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:

11 The fourth to Izri, he, his sons and his brethren, were twelve:

12 The fifth to Nethaniah, 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 brethren, were twelve:

15 The eighth to Jeshaiah, he, his sons and his brethren, were twelve;

16 The 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,d 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 Joshbekashah, he, his sons and his brethren, were twelve:

25 The eighteenth to Hanani, he, his sons and his brethren, were twelve:

26 The nineteenth to Mallothi, he, his sons and his brethren, were twelve:

27 The twentieth to Eliathah, 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 Mahazioth, he, his sons and his brethren, were twelve:

31 The four and twentieth to Romamti-ezer, he, his sons and his brethren, were twelve.

d Uzziel, ver. 4. or Shalemiah, ver. 14. tor, Ebiasaph, c. 6. 37. 9. 19. a c. 15. 18, 21. 16. 5, 38 i. e. Obed-edom, as c. 13. 14. Ps. 128. 1, 2. b Neh. V. 8-31. Twenty-four persons are named in the beginning of this chapter as sons of those three great men, Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun. Ethan was the third, (ch. 6. 44,) but, probably, he was dead before the establishment was perfected, and Jeduthun came in his room.* Of these three Providence so ordered it, that Asaph had four sons, Jeduthun six,† and Heman fourteen, in all twenty-four, (who were named, v. 2—4,) who were all qualified for the service, and called to it. But the question was, In what order must they serve? This was determined by lot to prevent strife for precedency; a sin which most easily besets many that otherwise are good people.

1. The lot was thrown impartially. They were placed in twenty-four companies, twelve in a company, in two rows, twelve companies in a row, and so they cast lots, ward against ward, putting them all upon a level, small and great, teacher and scholar: they did not go according to their age, or according to their standing, or the degrees they had taken in the musicschools: but it was referred to God, v. 8. Small and great, teachers and scholars, stand alike before God, who goes not according to our rules of distinction and precedency. See Matt. 20. 23.

2. God determined it as he pleased, taking account, it is probable, of the personal merits of the persons, which are much more considerable than seniority of age, or priority of birth. Let us compare them with the preceding catalogue, and we shall find that, (1.) Joseph was the second son of Asaph. (2.) Gedaliah, the eldest son of Jeduthun. (3.) Zaccur, the eldest of Asaph. (4.) Izri, the second of Jeduthun. (5.) Nethaniah, the third of Asaph. (6.) Bukkiah, the eldest of Heman. (7.) Jesharelah, the youngest of Asaph. (8.) Jeshaiah, the third of Jeduthun. (9.) Mattaniah, the second of Heman. (10.) Shimei, the youngest of Jeduthun. (11.) Azareel, the third of Heman. (12.) Hashabiah, the fourth of Jeduthun. (13.) Shubael, the fourth of Heman. (14.) Mattithiah, the fifth of Jeduthun. (15.) Jeremoth, the fifth of Heman.

* Or, perhaps, Ethan and Jeduthun were two names for the same person.-ED.

Only five are mentioned v. 3; Shimei, mentioned v. 17, is sup. posed to have been the sixth.-ED.

CHAPTER XXVI.

We have here an account of the business of the Levites. That tribe had made but a very small figure, all the time of the Judges, till Eli and Samuel appeared. But when David revived religion, the Levites were, of all men, in the greatest reputation. And happy it was, that they had Levites who were then of sense, fit to support the honour of their tribe. We have here an account, 1. Of the Levites that were appointed to be porters, v. 1-19. II. Of those that were appointed to be treasurers and storekeepers, v. 20-28. III. Of those that were officers and judges in the country, and were intrusted with the administration of public affairs, v. 29-32.

CONC

ONCERNING the divisions of the porters: Of the Korhites 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 Ammiel 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 threescore and two of Obededom.

9 And Meshelemiah had sons and brethren, strong men, eighteen.

10 Also Hosah,d 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;)

11 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

11. 14. e Matt. 25. 15, 1 Cor. 12. 4-11. 2 Cor. 3. 6. 1 Pet. 4. 11. d c. 16. 38.

