mh_parser/vol_split/13 - 1Chronicles/Chapter 9.xml

<div2 id="iCh.x" n="x" next="iCh.xi" prev="iCh.ix" progress="74.97%" title="Chapter IX">
<h2 id="iCh.x-p0.1">F I R S T   C H R O N I C L E
S</h2>
<h3 id="iCh.x-p0.2">CHAP. IX.</h3>
<p class="intro" id="iCh.x-p1">This chapter intimates to us that one end of
recording all these genealogies was to direct the Jews, now that
they had returned out of captivity, with whom to incorporate and
where to reside; for here we have an account of those who first
took possession of Jerusalem after their return from Babylon, and
began the rebuilding of it upon the old foundation. I. The
Israelites, <scripRef id="iCh.x-p1.1" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.9.2-1Chr.9.9" parsed="|1Chr|9|2|9|9" passage="1Ch 9:2-9">ver. 2-9</scripRef>. II.
The priests, <scripRef id="iCh.x-p1.2" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.9.10-1Chr.9.13" parsed="|1Chr|9|10|9|13" passage="1Ch 9:10-13">ver. 10-13</scripRef>.
III. The Levites and other Nethinim, <scripRef id="iCh.x-p1.3" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.9.14-1Chr.9.26" parsed="|1Chr|9|14|9|26" passage="1Ch 9:14-26">ver. 14-26</scripRef>. IV. Here is the particular
charge of some of the priests and Levites, <scripRef id="iCh.x-p1.4" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.9.27-1Chr.9.34" parsed="|1Chr|9|27|9|34" passage="1Ch 9:27-34">ver. 27-34</scripRef>. V. A repetition of the
genealogy of king Saul, <scripRef id="iCh.x-p1.5" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.9.35-1Chr.9.44" parsed="|1Chr|9|35|9|44" passage="1Ch 9:35-44">ver.
35-44</scripRef>.</p>
<scripCom id="iCh.x-p0.1_1" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.9" parsed="|1Chr|9|0|0|0" passage="1Ch 9" type="Commentary"/>
<scripCom id="iCh.x-p0.2_1" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.9.1-1Chr.9.13" parsed="|1Chr|9|1|9|13" passage="1Ch 9:1-13" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:1Chr.9.1-1Chr.9.13">
<h4 id="iCh.x-p1.8">Genealogies. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iCh.x-p1.9">b. c.</span> 700.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iCh.x-p2">1 So all Israel were reckoned by genealogies;
and, behold, they <i>were</i> written in the book of the kings of
Israel and Judah, <i>who</i> were carried away to Babylon for their
transgression.   2 Now the first inhabitants that <i>dwelt</i>
in their possessions in their cities <i>were,</i> the Israelites,
the priests, Levites, and the Nethinims.   3 And in Jerusalem
dwelt of the children of Judah, and of the children of Benjamin,
and of the children of Ephraim, and Manasseh;   4 Uthai the
son of Ammihud, the son of Omri, the son of Imri, the son of Bani,
of the children of Pharez the son of Judah.   5 And of the
Shilonites; Asaiah the firstborn, and his sons.   6 And of the
sons of Zerah; Jeuel, and their brethren, six hundred and ninety.
  7 And of the sons of Benjamin; Sallu the son of Meshullam,
the son of Hodaviah, the son of Hasenuah,   8 And Ibneiah the
son of Jeroham, and Elah the son of Uzzi, the son of Michri, and
Meshullam the son of Shephathiah, the son of Reuel, the son of
Ibnijah;   9 And their brethren, according to their
generations, nine hundred and fifty and six. All these men
<i>were</i> chief of the fathers in the house of their fathers.
