed down himself before them, and
burned incense unto them. 15 Wherefore the anger of the Lokd
was kindled against Amaziah, and he sent unto him a prophet,
which said unto him, Why hast thou sought after the gods of the
people, which could not deliver their own people out of thine
handf? 16 And it came to pass, as he talked with him, that
[the king] said unto him. Art thou made of the king's counsel ?
dost thou presume to give advice without a commission ? tiot re'^ard-
ing the commission he had from God: forbear; why shouldst thou
be smitten J ? Then the prophet forbare, he determined to sat/ no
more, but denounced sentence against him, and said, I know that
God hath determined to destroy thee, because thou hast done
this, and hast not hearkened unto my counsel.
17 Then Amaziah king of Judah took advice, and sent to
Joash the son of Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu, king of Israel, sayino
Come, let us see one another in tlie face; encouraged by his
victory, and vexed at the iujury the returning Israelites had done
* Tliis was l)arl)aious trealmrnt, but very common, especially amoni
Romans. Wc tind, in 2 Kings, that lie called the city Joktheel, or, obcdic
iod, because he thought this victory a reward for his obedience in setidin"
especially among (he
Romans. We tind, in 2 Kings, that he called the city .loktheel, or, obedience to
God, because he thought this victory a reward for his obedience in setidins back
the hired Isiaehtes,
f Had he tlirown them from the rock instead of the soldiers, he would have
shown a much more pious and compassionate spirit. Nothing' more need be said
to convince him of his stiipiihty. It was much wiser conduct in Fal)ius, Hie Roman
governor, who, when he had taken Tarentum, and was asked what they must do
with the srods ? answered, Let them alone, they are good for nothing, since they
could not defend their worshippers.
4 He iiad probably here a reference to Zechariah, who was put to deatli in (be
former reign for his faithful reproof, chap. xxiv. 21.
600 II. CHRONICLES. XXV.
him, ver. 13., he sent him a challenge, and hoped now to reduce the
kingdom of Israel to David's family again. 18 And Joash king
of Israel sent to Amaziah king of Judali, saying, in a most
scornful and mortifying manner^ by a parable, The thistle that
[was] in Lebanon sent to the cedar that [was] in Lebanon, saying,
Give thy daughter to my son to wife : and there passed by a wild
beast that [was] in Lebanon, and trode down tije thistle ; a thistle,
because it had draivn blood of some poor traveller, thought it might
claim an alliance tcith the cedar, and was as goodly a tree as that ;
so, because Amaziah had beaten the Edomites, he thought he might
conquer the Israelites ; but Joash let him know that he and his men
would tread him dozen, as easily as a zcild beast does a thistle.
19 Thou say est, Lo, thou hast smitten the Edomites ; and thine
lieart lifteth thee up to boast : abide now at home ; why shouldst
thou meddle to [thine] hurt, that thou shouldst fall, [even] thou,
and Judah with thee ? Be content tcith the victory already gained,
and be quiet at home, or else it zcill end in thy ruin. 20 But
Amaziah would not hear ; for it [came] of God, that he might
deliver them into the hand [of their enemies,] because they sought
after the gods of Edom. 21 So Joash the king of Israel went up ;
and they saw one another in the face, [both] he and Amaziah
king of Judah, at Beth-shemesh, which [belongeth to Judah.]
22 And Judah was put to the worse before Israel, and they iled
every man to his tent. 23 And Joash the king of Israel took
Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Joash, the son of Jehoahaz,
at Beth-shemesh, and brought him to Jerusalem, his ozcn capital,
and brake down the wall of Jerusalem from the gate of Ephraim
to the corner gate, four himdred cubits ; that if they did not
fulfil the condition he might the more easily chastise them. 24 And
[he took] all the gold and the silver, and all the vessels that werti
found in the house of God with Obed-edom, that is, one of his
posterity, to whom the care of them was committed, and the trea-
sures of the king's house, the hostages also, the chief persons of
the city, and returned to Sauiaria ; he did not leave a garrison
there, because he had zcvrk enough with the Syrians at home *.
25 And Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah lived after the
death of Joash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel fifteen years.
2G Now the rest of the acts of Amaziah, fust and last, behold,
[are] they not written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel ?
27 Now after the time that Amaziah did turn away from following
* Tliis is fuc desolation probably reCtrred to in the 6rst thapter of Isaiah's
prophecy.
II. CHRONICLES. XXV. 001
the Lord they made a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem;
seeing the country spoiled, their city dismantled, their sons or re-
lations carried away as hostages, and all this ozcing to his pride and
rashness, they conspired against him; and he fled to Lachish : but
they sent to Lachish after him, and slew him there ; they sent a
detachment of soldiers, and it seems to have been the act of all the
people, who were vexed to suffer so much by his folly *. 28 And
they brought him upon horses, and buried him with his fathers ia
the city of Judah.
REFLECTIONS.
1. We are taught hence, that it is not sufficient to act in reli-
gion, as our forefathers have, unless our hearts are right with
God. Amaziah did what was right in itself, but not like David.
It is not sufficient to worship in the same place with our fathers;
to adhere to the interest they promoted, without their integrity
and zeal. Unless the heart is right, all is vain and hypocritical.
2, The all-sufficiency of God should encourage us, whatever
we may lose for a <iOod conscience; v. 9-, ^'^d Amaziah said to
the man of God, But what shall we do for the hundred talents
which I have given to the army of Israel'^ And the man of God
anszcered, The Lord is able to give thee much more than this. This
is a very common objection in quarrels about money matters ; we
are loth to yield; to give up sinful branches of trade which are
profitable; or to leave off selling on the Lord's day. We are
ready to ask, What shall we do for the money ? But it is below a
good man to ask such a question, in cases where duty and con-
science are concerned. The belief of God's all-sufficiency is an
answer to a thousand such trifling objections. He can make up
every loss. Let us often think of this when we are called upon
to part with any thing for God and religion. So Paul urges to
charity, God is able to make all grace abound to you.
3. See the miserable condition of that man to whom the word
of the Lord is a burden and reproach ; v. 16., Then the prophet
said, I knoio that God halh determined to destroy thee because
thou hast done this, and hast not hearkened to my counsel, \oung
and headstrong people are willing that mitiisters should always
prophesy smooth things. They are angry at them, and at parents
and friends, because they reprove and admonish them ; and are
* Ste J Kiugs xiv. .>j., to the cud, which should be read in this connexion.
002 II. CHRONICLES. XXVI.
glad when they give over. But that is a sign of in)pending ruin.
We may certainly say in such a case, I know God is determined
to destroy thee; for the word of God declares, he that being often
reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that
without remedy. Prov. xxix. I.
4. Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a
fall. Aniaziuii, hot-lieaded and (lushed with victory, would defy
the hosts of Israel ; and this was because his heart teas lifted up.
This is the cause of many disorders. It is not men's substance,
their honours, or their victories, which do them mischief, but
their pride ; their hearts are lifted up. Proud men, upon every
little success or gain, think themselves superior to every body,
and fit for any thing. But they often, as it is here said, meddle to
their hurt. He that is eager to fight, or go to law, may quickly
have enough of it. It is better, as Joash advised Amaziah, to
tarry at home; to be quiet, contented, and thankful. The be-
ginning of strife is as wheii one letteth out ivatcr; Prov. xvii. 14.
The story we have been considering confirms the usefulness of
Solomon's advice, Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know
not what to do in the end thereof when thy neighbour has put thee
to shame; Prov. xxv. 8.
CHAPTER XXVI.
Uzziah succeeds Amaziah ; for invading tlie priest's oflico, he is smitten
with leprosy; he dies, and is succeeded by Jotliain.
1 XHEN all the people of Judah took Uzziah *, who [was]
sixteen years old, and made him king in the room of his father
Amaziah +. 2 He built Eloth, and restored it to Judah, after that
king slept with his fathers. 3 Sixteen yeais old [was] Uzziah
when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and two years in
Jerusalem, the longest of any king of Judah or Israel. His mo-
ther's name also [was] Jecoliah of Jerusalem. 4 And he did
[that which was] right in the sight of the Loud, accordiug to all
* He is called Azariali, in 2 Kings xv. l. Botli are words of the same siguiti-
cation, God is my help.
+ There was an intcirrgnum of twelve years. It is probable that his father
died when he was about four years ohl, aud twelve years after that tlie people
made liiui king iu the room of his father.
II. CHRONICLES. XXVI. 50»
that his father Aniaziah did, h%it did not take away the high places.
5 And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, (probably the son
of Zechariah whom his grandfather slezo), who had understanding
in thd visions of God, expounded the scriptures, and instructed the
people out of them: and as long as he sought the Lord, God
made him to prosper. G And he went forth and warred against the
Phihstines, and brake down the wall of Galh, and the wall of
Jabneh, and the wall of Ashdod, and built cities about Ashdod,
and among the Philistines; that is, garrisons to keep them in sub-
jection. 7 And God helped him against the Philistines, and
against the Arabians that dwelt in Gur-Baal, and the Mehunims,
a wild people, ivho lived by robbery and plunder, in part of Arabia.
8 And the Ammonites gave gifts, or presents^ to Uzziah : and his
name spread abroad [even] to the entering in of Egypt : for he
strengthened [himself] exceedingly.
9 Moreover Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the corner
gate, and at the valley gate, and at the turning [of the wall,] and
fortified them ; he rebuilt the zcall that was demolished in his fa-
ther's time by the king of Israel, and built towers to defend it.
10 Also he built towers in the desert, or rather, places of security
for his husbandmen and shepherds, and shelters for his cattle and
granaries, and digged many wells, for he had much cattle, both in
the low country, and in the plains : husbandmen [also,] and vine
dressers in the mountains, and in Carmel*: for he loved hus-
bandry, and set his subjects an example of diligence in agriculture.
11 Moreover Uzziah had an host of fighting men, that went
out to war by bands, light troops to secure the JiationJ'rom inroads,
according to the number of their account by the hand of Jeiel the
scribe, or secretary of war, and Maaseiah the ruler, under the
hand of Hananiah, [one] of the king's captains. 12 The whole
number of the chief of the fathers, or officers, of the mighty men
of valour [were] two thousand and six hundred. 13 And under
their hand [was] an army, three hundred thousand and seven
thousand and five hundred, that made war with mighty power, to
help the king against the enemy. 14 And Uzziah prepared for
them throughout all the host shields, and spears, and helmets,
and habergeons, and bows, and slings [to cast] stones, zceapons
both offensive and difensive. 1 5 And he made in Jerusalem engines
invented by cunning men, such as the ancients used before guns
were invented, to be upon the towers and upon the bulwarks, to
* This was not mount Caraiel iu Samaria, but a fruitt'ul coiiutjy iu Judea, often
mentioned by the prophets.
cat II. CHRONICLES. XXVI.
shoot arrows and great stones withal. And his name spread far
abroad ; for he was marvellously helped, till he was strong. T/ins
zchetfier hi peace orirar, he arrived at the greatest glory.
16 But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to [his*] de-
struction : for he transgressed against the Lord his God, and went
into the temple of the Loud to burn incense upon the altar of
incense*. 17 And Azariah the priest went in atu^r him, and with
him fomscore priests of the Loud, [that were] valiant men:
18 And they withstood Uzziah the king; probuhli/ surrounded the
altar of incense, that he might not approach it without offering
riolence to them, and said unto him, boldly, ijct ref^pectjuUy , [it
appertaineth] not unto thee, Uzziah, to burn incense unto the
Lord, but to the priests the sons of Aaron, that are consecrated
to burn incense: go out of the sanctuary; for thou hast tres-
passed ; thou hast gone too Jar already in coining into the sanc-
tnary ; neither [shall it be] for thine honour from the Lord
God; meaning it would lea disgrace and reproach to him; but
they spoke modestly and respectful it/, as to their king. 1 9 Then
Uzziah was wroth, and [had] a censer in his hand to burn incense ;Ae
still persisted in his design : and while he was wrotii with the priests,
and probably threatening them, the leprosy even rose up in his
forehead before the priests in the house of the Lord, from beside
the incense altar ; the leprosy plainly appeared to the priests, as he
stood before the altar of incense. 20 And Azariah the chief priest,
and all the priests, looked upon him, and, behold, he [was] leprous
in his forehead, and they thrust him out from thence; yea, himself
hasted also to go out, because the Lord had smitten himf.