§ or, as well for the small as for the great. called Meekelemiah, ver. 1. (16.) Hananiah, the sixth. (17.) Joshbekashah, the eleventh. (18.) Hanani, the seventh. (19.) Mallothi, the twelfth. (20.) Eliathah the eighth. (21.) Hothir, the thirteenth. (22.) Giddalti, the ninth. (23.) Mahazioth, the fourteenth. And, lastly, Romamti-ezer, the tenth. See how God increased some, and preferred the younger before the elder.

3. Each of these had in his chorus the number of twelve, called, their sons and their brethren; because they observed them as sons, and concurred with them as brethren. Probably, twelve, some for the voice, and others for the instrument, made up the concert. Let us learn with one mind, and one mouth, to glorify God; and that will be the best concert.

NOTES TO CHAPTER XXVI.

V. 1-19. Observe, 1. There were porters appointed to attend the temple, who guarded all the avenues that led to it, opened and shut all the outer gates, and attended at them, not only for state, but for service, to direct and instruct those who were going to worship in the courts of the sanctuary, in the conduct they were to observe, to encourage those that were timorous, to send back the strangers and unclean, and to guard against thieves, and others that were enemies to the house of God. In allusion to this office, ministers are said to have the keys of the kingdom of heaven committed to them, (Matt. 16. 19,) that they may admit, and exclude, according to the law of Christ.

2. Of several of those that were called to this service, it is taken notice of, that they were mighty men of valour, (v. 6,) strong men, (v. 7,) able men, (v. S,) and of one of them, that he was a wise counsellor, (v. 14,) who, probably, when he had used this office of a deacon well, and given proofs of more than ordinary wisdom, purchased to himself a good degree, and was preferred from the gate to the council board, 1 Tim. 3. 13. As for those that excelled in strength of body, and courage and resolution of mind, they were thereby qualified for the post assigned them; for whatever service God calls men to, be either finds them fit, or makes them so.

3. The sons of Obed-edom were employed in this office, sixty-two of that family. This was he that entertained the ark with reverence and cheerfulness; and see how he was rewarded for it: (1.) He had eight sons, (v. 5,) for God blessed him.

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 Hosah the lot came forth westward, with the gate Shallecheth, by the causeway of the going up, ward against ward.

17 Eastward were six Levites, northward four a day, southward four a day, and toward Asuppim ftwo and two.

18 At Parbar westward, four at the causeway, and two at Parbar.

19 These are the divisions of the porters among the sons of Kore, and among the sons of Merari. 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 Gershonite 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 LORD.

23 Of the Amramites, and the Izharites, the Hebronites, and the Uzzielites:

24 And Shebuel the son of Gershom, the son of Moses, was ruler of the treasures.

25 And his brethren by Eliezer; Rehabiah his

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 dedicated; and whosoever had dedicated any thing, it was under the hand of Shelomith, and of his brethren.

29 Of the Izharités, Chenaniah and his sons were for the outward business over Israel, for officers mand 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 the 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 sought 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 pertaining to God, and **affairs of the king. CHAPTER XXVII.

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.

gatherings. e 1 Kings 10. 5. 2 Chr. 9. 4. f ver. 15. g c. 28. 12. Mal. 3. 10. † holy. for, Libni, c. 6. 17. § or, Jehiel, c. 23. 8. 29. 8. he. 23. 16. i c. 23. The increase and building up of families, are owing to the divine blessing; and a great blessing it is to a family to have many children, when they are, as those here, able for, and eminent in, the service of God. (2.) His sons were preferred to places of trust in the sanctuary. They had faithfully attended the ark in their own house, and now were called to attend it in God's house. He that is trusty in little, shall be trusted with more. He that keeps God's ordinances in his own tent, is fit to have the custody of them in God's tabernacle, 1 Tim. 3. 4, 5. I have kept thy law, says David, and this I had, because I kept thy precepts, Ps. 119. 55, 56.