  10 And of the priests; Jedaiah, and Jehoiarib, and Jachin,
  11 And Azariah the son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the
son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, the ruler of
the house of God;   12 And Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son
of Pashur, the son of Malchijah, and Maasiai the son of Adiel, the
son of Jahzerah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Meshillemith, the
son of Immer;   13 And their brethren, heads of the house of
their fathers, a thousand and seven hundred and threescore; very
able men for the work of the service of the house of God.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iCh.x-p3"><scripRef id="iCh.x-p3.1" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.9.1" parsed="|1Chr|9|1|0|0" passage="1Ch 9:1">The first
verse</scripRef> looks back upon the foregoing genealogies, and
tells us they were gathered out of <i>the books of the kings of
Israel and Judah,</i> not that which we have in the canon of
scripture, but another civil record, which was authentic, as the
king's books with us. Mentioning Israel and Judah, the historian
takes notice of their being <i>carried away to Babylon for their
transgression.</i> Let that judgment never be forgotten, but ever
be remembered, for warning to posterity to take heed of those sins
that brought it upon them. Whenever we speak of any calamity that
has befallen us, it is good to add this, "it was for my
transgression," that God may be justified and clear when he judges.
Then follows an account of the first inhabitants, after their
return from captivity, that dwelt in their cities, especially in
Jerusalem. 1. The Israelites. That general name is used (<scripRef id="iCh.x-p3.2" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.9.2" parsed="|1Chr|9|2|0|0" passage="1Ch 9:2"><i>v.</i> 2</scripRef>) because with those of
Judah and Benjamin there were many of Ephraim and Manasseh, and the
other ten tribes (<scripRef id="iCh.x-p3.3" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.9.3" parsed="|1Chr|9|3|0|0" passage="1Ch 9:3"><i>v.</i>
3</scripRef>), such as had escaped to Judah when the body of the
ten tribes were carried captive or returned to Judah upon the
revolutions in Assyria, and so went into captivity with them, or
met them when they were in Babylon, associated with them, and so
shared in the benefit of their enlargement. It was foretold that
the <i>children of Judah and of Israel</i> should be <i>gathered
together and come up out of the land</i> (<scripRef id="iCh.x-p3.4" osisRef="Bible:Hos.1.11" parsed="|Hos|1|11|0|0" passage="Ho 1:11">Hos. i. 11</scripRef>), and that they should be one
nation again, <scripRef id="iCh.x-p3.5" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.37.22" parsed="|Ezek|37|22|0|0" passage="Eze 37:22">Ezek. xxxvii.
22</scripRef>. Trouble drives those together that have been at
variance; and the pieces of metal that had been separated will run
together again when melted in the same crucible. Many both of Judah
and Israel staid behind in captivity; but some of both, whose
spirit God stirred up, enquired the way to Zion again. Divers are
here named, and many more numbered, who were <i>chief of the
fathers</i> (<scripRef id="iCh.x-p3.6" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.9.9" parsed="|1Chr|9|9|0|0" passage="1Ch 9:9"><i>v.</i> 9</scripRef>),
who ought to be remembered with honour, as Israelites indeed. 2.
The priests, <scripRef id="iCh.x-p3.7" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.9.10" parsed="|1Chr|9|10|0|0" passage="1Ch 9:10"><i>v.</i> 10</scripRef>.
