Over-against, in imitation of the priests, (Calmet) being likewise divided into twenty-four classes. (Tirinus) --- Both, &c. Hebrew, "the principal fathers over-against their younger brethren." All the rest is omitted. Lots decided the place and functions both of father and children. (Haydock) CHAPTER XXIV. Army; the chief magistrates of the state and of the church. (Tirinus) (Chap. xxiv. 6, 31.) --- The priests, &c., were all divided into twenty-four classes, each having twelve masters to preside, ver. 7. (Calmet) --- Idithun, or Ethan, chap vi. 44., and xv. 19., (Worthington) and 3 Kings iv. 31. --- The twenty-four sons of these three, who were chief musicians under David and Solomon, presided over the bands: eleven other inferior masters helped to instruct the rest, ver. 9. --- Prophecy, or play on instruments. --- Harps. "Kinnor" means also the "guitar." (Calmet) --- Vulgate has, lyras, chap. xv. 16. --- Psalteries. Hebrew, " nebalim. " (Menochius) --- The Jews pretend that the singers were inspired commonly, when they sounded forth God's praises in the temple, as Eliseus was, 4 Kings iii. 15. (Lyranus; Estius) --- But they may be said to prophesy, because they sung the composition of the prophets. (Worthington) --- According. Hebrew, "and the number of the workmen, (or experienced musicians) according to their service, was." (Haydock) --- The chiefs of the twenty-four bands were carefully selected. King, who sat in a separate tribune. Asaph presided in the royal city, at court, and in the tabernacle, while some of the singers were fixed at Gabaon, chap. xvi. 7, 37, and 41. (Calmet) --- Hebrew may signify, "at the king's command. (Pagnin) --- He sometimes condescended to direct the singers, ver. 6. (Haydock) Of Idithun; or, altering the punctuation, (Du Hamel) "Now the sons of Idithun, the first-born, Godolias (Haydock) Sori, or Isari, ver. 11. Thus, the number six, will be complete: otherwise we much acknowledge that Idithun, the father, is counted with his children; or that a name is lost, perhaps that of Semeias, (ver. 17.; Calmet) as [the] Alexandrian Septuagint has Semei before Hasabias. (Haydock) --- Harp, This was the distinctive instrument of this band, as the horn was of Heman's. (Calmet) Seer; a title usually given to the real prophets, who foresee future things. (Menochius) --- Gad has this title, 2 Paralipomenon xxiv. 11. But Heman's office was to proclaim the words of God, with the sound of the horn. This musician had formerly been fixed at Gabaon, chap. xvi. 41. (Calmet) --- To lift up the horn, or to sing those psalms, which regarded the kingdom of David, and of Christ, as others were composed for the instruction of the people. (Tirinus) --- Daughters. These are specified, only because they joined with their brethren, in singing in the temple. (Abulensis, q. 14.) (Menochius) --- At least, we find that there were bands of young women, in the solemn procession. (Haydock) (Chap. xv. 20., and Psalm lxvii. 26.) (Calmet) Near. Hebrew, "under the hand of the king," who presided over a band of musicians, as well as Asaph; (Calmet) or he directed all, particularly giving his instructions to Asaph, &c. --- To wit in not in Hebrew, "by the order of the king to Asaph." (Haydock) Eight, comprising the twenty-four princes, and the eleven secondary masters of each of the bands, or twelve times twenty-four, ver. 1. Unlearned. Hebrew and Septuagint, "the scholars." (Haydock) --- After the singers had been distributed into twenty-four classes, pretty equal in number, lots decided which of then should serve first, (Menochius) as had been done with the priests, chap. xxiv. 31. See chap. xxvi. 13. Asaph. Add, "to him, and (Haydock) to his sons, and his brethren, twelve," who taught the rest. Unless these twelve be admitted, (Tirinus) as in the sequel, (Haydock) the number 288 will not be found, ver. 7. (Tirinus) --- Septuagint is very confused: "And the first (entire) lot of his sons and brethren came out to Asaph, of