Fulfilled — Nebuchadnezzar carried many of the Jews into captivity in the first year of his reign (the fourth of Jehoiakim). He reigned forty — five years, his son Evil — merodach twenty — three, and his grandson Belshazzar, three years, which make up the seventy years foretold by Jeremiah. First ye... [ Continue Reading ]
All, &c. — In those parts of the world; all that vast empire formerly under the Assyrians and Babylonians. The gift of which he ascribes to the great God; by that express prophecy of Isaiah concerning him, Isaiah 44:28, Isaiah 45:1, Isaiah 45:13, so long before he was born; which prophecy the Jews h... [ Continue Reading ]
Then rose up, &c. — These being a new generation, went out like their father Abraham, from this land of the Chaldees, not knowing whither they went.... [ Continue Reading ]
Strengthened their hands — God can, when he pleases, incline the hearts of strangers to be kind to his people; yea, make those strengthen their hands, who formerly weakened them.... [ Continue Reading ]
Sheshbazzar — Zerubbabel; the Chaldeans called him Sheshbazzar, that is, Joy in tribulation, but among his own people he was called Zerubbabel, a stranger in Babylon. So he looked upon himself, tho' (Josephus says) he was captain of the life — guard.... [ Continue Reading ]