It was their praise that they came with the first. Who should lead
in a good work if the priests, the Lord's ministers, do not? It was
the people's praise that they would not come without them; for who
but the priests should keep knowledge? Who but the priests should
bless them in the name of the Lord? (1.) It is said of one of them
that he was <i>the ruler of the house of God</i> (<scripRef id="iCh.x-p3.8" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.9.11" parsed="|1Chr|9|11|0|0" passage="1Ch 9:11"><i>v.</i> 11</scripRef>) not the chief ruler,
for Joshua was then the high priest, but the sagan, and the next
under him, his deputy, who perhaps applied more diligently to the
business than the high priest himself. In the house of God it is
requisite that there be rulers, not to make new laws, but to take
care that the laws of God be duly observed by priests as well as
people. (2.) It is said of many of them that they were <i>very able
men for the service of the house of God,</i> <scripRef id="iCh.x-p3.9" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.9.13" parsed="|1Chr|9|13|0|0" passage="1Ch 9:13"><i>v.</i> 13</scripRef>. In the house of God there is
service to be done, constant service; and it is well for the church
when those are employed in that service who are qualified for it,
<i>able ministers of the New Testament,</i> <scripRef id="iCh.x-p3.10" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.3.6" parsed="|2Cor|3|6|0|0" passage="2Co 3:6">2 Cor. iii. 6</scripRef>. The service of the temple was
such as required at all times, especially in this critical
juncture, when they had newly come out of Babylon, great courage
and vigour of mind, as well as strength of body; and therefore they
are praised as <i>mighty men of valour.</i></p>
</div><scripCom id="iCh.x-p0.3" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.9.14-1Chr.9.34" parsed="|1Chr|9|14|9|34" passage="1Ch 9:14-34" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:1Chr.9.14-1Chr.9.34">
<h4 id="iCh.x-p3.12">Genealogies; the Employment of the
Priests. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iCh.x-p3.13">b. c.</span> 1400.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iCh.x-p4">14 And of the Levites; Shemaiah the son of
Hasshub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, of the sons of
Merari;   15 And Bakbakkar, Heresh, and Galal, and Mattaniah
the son of Micah, the son of Zichri, the son of Asaph;   16
And Obadiah the son of Shemaiah, the son of Galal, the son of
Jeduthun, and Berechiah the son of Asa, the son of Elkanah, that
dwelt in the villages of the Netophathites.   17 And the
porters <i>were,</i> Shallum, and Akkub, and Talmon, and Ahiman,
and their brethren: Shallum <i>was</i> the chief;   18 Who
hitherto <i>waited</i> in the king's gate eastward: they
<i>were</i> porters in the companies of the children of Levi.
  19 And Shallum the son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son
of Korah, and his brethren, of the house of his father, the
Korahites, <i>were</i> over the work of the service, keepers of the
gates of the tabernacle: and their fathers, <i>being</i> over the
host of the <span class="smallcaps" id="iCh.x-p4.1">Lord</span>, <i>were</i>
keepers of the entry.   20 And Phinehas the son of Eleazar was
the ruler over them in time past, <i>and</i> the <span class="smallcaps" id="iCh.x-p4.2">Lord</span> <i>was</i> with him.   21 <i>And</i>
Zechariah the son of Meshelemiah <i>was</i> porter of the door of
the tabernacle of the congregation.   22 All these <i>which
were</i> chosen to be porters in the gates <i>were</i> two hundred
and twelve. These were reckoned by their genealogy in their
villages, whom David and Samuel the seer did ordain in their set
office.   23 So they and their children <i>had</i> the
oversight of the gates of the house of the <span class="smallcaps" id="iCh.x-p4.3">Lord</span>, <i>namely,</i> the house of the
tabernacle, by wards.   24 In four quarters were the porters,
toward the east, west, north, and south.   25 And their
brethren, <i>which were</i> in their villages, <i>were</i> to come
after seven days from time to time with them.   26 For these
Levites, the four chief porters, were in <i>their</i> set office,
and were over the chambers and treasuries of the house of God.