4. It is said of one here, that though he was not the first-born, his father made him the chief, (v. 10,) either because he was very excellent or because the elder son was very weak. He was made chief, perhaps not in inheriting the estate, (for that was forbidden by the law, Deut. 21. 16, 17,) but in this service, which required personal qualifications.

5. The porters, as the singers, had their post assigned them by lot; so many at such a gate, and so many at such a one, that every one might know his post, and make it good, v. 13. It is not said that they were cast into twenty-four courses, as before; but here are the names of about twenty-four, (v. 1-11.) and the posts assigned are twenty-four, v. 17, 18. We have therefore reason to think they were distributed into as many companies. Happy they who dwell in God's house; for, as they are well fed, well taught, and well employed, so they are well guarded. Men attended at the gates of the temple, but angels at the gates of the new Jerusalem, Rev. 21. 12.

V. 20-28. Observe, 1. There were treasures of the house of God. A great house cannot be well kept without stores of all manner of provisions. Much was expended daily upon the altar; flour, wine, oil, salt, fuel, beside the lamps; quantities of these were to be kept beforehand beside the sacred vestments and utensils. These were the treasures of the house of God. And because money answers all things, doubtless they had an abundance of it, which was received from the people's offerings, wherewith they bought in what they had occasion for. And, perhaps much was laid up for an exigence. These treasures typified the plenty there is in our heavenly Father's house, enough and to spare. In Christ, the true Temple, are hid treasures of wisdom and knowledge, and unsearchable riches. 2. There were treasures of dedicated things; dedicated mostly out of the spoils won in battle, (v. 27,) as a grateful acknowledgment of the divine protection. Abraham gave Melchisedek the tenth of the spoils, Heb. 7. 4. In Moses's time, the officers of the army, when they returned victorious, brought of their spoils, an oblation to the Lord, Num. 31. 50. Of late, this pious custom had been revived; and not only Samuel and David, but Saul and Abner and Joab, had dedicated of their spoils to the honour and support of the house of God, v. 28. Note, The more God bestows upon us, the more he expects from us in works of piety and charity. Great successes call for proportionable returns. When we look over our estates, we should consider, "Here are convenient things, rich things,

tains for every several month of the year, v. 1-15. II. The princes of the several tribes, v. 16-24. III. The officers of the court, v, 25-34.

NOW 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, which came 18.

Josh. 6. 19. battles and spoils. 11 Sam. 9. 9. m c. 23. 4. n ver. 6. over the charge. o c. 23. 19. p Josh. 21. 39. thing. q 2 Chr. 19. 11. it may be, and fine things; but where are the dedicated things?" Men of war must honour God with their spoils.

3. These treasures had treasurers, those that were over them, (v. 20, 26,) whose business it was to keep them, that neither moth nor rust might corrupt them, nor thieves break through and steal; to give out as there was occasion, and to see they were not wasted, embezzled, or alienated to any common use; and it is probable that they kept accounts of all that was brought in, and how it was laid out.

V. 29-32. All the offices of the house of God being well provided with Levites, we have here an account of those that were employed as officers and judges, in the outward business, which must not be neglected, no not for the temple itself. The magistracy is an ordinance of God for the good of the church, as truly as the ministry is. And here we are told, 1. That the Levites were employed in the administration of justice, in concurrence with the princes and elders of the several tribes, who could not be supposed to understand the law so well as the Levites, who made it their business to study it. None of those Levites who were employed in the service of the sanctuary, none of the singers or porters, were concerned in this outward business; either one was enough to engage the whole man, or it was presumption to undertake both.

2. Their charge was both in all business of the Lord, and in the service of the king, v. 30, and again, v. 32. They managed the affairs of the country, as well ecclesiastical as civil, took care both of God's tithes and the king's taxes; punished offences committed immediately against God and his honour, and those against the government and the public peace; guarded both against idolatry and against injustice; and took care to put the laws in execution against both. Some, it is likely, applied themselves to the affairs of religion, others to secular affairs; and so, between both, God and the king were well served. It is happy with a kingdom, when its civil and sacred interests are thus interwoven, and jointly minded and advanced.