21 And Uzziah the king was a leper unto the day of his death,
and dwelt in a several house, [being] a leper ; for he was cut off
from the house of the Lord;}:: and Jotham his son [was] over
the king's house, judging the people of the land.
* This was strange conduct. Had lie prayed before the people, had he
preached to them, as David and Solomon and Jehosh;iphat did, it woidd have
been v\ell ; but his buminj^ incense upon tlie altar was an liigh insult to God and
his sanctuasy. It is hard to assifitn any reason for it. I'erliaps he wanted to be
like the heathen princes ; or to imitate his father, who burnt incense before the
j:ods of Edoni ; or Jeroboam, who did so before his calves.
t They were going to tlnust him out, but he went out himself, for fear of some
};reater judgment. This was a very remarkabie punishment. He aspired at
honour, and was smitten with a loathsome disease. He invaded the priests'
ofiiee, and was angry with them, and now was smitten with a disease which was
subject to their inspection For coming into Uie sanctuary, he was expelled the
outer court, where the meanest subject might enter. By aspiring to tlie priestly
office, he lost the royal dignity.
X God might justly punish him, as he was guilty of au Uighatfrout to him and his
II. CHRONICLES. XXVI. 605
22 Now the rest of the acts of Uzziah, first and last, did Isaiah
the prophet, the son of Anioz, write, but this account is lost. His
name is mentioned in Isaiah vi. 1. 25 So Uzziah slept with his
fathers, and they buried him with his fathers in the tield of the
burial which [belonged] to the kings ; for they said, lie [is] a
leper : and Jothani his son reigned in his stead.
REFLECTIONS.
1. We infer, that true religion, or seeking the Lord, is the way
to prosperity, v. 5. As long as Uzziah did so, God ntade him to
prosper exceedingli/ . All prosperity comes from God, and is most
likely to be found in the ways of piety. Whatever was peculiar
to that dispensation, still it is to be remembered, that godliness is
profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is,
and of that which is to come.
2. How hard is it to bear prosperity with moderation and
thankfulness ! Uzziah is a dreadful instance of this ; v. l6., When
he zeas strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction : for he
transgressed against the Lord his God, and went into the temple of
the Lord, and burned incense upon the altar of incense. He had
led large forces against his enemies, and mightily subdued them ;
but pride subdued him. Good men as well as great men are in
danger of this. We need to watch our hearts against the en-
croachment of so dangerous a foe ; and to pray, that we enter
not into so conmion and hurtful a temptation.
•i. Learn how jealous God is for the purity of his own insti-
tutions and ihe order of his house, who made this great and glo-
rious, and in other respects, good king, so awful a monument of
his displeasure. We have no such particular laws now ; but the
reason of the thing and the rule of the gospel require men to keep
within their own sphere and calling; and especially not to invade
the ministerial office : it is pride and ignorance which embolden
men sometimes to do it. But it is not for their honour before the
Lord God, nor for the honour of their ministry. Let every man
be a preacher in his own family, and do all the good he can to
the souls of his neighbours. This is every man's business ; and
law ; and to prevent the royal and priestly dignity from being confounded, on
the keeping of whieli separate, much of the Jewish economy depended. He lived
long a nioiiwmtnt of Cud's displeasure ; wliicli must be peculiarly mortifying to
so active a prince, and such a lover of business, and in the height of all bis glory.
606 II. CHRONICLES. XXVII.
if they would discharge that, and ministers at the same time give
themselves wholly to their office, without meddling with secular
affairs, the world and church would be more orderly, virtuous, and
happy.
CHAPTER XXVII.
The reign of Jotham. In 2 Kings xv. S., to the end, is an account of
several kings of Israel during the reign of Azariah or Uzziah over
Judah. Il will be proper to read it here, and then return to this
account of his son.
1 tlOTHAM [was] twenty and five years old when he began to
reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. His mother's
name also [was] Jerushah, the daughter of Zadok. 2 And he did
[that which was] right in the sight of the Loud, according to all
that his father Uzziah did ; he seems to have been a good king ; no
evil is said of him ; he imitated his father in xvhat zcas commen-
dable: howbeit he entered not into the temple of the Lord.
And the people did yet corruptly; rather, surely he entered not
into the temple of the Lord in the profane manner his father did ;
yet the people did corruptly, by sacrificing and burning incense in
high places. 3 He built the high gate of the house of the Lord,
where the Nethinims dwelt, Neh. iii. 26., and on the \\all of Ophel
he built much*. 4 Moreover he built cities in the mountains of
Judah, and in the forests he built castles and towers.
5 He fought also with the kings of the Ammonites, and pre-
vailed against them : they had not revolted before since David's
time, and now became tributaries. And the children of Amnion
gave him the same year an hundred talents of silver, and ten thou-
sand measures of wheat, and ten thousand of barley. So much
did the children of Ammon pay unto him, both the second year,
and the third. G So Jotham became mighty, because he prepared
his ways before the Lord his God, directed all his counsels and
actions by God's loordf.
7 Now the rest of the acts of Jotham, and all his wars, and
his ways, lo, they [are] written in the book of the kings of Israel
* Ophel was a large tower, that probably aftei-wards was called Ihe towt-r of
Anthony,
t 2 King^, chap. xvi. shonld be read next.
II. CHRONICLES. XXVII. 607
and Judah. 8 He was five and twenty years old when he began
to reign, and reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. 9 And Jotham
slept with his father:*, and they buried him in the city of David ;
and Ahaz his son reigned in his stead.
REFLECTIONS.
1. We have just reason for thankfulness that our land is not
like that of Israel. Fur the transgression of a land, mani/ are the
princes thereof; Prov, xxviii. 2. "^Ihey had many in a few years ;
attended with riots, murders, anarchy, and confusion. Alas, what
peace and comfort could the subject have amidst such scenes as
these ! Let us bless God this is not the case in our days. We
should often make this reflection, when we read such stories in
sacred or common history ; and it is a reflection which should be
made with much seriousness and gratitude.
2. However men act, the word of God shall take effect. God
had said, Th^ sons shall sit on the throne nnto the fourth generation,
2 Kings XV. 12., and so it came to pass. All Jehu's descendants
were wicked; but God's promises notwithstanding were accom-
plished. What an encouragement is this to good men, to be
strong in faith, giving glory to God. Faithful is He zcho hath pro-
mised, and roho also is able to perform ; and if he keeps his word
with his enemies, much more will he do it with his friends.
3. We must imitate the best of men no further than they behave
well. Where we have a particular veneration for persons, we
are in danger of running into their errors and follies. Caution on
this head is proper. Let us do as our fathers did, so far as it was
good and commendable. But the chief thing is to follow the
rules of God's word ; and like Jotham, prepare our zcays before
the Loi'd'y then shall we become mighty, honourable, and happy.
4. The greatest princes are only God's instruments, and exe-
cute his purposes. The Assyrians were only the rod of his anger,
2 Kings XV. 29- He gives them their commission, and sends them
against ungrateful aud sinful men. Let us reverence his provi-
dence ; adore his influence over the spirits of men; and remember,
that the hearts of all men are in the hand of the Lord. Happy
are the people zcho have him for their friend.
608 II. CHRONICLES. XXVIII.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
Ahaz reigns wickedly; is aflflicted by the Syrians; iiis death; and is
succeeded by Hezekiah.
1 x\.HAZ [was] twenty years old when he began to reign, and
he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem : but he did not [that which
was] right in the sight of the Lord, like David his father:
2 For he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, and made
also molten images for Baalim. 3 Moreover he burnt incense in
the valley of the son of Hinnom, and burnt his children in the
fire, after the abominations of the heathen whom the Lonn had
cast out before the children of Israel. 4 He sacrificed also and
burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every
green tree*. 5 Wherefore the Lord his God delivered him
into the hand of the king of Syria; and they smote him, and
carried away a great multitude of them captives and brought
[them] to Damascus. And he was also delivered into the hand
of the king of Israel, who smote him with a great slaughter.
G For Pekah the son of Remaliah made a piodigious s/aug/ilcr,
and slew in Judah an hundred and twenty thousand in one day,
[which were] all valiant men ; because they had forsaken the
Lord God of their fathers. 7 And Zicliri, a mighty man of
Ephraim, slew Maaseiah the king's son, and Azrikam the go-
vernor of the house, the high steward of the household, and EI-
kanah [that was] next to the king, the king's chief favourite,
8 And the children of Israel carried away captive of their
brethren two hundred thousand, women, sons, and daughters, and
took also away nmch spoil from them, and brought the spoil to
Samaria. 9 But a prophet of the Lord was there, whose name
[was] Oded : and he went out before the host that came to Sa-
maria, and said unto them, Behold, because the Lord God of
your fathers was wroth with Judah, he hath delivered them into
your hand, and ye have slain them in a rage [that] reacheth up
unto heaven. 10 And now ye purpose to keep under the chil-
dren of Judah and Jerusalem for bondmen and bondwomen unto
you ; either to keep them for slaves, or to sell them to other coun-
* The following versos, from the fifth to the twenty-first, should be read in <on-
ncxion willi 3 Kings, chap, xvi , and bctweeu tiie si\ih and seventh vi r»cs.
II. CHRONICLES. XXVIII. 609
tries, contrary to the lazv of God: [but are there] not with you,
even with you, sins against the Loud your God ?ybr which, if
God were strict to mark, you would be punished worse than they,
and therefore you ought to show mercy to them. 1 1 Now hear me
therefore, and deliver the captives again, which ye have taken
captive oi" your brethren : for the fierce wrath of the Lord [is]
upon you. 12 Then certain of the heads of the children of
Ephraim, Azariah the son of Johanau, Berechiah the son ot
Meshillemolh, and Jehizkiah the son of Shallum, and Amasa the
son of Hadlai, stood up against them that came from the war,
and shoived a noble spirit, insisting on the prophet's order to deliver
up the captives being executed : 13 And said unto them, Ye shall
not bring in the captives hither: for whereas we have oflFended
against the Lord [already,] ye intend to add [more] to our sins
and to our trespass : for our trespass is great, and [there is] fierce
wrath against Israel. 14 So the armed men left the captives and
the spoil before the princes and all the congregation, to do with
them as they pleased. 15 And the men which were expressed by
name, which were 7iominated by the congregation, rose up, and
took the captives, and with the spoil clothed all that were naked
among them, and arrayed them^.and shod them, and gave them to
eat and to drink, and anointed them, dressed their wounds, and
carried all the feeble of them upon asses, and brought them to
Jericho, the city of palm trees, to their brethren ; provided beasts
for the feeble, and brought them safe to the land of Judah: then
they returned to Samaria.
\Q At that time did king Ahaz send unto the kings of Assyria
to help him. 17 For again the Edomites had come and smitten
Judah, and carried away captives; they took advantage of these
troubles and confusions to attack him. 18 The Philistines also,
to revenge the injuries that Uzziah his grandfather had done them,
had invaded the cities of the low country, and of the south of
Ju«dah, and had taken Beth-shemesh, and Ajalon, and Gederoth,
and Shocho with the villages thereof, and Timnah with the vil-
lages thereof, Gimzo also and the villages thereof: and they
dwelt there. 19 For the Loud brought Judah low because of
Ahaz king of Israel*; for he made Judah naked, and trans-
gressed sore against the Lord; he deprived them of the divine
protection by his idolatry and wickedness. 20 And Tilgath-pil-
nezer king of Assyria came unto him, and distressed him, but
* It should be Ajh^"- nf Judah, as tlie Seventy aud the old (ranslation read it.
It is evidently a mistake in the tiansciibing.