Joseph, Godolias: the second Enia, his brethren, and his sons, twelve." Hebrew, "the first lot came forth for Asaph to Joseph; the second to," &c. (Protestants) In all the subsequent verses they read, " he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve." Why Asaph should be mentioned any more than Idithun or Heman, does not appear. Their children are placed indiscriminately by lot. (Haydock) Isreela; probably Oziel, ver. 4. (Calmet) CHAPTER XXV. Porters, who guarded the temple, being stationed at the four gates. They were selected from the families of Core and Merari, (ver. 19.) and were under (Calmet) five captains, two being placed at the gate leading from the palace, ver. 16. (Haydock) --- How many were appointed to follow the directions of these officers, we do not find. But 4,000 porters are mentioned, chap. xxiii. 5. Some guarded the treasury, &c. After the captivity, the same plan was adopted, chap. ix. (Calmet) --- Son, or descendant of Core, by Asaph, (Haydock) or Abiasaph, (chap. vi. 37.) different from the musician. (Calmet) Him. Obededom, by giving him a more numerous posterity, than any here mentioned, ver. 8. See 2 Kings vi. 11. (Calmet) (Tirinus) Semei, who is called Semeias, ver. 4., and 7. The last syllable is not lost in Hebrew or Septuagint. (Haydock) --- Valour. Their post was of a military nature, and required strength. Josephus says, some of the gates could hardly be shut by twenty men. He had not a first-born. That is, his first-born was either dead or not fit to be chief, and therefore he made Semri the chief, (Worthington; Challoner) who was the second son (Tirinus) of Hosa. Hebrew, "for, or though he was not the first-born, yet his father made him chief." Septuagint add, "of the second division," but without reason, as they interpret, "keeping the command," instead of Semri, the chief, which leaves us without a proper name. (Haydock) Lord. The companies succeeded each other every sabbath, but the chiefs were not changed. (Calmet) --- The office of these men was most noble. From them were selected treasurers, overseers, prefects, &c., ver. 16-32. (Tirinus) --- The lot decided only between the heads of families. (Du Hamel) CHAPTER XXVI. Selemias: the first syllable is frequently neglected in Hebrew, chap. iv. 24. (Tirinus) --- Zacharias was the first-born of Meselemia, ver. 2. (Haydock) --- A very. Hebrew, "a wise counsellor." (Calmet) And. Protestants, "To Obededom southward, and to his sons, the house of Asuppim." (Haydock) --- This term may denote the "revenue;" where the offerings, destined for the support of the priests, were collected, Exodus xxxiv. 22. We find the same word used for the offerings received at the door of the temple, 2 Esdras xii. 15. It may also mean the house "of the assemblies," (Calmet) where the 72 judges of the Sanhedrim met. (Villalpand) (Tirinus) Which. Hebrew Shalecheth, (Calmet) or ssolcoth, (Haydock) "which leads or casts out" the filth from the temple. (Villalpand) (Isaias vi. 13.) (Menochius) --- But there were conduits for that purpose; and the meaning of the Vulgate is more accurate. (Calmet) --- The palace lay below the tabernacle and the temple, (Tirinus) on the west. (Josephus, [Antiquities?] xv. 14.) (Calmet) --- Ward. The centinels where opposite to each other, (Menochius) or at equal distances. All were replaced at the same time. (Calmet) --- Two captains were stationed on this road, for greater respect to the king, (Haydock) and because the concourse and dangers were increased, ver. 18. (Tirinus) Six. This gate was the most frequented, (Calmet) and the king entered by it. --- Council. Hebrew asupim, as [in] ver. 15, "for the offerings two and two," (Haydock) distinct from the porters. Cell. Hebrew is not clearer: "at the chamber" (Calmet; 'at the house of the instruments' for sacrifice; (Menochius) at Parbar.; Protestants) of the west, at the ascent, two at each chamber." (Calmet) --- Protestants, "at the causey, and two at Parbar." This term is not in Hebrew. It resembles Parvar, or Pharurim, (4 Kings xxiii. 