  27 And they lodged round about the house of God, because the
charge <i>was</i> upon them, and the opening thereof every morning
<i>pertained</i> to them.   28 And <i>certain</i> of them had
the charge of the ministering vessels, that they should bring them
in and out by tale.   29 <i>Some</i> of them also <i>were</i>
appointed to oversee the vessels, and all the instruments of the
sanctuary, and the fine flour, and the wine, and the oil, and the
frankincense, and the spices.   30 And <i>some</i> of the sons
of the priests made the ointment of the spices.   31 And
Mattithiah, <i>one</i> of the Levites, who <i>was</i> the firstborn
of Shallum the Korahite, had the set office over the things that
were made in the pans.   32 And <i>other</i> of their
brethren, of the sons of the Kohathites, <i>were</i> over the
showbread, to prepare <i>it</i> every sabbath.   33 And these
<i>are</i> the singers, chief of the fathers of the Levites, <i>who
remaining</i> in the chambers <i>were</i> free: for they were
employed in <i>that</i> work day and night.   34 These chief
fathers of the Levites <i>were</i> chief throughout their
generations; these dwelt at Jerusalem.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iCh.x-p5">We have here a further account of the good
posture which the affairs of religion were put into immediately
upon the return of the people out of Babylon. They had smarted for
their former neglect of ordinances and under the late want of
ordinances. Both these considerations made them very zealous and
forward in setting up the worship of God among them; so they began
their worship of God at the right end. Instances hereof we have
here.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iCh.x-p6">I. Before the house of the Lord was built
they had the house of the tabernacle, a plain and movable tent,
which they made use of in the mean time. Those that cannot yet
reach to have a temple must not be without a tabernacle, but be
thankful for that and make the best of it. Never let God's work be
left undone for want of a place to do it in.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iCh.x-p7">II. In allotting to the priests and Levites
their respective employments, they had an eye to the model that was
drawn up by David, and Samuel the seer, <scripRef id="iCh.x-p7.1" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.9.22" parsed="|1Chr|9|22|0|0" passage="1Ch 9:22"><i>v.</i> 22</scripRef>. Samuel, in his time, had drawn
the scheme of it, and laid the foundation, though the ark was then
in obscurity, and David afterwards finished it, and both acted by
immediate direction from God. Or David, as soon as he was anointed
had this matter in his mind and consulted Samuel about it, though
he was then in his troubles, and the plan was formed in concert
between them. This perhaps had been little regarded for many ages;
but now, after a long interruption, it was revived. In dividing the
work, they observed these ancient land-marks.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iCh.x-p8">III. The most of them dwelt at Jerusalem
(<scripRef id="iCh.x-p8.1" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.9.34" parsed="|1Chr|9|34|0|0" passage="1Ch 9:34"><i>v.</i> 34</scripRef>), yet there
were some that dwelt in the villages (<scripRef id="iCh.x-p8.2" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.9.16 Bible:1Chr.9.22" parsed="|1Chr|9|16|0|0;|1Chr|9|22|0|0" passage="1Ch 9:16,22"><i>v.</i> 16, 22</scripRef>), because, it may be,
there was not yet room for them in Jerusalem. However they were
employed in the service of the tabernacle (<scripRef id="iCh.x-p8.3" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.9.25" parsed="|1Chr|9|25|0|0" passage="1Ch 9:25"><i>v.</i> 25</scripRef>): <i>They were to come after
seven days from time to time.</i> They had their week's attendance
in their turns.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iCh.x-p9">IV. Many of the Levites were employed as
porters at the gates of the house of God, four chief porters