VOL. III. 2 R
GIO II. CHRONICLES. XXIX.
strengthened him not. 21 For Ahaz took away a portion [out]
of the house of the Lord, and [out] of the house of the king,
and of the princes, and gave [it] unto the king of Assyria; he got
all the treasures he could together, to bribe the king of Assyria to
help him; but he helped him not*.
22 And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more
against the Lord: this [is that] king Ahaz. 23 For he sacri-
ficed unto the gods of Damascus, which smote him : and he said,
Because the gods of the kings of Syria help them, [therefore]
will I sacrifice to them, that they may help me. But they were
the ruin of him, and of all Israel. 24 And Ahaz gathered to-
gether the vessels of the house of God, and cut in pieces the
vessels of the house of God, and shut up the doors of the house
of the Lord, and he made him altars in every comer of Jeru-
salem. 23 And in every several city of Judah he made high
places to burn incense unto other gods, and provoked to anger
the Lord God of his fathers.
26 Now the rest of his acts and of all his ways, first and last,
behold, they [are] written in the book of the kings of Judah and
Israel. 27 And Ahaz slept with his fathers, and they buried him
in the city, [even] in Jerusalem :tbut they brought him not into
the sepulchres of the kings of Israel : and Hezekiah his sou
reigned in his stead.
CHAPTER XXIX.
The good reign of Hezekiah ; the true religion is restored, and llie house
of God cleansed.
1 Hezekiah began to reign [when he was] five and twenty
years old, and he reigned nine and twenty years in Jerusalem.
And his mother's name [was] Abijah the daughter of Zechariah.
2 And he did [that wliich was] right in the sight of the Lord
accordinfif to all that David his father had done.
3 He in the first year of his reign in the first month, resolitteli/
began a re/crinatio)i, and opened the doors of the house of the
Lord, nhich his father had shut, and repaired them. 4 And
* Sec a larger account of this in 2 Kings xvi. 7—9., which it will be proper to
read in connexion with this.
II. CHRONICLES. XXIX. 611
he brought in the priests and the Levites, which his father had
excluded, and gathered them together into the east street, before
the east gate, at the entrance of the temple, 5 And said unto
them, Hear me, ye Levites, sanctify now yourselves, and sanctify
the house of the Loud God of your fathers, and carry forth the
filthiness out of the holy [place;] carry the altar of Aha z out of
the court. 6 For our fathers have trespassed, (he speaks tenderly/
concerning his ozm father,) and done [that which was] evil in
the eyes of the Lord our God, and have forsaken him, that is,
his ivorship, and have turned away their faces from the habitation
of the Lord, and turned [their] backs, that is, worshipped to-
zoards the east, contrary to the hno, which requiy-ed them to worship
toivards the most holy place, zohich lay west of the court. 7 Also
they have shut up the doors of the porch, and put out the lamps,
and have not burned incense, nor offered burnt offerings in the
holy [place] unto the God of Israel. 8 Wherefore the wrath of
the LoRO was upon Judah and Jerusalem, when Pekah sleio an
hundred and twenty thousand of them in one day, (see ch. xxviii. 6.),
and he hath delivered them to trouble, to astonishment, and to
hissing, as ye see with your eyes. 9 For, lo, our fathers have
fallen by the sword, and our sons and our daughters and our
wives [are] in captivity for this ; some were slain, and others carried
captive. 10 Now [it is] in mine heart to make a covenant with
the Lord God of Israel, that his fierce wrath may turn away
from us. 11 My sons, be not now negligent: for the Lord hath
chosen you to stand before him, to serve him, and that ye should
minister unto him, and burn incense ; see that God's laws are oh-
served, and the order of his house restored, now you have liberty
to do so.
12 Then the Levites arose, Mahath the son of Amasai, and
Joel the sou of Azariah, of the sons of the Kohathites : and of
the sons of Merari ; Kish the son of Abdi, and Azariah the son of
Jehalelel : and of the Gershonites; Joah the son of Zimmah, and
Eden the son of Joah : 13 And of the sons of Elizaphan; Shimri
and Jeiel : and of the sons of Asaph ; Zechariah, and Mattaniah :
14 And of the sons of Heman ; Jehiel, and Shiraei : and of the
sons of Jeduthun; Shemaiah, and Uzziel. These are the names
of the principal persons who complied with the king's order, and
stirred up their brethren to the work. 15 And they gathered their
brethren, and sanctified themselves, by washing the body and
observing other rites of the laiv, and came according to the com-
mandment of the king, by the words of the Lord, to cleanse
2 R2
612 II. CHRONICLES. XXIX.
the house of the Lord. 16 And the priests went into the inner
part of llie house of the Loud to cleanse [it,] and brought
out all the uncleanness that they found in the temple of the
Lord into the court of the house of the Lord. And the Levites
took [it,] to carry [it] out abroad into the brook Kidron. 17 Now
they began on the first [day] of the tirst month to sanctify ; zcash-
ing every part , cleaning the candlesticks and vessels, zihich were
grozcn rusty, and repairing the decayed parts; and on the eighth
day of the month came they to the porch of the Lord : so they
sanctified the house of the Lord in eight days; and in the six-
teenth day of the first month they made an end; being eight days
more in cleaning the courts, and chambers, and offices about it.
18 Then they went in to Hezekiah the king, and said, We have
cleansed all the house of the Loud, and the altar of burnt offering,
with all the vessels thereof, and the shew bread table, with all the
vessels thereof. 19 Moreover all the vessels which king Ahaz in his
reign did cast away in his transgression, have we prepared and
sanctified, and, behold, they [are] before the altar of the Lord.
20 Then Hezekiah the king rose early, and gathered the rulers
of the city, and went up to the house of the Lord. 21 And
they brought seven bullocks, and seven rams, and seven lambs,
and seven he-goats for a sin offering for the kingdom, and for
the sanctuary, and for Judah. And he commanded the priests
the sons of Aaron to offer [them] on the altar of the Loud*.
22 So they killed the bullocks, and the priests received the blood,
and sprinkled [it] on the altar : likewise, when they had killed the
rams, they sprinkled the blood upon the altar: they killed also the
lambs, and they sprinkled the blood upon the altar; all this zcas
according to the law. 23 And they brought forth the he-goats [for]
the sin offering before the king and the congregation ; and they
laid their hands upon them : 24 And the priests killed them, and
they made reconciliation with their blood upon the altar, to make
an atonement for all Israel : for the king commanded [that] the
burnt offeiing and the sin ofiering [should be made] for all Israel,
hereby acknoicledging their relation to them. 25 And he set the
Levites in the house of the Lord with cymbals, with psalteries,
and with harps, according to the commandment of David, and
of Gad the king's seer, and Nathan the prophet : for [so was]
the conunandment of the Lord by his prophets. And the
* Atonement was first made for past sins- The law appointed only one of each
as a sin offerinR ; but as their guilt had been heinous, Hezekiah ordered seven,
or one seven times over.
II. CHRONICLES. XXIX. 613
Levites stood with the instruments of David, which David had
appointed, and the priests with the trumpets, tuhich Moses ordered.
26 And Hezekiah commanded to offer the burnt offering upon
the altar. And when the burnt offering began, the song of the
Lord* began [also] with the trumpets, and with the instru-
ments [ordained] by David king of Israel. 28 And all the con-
gregation worshipped, and the singers sang, and the trumpeters
sounded : [and] all [this continued] until the burnt offering was
finished. 29 And when they had made an end of offering, the
king and all that were present with him bowed themselves, and
worshipped ; thej/ began and concluded the service zcith a solemn
adoration of the divine majestj/. 30 Moreover Hezekiah the king
and the princes commanded the Levites to sing praise unto the
Lord with the words of David, and of Asaph the seer, «o^ on/y
this day, but continualli/. And they sang praises v.ith gladness, and
they bowed their heads and worshipped. 3 1 Then Hezekiah
answered and said, Now ye have consecrated yourselves unto the
Loud, come near and bring sacrifices and thank offerings into the
house of the Loud i". And the congregation brought in sacrifices,
and thank offerings ; and as many as were of a free heart burnt of-
ferings]:. 3''Z And the number of the burnt offerings, which the con-
gregation brought, was threescore and ten bullocks, an hundred
rams, [and] two hundred lambs : all these [were] for a burnt of-
fering to the Lord. 33 And the consecrated things, all the offer-
ings consecrated to God, besides the burnt offerings already men-
tioned, [were] six hundred oxen and three thousand sheep. 34 But
the priests, that is, such as were sanctijied, were too few, so
that they could not flay all tie burnt offerings: wherefore
their brethren the Levites did help them till the work was
ended, and until the [other] priests had sanctified themselves :
for the Levites [were] more upright in heart to sanctify them-
selves, had greater zeal and resolution, than the priests. 35 And
also the burnt offerings [were] in abundance, with the fat of
the peace offerings, and the drink offerings for [every] burnt
offering. J'his was another reason ichy the priests zcere too feio ;
* Proha])ly the song of the Lord was the hundred and thirty-sixth psalni, which
seems to have hecn used in the daily worshiji.
f Atonement bein? tlius made, and the reculnr worship established. lie com-
manded that other saeritices shonUl be bronj;ht. HaTins; consecrated themselves,
by otferiii!;; sacriticis of reconciliation, they were to bring peace offerings as an
acknowledgment of God's goodness.
t Tliis sliowed great piety and zeal, becanse the wliole of the burnt offerings
were destroyed, but the peace offerings were shareii by theiu and the priests.
614. II. CHRONICLES. XXX.
the fat of the peace offerings was to be burnt, and drink offerings
were presented with each burnt offering. So the service of the
house of the Lord, both ordinary and extraordinary, was set in
order. SQ And Hezekiah rejoiced, and all the people, that God
had prepared the people : for the thing was [done] suddenly \ to
see all so ready and so resolute, manifested a divine influence on
their minds, ivhich occasioned great joy.
iS^ For the Reflections on this chapter, see s^Kings, chap, xviii.
CHAPTER XXX.
The passover being agreed upon, letters are sent by Hezekiah to invite all
Israel to it ; We have here the manner in which it was kept, and the
feast which followed it,
1 i\.ND Hezekiah sent to all Israel and Judah, those of the ten
tribes of Israel that were not carried cajytive, and wrote letters also
to Ephraim and Manasseh *, that they should come to the house
of the Lord at Jerusalem, to keep the passover unto the Lord
God of Israel. 2 For the king had taken counsel, and his princes,
and all the congregation in Jerusalem, to keep the passover in the
second month. 3 For they could not keep it at that time, ^/m^ w,
on the fourteenth day of the first month, as the laio directed, for the
temple zcas not cleansed till the sixteenth ; and because the priests
had not sanctified themselves sufficiently, neither had the people
gathered themselves together to Jerusalem. 4 And the thing
pleased the king and all the congregation ; the advice of the coun-
cil wax approved, and the thing agreed upon f. 5 So they esta-
blished a decree to make proclamation throughout all Israel, from
Beersheba even to Dan, that they should come to keep the pass-
over unto the Lord God of Israel at Jerusalem: for they had
not done [it] of a long [time in such sort] as it was written. 6 So
the posts went with the letters from the king and his princes
throughout all Israel and Judah, and according to the command-
* Epliraini and Manasseh arc p;irJicularly nicntioneil, because they were near
Judah, and might know more of lehgion by an intercourse witli tlicir neighbours.
They were invited to conic to Jerusalem, because tliat was tlie only place where
it could be kept.
t The ten tribes had not kept it since tlicir separation, being hindered from
going to Jerusalem : and Judah never kept it with such solemnity as they «lid now,
since tlie time of Solomon.
II. CHRONICLES. XXX. 615
nient of the king, saying, Ye children of Israel, turn again unto
the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, and he will return
to the remnant of you that are escaped out of the hand of the
kings of Assyria. 7 And be not ye like your fathers, and like
your brethren, which trespassed against the Lord God of their
fathers, [who] therefore gave them up to desolation, as ye see.
