Bible Commentaries

in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah. Not the existing books of Samuel and Kings, but another book, being a collection of matters from them. Referred to in 2 Chronicles 16:11; 2 Chronicles 25:26; 2 Chronicles 27:7; 2 Chronicles 28:26; 2 Chronicles 32:32; 2 Chronicles 35:27; 2 Chronicles 36:8.

Israel. Punctuate and read "Israel: and Judah was carried away", &c.

transgression = defection. Hebrew. ma"al.

the first inhabitants: i.e. after the reoccupation on the return from Babylon, under Zerubbabe], Joshua, Nehemiah, and Ezra 454-400 B.C. See App-50.

the Israelites. Hebrew "Israel": i.e. the "Israel of God". Compare Nehemiah 11:3. See note on "Israel" (Genesis 32:28; Genesis 43:6; Genesis 45:26, Genesis 45:28). Called "Israel", although only the return of Judah and Benjamin. See note on 1 Kings 12:17.

Levites = the Levites.

the Nethinims. Taken from the people in proportion of one in fifty to assist the Levites (Numbers 31:47. Ezra 8:20).

Jerusalem. As distinct from the Land (1 Chronicles 9:2). Compare Nehemiah 11:1.

children = sons.

Ephraim, and Manasseh. So that others beside Judah and Benjamin were included in the People now known as "Jews". Compare Ezra 6:21. Nehemiah 10:28, Nehemiah 10:29. See note on 1 Kings 12:17.

Shilonites = Shelonites. Not from the place Shiloh, but from Shelah the son of Judah. Compare 1 Chronicles 2:3. Numbers 26:28. Nehemiah 9:5. So that some from each of the three lines of Judah were included, viz. Pharez, Shelah, Judah.

their: i.e. Uthai (1 Chronicles 9:4) and Asaiah (1 Chronicles 9:5). (Jewish.) six hundred and ninety. These were the sons of Zerah. The 468 in Nehemiah 11:6 were sons of Perez (i.e. Pharez).

Sallu. At the head of the Benjamites (Nehemiah 11:7).

Hasenuah. In Nehemiah 11:9 called Senuah.

nine hundred and fifty and six. In Nehemiah 11:8 we have 928. The dates of the enumeration are independent and not identical.

Jedaiah, &c. Compare Nehemiah 11:10 with Nehemiah 12:6.

Azariah. In Nehemiah 11:11 the same enumeration, but Seraiah. This is explained in 1 Chronicles 6:12-14 above.

the ruler of the house of God. Applied to the high priest: at this time Ahitub (1 Chronicles 6:11). Later it was Joshua the high priest (Ezra 3:2. Zechariah 3:1-8; Zechariah 6:11-13). Compare 2 Chronicles 31:13; 2 Chronicles 35:8.

God. Hebrew. Elohim.(with Art.) = the (true) God. App-4.

Adaiah. Compare Nehemiah 11:12.

Maasiai. Compare 1 Chronicles 24:14 and Nehemiah 11:13.

a thousand and seven hundred and threescore. In Nehemiah 11:12-14, it is 1192, which must have been before the priests had settled in the priestly cities.

very able men = mighty men of valour. Hebrew. gibbor. App-14.

Shemaiah. Compare Nehemiah 11:15.

Asa. Some codices, with two early printed editions (one margin), and Syriac, read "Asaph".

dwelt in the villages. Till the priestly cities were rebuilt.

Netophathites. Compare Nehemiah 12:28.

porters = gatekeepers. Compare Nehemiah 12:25.

hitherto. Referring to the ancient practice.

the king's gate. Leading from the royal palace to the Temple.

Korahites. The descendants of Korah. Compare Num 16; Numbers 26:9-11; and see Psalms 42; 44; 45; 47; 48; 49; 84; 85; 87; 88.

gates = thresholds.

tabernacle = tent. Hebrew. "ohel. See App-40.

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4.

Phinehas. Compare Exodus 6:23.

in time past: i.e. previous to the writing of this history. 1434-1383?

door = entrance.

two hundred and twelve. These were for the Tabernacle (1 Chronicles 9:21). In Nehemiah 11:19, it is 172, excluding those in the villages. Not the 4,000 of 1 Chronicles 23:5, or their ninety-three heads (1Ch 26), which were for the future Temple.

their genealogy = [Was registered] in their villages. There is no record of this. But Samuel stood at the head.

did ordain = founded Compare 1 Chronicles 23:1-6. Compare Acts 3:24.

wards = watches, twenty-four quarters. Hebrew. ruach = winds.

chief. Hebrew. gibbor. App-14. Some codices, with one early printed edition, Septuagint and Syriac, read "mighty men of the gates".

set office = trust.

chambers = = storehouses.

opening thereof, &c. = were over the key. Compare Judges 3:25. Isaiah 22:22.

ministering vessels = vessels of service.

by tale = by number.

and the fine flour = and over the fine flour.

spices. Compare Exodus 30:22-38.

made = compounded.

in the pans = on the flat plates.

every sabbath. Compare Exodus 25:30. Leviticus 24:5-8.

these are the singers. Referring to verses: 1 Chronicles 9:14-16, and Nehemiah 11:22.

free = exempt from duty.

in Gibeon dwelt. Verses 35-44 are an abridgment of 1 Chronicles 8:29-38. Could not suitably be introduced there. Reserved to be inserted here, to lead up to Saul's death in 1Ch 10.

the father of Gibeon = parent-family of Gibeon: Jehiel, &c.

Jehiel. Had another name, "Zoror", in 1 Samuel 9:1. See note on 1 Chronicles 8:33. 1 Chronicles 8:39 Ner begat Kish. See note on 1 Chronicles 8:33.

Azrikam, Bocheru. Some codices, with one early printed edition, Septuagint and Syriac, read "Azrikam his firstborn".