Bible Commentaries

Exodus 40:2 — 2. On the first day of the first month—From a careful consideration of the incidents recorded to have happened after the exodus (Exodus 12:2; Exodus 13:4; Exodus 19:1; Exodus 20:18; Exodus 34:28, c.), it has been computed that the work of the tabernacle was commenced within six months after that emigration and consequently, that other six months had been occupied in building it. So long a period spent

Exodus 9:3 — that in this instance it was not inflicted through the instrumentality or waving of Aaron's rod, but directly by the hand of the Lord, and the fixing of the precise time tended still further to determine the true character of the calamity (Jeremiah 12:4).

1 Kings 1:5 — 5, 6. Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself—Nothing is said as to the origin or rank of Haggith, so that it is probable she was not distinguished by family descent. Adonijah, though David's fourth son (2 Samuel 3:4; 1 Chronicles 3:2), was now the oldest alive; and his personal attractions and manners (1 Chronicles 3:2- :) not only recommended him to the leading men about court, but made him the favorite of his father, who, though seeing him assume an equipage

1 Kings 14:10 — boy, or rather, perhaps, a dog, so entire would be the destruction of Jeroboam's house that none, not even a dog, belonging to it should escape. This peculiar phrase occurs only in regard to the threatened extermination of a family (1 Samuel 25:22-34). See the manner of extermination (1 Kings 16:4; 1 Kings 21:24).

1 Kings 17:6 — being employed to feed the prophet has appeared to many so strange that they have labored to make out the Orebim, which in our version has been rendered "ravens," to be as the word is used (in :-) "merchants"; or Arabians (2 Chronicles 21:16; Nehemiah 4:7); or, the citizens of Arabah, near Beth-shan (Joshua 15:6; Joshua 18:18). But the common rendering is, in our opinion, preferable to these conjectures. And, if Elijah was miraculously fed by ravens, it is idle to inquire where they found the bread

2 Kings 11:17 — 17, 18. a covenant between the Lord and the king and the people—The covenant with the Lord was a renewal of the national covenant with Israel ( :-; "to be unto him a people of inheritance," Deuteronomy 4:6; Deuteronomy 27:9). The covenant between the king and the people was the consequence of this, and by it the king bound himself to rule according to the divine law, while the people engaged to submit, to give him allegiance as the Lord's anointed.

2 Kings 15:8 — others, for twenty-two years, or more. This prince pursued the religious policy of the calf-worship, and his reign was short, being abruptly terminated by the hand of violence. In his fate was fulfilled the prophecy addressed to Jehu ( :-; also Hosea 1:4), that his family would possess the throne of Israel for four generations; and accordingly Jehoahaz, Joash, Jehoram, and Zechariah were his successors—but there his dynasty terminated; and perhaps it was the public knowledge of this prediction that

2 Chronicles 3:4 — 4. the porch—The breadth of the house, whose length ran from east to west, is here given as the measure of the length of the piazza. The portico would thus be from thirty to thirty-five feet long, and from fifteen to seventeen and a half feet broad. the

Nehemiah 9:4 — 4. Then stood up upon the stairs—the scaffolds or pulpits, whence the Levites usually addressed the people. There were probably several placed at convenient distances, to prevent confusion and the voice of one drowning those of the others. cried with

Leviticus 24:5 — Every Sabbath a fresh supply was furnished; hot loaves were placed on the altar instead of the stale ones, which, having lain a week, were removed, and eaten only by the priests, except in cases of necessity (1 Chronicles 23:29- :; also Luke 6:3; Luke 6:4).