11.) which is said to signify "suburbs," in Chaldean. But it cannot have this meaning here: and these terms are probably borrowed from the Greek, phroura, a military "post;" so that we might translate "There were at the western post, four guards for the ascent, two at each post:" one perhaps was near the temple, (Calmet) the other at the palace gates, 4 Kings xi. 6. Septuagint is more diffuse, but throws no light upon this passage. (Haydock) Now. Hebrew and Septuagint add, "the Levites:" the latter translate Achias, "their brethren." (Haydock) --- Vessels. Or vessels of the holy places, or of things holy. Vasa sanctorum. (Challoner) --- Septuagint, "of the consecrated treasures," chap. xxviii. 12. (Haydock) Ledan is called Leedan, (chap. xxiii. 8.) son of Gerson. His first-born was Jahiel. This person is here styled Jehieli, and was chief of the Gersonites; at least the eldest branch. Brethren. Hebrew and Septuagint, "brother." In effect, we find that Joel was the son of Leedan, chap. xxiii. --- Zathan, whose name ends in m both in Hebrew and Septuagint, may perhaps be his grandson. We often find sons in Hebrew when only one is specified. Jehieli might adopt his two brothers; so that none of his own children are mentioned. (Haydock) --- We may also translate: " These are the sons of Ledan, the Gersonite. Out of Ledan, the Gersonite, came chiefs of families: Jehiel, the sons of Jehiel, Zathan and Joel, his (Jehiel's) brethren, were over," &c. It appears that Jehiel was treasurer, chap. xxix. 8. Ozielites. These are all the sons of Caath, chap. vi. 18. Moses. Many are passed over; (Calmet) or Subael acted by his children. (Menochius) Selemith was to guard the treasure, taken in war. (Calmet) --- Dedicated. Literally, "sanctified," by designating for holy uses. (Worthington) Wars. Hebrew, "out of the spoils won in battles, which they had set apart as sacred, to support the house," &c. Septuagint, "that the building of the house of the Lord might not be retarded." (Haydock) --- Yet these spoils remained untouched by Solomon, who imitated this piety, as others did, 3 Kings xiv. 26. The Romans adored Jupiter Pr\'e6dator, as he was styled, because part of the plunder was allotted to him. (Servius in Virgil, \'c6neid iii.)Irruimus ferro et Divos ipsumque vocamus In pr\'e6dam partemque Jovem. People vied with each other in the munificence of their presents. (C\'e6sar, Bel. Gall. vi.) (Calmet) Samuel, while he was at the head of affairs. (Menochius) --- Joab. Though these three were not very religious, they concurred in promoting the splendour of the public worship, as that would at least procure them applause. (Haydock) Them. Hebrew, "for officers ( shoterim, "scribes," (Haydock) whose power was very great.; Calmet) and judges." The former are often placed first, as more honourable, so that they were not mere heralds or executioners. The administration of justice was chiefly in the hands of the Levitical tribe, chap. xxiii. 4. The sons of Hebron resided on the east, while those of Isaar and Oziel probably acted as judges on the western side of the Jordan, ver. 30. (Calmet) --- They were not confined to the temple, but taught the people the law of Moses in the cities abroad. (Menochius) Beyond. Hebrew meheber means, "at the passage, or on either side." Protestants, "on this side Jordan, westward." This would seem to designate the countries nearer Jerusalem. (Haydock) --- But westward may also be understood with reference to Ruben, &c., so as to mean the parts along the river. --- King. To decide both ecclesiastical and civil causes. (Calmet) --- They also inspected the preparations for the temple, and gathered the king's tribute. (Grotius) Jazer, a city of Gad, in Galaad. (Adrichomius) (Menochius) Now. This list is entirely of a political nature. It seems to have been made before David had obtained the throne of Israel, (ver. 7.) though perhaps the monthly division did