The chief — It is observable, that he is not called the chief priest, or high — priest, but only the chief, or the head, which he might be in many other respects, either by reason of his near relation to the royal family: or because he was the chief of one of the twenty — four families.... [ Continue Reading ]
The sons — Ahaziah, and his brethren before they were carried away captive, 2 Chronicles 21:17, who did this by her instigation, as this phrase implies. Broke up — Both broke up the treasuries, and defaced the house itself.... [ Continue Reading ]
Vessels — Because Athaliah and her sons had taken the old ones away, 2 Chronicles 24:7.... [ Continue Reading ]
An hundred and thirty years old — By which it appears, that he was born in Solomon's time, and had lived six entire reigns before this. They buried him among the kings, with this honourable encomium, (perhaps inscribed upon his grave — stone) that he had done good in Israel. But the little religion... [ Continue Reading ]
Israel — In Judah, which was an eminent part of Israel, and the only part of it which owned God, or was owned by God as his Israel, to whom therefore he often appropriates this name.... [ Continue Reading ]
Made obeisance — In that posture presenting their requests to him, that they might not be confined to troublesome journeys to Jerusalem, but might have the liberty, which their fore — fathers enjoyed, os worshipping God in the high — places. This liberty once obtained, they knew they could worship i... [ Continue Reading ]
Left, &c. — The king and princes that awhile ago so zealously repaired the temple, now forsook the temple! So inconstant a thing is man! So little confidence is to be put in him!... [ Continue Reading ]
Who stood — The people were assembled in the court of the temple, which they had not quite forsook, when Zechariah stood up in some of the desks that were in the court of the priests, and plainly told them their sin, and the consequences of it.... [ Continue Reading ]
Stoned him — They stoned him immediately, without even colour of law; as horrid a piece of wickedness, as any we read of in all the history of the kings. That ever such a villainy should be committed, by men, by Israelites, in contempt and violation of everything that is just, honourable, and sacred... [ Continue Reading ]
Require it — Make inquisition for innocent blood. But the words may be rendered, The Lord will look upon it, and require it, will require satisfaction from you for it.... [ Continue Reading ]
The year — So soon did God hear the cry of his holy prophet's blood, and revenge it. The princes — That it might appear they were sent and directed by God to single out to destruction the first beginners of this general apostacy.... [ Continue Reading ]
Son — By which it seems, he slew not only Zechariah, but his brothers also. Perhaps they that slew him intended to take vengeance for that innocent blood. However that was it, which God intended, in permitting them to do it.... [ Continue Reading ]
Burdens — The great judgments of God upon him, both by the Syrians, 2 Chronicles 24:23, and by great diseases, 2 Chronicles 24:25.... [ Continue Reading ]