_A.M. 2804. B.C. 1200._ The chief of Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim, and Manasseh, who returned from captivity and dwelt at Jerusalem, 1 Chronicles 9:1. The priests, 1 Chronicles 9:10. The Levites, 1 Chronicles 9:14. Their various offices in the temple, 1 Chronicles 9:17. The family of Saul, 1 Chronicles... [ Continue Reading ]
_They were written in the book_ In the public records, wherein there was an account of that kingdom, and of the several families in it.... [ Continue Reading ]
_The first_ After the return from Babylon. _That dwelt in their possessions_ That took possession of their own lands and cities, which had been formerly allotted them, but of late years had been taken from them for their sins, and possessed by other people. _Israelites_ The common people of Judah an... [ Continue Reading ]
_Ammihud_ That there is so great a diversity of names between this catalogue and that Nehemiah 11., may be ascribed to two causes. 1st, To the custom of the Hebrews, who used frequently to give several names to one person. And, 2d, To the change of times; for here they are named who came up at the f... [ Continue Reading ]
_Sallu the son of Meshullam_ Who is mentioned, but described by other parents, (Nehemiah 11:7,) or at least by persons under other names. Possibly these were his more immediate, and those his more remote parents: or he might be begotten by the one, and adopted by the other. For it is certain that me... [ Continue Reading ]
_Nine hundred and fifty-six_ They are reckoned but nine hundred and twenty-eight in Nehemiah 11:8, either because there he mentions only those that were by lot determined to dwell at Jerusalem, to whom he here adds those who freely offered themselves to it; or because some of the persons first place... [ Continue Reading ]
_The ruler_ Or rather, _a ruler_ in _the house of God_ Not the high-priest, who was Ezra, (Ezra 3:8,) but a chief ruler under him.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Able men_ Hebrew, _mighty men of valour;_ which is here mentioned as an excellent qualification for their place; because the priests might meet with great opposition in the discharge of their office, in the execution of the censures upon all impure persons without exception, and in preserving sacre... [ Continue Reading ]
_The villages of the Netophathite_ Or, _Netophathites:_ which were in Judah, 1 Chronicles 2:54. Here they now dwelt, either because their proper cities were not yet built; or because they were not yet numerous enough to replenish them. _The porters were_, &c. Whose office it was to keep all the gate... [ Continue Reading ]
_King's gate_ In the east gate of the temple; which was so called, because the kings of Judah used to go to the temple through that gate. Under this gate he comprehends all the rest, which also were guarded by these porters. _In the companies_ Or, _according to the courses._ They kept the gates succ... [ Continue Reading ]
_Tabernacle_ Namely, _in time past_, when the tabernacle was standing, before the temple was built. _Their fathers_ The Kohathites. _Being over the host of the Lord_ When the Israelites were in the wilderness, encamped in a military manner round about the tabernacle, with whom these were then placed... [ Continue Reading ]
_Phinehas was ruler over them_ That is, over all the porters, and other Levites and priests before mentioned. The Lord was with him to direct, and assist, and bless him in the discharge of his office, which seems to be here observed to encourage his successor, and consequently all the priests and Le... [ Continue Reading ]
_Zechariah was porter_ Chief porter, namely, in the time of David, as the following verse shows. _Of the door of the tabernacle_ The door which led out of the priests' court into the tabernacle, in which the ark was placed. Before the temple was built, they had a mean and moveable tent which they ma... [ Continue Reading ]
_These were reckoned in their villages_ Where their usual residence was, and whence they came to Jerusalem in their courses. _Whom David and Samuel did ordain_ In the times of the judges there was much disorder both in the Jewish state and church, and the Levites came to the tabernacle promiscuously... [ Continue Reading ]
_They and their children had the oversight_ Namely, in David's time. _Of the tabernacle_ This is added to explain what he means by the house of the Lord: not that tabernacle which David had set up for the ark, but that more solemn tabernacle, which Moses had made by God's express command; which in D... [ Continue Reading ]
_Their brethren were to come_ From their several villages to the place of worship. _After seven days_ Every seventh day the courses were changed, and the new-comers were to tarry till the next sabbath day. _From time to time with them_ To be with them, with the chief porters, who always abode in the... [ Continue Reading ]
_These Levites were in their set office_ These were constantly upon the place, in the execution of their office, that they might oversee the inferior porters in their work. _Were over the treasuries_ In which the sacred utensils, and other treasures belonging to the temple, were kept. _They lodged r... [ Continue Reading ]
_The sons of the priests made the ointment_ This is added to show, that though the Levites were intrusted with the keeping of this ointment, yet none but the priests could make it. _Over the things made in the pans_ Was to take care that fine flour might be provided, that when occasion required they... [ Continue Reading ]
_And these_ Others of the Levites; of whose several offices he had spoken before. _Are_ Or rather, _were;_ which is understood all along in the foregoing and following verses. _Remaining in the chambers_ That they might be ready to come whensoever they were called to the service of God in the tabern... [ Continue Reading ]
_These dwelt at Jerusalem_ Upon their return from Babylon they were not suffered to choose their habitations in the country, as others were, but were obliged to settle themselves at Jerusalem, that they might constantly attend upon God's service there. _Whose wife's name was Maachah_ In this and the... [ Continue Reading ]