8 Now be ye not stiff-necked, as your fathers [were, but]
yield yourselves unto the Lord, and enter into his sanctuary,
which he hath sanctified for ever: and serve the Loud your God,
that the fierceness of his wrath may turn away from you. 9 Tor
if ye turn again unto the Lord, your brethren and your children
[shall find] compassion before them that lead them captive, so
that they shall come again into this land: for the Loud your
God [is] gracious and merciful, and will not turn away [his] face
from you, if ye return unto him*. 10 So the posts passed from
city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh, even
unto Zebulon : but they laughed them to scorn, and mocked them.
The message was generally slighted; they knezo so little of Jehovah,
and were so used to other godc, that their hearts were hardened.
1 1 Nevertheless divers of Asher and Manasseh and Zebulun
humbled themselves, and came to Jerusalem. 12 Also in Judah
the hand of God was to give them one heart to do the command-
ment of the king and of the princes, by the word of the Lord.
Judah was unanimous, and it is mentioned as the work of God.
13 And there assembled at Jerusalem much people to keep
the feast of unleavened bread in the second month, a very great
congregation. 14 And they arose and took away the altars that
[were] in Jerusalem, and all the altars for the incense took they
away, and cast [them] into the brook Kidron. They began by
showing their zeal against idolatry. 15 Then they killed the pass-
over on the fourteenth [day] of the second month : and the priests
and the Levites, rcho had not sanctified themselces before, were
ashamed, and sanctified themselves, and brought in the burnt
offerings into the house of the Lord. They icere ashamed at seeing
the people so forward, and themselves so cold and negligent. 1 6 And
they stood in their place after their manner, according to the law
* This was tlie pious and affectionate letter wiiiclihe sent, in wliicli he exhorts
them to turn again and yield themselves to God, and enter his sanctuaiy at Jeru-
salem ; and not be like their fathers who were given up to idolatry : and the reasons
he urges are, that they were tlie children of Israel ; that Jeliovah was the God of
Abraham, Isaac, and Israel; tiiat he would be mercifid to tlieni, and save them
from ruin, and bring back their bretluen. This the law of iMoscs declared; and
llezckiah, no doul't, had authority to urge it in this case, as a inoiive to their re-
pentance.
616 II. CHRONICLES. XXX.
of Moses the man of God, that they might despatch the business
the more readily : the priests sprinkled the blood, [which they
received] of the hand of the Levites. 17 For [there were] many
in the congregation that were not sanctified : therefore the Levites
had the charge of the killing of the passovers (the paschal lamb
and other sacrifices belonging to that feast, and more than usual
were noio necessary) for every one [that was] not clean, to sanctify
[them] nnto the Lord. 18 For a multitude of the people, [even]
many of Ephraim and Manasseh, Issachar and Zebulun, had not
cleansed themselves, yet did they eat the passover otherwise than
it was written. Having a. pious desire to eat it, they zoere allowed
to do so, lest they should be discouraged, and the growing reforma-
tion be prevented, in humble covjidence that God would not punish
this neglect, when the heart was honest and upright. But Hezekiah
prayed for them, saying, The good Lord pardon every one
39 [That] preparetli his heart to seek God, the Lord God of
his fathers, that cometh zcith pure and holy intentions, though [he
be] not [cleansed] according to the puritication of the sanctuary.
20 And the Lord hearkened to Hezekiah, and healed the
people*. 21 And the children of Israel that were present at
Jerusalem kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with
great gladness : and the Levites and the priests praised tiie Lord
day by day, [singing] with loud instruments unto the Lord.
'22 And Hezekiah spake comfortably unto all the Levites that
taught the good knowledge of the Lord, tliat read and expounded
the law to the people, and they did eat throughout the feast seven
days, offering peace-offerings, and making confession to the Lord
God of their fathers. This tvas necessary, considering the idola-
try of Israel, and of the last reign in Judah. Hezekiah com-
mended their care and diligence, and promised to reward their
zeal in propagating the true religion, as we find in the next
chapter. 23 And the whole assembly took counsel to keep other
seven days, though it teas the time of harvest : and they kept
[other] seven days with gladness ; %vith sacrifices, prayer, praises,
S^c. 24 For Hezekiah king of Judah diel give to the congrega-
tion a thousand bullocks and seven thousand sheep ; and the
princes gave to the congregation a thousand bullocks and ten thou-
sand sheep: and a great number of priests sanctidcd themselves.
Hezekiah cnierlained his subjects and the Israelites, and there came
* Some liavc siippnscd tluit God Iiad inflicted some disease upon tlicm ; otiiers
llr.it he now pardoiieil llictn, and ;;;ive them some tokens of his iteceptanee : pro-
bably fire from heaven, that had gone out iu the lime of Ahaz.
II. CHRONICLES. XXX. 617
in a sufficient number of priests to offer the sacrijices, and sprinkle
the blood. 25 And all the congregation of Judah with the priests
and the Levites, and all the congregation that came out of Israel,
and the strangers that came out of the land of Israel, and that
dwelt in Judah, rejoiced*. 26 So there was great joy in Jerusa-
lem : for since the time of Solomon the son of David king of
Israel [there was] not the like in Jerusalem.
27 Then the priests the Levites arose and blessed the people
according to the law, that is, prated that God would bless them :
and their voice was heard, and their prayer came [up] to his holy
dwelling place, [even] unto heaven. He answered their prayer,
and rntijiedthe blessing they pronounced.
REFLECTIONS.
1. It is the duty of those who have revolted from God to turn
again to him, to devote themselves to his service, and enter into
strict engagements to be his. This is the way to escape the mi-
sery which impenitent sinners fall into, and secure God's favour.
He never turns his face away from those that seek him : Return
unto me, and Iwill return unto thee, saith the Lord.
2. It is no new thing for messengers who come on the most
important concerns, and in the most friendly way, to be despised
and scorned. One would have thought the Israelites should at
least have given Hezekiah's messengers a civil reception : but
they mocked them, and laughed them to scorn. So the gospel
of reconciliation is often treated ; and the kind invitations of the
King of heaven despised. But the consequences will be dreadful ;
such despisers shall wonder, and perish.
3. It is a great satisfaction to reflect, that while many reject the
gospel offers, some embrace them. As the gospel will be to many
a savour of death, it is pleasant to think, that to some it will be
a savour of life. This gives encouragement to ministers and
good men ; and the hand of God should be acknowledged in it.
4. The zeal and piety of others should shame us out of our
sloth and negligence; v. 15., ^nd the priests and the Levites were
ashamed, and sanctifed themselves. God continues in every age
some examples of eminent piety, to quicken our zeal. When we
* Thfse strangers from Israel l)ecame proselytes, and dwelt in Judah, and thus
escaped that utter destruction which quickly after was brought on their conntry
by the Assyrians ; when those who mocked Hezekiah's inesseu^ers were carried
away.
618 II. CHRONICLES. XXXI.
see others eager and forward in religion, instead of censurinsf their
conduct, and imputing bad designs to them, let us rather imitate
their zeal. Ministers especially, when they see private christians
zealous, should be ashamed to be less so. May we all by our
good example provoke one another to love and good works.
5. Hezekiah's prayer for the people may properly be adopted by
us in our approaches to God. The great thing is to prepare the
heart to seek God : to have a sincere mind, and a fixed intention
to serve him : there may be defects in our wandering thoughts, in
the frame of our spirits ; when they are not such as we could wish,
in such cases, we may go to God by prayer, entreat him to pardon
us, and accept our sincere endeavours through Christ, notwith-
standing these unallowed imperfections. Let us therefore come
hohlly to the throne of grace, that kc may obtain mercy, and find
grace to help in the time of need; Heb. iv. l6.
G. Religious services ought always to be attended with joy.
This is often repeated. They kept the feast with gladness, and re-
joiced with great joy. All religious duties should be performed
with pleasure; we should come to them with delight; endeavour
to keep our hearts cheerful. Pray without ceasing, and rejoice
evermore.
7. The blessing which God's ministers pronounce, if attended
to with sincerity and devotion, will be acceptable to him, and be
confirmed by him ; v. 27- It is not an empty or insignificant form ;
if we sincerely join in it, and humbly desire a blessing, our prayers
will be granted, and the blessing ratified. Let us then heartily
join in such a solenm act, for in God's house he commands a
blessing, even life for evermore.
CHAPTER XXXI.
TJie zeal of the people in (k'stroying idolatry ; the provision made for
supplying God's tabic and his priests ; and Hezekiah's integrity and
success in all.
1 IMOVV when all this was finished, after the celebration of the
j)assover, and the good instructions theij had received, all Israel that
were present, went out to the cities of Judah, and brake the
images in pieces, and cut down the groves, and threw down the
II. CHRONICLES. XXXI. G19
high places, and the altars out of all Judah and Benjamhi, in
Ephiaim also and Manasseh, until they had utterly destroyed
them all. Then all the children of Israel returned, every man to
his possession, into their own cities.
2 And Hezekiah appointed the courses of the priests and the
Levites after their courses, which David had instituted, and the
daily zcorship ; every man according to his service, the priests and
Levites for burnt offerings and for peace offerings, to minister,
and to give thanks, and to praise in the gates of the tents of the
Lord, that is, in the gates of his house, about which the Levites
were encamped, and kept their proper stations. 3 [He appointed]
also the king's portion of his substance for the burnt offerings,
[to wit,] for the morning and evening burnt offerings, and the
burnt offerings for the sabbaths, and for the new moons, and for
the set feasts, as [it is] written in the law of the Lord*.
4 Moreover he commanded the people that dwelt in Jerusalem
to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might
be encouraged in the law of the Lord; that being maintained,
they might be encouraged in the discharge of their duty.
6 And as soon as the commandment came abroad, the children
of Israel brought in abundance of the first fruits of corn, wine, and
oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field ; and the tithe
of all [things] brought they in abundantly. 6 And [concerning]
the children of Israel and Judah, that dwelt in the cities of
Judah, they also brought in the tithe of oxen, and sheep, and the
tithe of holy things which were consecrated f unto the Lord
their God, and laid [them] by heaps. 7 h\ the third month, at
the beginning of harvest, they began to lay the foundation of the
heaps, and finished [them] in the seventh month, at the end of
harvest. 8 And when Hezekiah and the princes came and saw
the heaps, they blessed the Lord, and his people Israel. They
blessed God for this plenty, who had given the jyeople a heart
to contribute; and commended the people's goierosity and piety,
and prayed God to bless them. Q Then Hezekiah questioned
with the priests and the Levites concerning the heaps ; how there
came to be so much left. 10 And Azariah the chief priest of the
house of Zadok answered him, and said, Since [the people]
* Tliis was appointed to be furnished out of the common stock ; but as the
people were poor, Hezekiah contributed to it out of his own revenue : lie set a
good example, that he might thereby quicken others.
t By cousccrated things is meant, tlieir vows, or voluntary dedications, the
gains of trade, or the spoils of war.
620 II. CHRONICLES. XXXI.
besran to bring the offerings into the house of the Lord, we
have had enough to eat, and have left plenty : for the Lord hatli
blessed his people ; and that which is left [is] this great store,
laid up for muter.