(<scripRef id="iCh.x-p9.1" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.9.26" parsed="|1Chr|9|26|0|0" passage="1Ch 9:26"><i>v.</i> 26</scripRef>), and, under
them, others, to the number of 212, <scripRef id="iCh.x-p9.2" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.9.22" parsed="|1Chr|9|22|0|0" passage="1Ch 9:22"><i>v.</i> 22</scripRef>. They had the oversight of the
gates (<scripRef id="iCh.x-p9.3" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.9.23" parsed="|1Chr|9|23|0|0" passage="1Ch 9:23"><i>v.</i> 23</scripRef>), were
keepers of the <i>thresholds,</i> as in the margin (<scripRef id="iCh.x-p9.4" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.9.19" parsed="|1Chr|9|19|0|0" passage="1Ch 9:19"><i>v.</i> 19</scripRef>), and keepers of the
entry. This seemed a mean office; and yet David would rather have
it than <i>dwell in the tents of wickedness,</i> <scripRef id="iCh.x-p9.5" osisRef="Bible:Ps.84.10" parsed="|Ps|84|10|0|0" passage="Ps 84:10">Ps. lxxxiv. 10</scripRef>. Their office was, 1. To open
the doors of God's house every morning (<scripRef id="iCh.x-p9.6" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.9.27" parsed="|1Chr|9|27|0|0" passage="1Ch 9:27"><i>v.</i> 27</scripRef>) and shut them at night. 2. To
keep off the unclean, and hinder those from thrusting in that were
forbidden by the law. 3. To direct and introduce into the courts of
the Lord those that came thither to worship, and to show them where
to go and what to do, that they might not incur punishment. This
required care, and diligence, and constant attendance. Ministers
have work to do of this kind.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iCh.x-p10">V. Here is one Phinehas, a son of Eleazar,
that is said to be a <i>ruler over them in time past</i> (<scripRef id="iCh.x-p10.1" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.9.20" parsed="|1Chr|9|20|0|0" passage="1Ch 9:20"><i>v.</i> 20</scripRef>), not the famous high
priest of that name, but (as is supposed) an eminent Levite, of
whom it is here said that <i>the Lord was with him,</i> or (as the
Chaldee reads it) <i>the Word of the Lord was his helper</i>—the
eternal Word, who is <i>Jehovah, the mighty one on whom help is
laid.</i></p>
<p class="indent" id="iCh.x-p11">VI. It is said of some of them that,
because the charge was upon them, <i>they lodged round about the
house of God,</i> <scripRef id="iCh.x-p11.1" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.9.27" parsed="|1Chr|9|27|0|0" passage="1Ch 9:27"><i>v.</i>
27</scripRef>. It is good for ministers to be near their work, that
they may give themselves wholly to it. The Levites pitched about
the tabernacle when they marched through the wilderness. Then they
were porters in one sense, bearing the burdens of the sanctuary,
now porters in another sense, attending the gates and the doors—in
both instances keeping the charge of the sanctuary.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iCh.x-p12">VII. Every one knew his charge. Some were
entrusted with the plate, the ministering vessels, to bring them in
and out by tale, <scripRef id="iCh.x-p12.1" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.9.28" parsed="|1Chr|9|28|0|0" passage="1Ch 9:28"><i>v.</i>
28</scripRef>. Others were appointed to prepare the fine flour,
wine, oil, &amp;c., <scripRef id="iCh.x-p12.2" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.9.29" parsed="|1Chr|9|29|0|0" passage="1Ch 9:29"><i>v.</i>
29</scripRef>. Others, that were priests, made up the holy
anointing oil, <scripRef id="iCh.x-p12.3" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.9.30" parsed="|1Chr|9|30|0|0" passage="1Ch 9:30"><i>v.</i>
30</scripRef>. Others took care of the meat-offerings, <scripRef id="iCh.x-p12.4" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.9.31" parsed="|1Chr|9|31|0|0" passage="1Ch 9:31"><i>v.</i> 31</scripRef>. Others of the
show-bread, <scripRef id="iCh.x-p12.5" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.9.32" parsed="|1Chr|9|32|0|0" passage="1Ch 9:32"><i>v.</i> 32</scripRef>.