not comprise 24,000, before that time. This regulation was very excellent, and enabled the king to have an army of 300,000 men, at a short notice. It was not attended with any material inconvenience to the people, as none were on service above a month. --- Hands. Commanders in chief. --- Captains. Twenty-four in number, with 240 centurions under them. --- Officers. Hebrew shoterim. Septuagint, "scribes," whose employment is not well ascertained. They perhaps acted as commissaries, or kept an account of the king's troops, and reviewed them. (Calmet) --- Septuagint, "and scribes serving the people, and the king's orders respecting the divisions, both coming in and going out, monthly, throughout the year. One division comprised 24,000 men. Jesboam. Hebrew, "Jashobham," as [in] chap. xi. 11. He was the first after Joab, (Haydock) and a descendant of Pharez, like David, and waiting upon the king in the month of Nisan, which almost agrees with our March (Menochius) and April. (Haydock) --- Zabdiel, the Hachmonite, may therefore denote his country; (Kennicott) or Zabdiel might be his ancestor, though the same man has frequently different names. We find several companions of this general in the sequel. Dudia, of Dodi, the father of Eleazar, chap. xi. 12. (Calmet) --- After him, his substitute. (Tirinus) --- Hebrew, "and Macelloth, chief also of his course, consisting likewise of 24,000." (Haydock) Priest. This we read no where else, so that some understand, "a chief officer at court," 2 Kings viii. 18. (Calmet) --- But he might be (Haydock) of the tribe of Levi. (Menochius) --- His exploits are mentioned, chap. xi. 21. Company, in his absence, (Haydock) as lieutenant. (Salien) After him. He acted under his father, and succeeded (Menochius) to Asahel's post, after Abner had slain him, 2 Kings ii. 23., and xxiii. 24. (Calmet) Samaoth. Perhaps Samma, or Sammoth of Arodi, or Arari; places with which we are not acquainted, unless they denote some of his progenitors. Jazer is well known. (Calmet) --- Chap. xxvi. 34. Hari. Mentioned as one of David's brave men, chap. xi. 28. Phallonite, or of Phalti, 2 Kings xxiii. 26. Zarahi, or of Zara, the son of Thamar, chap. xi. 29. Sobochai slew the giant Saph, 2 Kings xxi. 17. Jemini, or Benjamin. (Calmet) --- The first syllable is neglected. (Menochius) Marai, or Marahai, sprung from Zara. (Calmet) Ephraim. Pharathon was in this tribe. (Menochius) Holdai, called Heled, the son of Baana, chap. xi. 30., and 2 Kings xxiii. 29. --- Gothoniel. So the Septuagint write Othoniel, (Haydock) so famous in the book of Judges, i. 13., and iii. 9. Chiefs, by their birth-right. The former were chosen for merit. (Tirinus) --- The tribes of Aser and of Gad are omitted, either because the list was not in the hands of the author, or it was overlooked by transcribers. (Calmet) --- Rubenites, with whom Em Sa joins the Gadites. (Menochius) Eliu. Probably the same with Eliab, the eldest son of Isai, (1 Kings xvi. 7.; Calmet) or the youngest but David, (chap. ii. 15.) whose name is preserved by the Syriac, &c. Heaven. It would have seemed, therefore, as if David distrusted the divine promise, (Haydock) and attempted what was impossible (Grotius) or useless. (Calmet) --- He had before offended, and hence would now only number those who were wanted. (Worthington) Number, those above 20; but he acted with reluctance, (Tirinus) and the wrath of heaven prevented the entire completion of the king's order, chap. xxi. 6., and 2 Kings xxiv. 9. --- David. It would hence appear that the list was perfected, but not delivered to the king. The commissioners retained some of the lists; and, perhaps from these, Esdras has inserted what relates to Benjamin, (chap. vii. 6.) as the account was not given in chap. xxi. 6. (Calmet) --- This list may, however, have been made at another time; as we are informed that Benjamin and Levi were not numbered. (Haydock) --- The Book of Kings, where we find it, is therefore a different work. (Du