1 1 Then Hezekiah commanded to prepare chambers in the
house of the LoRD,ybr storehouses ; and they prepared [them,]
12 And brought in the offerings and the tithes and the dedicated
[things] faithfully : over which Cononiah the Levite [was] ruler,
and Shimei his brother [was] the next. 13 And Jehiel, and
Azaziah, and Nahath, and Asahel, and Jerimoth, and Jozabad,
and Eliel, and Ismachiah, and Mahath, and Benaiah, [were]
overseers under the hand of Cononiah and Shimei his brother,
at the commandment of Hezekiah the king, and Azariah the ruler
of the house of God. 14 And Kore the son of Imnah the
Levite, the porter toward the east, [was] over the free-will offer-
incrs of God to distribute the oblations of the Lord, and the
most holy things ; to give out the proper sacrifices, and what be-
longed to them, as oil, flour, salt, zciue and incense, S)C. 15 And
next him [were] Eden, and Miniamin, and Jeshua, and Shcmaiah,
Amariah, and Shecaniah, in the cities of the priests, in [their] set
office, to give to their brethren by courses, as well to the great as
to the small ; as the former loere to distribute portions to the priests
in waiting, these were to take care of those who were at home in
their cities. IG Besides their genealogy of males, from three
years old and upward, [even] unto every one that entereth into
the house of the Lord, his daily portion for their service in their
charges according to their courses *. 17 Both to the genealogy of
the priests by the house of their fathers, and the Levites from
twenty years old and upward, in their charges by their courses f;
18 And to the genealogy of all their little ones, under three i/cars
old, of which there zcas an exact register kept, their wives, and
their sons, and their daughters, through all the congregation : for in
their set office they sanctified themselves in holiness; in great
fidelity/ consecrated themselves to serve an holy God in his ho/i/
placeX' 19 Also of the sons of Aaron the priests, [which were]
* Till' male cliiMrcn cf tiie Levites, above three years old, were allowed to come
to the temple with their fatiiers, and share in the distribution. In their time of
waiting they brought their families with them.
t In the law it was from thirty years old ; but Havid altered this probably by
divine appointment, as the numbers of the people and the proselytes increased.
1 Chron. xxiii. iO.
t This is iiiven as a reason why sneii care was taken of their families, because
they were either cmi)loyed in the temple, or in teaching the people at honie ; and
would otherwise have been unable to jirovide for them.
II. CHRONICLES. XXXI. 621
in the fields of the suburbs of their cities, in every several city,
the men that were expressed by name, to give portions to all the
males among the priests, and to all that were reckoned by gene-
alogies among the Levites ; those ivho ivere not in tvaitiiig, but at
home in their city, zcere also provided for.
20 And thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah, and wrought
[that which was] good and right and truth before the Lord his
God; ivhat zoas pleasing to God, agreeable to the rules of equity
and the divine laiv, and profitable to the people. 21 And in
every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and
in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did
[it] with all his heart, and prospered. Whatever he tindertook
for the advancement of religion, or the good government of the
nation, he did it uprightly and vigorously, and God prospered him
in it *.
REFLECTIONS.
1. The good effects of ordinances should be shown after they
are finished. When the people had received good instructions,
and attended the solemn festivals, then they began the work of
reformation. We are not to think all is over when the sabbath is
done ; or that it is sufficient to have performed the public duties
of it ; for then the hardest \\ ork begins ; to cherish good im-
pressions, and put in practice the good instructions we have re-
ceived. Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only.
2. The pleasures of religious ordinances should lead us to hate
sin, and fill us with holy zeal against every thing that may be
displeasing and offensive to God ; with zeal against all kinds
of idolatry, till we have utterly destroyed them, and left none
standing, however ancient or respectable. Thus sermons, and
especially the christian passover, should be improved to kindle
zeal against sin, and make all who attend it cry out, What have I
to do any more with idols ?
3. It is a natural inference from this chapter, that where there
is a love to God and his house, and a concern for the interest of
religion, there will be a care for the comfortable maintenance of
* One circumstance of Hezekiali's wisdom and piety is not mentioned here, but
may be inferred fioni Prov. xxv. 1., that he employed some skilful scribe to com-
pare and write out copies of tlie law and other sacred writings ; and also smaller
collections of proverbs, which were scattered abroad in several hands. These he
employed some priests or prophets to copy, and publish fur the good of his king-
dom.
622 II. CHRONICLES. XXXII.
ministers. Hezekiah was solicitous not only to have them main-
tained, but also encouraged in the work of God; v. 4., He com-
manded the people that divelt in Jerusalem to give the portion of
the priests and Levites, that they might be encouraged in the law
of the Lord; that they might be kept free from care and distrac-
tion, and encouraged in their work, by the generosity of the
people. That their families, by being comfortably and creditably
supported, should be an honour to their people, as well as make
them go on cheerfully in their work. Those who experience the
benefit and comfort of a good ministry, will never grudge the
expense of it.
4. The way to secure the blessing of God, is to do that which
is right, and to do it uprightly; z\ 20, 21., And thus did Heze-
kiah throughout all Judah, and zorought that which was good and
right and truth before the Lord his God. And in every zcork that
he began in the seitice of the house of God, and in the law, and in
the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart,
and prospered. Whatever is agreeable to the nature and will of
God, should be done vigorously, and with resolution ; with a
smcere intention to please God, to profit men, and save our-
selves : 'this will be to our own honour and comfort. The
apostle Paul's rule is applicable to every circumstance in life,
Whatever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men ;
hiozcing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inhe-
ritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. Col. iii. 23, 24.
CHAPTER XXXII.
An account of Sennacherib's invasion of Judah, and his defeat ; liis
treachery and renewed attempt on the cily ; Hczekiah's sickness, and
recovery ; who, dying, is succeeded by ISfanasseh.
\ After these things, and the establishment thereof, the set-
tlement of all things about the worship of God, Sennacherib king
of Assyria, son of Shalmaneser who carried the ten tribes captive,
(called, in Isa. xx. 1., Sargoii,) came, and entered into Judah, and
encamped against the fenced cities, and thought to win them for
himself, or, to break them up. 2 And when Hezekiah saw that
Sennacherib was come, and that he was purposed to fight against
II. CHRONICLES. XXXII. 623
Jerusalem, 3 He took counsel with his princes and his mighty
men to stop the waters of the fountains which [were] without the
city, that they might be of no service to the enemy, and hod them
conveyed by pipes under ground to the city : and they did help him.
4 So there was gathered much people together, who stopped all
the fountains, and the brook that ran through the midst of the
land, saying, Why should the kings of Assyria, that is, the king of
Assyria and his allies, come, and find much water ? 5 Also he
strengthened himself, and built up all the wall that was broken,
and raised [it] up to the towers, and another wall without, to
strengthen the old one, and repaired Millo [in] the city of David,
and made darts and shields in abundance. 6 And he set captains
of war over the people, and gathered them together to him in the
street of the gate of the city, and spake comfortably to them, en-
couraged tJiem to stand by him in defence of their city, religion,
and liberties, saying, 7 Be strong and courageous, be not afraid
nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude
that [is] with him : for [there be] more with us than with him :
8 With him [is] an arm of flesh ; but with us [is] the Lord our
God to help us, and to fight our battles ; we have a good cause,
and a good God to depend upon. And the people rested them-
selves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah ; encouraged
themselves by what he said. Sennacherib, hearing of these prepara-
tions, was zoilling to accept of Hezekialis terms*.
9 After this did Sennacherib king of Assyria send his servants
to Jerusalem, (but he [himself laid siege] against Lacliish, and
all his power with iiim,) unto Hezekiah king of Judah, and unto
all Judah that [were] at Jerusalem, saying, 10 Thus saith Senna-
cherib king of Assyria, Whereon do ye trust, that ye abide in the
siege in Jerusalem ? 1 1 Doth not Hezekiah p«.rsuade you to give
over yourselves to die by famine and by thirst, saying, the Lord
our God shall deliver us out of the hand of the king of J^ssyria ?
12 Hath not the same Hezekiah taken away his high places and
his altars, and commanded Judah and Jerusalem, saying, Ye
shall worship before one altar, and burn incense upon it?
1 3 Know ye not what I and my fathers have done unto all the
people of [other] lands ? were the gods of the nations of those
lands any ways able to deliver their lands out of mine hand ?
14 Who [was there] among all the gods of those nations that my
fathers utterly destroyed, that could deliver his people out of mine
=*• Here it will be proper to read 2 Kings, cliap. xviii. 13, 14, 6lC.
624 II. CHRONICLES. XXXII.
hand, that your God should be able to deliver you out of mine
hand? 15 Now therefore let not Hezekiah deceive you, nor per-
suade you on this manner, neither yet believe him : for no god
of any nation or kingdom was able to deliver his people out of
mine hand, and out of the hand of my fathers : how much less
shall your God deliver you out of mine hand? l6 And his ser-
vants spake yet [more] against the Lord God, and against his
servant Hezekiah. 17 He wrote also letters to rail on the Loui)
God of Israel, and to speak against him, saying, As the gods of
the nations of [other] lands have not delivered their people out
of mine hand, so shall not the God of Hezekiah deliver his people
out of mine hand. 18 Then they cried with a loud voice in the
Jews' speech unto the people of Jerusalem that [were] on the
wall, to affright them, and to trouble them ; that they might lake
the city. 19 And they spake against the God of Jerusalem, as
against the gods of the people of the earth, [which were] the
work of the hands of men.
20 And for this cause Hezekiah the king, and the prophet
Isaiah the son of Amoz, prayed and cried to heaven. 21 And
the Lord sent an angel, which cut off all the mighty men of
valour, and the leaders and captains in the camp of the king of
Assyria. So he returned with shame of face to his own land.
And when he was come into the house of his god, they that came
forth of his own bowels slew him there with the sword. 22 Thus
the Lord saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from
the hand of Sennacherib the king of Assyria, and from the hand
of all [other,] and guided them on every side. 23 And many
brought gifts unto the Lord to Jerusalem, and presents to He-
zekiah king of Judah : so that he was magnified in the sight of
all nations from thenceforth.
24 In those days Hezekiah was sick to the death, and prayed
vinto the Lord : and he spake unto him, and he gave him a sign.
25 But Hezekiah rendered not again according to the benefit
[done] unto him; for his heart was lifted up : therefore there was
wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem. 26 Notwith-
standing Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart,
[both] he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for all uere lifted up
on account of their deliverance, of the compliment from Babylon,
and the buildings done by Hezekiah ; but they humbled themselves,
so that the wrath of the Lord came not upon them in the days
of Hezekiah.
27 And Hezekiah had exceeding much riches and honour:
II. CHRONICLES. XXXII. 625
ind he made himself treasuries for silver, and for gold, and for
precious stones, and for spices, and for shields, and for all manner
of pleasant jewels ; 28 Storehouses also for the increase of corn,
and wine, and oil ; and stalls for all manner of beasts, and cotes
for flocks. 29 Moreover he provided him cities, and possessions
of flocks and herds in abundance : for God had given him sub-
stance very much. 30 This same Hezekiah also stopped the
upper watercourse of Gihon, and brought it straight down to the
west side of the city of David. He brought water under the
ground into the city before the Assyrians came, which was an
admirable contrivance. And Hezekiah prospered in all his
works.
31 Howbeit in [the business of] the ambassadors of the
princes of Babylon, who sent unto him to inquire of the wonder
that was [done] in the land *, God left him, to try him, that he
might know all [that was] in his heart. Vanity was Uezekiah's
predominant passion; and God left him, that Hezekiah himself
micrht know what was in his heart. God took this method to make
him sensible of it, and to cure it.
32 Now the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and his goodness,
behold, they [are] written in the vision of Isaiah the prophet, the
son of Amoz, [and] in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel.
33 And Hezekiah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in
the chiefest of the sepulchres of the sons of David f: and all
Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem did him honour at his
death ; lamenting the loss of so excellent a j^rince, and such a friend
to Israel. And Manasseh his son reigned in his stead.
REFLECTIONS.
1. In the instance here related, we see that a reformed nation
may meet with troubles and calamities. Hezekiah and his people
were engaged in a good work, and had reformed much ; but many
did not like it. They were an hypocritical nation; and God brought
this evil upon them to quicken them, and to put life into this good
work. We should expect trouble, and prepare for it ; and make
that use of afl^ictions which God intends; to quicken us to greater
zeal and activity in that which is good.
* Wlietlier this refers to Sennacherib's destruction, or to the miracles in He-
zekiah's favour, is uncertain.
+ This bwrving-place still continues ; and is the only remains of the old Jeru-
salem now to be found.
VOL. III. ii S
6-26 II. CHRONICLES. XXXII.