3. There were more Levites employed as judges with the two tribes and a half on the other side Jordan, than with all the rest of the tribes; there were two thousand seven hundred; whereas on the west side of Jordan, there were but one thousand seven hundred, v. 30, 32. Either because those remote tribes were not so well furnished as the rest with judges of their own; or because they, lying furthest from Jerusalem, and on the borders of the neighbouring nations, were most in danger of being infected with idolatry, and most needed the help of Levites to prevent it. The frontiers must be well guarded. 4. This is said to be done (as were all the foregoing settlements) in the fortieth year of the reign of David, (v. 31;) that was the last year of his reign. We should be so much the more industrious to do good, as we see the day approaching. If we live not to enjoy the fruit of our labours, grudge it not to those that shall come after us.

NOTES TO CHAPTER XXVII. V. 1-15. We have here an account of the militia of the kingdom, and the regulation of that. David was himself a man

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 thousand.

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 tchief 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 Shamhuth the Izrahite: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

9 The sixth captain, for the sixth month, was Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

10 The seventh captain, for the seventh month, was Helez the Pelonite, of the children of Ephraim: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

11 The eighth captain, 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 Anetothite, of the Benjamites: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

13 The tenth captain, for the tenth month, was Maharai 'the Netophathite, of the Zarhites: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

14 The eleventh captain, for the eleventh month, was Benaiah the Pirathonite, of the children of Ephraim and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

a 1 Kings 47, 27. b c. 11. 11. or, Dodo, 2 Sam. 23. 9. tor, principal officer, 1 Kings 4. 5. c 2 Sam. 23, 20, 22. c. 11. 22-24. d 2 Sam. 2. 18-23. 23. 24. c. 11. 26. e c. 11. 28. fc. 11. 27. g 2 Sam, 21. 18. c. 11. 29. of war, and had done great things with the sword; he had brought into the field great armies: now here we are told how he marshalled them, when God had given him rest from all his enemies. He did not keep them all together; for that would have been a hardship on them and the country; yet he did not disband and disperse them all; then he had left his kingdom naked, and his people would have forgotten the arts of war, wherein they had been instructed. He therefore contrives to keep up a constant force, and yet not a standing army. The model is very prudent.

1. He kept up 24,000 constantly in arms, I suppose, in a body, and disciplined, in one part or other of the kingdom; the freeholders carrying their own arms, and bearing their own charges, while they were up. This was a sufficient strength for the securing of the public peace and safety. Those that are Israelites indeed, must learn war; for we have enemies to grapple with, whom we are concerned constantly to stand upon our guard against.

2. He changed them every month; so that the whole number of the militia amounted to 288,000; perhaps about a fifth part of the able men of the kingdom. By being thus distributed into twelve courses, they were all instructed in, and accustomed to, military exercises; and yet none were compelled to be in service, and at expenses, above one month in the year, which they might very well afford, unless upon extraordinary occasions, and then they might all be got together quickly. It is the wisdom of governors, and much their praise, while they provide for the public safety, to contrive how to make it effectual, and yet easy, and as little as possible burdensome, to the people. 3. Every course had a commander-in-chief over it; beside the subaltern officers that were rulers over thousands, and hundreds, and fifties; there was one general officer to each course or legion. All these twelve great commanders are mentioned among David's worthies and champions, 2 Sam. 23. and 1 Chr. 11. They had first signalized themselves by their great actions, and then they were advanced to those great preferments. It is well with a kingdom, when honour thus attends merit. Benaiah is here called a chief priest, v. 5. But cohen signifying both a priest and a prince, it might better be translated here, a chief ruler, or (as in the margin) a principal officer. Doda had Mikloth, (v. 4,) either for his substitute when he was absent or in