As in other great houses, so in God's house, the work is likely to
be done well when every one knows the duty of his place and makes a
business of it. God is the God of order: but that which is every
body's work will be nobody's work.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iCh.x-p13">VIII. The singers <i>were employed in that
work day and night,</i> <scripRef id="iCh.x-p13.1" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.9.33" parsed="|1Chr|9|33|0|0" passage="1Ch 9:33"><i>v.</i>
33</scripRef>. They were the <i>chief fathers of the Levites</i>
that made a business of it, not mean singing-men, that made a trade
of it. They remained in the chambers of the temple, that they might
closely and constantly attend it, and were therefore excused from
all other services. It should seem, some companies were continually
singing, at least at stated hours, both day and night. Thus was God
continually praised, as it is fit he should be who is continually
doing good. Thus devout people might, at any hour, have assistance
in their devotion. Thus was the temple a figure of the heavenly
one, where they <i>rest not day nor night</i> from praising God,
<scripRef id="iCh.x-p13.2" osisRef="Bible:Rev.4.8" parsed="|Rev|4|8|0|0" passage="Re 4:8">Rev. iv. 8</scripRef>. <i>Blessed are
those that dwell in thy house; they will be still praising
thee.</i></p>
</div><scripCom id="iCh.x-p0.4" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.9.35-1Chr.9.44" parsed="|1Chr|9|35|9|44" passage="1Ch 9:35-44" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:1Chr.9.35-1Chr.9.44">
<h4 id="iCh.x-p13.4">Genealogies. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iCh.x-p13.5">b. c.</span> 1400.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iCh.x-p14">35 And in Gibeon dwelt the father of Gibeon,
Jehiel, whose wife's name <i>was</i> Maachah:   36 And his
firstborn son Abdon, then Zur, and Kish, and Baal, and Ner, and
Nadab,   37 And Gedor, and Ahio, and Zechariah, and Mikloth.
  38 And Mikloth begat Shimeam. And they also dwelt with their
brethren at Jerusalem, over against their brethren.   39 And
Ner begat Kish; and Kish begat Saul; and Saul begat Jonathan, and
Malchishua, and Abinadab, and Eshbaal.   40 And the son of
Jonathan <i>was</i> Merib-baal: and Merib-baal begat <scripRef id="iCh.x-p14.1" osisRef="Bible:Mic.41" parsed="|Mic|41|0|0|0" passage="Micah. 41">Micah.  
41</scripRef> And the sons of Micah <i>were,</i> Pithon, and Melech, and
Tahrea, <i>and Ahaz.</i>   42 And Ahaz begat Jarah; and Jarah
begat Alemeth, and Azmaveth, and Zimri; and Zimri begat Moza;
  43 And Moza begat Binea; and Rephaiah his son, Eleasah his
son, Azel his son.   44 And Azel had six sons, whose names
<i>are</i> these, Azrikam, Bocheru, and Ishmael, and Sheariah, and
Obadiah, and Hanan: these <i>were</i> the sons of Azel.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iCh.x-p15"><scripRef id="iCh.x-p15.1" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.9.35-1Chr.9.44" parsed="|1Chr|9|35|9|44" passage="1Ch 9:35-44">These
verses</scripRef> are the very same with <scripRef id="iCh.x-p15.2" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.8.29-1Chr.8.38" parsed="|1Chr|8|29|8|38" passage="1Ch 8:29-38"><i>ch.</i> viii. 29-38</scripRef>, giving an account
of the ancestors of Saul and the posterity of Jonathan.
<i>There</i> it is the conclusion of the genealogy of Benjamin;
<i>here</i> it is an introduction to the story of Saul. We take the
repetition as we find it; but if we admit that there are in the
originals, especially in these books, some errors of the
transcribers, I should be tempted to think this repetition arose
from a blunder. Some one, in copying out these genealogies, having
written those words, <scripRef id="iCh.x-p15.3" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.9.34" parsed="|1Chr|9|34|0|0" passage="1Ch 9:34"><i>v.</i>
34</scripRef> (<i>These dwelt in Jerusalem</i>), cast his eye on
the same words, <scripRef id="iCh.x-p15.4" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.8.28" parsed="|1Chr|8|28|0|0" passage="1Ch 8:28"><i>ch.</i> viii.
28</scripRef>. (<i>These dwelt in Jerusalem</i>), and so went on
with what followed there, instead of going on with what followed
here; and, when he perceived his mistake, was loth to make a blot
in his book, and so let it stand. We have a rule in our law,
<i>Redundans non nocet</i>—<i>Redundancies do no harm.</i></p>
</div></div2>