Hamel) Treasures of gold, &c., as those of provisions had other officers. (Calmet) --- Were in. Hebrew and Septuagint add, "the fields, in the cities," &c. (Haydock) --- This must be understood of corn; wine is mentioned afterwards. Nothing could give us a higher opinion of David's wisdom than these details. Ground, for the king. This was done at the expense of the nation, and by the people, no less than the vintage, 2 Kings viii. 12. The companions of Daniel were thus appointed to superintend the workmen of Nabuchodonosor, Daniel ii. 49. Xenophon (Cyrop. viii.) styles such, Greek: ergon epistatas, "men set over the works." (Haydock) Cellars. Hebrew, "over the increase of the vineyards, for the wine cellars." (Protestants) Wine was formerly kept in cisterns, in the vineyards, till it was taken into large earthen vessels,and placed in cellars. Saron, a fertile region at the food of the mountains of Galaad; also a vale near the Mediterranean, (Calmet) in Ephraim, extending as far as Joppe. (Adrichomius) (Menochius) Ismahelite. People of that nation deal much in camels. (Calmet) --- Ubil had embraced the Jewish religion, or perhaps he was originally an Israelite, but had acquired the title of Ismahelite by some exploit, or by residing long in the country. (Menochius) CHAPTER XXVII. Man. Hebrew, "a writer." He was a good politician and lawyer. (Grotius) --- Sons, as tutors. (Du Hamel) (Calmet) --- Jahiel was perhaps the brother of Jesbaam, chap. xi. 11. (Menochius) Friend. Chusai rendered the most signal service to the king, 2 Kings xvi. 23., and xvii. 1. (Calmet) After, inferior, (Salien) as Achitophel's advice was esteemed like an oracle, (Calmet) or Joiada, a chief priest, and Abiathar, the pontiff, succeeded to his place, after he had hung himself. (Tirinus) (Du Hamel) Israel. These are more particularly described as princes of the tribes, (Haydock) twelve captains, &c., chap. xxvii. 1. --- And his. Hebrew, "and of his sons." (Calmet) --- We may also understand this of the preceptors of the royal family, chap. xxvii. 32. --- Officers. Literally, "eunuchs." (Haydock) --- Bravest; particularly those specified [in] chap. xi. Rising up from his bed, on which he lay, on account of his great age and weakness, while he addressed himself to his son; (3 Kings i. 47.; Calmet) or he rose from his throne, to honor this grand assembly. Hebrew, "stood upon his feet." (Haydock) --- Thought. Hebrew, "I, with my heart, thought to," &c. (Calmet) --- And, or which is the footstool. (Haydock) --- The ark is often so called, because God was considered as sitting upon the wings of the cherubim, over it, Psalm xcviii. 1., &c. --- Building. No doubt what David left would have been sufficient. Yet Solomon thought that he could make something still more magnificent. Blood. See chap. xxii. 8. (Calmet) Ever; for a long time, and to leave the throne to my posterity for many ages, and to the Messias for ever. This expression is not always to be taken in its rigour. (Calmet) --- Princes. Hebrew, "prince, or the ruler." (Haydock) --- This tribe had long possessed the greatest power, (Calmet) and the promise of the sceptre, Genesis xlix. (Worthington) --- The phrase often denotes a long time, but it is best understood of Christ. (Du Hamel) My son, by the mouth of Nathan, 2 Kings vii. 13. (Menochius) --- Solomon was a figure of Christ, and his dignity was predicted, chap. xvii. 11., and 3 Kings i. 13. (Calmet) If. The promises of the Old Testament were frequently conditional, and we always find the condition marked in some place; but those made to the Church of Christ, have no such limitation. (Haydock) --- Day. Solomon was once faithful, and afterwards fell; it is uncertain whether ever to rise again. Hence it appears that the true children of God may become wicked. (Worthington) Seek. Wilful (Haydock) or supine ignorance will excuse no man. (Menochius) Know, with affection (Haydock) and faith; and him alone must thou serve. (Du Hamel) --- Forsake him, and