15 The twelfth captain, for the twelfth month, was Heldai the Netophathite, of Othniel: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

16 Furthermore over the tribes of Israel; the ruler of the Reubenites was Eliezer the son of Zichri: of the Simeonites, Shephatiah the son of Maachah:

17 Of the Levites, Hashabiah 'the son of Kemuel : of the Aaronites, Zadok:

18 Of Judah, Elihu," one of the brethren of David: of Issachar, Omri the son of Michael: 19 Of Zebulun, Ishmaiah the son of Obadiah : of Naphtali, Jerimoth the son of Azriel:

20 Of the children of Ephraim, Hoshea the son of Azaziah: of the half tribe of Manasseh, Joel the son of Pedaiah:

of Abner:

21 Of the half tribe of Manasseh in Gilead, Iddo the son of Zechariah: of Benjamin, Jaasiel the son 22 Of Dan, Azareel the son of Jerobam. 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 LORD 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 wrath 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 Azmaveth 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 the work of the field, for tillage of the ground, was Ezri the son of Chelub:

27 And over the vineyards was Shimei the Ramathite: over the increase of the vineyards for the wine-cellars was Zabdi the Shiphmite;

28 And over the olive-trees, and the sycamoretrees that were in the low 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 :

A c. 11. 28. ? c. 26. 30. Sascended. firm, or for his successor when he was dead. Benaiah had his son under him, v. 6. Asahel had his son after him, (v. 7;) and by that, it seems that this plan of the militia was laid in the beginning of David's reign; for Asahel was killed by Abner, while David reigned in Hebron. When his wars were over, he revived this method, and left the military affairs in this posture, for the peaceable reign of his son Solomon. When we think ourselves most safe, yet, while we are here in the body, we must keep in a readiness for spiritual conflicts: Let not him that girdeth on the harness, boast as he that puts it off. V. 16-34. We have here an account,

i 2 Sam. 23. 28. c. 11. 30. k c. 11.31. 1or, Heled, c. 11. 30. m 1 Sam. 16. 6, Eliab, Gen. 15. 5. o 2 Sam. 24. 15. c. 21. 7. that which was of the vineyards. p 1 Kings 20. 27.

f. Of the princes of the tribes: something of the ancient order instituted by Moses in the wilderness, was still kept up, that every tribe should have its prince or chief. It is probable that it was kept up all along, either by election or by succession, in the same family; and those are here named, who were found in that office when this account was taken. Elihu, or Eliab, who was prince of Judah, was the eldest son of Jesse, and descended in a right line from Nahshon and Salmon, the princes of this tribe in Moses's time. Whether these princes were of the nature of lord-lieutenants that guided them in their military affairs, or chief-justices that presided in their courts of judgment, does not appear. Their power, we may suppose, was much less now that all the tribes were united under one king, than it had been, when, for the most part, they acted separately. Our religion obliges us to be subject, not only to the king as supreme, but unto governors under him, (1 Pet. 2. 13, 14,) the princes that decree justice. Of Benjamin, was Jaaziel the son of Abner, v. 21. Though Abner was David's enemy, and opposed his coming to the throne, yet David would not oppose the preferment of his son, but, perhaps, nominated him to this post of honour which teaches us to render good for evil.

II. Of the numbering of the people, v. 23, 24. It is here said, 1. That when David ordered the people to be numbered, he forbade the numbering of those under twenty years old, thinking thereby to save the reflection which what he did might otherwise cast upon the promise, that they should be innumerable; yet it was but a poor salvo; for it had never been customary to number those under twenty, and the promise of their numbers chiefly respected the effective men. 2. That that account which David took of the people, in the pride of his

30 Over the camels also was Obil the Ishmaelite: and over the asses was Jehdeiah the Meronothite: 31 And over the flocks was Jaziz 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 Jehiel the son of Hachmoni was with the king's sons.