2. Trust in God should always be accompanied with the use
of proper means for our deliverance : so Hezekiah did. He for-
tified the city, and made weapons ofiensive and defensive. To
trust in God without the use of j)roper means, is to tempt him.
Prudence, valour, and piety, should always go together ; and then
they constitute the hero.
S. A believing confidence in God, is the best remedy against
the fear of man. Hezekiah exhorted the people to be strong and
courageous: and why .^ because God was for them. Our ene-
mies endeavonr to frighten us from this, because it is our best
.security; but let us resist such temptations, and have our hearts
Jixed, trusting in ihe Lord. The fear of our Maker will prevent
the fear of the fury of the oppressor. The name of the Lord is a
strong lozeer ; the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
4. In Rab-shakeh we may see a specimen of great pride and
insolence. He talks big, and blusters, and seems very desirous
that all should know who he is, and what a great king his master
is. Thus do proud men magnify themselves, and their own
strength, courage, and success, and speak contemptibly of every
body else. Heztkiah's messengers spoke very respectfully to this
wretch ; and he answered them with foul language. Herein he
is like proud men in general ; to reason with them, and speak
them fair, only makes them more unreasonable and tumultuous.
But, as in this case, pride goeth before destruction, and a haughti/
spirit before a fall.
5. Those who persecute God's cl.urch and people often pre-
tend commission from him for so doing. Rab-shakeh used a
boasting lie when he said. The Lord hath sent me. So men think
they act by commission from him, and are doing him good service,
when diey are opposing his interests, persecuting his servants,
casting them out, and saying. Let the Lord be magnified.
6. We are here taught not to answer a fool according to his
folly, lest we should be like him. Hezekiah's advice was wise and
prudent, answer not a uord; it will only provoke him the more,
and give him pretence for the attack ; or grieve the people,
and dishearten them by his further rage and blasphemy. When
at any time we have to do with proud and domineering men,
silence is best; not rendering railing for railing. To exhort
them, is to cast pearls before swine. Herein wisdom is profitable
to direct. There is a time to speak, and a time to keep silence. But
it is always prudent to keep silence when pride and passion have
cot the better of reason and common sense.
II. CHRONICLES. XXXIII. 627
CHAPTER XXXIII.
The wicked reign of Manasseh, who is carried to Babylon bound in
fetters ; upon his earnest entreaty he is released, and reforms ; Amon
succeeds him, and is shiin by his own servants.
1 iVlANASSEH [was] twelve years old when he began to
reign, and he reigned fifty and live years in Jerusalem : 2 But did
[that which was] evil in the sight of the Lord, like unto the
abominations of the heathen, whom the Lord had cast out before
the children of Israel. 3 For he built again the high places which
Hezekiah his father had broken down, and he reared up altars
for Baalim, and made groves, and worshipped all the host of
licaven, and served them. 4 Also he built altars in the house of
the Lord, whereof the Lord had said. In Jerusalem shall my
name be for ever. 5 And he built altars for all the host of heaven
in the two courts of the house of the Lord. 6 And he caused
his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of
Hinnom : also he observed times, and used encliantments, and
used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards:
he wrought much evil in the sight of the Lord, to provoke him
to anger. 7 And he set a carved image, the idol which he had
made, in the house of God, of which God had said to David and
to Solomon his son. In this house, and in Jerusalem, which I
have chosen before all the tribes of Lrael, will 1 put my name
for ever : 8 Neither will I any more remove the foot of Israel from
out of the land which I have appointed for your fathers ; so that
they will take heed to do all that I have commanded them, accord-
ing to the whole law and the statutes and the ordinances by the
hand of Moses. 9 So Manasseh made Judah and the inhabitants
of Jerusalem to err, [and] to do worse than the heathen, whom the
Lord had destroyed before the children of Israel.
10 And the Loud spake to Manasseh, and to his people: but
they would not hearken*. 11 Wherefore the Lord brought
upon them the captains of the host of the king of Assyria, (Esar-
hacldon, who had lately conquered Babylon, and to secure his con-
* We have seen, in 2 Kin^s xxi., IVIanasseh's wickedness, and the jtulgments
Ihiit were threatened for it ; here we see the exerntion of tliini ; in vvlnt h God
intended at once to make liini a nionunient of his justice and his grace,
2 S 2
028 II. CHRONICLES. XXXIII.
queU, fiadjixed his rot/al seat there), which took Manasseh among
the thorns, in a thicket ivhcre he had hid himself, and bound him
with fetters, and carried him to Babylon. 12 And when he was
in affliction he besought the Lord his God, and humbled himself
greatly before the God of his fathers, 13 And prayed unto him:
and he was entreated of him, and heard his supplication, and
brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. God touched
the emperor s heart, and he released him. Then Manasseh knew
that the Lord he [was] God. He zvas convinced of his power,
wisdom, and goodness, and immediately set about a reformatio)! ;
fortified the city, and removed his idols and altars from the temple ;
made Eliakim priest, Isa. xxii. 15., and turned out Shebna; offered
sacrifices to God himself, and brought the people to do so too.
14 Now after this he built a wall without the city of David
on the west side Gihon, in the valley, even to the entering in at
the fish-gate, and compassed about Ophel, and raised it up a
very great height, and put captains of war in all the fenced
cities of Judah. 15 And he took away the strange gods, and the
idol out of the house of the Lord, and all the altars that he had
built in the mount of the house of the Lord, and in Jerusalem,
and cast [them] out of the city. l6 And he repaired the altar of
the Lord, and sacrificed thereon peace-offerings and thank-
offerings, and commanded Judah to serve the Lord God of Israel.
17 Nevertheless the people did sacritice still in the high places, [yet]
unto the Lord their God only. 18 Now the rest of the acts of
Manasseh, and his prayer unto his God, and the words of the seers
that spake to him in the name of the Lord God of Israel, behold,
they [are written] in the book of the kings of Israel. 19 His
prayer also, and [how God] was entreated of him, and all his sins
and his trespass, and the places wherein he built high places,
and set up groves and graven images, before he was humbled :
behold, they [are] written among the sayings of the seers*.
20 So Manasseh slept with his fathers, and they buried him
in his own house f: and Amon his son reigned in his stead.
21 Amon [was] two and twenty years old when he began to reign,
and reigned two years in Jerusalem. 22 But he did [that which
* We are here referred to some other history then extant for a larger account of
his sin and repentance. Particular notice is taken of his prayer ; it is to be fonnd
in tlie Apocrjj^iia, but wlictiier {iciiiiine or not is uncertain : it is not unlikely but
it may l)e so,' for it isa good prayer, and much to the purpose.
t Perhaps he had given directions to be buried privately as an expression of
humility. God continued him very long, he reigned fifty-five years, which was
longer than any king of Israel or Jufiaii.
II. CHRONICLES. XXXIII. 629
was] evil in the sight of the Lord, as did Mauasseh his father :
for Anion sacrificed unto all the carved images which Manasseh his
father had made, and served them; he imitated las father s loick-
edness in the zcorst part of his reign : 23 And humbled not himself
before the Lord, as Manasseh his father had humbled himself,
did not imitate his father s repentance in his best days, but Anion
trespassed more and more. 24 And his servants, his courtiers,
conspired against him, and slew him in his own house.
25 But the people of the land avenged his death, and slew all
them that had conspired against king A mon ; and the people of
the land made Josiah his son king in his stead ; in opposition,
probahli/, to some other son whom the courtiers would hate set on
the throne.
REFLECTIONS.
1. The degeneracy of the children of good parents is much to
be lamented. Hezekiah, amidst his zeal for God, for his house
and worship, no doubt took care of his children; but Manasseh
proved very wicked. This is a very common case, and much to
be lamented; especially as such are generally worse than others.
Let this caution young people, and induce them to hiozo the God
of their fathers, and to reject the counsels of those who would
corrupt and insnare, and in the end ruin them.
2. Those who resemble others in their wickedness must expect
to share in their miseries; v. 13. As they were like Ahab and
Samaria, so they were punished like them. The miseries attending
vice are designed as warnings. If men will presumptuously walk
in an evil way, keep bad company, and say and do like them, they
must expect to be punished with them, or with heavier calamities,
as their guilt is aggravated by what they have seen and known of
the sufferings of others.
3. See the usefulness of affliction to bring men to repentance.
Manasseh, while in prosperity, acted most wickedly and abomi-
nably. But when he got into prison, he began to think on his
ways. The pleasures of the court intoxicated him ; but the
horrors of a prison brought him to himself. God's design in
afflictuig his people, is to take away sin, and bring them to re-
pentance ; which will show itself, as Manasseh's did, in humili-
ation, prayer, and reformation : to undo the mischief they have
done, and strive to reform those they have corrupted, are fruits
meet for repentance. The wisdom and goodness of God in sending
630 II. CHRONICLES. XXXIV.
afflictions for this purpose, should be acknowledged. Tliere
seems to be an allusion to this story in Job xxxvi. 7, S. He tvill
release kings upon the throne, as it should be rendered, and if the i/
be bound in fetters, and holden in cords of affliction, he shotvs them
their tratisgressions. He opens their ears to discipline, and com-
mandeth that they return from iniquity.
4. This story affords great encouragement to repentance. We
can scarce conceive of a viler sinner than Manasseh, who was so
wicked himself, and did so much mischief: yet when he repented,
and prayed, God was entf/cated for him, heard his supplication,
renewed his prosperity, and lengthened his life : and, one would
hope, saved his soul. This was designed as a pattern of divine
long-suffering. Let the wicked, Xhcveiove, forsake his way, and
the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return unto the
Lord, and he xvill have mercy upon him, and to our God, for he
will abundantly pardon.
CHAPTER XXXIV.
The reign of Josiah : his early piety, and care about repairing the temple.
The discovery of the book of the law, and the impression it made on
the king; and the awful answer given to his inquiry.
1 Josiah [was] eight years old when he began to reign, and
he reigned in Jerusalem one and thirty years. 2 And he did [that
which was] right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the
ways of David his father, and declined [neither] to the right hand
nor to the left*. 3 For in the eighth year of his reign, while he
was yet young, he began to seek after the God of David his
father; that is, when he was sixteen years of age he worshipped God
publicly, like David; and in the twelfth year of his reign, when
he was twenty years old, he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem
from the high places, and the groves, and the carved images, and
the molten images. 4 And they brake down the altars of Baalim
in his presence ; and the images, that [were] on high above them,
he cut down ; and the groves, and the carved images, and the
* Ilis mother's name was Jeilidali, 2 Kings xxii. 1., probably a good woman
who took gi cat care of his education.
II. CHRONICLES. XXXIV. 631
molten images, he brake in pieces, and made dust [of them,] and
strowed [it] upon the graves of them that had sacrificed unto
them ; to show his detestation of those idols, and their worshippers.
5 And he burnt the bones of the priests upon their altars, and
thus polluted them that they might not he used again; and cleansed
Judah and Jerusalem, 6 And [so did he] in the cities of Ma-
nasseli, and Ephraim, and Simeon, even unto Naphtali, zchere
mam/ poor people were slill left by the king of Assi/ria, with their
mattocks round about. 7 And when he had broken down the
altars and the groves, and had beaten the graven images into
powder, and cut down all the idols throughout all the land of
Israel, he returned to Jerusalem : /or he went about the country
himself to see the rvork ejfectualli/ done.
8 Now in the eigiiteenth year of his reign, when he had purged
the land, and the house, he sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, and
Maaseiah the governor of the city, and Joah the son of Joahaz
the recorder, to repair the house of the Lord his God. He sent
those officers of his court to give orders and assist the priests, and to
keep an account of what offerings zcere made by the people. 9 And
when they came to Hilkiah the high priest, they delivered the
money that was brouglit into the house of God, which the Levites
that kept the doors had gathered of the hand of Manasseh and
Ephraim, and of all the remnant of Israel, and of all Judah and
Benjamin \for they had made a collection through the whole nation;
and they returned to Jerusalem. 10 And they put [it] in the
hand of the workmen that had the oversight of the house of the
Lord, and they gave it to the workmen that wrought in the
house of the Lord, to repair and amend the house : 11 Even to
the artificers and builders gave they [it,] to buy hewn stone, and
tind)er for couplings, and to floor the houses which the kings of
Judah had destroyed: that is, the chambers and buildings about
the temple, nhere the priests lodged, and the stores zcere kept.
