Bible Commentaries

1 Kings 22:3 — By the terms of Ahab’s covenant with Ben-hadad, Ramoth in Gilead ought, long ere this, to have been restored 1 Kings 20:34. Hence, the claim “is ours,” i. e., “it belongs to us of right though the Syrians still hold possession of it.”

1 Kings 3:7 — See 1 Kings 2:2 note, and on the hyperbole contained in the phrase “little child,” compare Genesis 43:8; Exodus 33:11.How to go out or come in - This expression is proverbial for the active conduct of affairs. (See the marginal reference.)

1 Kings 8:50 — Compassion ... - Not merely such compassion as Evil-Merodach showed toward Jehoiachin 2 Kings 25:27-30; Jeremiah 52:31-34, but such as Cyrus and Artaxerxes showed in allowing the captive Jews to return to their own land Ezra 1:3; Nehemiah 2:6.

2 Kings 9:22 — Joram had asked the usual question, “Is it peace?” - meaning simply, “Is all well?” In Jehu’s reply, by “whoredoms” we are probably to understand “idolatries,” acts of spiritual unfaithfulness; by “witchcrafts,” dealings with the Baal prophets and oracles. Compare 2 Kings 1:2 note.

1 Chronicles 9:10 — “Jedaiah,” “Jehoiarib,” and “Jachin,” are not here names of individuals but of priestly families. From 1 Chronicles 24:7-17, it appears that Jehoiarib was the original head of the first “course,” Jedaiah of the second shift, and Jachin of the twenty-first shift.

1 Chronicles 9:35-44 — An almost exact repetition of 1 Chronicles 8:29-38; and probably intentionally made by the author. In order to connect the genealogical section of his work with the historical, he re-introduces the genealogy of the person with whose death his historical section opens.

2 Chronicles 20:2 — Translate, “from beyond the sea, from Edom.” The “sea” intended is, of course, the Dead Sea. “Syria” (Aram) is probably a mistake of a copyist for “Edom” (compare2 Samuel 8:12; 2 Samuel 8:12 note).On Engedi, see 1 Samuel 23:29 note.

2 Chronicles 5:9 — From the ark - Or, according to a different reading here and according to 1 Kings 8:8, some read, “the ends of the staves were seen from the Holy place.”There it is unto this day - This should be corrected as in the margin.

2 Chronicles 8:14 — The man of God - This phrase, so common in Kings (see the introduction to Kings, 4th note), is rare in Chronicles, and is applied only to Moses 1 Chronicles 23:14, David, and one other prophet 2 Chronicles 25:7, 2 Chronicles 25:9.

Leviticus 22:19 — Ye shall offer at your own will a male - Rather, That it may be accepted (so Leviticus 22:29) for you it shall be a male. See Leviticus 1:3. It is the same phrase as in Leviticus 22:20-21, Leviticus 22:27.

Leviticus 22:19 — Ye shall offer at your own will a male - Rather, That it may be accepted (so Leviticus 22:29) for you it shall be a male. See Leviticus 1:3. It is the same phrase as in Leviticus 22:20-21, Leviticus 22:27.

Numbers 2:3-32 — The following plan shows the general arrangement of the camp, which would vary in different places according to local exigencies. The area of the camp might be about three square miles:Numbers 2:14Reuel - Doubtless an error of transcription for Deuel Numbers 1:14.

1 Samuel 1:5 — A worthy portion - Probably as in the margin. Naturally she would have had a single portion of the sacrifice (compare 1 Samuel 9:23), but because of his love to her he gave her a double portion, enough for two people (compare Genesis 43:34).

1 Samuel 1:5 — A worthy portion - Probably as in the margin. Naturally she would have had a single portion of the sacrifice (compare 1 Samuel 9:23), but because of his love to her he gave her a double portion, enough for two people (compare Genesis 43:34).

1 Samuel 2:5 — See an instance in 1 Samuel 2:36. See, too, in Ezekiel 13:19, another example of hire paid in bread.Ceased - i. e. were at rest, did no work. The general sense is expressed by the translation of the Latin Version, “they were filled.”

1 Samuel 2:5 — See an instance in 1 Samuel 2:36. See, too, in Ezekiel 13:19, another example of hire paid in bread.Ceased - i. e. were at rest, did no work. The general sense is expressed by the translation of the Latin Version, “they were filled.”

2 Samuel 10:3 — The princes ... - Compare Rehoboam’s advisers 1 Kings 12:10-11. It is not improbable that David’s severe treatment of Moab 2 Samuel 8:2 was in part the cause of the fear of the Ammonites that a similar treatment was in store for themselves.

2 Samuel 10:3 — The princes ... - Compare Rehoboam’s advisers 1 Kings 12:10-11. It is not improbable that David’s severe treatment of Moab 2 Samuel 8:2 was in part the cause of the fear of the Ammonites that a similar treatment was in store for themselves.

2 Samuel 23:24 — etc. The early death of Asahel 2 Samuel 2:32 would make it very likely that his place in the 30 would be filled up, and so easily account for the number 31 in the list. Compare throughout the list in 1 Chronicles 11:0.

2 Samuel 23:24 — etc. The early death of Asahel 2 Samuel 2:32 would make it very likely that his place in the 30 would be filled up, and so easily account for the number 31 in the list. Compare throughout the list in 1 Chronicles 11:0.