33 And Ahithophel was the king's counsellor: and Hushaithe Archite was the king's companion; 34 And after Ahithophel was Jehoiada the son of Benaiah, and Abiathar: and the general of the king's army was Joab.'

CHAPTER XXVIII.

The account we have of David's exit, in the beginning of the first book of Kings, does not make his sun near so bright as that given in this and the following chap: must own that he finished well. In this chapter, we have, I. A general convenvine entail both of the crown, and of the honour of building the temple, upon Solomon, v. 2-7. III. An exhortation both to the people, and to Solomon, to make religion their business, v. 8-10. IV. The model and materials delivered to Solomon for the building of the temple, v. 11-19. V. Encouragement given him to undertake it, and proceed in it, v. 20, 21.

ter, where we have his solemn farewell both to his son and his subjects, and tion of the states summoned to meet, v. 1. II. A solemn declaration of the di

or, secretary. 1 Kings 1. 7.

tor, Hachmonite. 9 2 Sam. 15. 12. r 2 Sarn. 15. 37. 16. 16. c. 11.6 a c. 27. 16. c. 27. 1, 2. e c. 27. 25. • or, calile. tor, and his sons. ‡or, eunucha. dc. 11. 10, &c.

heart, turned to no good account; for it was never perfected, nor done with exactness, nor was it ever recorded as an authentic account: Joab was disgusted with it, and did it by halves; David was ashamed of it, and willing it should be forgotten, because there fell wrath for it against Israel. A good man cannot, in the reflection, please himself with that which he knows God is displeased with; cannot make use of that, nor take comfort in that, which is obtained by sin.

III. Of the officers of the court.

1. The rulers of the king's substance, (as they are called, v. 31,) such as had the oversight and charge of the king's tillage, his vineyards, his olive-yards, his herds, his camels, his asses, his flocks. Here are no officers for state, none for sport, no master of the wardrobe, no master of the ceremonies, no master of the horse, no master of the hounds, but all for substance, agreeable to the simplicity and plainness of those times. David was a great soldier, a great scholar, and a great prince, and yet a great husband of his estate, kept a great deal of his ground in his own hand, and stocked it, not for pleasure, but for profit; for the king himself is served of the field, Ec. 5. 9. Those magistrates that would have their subjects industrious, must be themselves examples of industry, and application to business. We find, however, that, afterward, the poor of the land were thought good enough to be vine-dressers and husbandmen, 2 Kings 25. 12. Now David put his great men to preside in these employments.

2. The attendants on the king's person. They were such as were eminent for wisdom, being designed for conversation. His uncle, who was a wise man, and a scribe, not only well skilled in politics, but well read in the scriptures, was his counsellor, v. 32. Another who, no doubt, excelled in learning and prudence, was tutor to his children. Ahithophel, a very cunning man, was his counsellor: but Hushai, an honest man, was his companion and confidant. It does not appear that he had many counsellors; but those he had, were men of great abilities. Much of the wisdom of princes is seen in the choice of their ministry. But David, though he had all these trusty counsellors about him, preferred his bible before them all: (Ps. 119. 24,) Thy testimonies are my delight and my counsellors.

NOTES TO CHAPTER XXVIII.

V. 1-10. A great deal of service David had done in his day, had served his generation according to the will of God, Acts 13. 36. But now the time draws nigh, that he must die, and as a type of the Son of David, the nearer he comes to his end, the more busy he is, and does his work with all his might. He is now a little recovered from the bad indisposition mentioned 1 Kings 1. 1, when they covered him with clothes, and he gat no heat: but what cure is there for old age? He therefore improves his recovery, as giving him an opportunity of doing God and his country a little more service.

over the hundreds, and the stewards cover all the substance 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 king stood up upon his feet, 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, and for the footstool of our God, and had made ready for the building.

3 But God said unto me, Thou shalt not build an house for my name; because thou hast been a man of war, and hast shed blood.

4 Howbeit the LORD 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 Re, to make me king over all Israel:

5 And of all my sons (for 'the LORD hath given me many sons) he hath chosen Solomon "my son to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the LORD over Israel.