Ecclesiastes 2:26 — theocracy; and in some measure in all ages (Job 27:16; Job 27:17; Proverbs 13:22; Proverbs 28:8). Though the retribution be not so visible and immediate now as then, it is no less real. Happiness even here is more truly the portion of the godly (Psalms 84:11; Matthew 5:5; Mark 10:29; Mark 10:30; Romans 8:28; 1 Timothy 4:8). that he—the sinner may give—that is, unconsciously and in spite of himself. The godly Solomon had satisfaction in his riches and wisdom, when God gave them (2 Chronicles 1:11; 2

Song of Solomon 1:13 — 2:9). BURROWES takes it of a scent-box filled with liquid myrrh; the liquid obtained by incision gave the tree its chief value. he—rather, "it"; it is the myrrh that lies in the bosom, as the cluster of camphire is in the vineyards (Song of Solomon 1:14). all night—an undivided heart (Ephesians 3:17; contrast Jeremiah 4:14; Ezekiel 16:15; Ezekiel 16:30). Yet on account of the everlasting covenant, God restores the adulteress (Ezekiel 16:60; Ezekiel 16:62; Hosea 2:2, c.). The night is the whole present

Song of Solomon 5:12 — with the sparkling brightness of the water trickling over them (Psalms 68:13- :). The "milk" may allude to the white around the pupil of the eye. The "waters" refer to the eye as the fountain of tears of sympathy (Ezekiel 16:5; Ezekiel 16:6; Luke 19:41). Vivacity, purity, and love, are the three features typified. fitly set—as a gem in a ring; as the precious stones in the high priest's breastplate. Rather, translate as Vulgate (the doves), sitting at the fulness of the stream; by the full stream;

Isaiah 10:4 — 4. Without me—not having Me to "flee to" (Isaiah 10:3). bow down—Bereft of strength they shall fall; or else, they shall lie down fettered. under . . . under—rather, "among" (literally, "in the place of") [HORSLEY]. The "under" may be, however, explained,

Isaiah 45:21 — 21. Challenge the worshippers of idols (Isaiah 41:1). take counsel together—as to the best arguments wherewith to defend the cause of idolatry. who . . . from that time— (Isaiah 41:22; Isaiah 41:23; see on Isaiah 45:4). Which of the idols has done what God hath, namely, foretold, primarily as

Isaiah 49:24 — 24. the prey—Israel, long a prey to mighty Gentile nations, whose oppression of her shall reach its highest point under Antichrist (Daniel 11:36; Daniel 11:37; Daniel 11:41; Daniel 11:45). lawful captive—the Jews justly consigned for their sins (Daniel

Deuteronomy 19:2 — people of the East), Moses incorporated it in an improved form with his legislative code. For the protection of the unintentional homicide, he provided certain cities of refuge—three had been destined for this purpose on the east of Jordan (Deuteronomy 4:41; Numbers 35:11); three were to be invested with the same privilege on the west of that river when Canaan should be conquered. in the midst of thy land—in such a position that they would be conspicuous and accessible, and equidistant from the extremities

Joshua 7:2 — recently discovered in an isolated tell, called by the natives Tell-el-Hajar, "the mount of stones," at two miles', or thirty-five minutes' distance, east southeast from Beth-el [VAN DE VELDE]. Beth-aven—("house of vanity")—a name afterwards given derisively (Hosea 4:15; Hosea 5:8; Hosea 10:5), on account of its idolatries, to Beth-el, "house of God," but here referred to another place, about six miles east of Beth-el and three north of Ai.

1 Samuel 21:1 — on the Mount of Olives—a little north of the top, and on the northeast of the city. It is computed to have been about five miles distant from Gibeah. Ahimelech, the same as Ahiah, or perhaps his brother, both being sons of Ahitub (compare 1 Samuel 14:3; 1 Samuel 22:4-11; 1 Samuel 22:20). His object in fleeing to this place was partly for the supply of his necessities, and partly for comfort and counsel, in the prospect of leaving the kingdom. Ahimelech was afraid at the meeting of David—suspecting

2 Samuel 10:4 — 4. Hanun took David's servants, and shaved off the one half of their beards—From the long flowing dress of the Hebrews and other Orientals, the curtailment of their garments must have given them an aspect of gross indelicacy and ludicrousness. Besides,