12 And the men did the work faithfully ; and the overseers of
them [were] Jahath and Obadiah, the Levites, of the sons of
Merari; and Zechariah and Meshullam, of the sons of the Ko-
hathites, to set [it] forward ; and [other of] the Levites; all that
could skill of instruments of music. 13 Also [they were] over
bearers of burdens, and [were] overseers of all that wrought the
work in any manner of service : and of the Levites [there were]
scribes, and officers, and porters. The principcd Levites zcere
overseers, to see the work zcell done ; and they were probably as-
sisted and encouraged in it by Jeremiah, who began to prophesy in
632 II. CHRONICLES. XXXIV.
the thirteenth year of Josiah's reign ; and also by Zephaniah, who
lived at this time.
14 And when ihey brought out the money that ■was brought
into the house of the Lord, Hilkiaii the priest found the book of
the law of the Lord [given] by Moses. While they were re-
pairing the temple, Hilkiah the priest found a copy of the laic,
which had been secretly hid when the idols were set up there : pro-
bably the authentic copy which Moses had directed to be laid by the
side of the ark, Deut. xxxi. 26. 15 And Hilkiah answered and
said to Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in
the house of the Lord. And Hilkiah delivered the book to
Shaphan. l6 And Shaphan carried the book to the king, and
brought the king word back again, saying, AH that w as committed
to thy servants, they do [it]. 1? And they have gathered together
the money that was found in the house of the Lord, and have
delivered it into the hand of the overseers, and to the hand of the
workmen. IS Then Shaphan the scribe told the king, saying,
Hilkiah the priest hath given me a book. And Shaphan read it
before the king. j4nd when the king perceived what it was, he was
greatly affected with it. 19 And it came to pass, when the king
had heard the words of the law, that he rent his clothes for grief
and fear*. 20 And the king commanded Hilkiah, and Ahikam
the son of Shaphan, and Abdon the son of Micah, and Shaphan
the scribe, and Asaiah a servant of the king's, saying, 2] Go, in-
quire of the Lord for me, and for them that are left in Israel and
in Judah, concerning the words of the book that is found, and what
can be done to avert this evil : for great [is] the wrath of the Lord
that is poured out upon us, because our fathers have not kept the
word of the Lord, to do after all that is written in this book.
22 And Hilkiah, and [they] that the king [had appointed] went
to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shalluui the son of Tik-
* It cannot be supposed tl)at all the copies of the law were lost. Hczekiah
had taken care to furnish the people with many : and their beinjf and polity as a
nation, as well as their religion, depended on the kiiowledjje of the law. 15iit
probably IManasscli, in his worst tlays, and Anion, had destroyed nicinv, so that
there were but few ktt, and those corrupted and iuipcrfect. Perhaps' tlicre was
only an abstract of the chief laws, for the use of the priests, like our aliridsrinent
of the statutes ; without the promises and threateninijs, with wiiioh the king seemed
60 much affected. The readins: of the law had been ne^'lected ; tlie kh\ix had not
written a copy with his own hand, as had been connnanded : his reforniiition might
have been according to these abstracts, or hints from some good people about it.
The king, being impatient to know the contents, begins to read immediately, and
as their books were written npon long scrolls, and rolled upon a stick, the latter
end of Deuteronomy would come fnst in course, where he found tiiose terrible
threatenings, w hich so greatly impressed hiui, threateuings upon tlie king, as well
as upon the people. Dent, xxviii. a(i.
II. CHRONICLES. XXXIV. 633
vatli, the son of Hasrah, keeper of the wardrobe ; Jeremiah and
Zephaniah being, probabli/, absent: (Now she dwelt in Jerusalem
in the college, zvhere the so})s of the prophets and the young priests
and Levites used to meet for instruction and discourse); and they
spake to her to that [effect.]
'2,3 And she answered them. Thus saith the Lord God of
Israel, Tell ye the man that sent you to me, 24 Thus saith the
Lord, Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, and upon the
inhabitants thereof, [even] all the curses that are written in the
book which they have read before the king of Judah* : 25 Because
they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods,
that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their
hands ; therefore my wrath shall be poured out upon this place,
and shall not be quenched, God had determined to punish and
destroy the people. 26 And as for the king of Judah, who sent
you to inquire of the Lord, so shall ye say unto him, Thus saith
the Lord God of Israel [concerning] the words which thou hast
heard; 27 Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble
thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this
place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself
before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me ; I
have even heard [thee] also, saith the Lord. 28 Behold, I will
gather thee to thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered to thy grave
in peace, neither shall thine eyes see all the evil that I will bring
upon this place, and upon the inhabitants of the same. Because
he was tender-hearted, humble, and contrite, and trembled at God's
word, was fearful of the divine displeasure, showed deep humility
and concern to avert the evil, therefore he should die before these
calamities came. So they brought the king word again f-
29 Then the king sent and gathered together all the elders of
Judah and Jerusalem. 30 And the king went up into the house
of the Lord, and all the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of
Jerusalem, and the priests, and the Levites, and all the people,
great and small : and he read in their ears all the words of the
book of the covenant that was found in the house of the Lord.
31 And the khig stood in his place, and made a covenant before
the Lord, to walk after the Lord, and to keep his command-
ments, and his testimonies, and his statutes with all his heart, and
* This confirms what was said before of the part the king had been reading or
licaring.
t As a more particular account of the things related, from v. 29 to tlic end, will
be foiiud iu 2 Kings, chap, xxiii. f. 1 — 28., it Hiay be proper to read that next.
63i^ II. CHRONICLES. XXXIV.
with all his soul, to perform the words of the covenant which are
written in this book. 32 And he caused all that were present in
Jerusalem and Benjamin to stand [to it.] And the inhabitants of
Jerusalem did according to the covenant of God, the God of
their fathers. 33 And Josiah took away all the abominations out
of all the countries that [pertained] to the children of Israel, and
made all that were present in Israel to serve, [even] to serve the
Lord their God. [And] all his days they departed not from
following the Lord, the God of their fathers.
REFLECTIONS.
1. We have here an eminent and lovely example of early piety.
When only eight years old, Josiah was very good ; he turned not
to the right hand nor to the left ; when sixteen, he began to seek
God more publicly ; to set about reformation ; and exerted
himself with vigour in it : and he did all this, though his father was
very wicked ; though his court and nation were very corrupt. A
noble example for the imitation of youth! Early piety is pecu-
liarly honourable in all young people, especially in persons of
rank and fortune ; and above* all amidst the prevalence of dege-
neracy and impiety. When very young, but eight years old, he
began this work, and with growing years he pursued it. Let us
go and do likewise; for God loves them that love him, ami they
that seek him early shall Jind him.
2. We have great reason to thank God for the plenty of our
bibles. It was a sad time in Israel, when scarce any copy of the
law was found : no wonder they were so degenerate and wicked.
This was a happy discovery of the original, as it both directed
and quickened them in the reformation of their worship and lives.
The king valued it highly ; he did not put it among his rarities, as
a curiosity oidy ; but read it, and took heed to it. Let us be
thankful that they are not scarce among us ; and that by the in-
vention of printing, that noble and useful art, (which can)e from
God,) there is plenty of them ; and so cheap, that the poorest may
liave them. Let us bless God for the holy scriptures, and let
our delight be in the law of the Lord. We do the greatest honour
to them, when we read and study them daily, and regulate our
sentiments and lives by them.
3. We should cultivate that tenderness of heart which good
Josiah manifested. Whenever we read the word, let us labour
to have our hearts and consciences impressed with an holy lear of
II. CHRONICLES. XXXV. 635
that wrath which is revealed from heaven : let our llesh tremble
for fear of God's judgments, and be deeply humbled under a
sense of our guilt and violation of God's holy law : let us desire
to know and do our duty, as therein described; and do what we
can to reform and save others. Then, whatever becomes of them,
the consequence will be happy to ourselves : we shall come to the
grave in peace, and go to a world of everlasting peace ; for, thus
saitli the Lord, 3'o this man will 1 look, and with him will I dwell,
ivho is of an humble and contrite spirit, and trcmhleth at my word.
CHAPTER XXXV.
The solemn passover which Josiah kept ; his death ; and the great
lamentation that was made for him.
1 iVlOREOVER Josiah kept a passover unto the Lord in
Jerusalem : and they killed the passover on the fourteenth [day]
of the first month, according to the law in Exodus xii. 6. 2 And
he set the priests in their charges, and encouraged them to the
service of the house of the Lord, 3 And said unto the Levites
that taught all Israel, which were holy unto the Lord, Put the
holv ark in the house which Solomon the son of David king of
Israel did build * ; [it shall] not [be] a burden upon [your] shoul-
ders : serve now the Lord your God, and his people Israel,
4 And prepare [yourselves] by the houses of your fathers, after
your courses, according to the writing of David king of Israel,
and according to the writing of Solomon his son. 5 And stand
in the holy [place] according to the divisions of the families of
the fathers of your brethren the people, and [after] the division of
the families of the Levites. 6 So kill the passover, and sanctify
yourselves and prepare your brethren, that [they] may do according
to the word of the Lord by the hand of Moses. Every faniili/
teas to bring a lamb, and the priests were to he particularly careful,
both to do honour to the law, and set a good example to others. 7 And
Josiah gave to the people, of the tlock, lambs and kids, for both
might be used, (Exodus xii. 5.), all for the passover offerings, for
all that were present, to the number of thirty thousand and three
* Aiuon probably removed it, to make room for Uis detestable idols. ^
630 II. CHRONICLES. XXXV.
thousand bullocks: these [were] of the king's substance. These
were to be offered on the seven days of unleavened bread following
the passover ; the king furynshed them at his own expense, and the
chiefs of the priests and Levites followed his example, and gave ge-
nerously. 8 And his princes gave willingly unto the people, to
the priests, and to the Levites : Hilkiah and Zechariah and
Jehiel, rulers of the house of God, gave uiito the priests for the
passover oft'erings two thousand and six hundred [small cattle,]
and three hundred oxen. 9 Conaniah also, and Shemaiah and
Nethaneel, his brethren, and Hashabiah and Jeiel and Jozabad,
chief of the Levites, gave unto the Levites for passover offerings
five thousand [small cattle,] and five hundred oxen. 10 So the
service was prepared, and the priests stood in their place, and
the Levites in their courses, according to the king's command-
ment. ] 1 And they killed the passover, and the priests sprinkled
[the blood] from their hands, and the Levites flayed [them.]
12 And they removed the burnt offerings, that they might give
according to the divisions of the families of the people, to offer
unto the Lord, as [it is] written in the book of Moses. And so
[did they] with the oxen. 13 And they roasted the passover with
lire according to the ordinance, (Exodus xii. 8, 9 •,) hut the
[other] holy [offerings] sod they in pots, and in caldrons, and
in pans, and divided [them] speedily among all the people, that
they might give supplies to so great a multitude. 14 And after-
ward they made ready for themselves, and for the priests : be-
cause the priests the sons of Aaron [were busied] in offering of
burnt offerings and the fat until night; therefore the Levites pre-
pared for themselves and for the priests the sons of Aaron.