6 And he said "unto me, Solomon thy son, he shall build my house and my courts: for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father.

e 2 Sam. 7. 2. Ps. 132. 2-7. f P. 99. 5. Lam. 2. 1. g 1 Kings 5. 3. § bloode. A 1 Sam. 16. 7-13. i Gen. 49. 8, 10. e. 5. 2. P. 80. 7. 78. 68. Heb. 7. 14. 1 Sam. 16. 1. c. 3. 1, &c. me. 22. 9, 10. n 2 Sam. 7. 13, 14.

vidual among them, yet minor universis-less than the whole of them together. His age and infirmities, as well as his dignity, might well have allowed him to keep his seat; but he would show that he was indeed humbled for the pride of his heart, both in the numbers of his people, and his dominion over them. Then it was too much his pleasure, that they were all his servants, (ch. 21. 3,) now he calls them his brethren, whom he loved, his people whom he took care of, not his servants whom he had the command of. Hear me, my brethren, and my people. It becomes superiors thus to speak with affection and condescension, even to their inferiors; they will not be the less honoured for it, but the more loved. Thus he engages their attention to what he was about to say.

III. He declares the purpose he had formed to build a temple for God, and God's disallowing of that purpose, v. 2, 3. This he had signified to Solomon before, ch. 22. 7, 8. A house of rest for the ark is here said to be a house of rest for the footstool of our God: for heaven is his throne of glory; the earth, and the most magnificent temples that can be built upon it, are but his footstool. So much difference is there between the manifestations of the divine glory in the upper, and the lower world. Angels surround his throne, Is. 6. 1. We, poor worms, do but worship at his footstool, Ps. 99. 5.-132. 7. As an evidence of the sincerity of his purpose to build the temple, he tells them that he had made ready for it, but that God would not suffer him to proceed, because he had appointed other work for him to do, which was enough for one man, namely, the managing of the wars of Israel; he must serve the public with the sword, another must do it with the line and plummet. Times of rest are building times, Acts 9. 31.

IV. He produces his own title first, and then Solomon's, to the crown; both were undoubtedly jure divino-divine. They could make out such a title as no monarch on earth can; the Lord God of Israel chose them both immediately, by prophecy, not providence, v. 4, 5. No right of primogeniture is pretended; Detur digniori, not seniori-It went by worth, not by age. 1. Judah was not the eldest son of Jacob, yet God chose that tribe to be the ruling tribe; Jacob entailed the sceptre upon it, Gen. 49. 10. 2. It does not appear that the family of Jesse was the senior house of that tribe; from Judah, it is certain that it was not, for Shelah was before Pharez; whether from Nahshon and Salmon, is not certain. Ram, the father of Nahshon, had an elder brother, (ch. 2. 9,) perhaps so had Boaz, Obed, Jesse ; yet "God chose the house of my father." 3. David was the youngest son of Jesse, yet God liked him to make him king; so it seemed good unto him. God takes whom he likes, and likes whom he makes like himself, as he did David, a man after his own heart. 4. Solomon was one of the youngest sons of David, and yet God chose him to sit upon the throne, because he was the likeliest of them all to build the temple, the wisest and best inclined.

V. He opens to them God's gracious purposes concerning Solomon, (v. 6, 7,) I have chosen him to be my son. Thus he declares the decree, that the Lord had said to Solomon, as a type of Christ, Thou art my son, (Ps. 2. 7,) the son of my love; for he was called Jedidiah, because the Lord loved him, and, Christ is his beloved Son. Of him, God said, as a figure of

both the Founder, and the Foundation of the Gospel temple. 2. I will establish his kingdom for ever. This must have its accomplishment in the kingdom of the Messiah, which shall continue in his hands through all the ages of time, (Is. 3. 7. Luke 1. 33,) and shall then be delivered up to God, even the Father, yet, perhaps, to be delivered back to the Redeemer for ( 977 )