die impenitent. (Haydock) Description, impressed by God on David's imagination; (Cajetan) or rather planned out by the hand of God, (ver. 19.; Salien) as the law was written. (Haydock) --- The Jews pretend that this plan was delivered to Moses, and handed down by Josue, &c., to David. (Estius) --- But why might not David receive it immediately from heaven? (Calmet) --- Treasures. Literally, "cellars." (Haydock) --- The original term, Ganzac, is not Hebrew. We find Ganas (Esther iii. 9.) to signify a treasure, being derived from the Persian, Gaza. David gave, therefore, a description of the rooms to keep the treasures of the temple, or of the cellars for wine and oil. (Calmet) --- Septuagint, "a pattern of the temple and of the houses thereof, and of the Zakcho, and of the upper rooms, and of the inner storehouses," &c. (Haydock) --- Inner, or most retired closets, (3 Kings xx. 30.; Calmet) where the Levites slept. (Menochius) --- Seat, where the ark was kept, and God was rendered propitious. (Haydock) Divisions, into twenty-four classes, (Menochius) which was done by God's order. (Haydock) --- For all, that everything might be done with regularity. (Menochius) Weight, or sufficient for each, ver. 15. (Haydock) --- Some think he only left a memorial of what quantity of gold and silver would be requisite. It does not appear that Solomon used silver for the vessels, as he chose to execute his father's injunctions with still greater magnificence. Silver. David probably intended that five candlesticks would be made of this metal: but Solomon made all the ten of gold, 3 Kings vii. 49. There was one in the tabernacle, Exodus xxv. 31. (Calmet) --- But the temple was more spacious, and a greater number was not prohibited. (Menochius) --- According. Hebrew, "for the use of every candlestick." Silver. Yet all the ten were composed of the purest gold, (2 Paralipomenon iv. 12.) as silver was too common, ibid.[2 Paralipomenon] ix. 20. Moses had only two tables. (Calmet) --- Diversity. Hebrew, "for each table." (Vatable) Lions. St. Jerome seems to have read cephir, instead of the present cephor, which is rendered "a cup, or bowl," 1 Esdras i. 10. (Calmet) --- Alexandrian Septuagint, "and of the flesh-hooks, libation vessels and bowls; and the weight of the golden and silver vessels ( kepphoure; a word which they do not translate) of each weight." (Haydock) --- The change of i for u was very easy; and perhaps the basins were ornamented with representations of lions. (Du Hamel) (Menochius) --- We do not find cephor used before, to denote any of the vessels of the tabernacle: but Esdras uses it, (chap. viii. 27.) whence it is inferred that it is of Chaldean extraction. Purest. Hebrew, "refined." --- Lord. He was represented as riding in a chariot, drawn by Cherubim, (Calmet) or sitting on their wings. (Haydock) --- Two, particularly, filled up the space between the walls in the most holy place, and covered the ark, and also the Cherubim made by Moses, 3 Kings vii. 23. These things, said he, is not in Hebrew. Septuagint, "All in the handwriting of the Lord, did David give to Solomon, according to the knowledge given to him from above, respecting the workmanship of the pattern." (Haydock) --- David saw the pattern in a kind of ecstasy; (Salien; Estius) or some prophet delivered it unto him, (Calmet) marked out by the hand of an angel, (Tirinus) like the tabernacle given to Moses. (Du Hamel) Lord. Septuagint add, "and I beheld, or behold, the pattern of the temple, and of the house and the Zakcho thereof, and the upper rooms and inner storehouses, and the house of propitiation, and the pattern of the house of the Lord: and behold," ver. 11. (Haydock) Thee. Hebrew and Septuagint, "for all workmanship, every willing skilful man for any service, also all the princes, and the people entirely at thy commands." (Haydock) --- The willing artificers are distinguished from those who were forced to work, though the former also received pay. (Calmet)