15 And the singers the sons of Asaph [were] in their place, ac-
cording to the commandment of David, and Asaph, and Heman,
and Jeduthunthe king's seer; the music and singing continued all
the time theij were offering the sacrifices ; and the porters [waited]
at every gate ; they might not depart from their service ; they
took care that none withdrew before the service tvas ended ; for
their brethren the Levites prepared for them, ami brought them
what was necessary . 16 So all the service of the Lord was pre-
pared the same day, to keep the passover, and to offer burnt
offerings upon the altar of the Lord, according to the com-
mandment of king Josiah. 17 And the children of Israel that
were present kept the passover at that time, and the feast of un-
leavened bread seven days. 18 And there was no passover like to
that kept in Israel from the days of Samuel the prophet ; neither
II. CHRONICLES. XXXV. 637
did all the kings of Israel keep such a passover as Josiah kept,
and the priests and the Levites, and all Judah and Israel that were
present, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem*. 19 I" tl'e eighteenth
year of the reign of Josiah was this passover kept ; thirteen yem^s
before his death.
20 After all this, when Josiah had prepared the temple, and
every thing seemed to promise peace and happiness, all their hopes
were blasted at once, for Necho king of Egypt came up to
fight against Carchemish by Euphrates: and Josiah went out
against himf. 21 But he sent ambassadors to him, saying, What
have I to do with thee, thou king of Judah ? [I come] not against
thee this day, but against the house wherewith I have war : for
God commanded me to make haste : forbear thee from [meddling
with] God, who [is] with me, that he destroy thee not; he tells
him it was contrary to justice, for he had no quarrel with him ;
it was contrary to piety, for God had commanded him to go up
and make haste ; and that it ivas contrary to policy, for he might
come off vnth the worst. 22 Nevertheless Josiah would not turn
his face from him, but disguised himself that he might fight with
him, and hearkened not unto the words of Necho from the
mouth of God, and came to fight in the valley of Megiddo.
23 And the archers shot at king Josiah ; notwithstanding his dis-
guise they perceived he zcas the commander, and therefore attacked
him%; and the king said to his servants. Have me away; for
I am sore wounded. 24 His servants therefore took him
out of that chariot, and put him in the second chariot that he
had, one that was ready in case of accidents : and they brought
* Tliis was a most extraordinary passover ; none had been celebrated with such
solemnity, with such ^rcat preparations, and with such great joy. It had been
kept in Hezekiali's time ; bnt they were not properly purified, and Josiah was
more Uberal in proportion to his abihties.
t The king of Babylon had conquered Assyria, and Pharaoh Necho, or the
wounded Pharaoh, went against Carchemish, a city on the banks of the river
Euphrates.
X I find all the commentators think this was rash and presumptuous conduct in
Josiah, arid disobedience to God. I own I cannot see it in this ligiit. Had he
died in an act of disobedience, Jeremiah would not have lamented liim, nor
would they liave mad? it an ordinance in Israel to do so. The case seems to me
to be this ; IVIanasseh was tributary to Babylon, and probably to Anion and Josiah ;
there was a league between them, which included a promise or oath to assist or
defend him against his enemies. For this purpose probably Josiah had a consi-
derable part, if not all the land of Israel given him, as he went through it to de-
stroy idolatry. We find two of his successors were bound by the king of Babylon ;
and probably he was the same ; therefore he could not but resist the'king of Ecypt
as a faithful ally. What Pharaoh says of God's commanding him, seems only' an
artifice. Hearing that Josiah was a prince of great piety, he thought this would
prevent bis opposing him. But there is no intimation that he meant the true
638 II. CHRONICLES. XXXV.
him to Jerusalem, and he died, and was buried in [one of] the
sepulchres of his fathers. And all Judah and Jerusalem mourned
for Josiah.
25 And Jeremiah lamented for Josiah; 7in wonder the &ood
prophet was much affected, it was a sad calamity, especially con-
sidering the character of his successor; and all the singing men
and the singing women spake of Josiah in their lamentations to
this day, and made them an ordinance in Israel, that the memory
of this event might be kept up: and, behold, they [are] written in
the lamentations *.
26 Now the rest of the acts of Josiah, and his goodness, ac-
cording to [that which was] written in the law of the Lord,
27 And his deeds, first and last, behold they [are] written in the
book of the kings of Israel and Judah f.
REFLECTIONS.
1. It is the duty of every pious mind to observe all divine in-
stitutions. Josiah was zealous against idolatry, and as zealous
for keeping the passover. This suggests a good lesson to us,
to observe and keep whatever God commands us. The Lord's
supper succeeds to the passover ; it is a memorial of a great sa-
crifice and deliverance, and a means of supporting christian piety
in the world. Notice is several times taken that all tvas done ac-
cording to the law; which may intimate, that we are most ac-
ceptable to God in our religious services, when w^e keep closest
to his word.
2. Generosity in persons of plentiful circumstances, especially
for the support of religion, is highly commendable. Josiah, the
chief priests and the Levites, all furnished oxen and lambs for
this service. Those who know the value* of gospel privileges
and the excellency of religion, will not grudge any prudent
God. The word is not Jeliovali, which is always used when an express command
from him is referred to. Had there been any dnnbt in tiie case, he would cer-
tainly have consnlteti Jeremiah or Zephaniali : but if he was bound by an oatii,
it would have been an affront to God to have ct)nsulted him wheliicr he should
break it ; and God was hiplily olVended with his brother's son and successor Ze-
dekiah for breaking his oath v\ Itli the kin^ of Mabylon. It is therefore evident to
me, that he was in the way of his duly ; and his violent death was designed as a
punishment for the people, thou'^h undoubtedly it was happy for him.
* The funeral poem is lost; it could not be Jeremiah's Lamentations, for they
lament the deitruction of tlie city, and the captivity, and not Uic death of the
kinj;.
t After this chapter, 2 Kin^s. chap, xxiii., beginning at the middle of r. \iO, to
the end of the book, may be properly read.
II. CHRONICLES. XXXVI. 039
expense for the support of God's worship, to encourage his priests,
as Josiah did, v. 2., and to provide for the necessities of the
poor. This gives religion reputation, and is happy both for the
donor and receiver.
3. There is no knowing good or evil hy any thing under the sun.
Good Josiah was slain in battle. Probably few of the people
were slain then, though most of them were hypocritical, and
disliked his reformation. God's providence is a mighty deep.
He has various ways of taking good men out of this world ; but
they all die in peace ; and verily there is a reward for the righ-
teous ; verily there is a God that judgeth in the earth.
4. I'he death of pious and useful men is much to be lamented.
Many who have no piety themselves, will, as in the case before
us, bear testimony to the worth and excellency of upright and
zealous men, and do them honour at their death, though they
may neither imitate them nor love them. This should recom-
mend religion and zeal for the glory of God and the support of
his cause, that it makes men truly honourable. Good and bad
men will join to honour real worth ; and the memory of the just
shall be blessed.
CHAPTER XXXVI.
Jehoahaz succeeds Josiah ; is deposed by Pharaoh ; Jehoiakim reigninfr
ill, is carried to Babylon ; Jehuiachin succeeds him ; and Zedekiah's
evil reign.
1 X HEN the people of the land took Jehoahaz the son of Jo-
siah, and made him king in his father's stead in Jerusalem. 2 Je-
hoahaz [was] twenty and three years old when he began to reign,
and he reigned three months in Jerusalem. 3 And the king of
Egvpt put him down at Jerusalem, and condemned the land in an
hundred talents of silver and a talent of gold. 4 And the kinor
of Egypt made Eliakim his brother king over Judah and Jeru-
salem, and turned his name to Jehoiakim. And Necho took
Jehoahaz his brother, and carried him to Egvpt.
6 Jehoiakim [was] twenty and five years old when he bewail
to reign, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem : and he did
[that which was] evil in the sight of the Lo r d his God. 6 Against
640 II. CHRONICLES. XXXVI.
him came up Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and bound him
in fetters, to carry him to Babylon. 7 Nebuchadnezzar also
carried of the vessels of the house of the Lord to Babylon, and
put them in his temple at Babylon. 8 Now the rest of the acts
of Jehoiakim, and the abominations which he did, and that
which was found in him, behold, they [are] written in the book
of the kings of Israel and Judah : and Jehoiachin his son reigned
m his stead.
9 Jehoiachin [was] eight years old when he began to reign, and
he reigned three months and ten days in Jerusalem : and he did
[that which was] evil in the sight of the Lord. 10 And when
the year was expired, king Nebuchadnezzar sent, and brought
him to Babylon, with the goodly vessels of the house of the
Lord, and made Zedekiah his brother king over Judah and Je-
rusalem. 1 1 Zedekiah [was] one and twenty years old when he
began to reign, and reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. 12 And
he did [that which was] evil in the sight of the Lord his God,
[and] humbled not himself before Jeremiah the prophet [speak-
hig] from the mouth of the Lord. 13 And he also rebelled
against king Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear by God :
but he stiffened his neck, and hardened his heart from turning
unto the Lord God of Israel.
14 Moreover all the chief of the priests, and the people, trans-
gressed very much after all the abominations of the heathen : and
polluted the house of the Lord which he had hallowed in Jeru-
salem. 10 And the Lord God of their fathers sent to them by
his messengers, rising up betimes, and sending ; because he had
compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place: l6 But
they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and
misused his prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against
his people, till [there was] no remedy. 17 Therefore he brought
upon them the king of the Chaldces, who slew their young men
with the sword iu the house of their sanctuary, and had no com-
passion upon young man or maiden, old man, or him that stooped
for age; he gave [them] all into his hand. 18 And all the vessels
of the house of God, groat and small, and the treasures of the
house of the Lord, and the treasures of the king, and of his
princes; all [these] he brought to Babylon. 19 And they burnt
tfic house of God, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem, and
burnt all the palaces thereof with fire, and destroyed all the
ouodly vessels thereof. CO And them that had escaped from the
sword carried he away to Babylon ; where they were servants to
II. CHRONICLES. XXXVI. 64t
liini and liis sons until the reign of the kingdom of Persia : '21 To
fulfil the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the
land had enjoyed her sabbaths : [for] as long as she lay desolate
she kept sabbath, to fulfil threescore and ten years.
22 Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the
word of the Lo un [spoken] by the mouth of Jeremiah might be
accomplished, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of
Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom,
and [put it] also in writing, saying, Thus saith Cyrus king of
Persia, 23 All the kingdoms of the earth hath the Loim God of
heaven given me ; and he hath charged me to build him an house
in Jerusalem, which [is] in Judah. Who [is there] among you of
all his people? The Lord his God [be] with him, and let him
go up.
REFLECTIONS.
1. Admire the tender compassion of God to a very provoking
people ; therefore he delayed vengeance so long, and sent his
prophets, rising early, and sending them with diligence and ear-
nestness. And thus still his word, and promises, and warnings,
and ministers, are all instances of divine compassion, and show
that he is not willing that any should perish, but that all should
come to repentance.
2. Observe how God resents the affronts and contempt offered
to his ministers. This is given as a principal reason why he
brought destruction upon then), they treated his prophets as
enemies, because they told them tlie truth ; they despised their
words, and made a jest of their sermons. God will resent any
thing said or done to make faithful ministers despicable, or to vex
and discourage them : He that dcspisclh you^ despiseth me, saith
Christ.
3. Sec the sad consequences of rebelling against God, and re-
fusing to hearken to his word. Zedekiah would not take warning
though it was frequently and solemnly given him by Jeremiah : the
Israelites likewise would not hearken ; but went on in their wicked
ways, till at length Jerusalem, the joy of the whole earth ; his
temple, the glory of their city, their nation, and the world; was ut-
terly destroyed. The terrible calamities of the people are most pa-
thetically described in the book of Lamentations. How righteous
and faithful, how awful and terrible, is God in his judgments ! Nc:>
word of his h\h to the ground ; when he judgeth he will ovcr-
Vf>r, III. r T
G42 II. CHRONICLES. XXXVI.
como. External privilcfj^es are of no avail without religion : thoy
will not prevent his judgments, but li:ist< ii llicni. May the inha-
bitants of Britain taUe warning by thi^. awful story ; all things
have happened to them, for ensumples or adnionitior.y to us.
Amen.
FN!) O? THT. THIRD VOLtMK
t,t>Nr»ON !
PIUMRD H^ wn.UAM ci.ow i:
Nortliuiiil)'rl:iiHl-<-<>iitt.
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