Westminster Annotations, Ezra
ANNOTATIONS On the Book of EZRA.
The Argument.
THe peculiar excellency of this Book, is this, That it containeth the History of Gods singular mercy in bringing back his people from the Babylonian captivity, according to his promise. And that in two expeditions The first under Zerubbabel the Prince, Chap. 2. in the first yeer of Cyrus King of Persia, Chap. 1. 1. The second, under the conduct of Ezra the Priest, the writer of this History, in the reign of the second Artaxerxes, Chap. 7. 1, 6 Five Persian Monarchs are here mentioned, Cyrus, Chap. 1. 1. Xerxes, Chap. 4 6. The first Artaxerxes, Chap. 4. 7. Darius, Chap. 6. 1. The second Artaxerxes, Chap. 7 1. Some others in likelihood are omitted, because either they reigned but a while, or no memorable things came to passe in their reign concerning Gods people: So that this Book comprehends the History of the Jews, from the first yeer of Cyrus, to the reign of the second Artaxerxes. As Gods great mercy was manifested in bringing his people back into their own Land, so likewise in giving them strength to finish the Temple, and reforming his Church there, maugre all opposition. This is the sum of the Book of Ezra.
CHAP. I.
Vers. 1. FIrst yeer of Cyrus king of Persia] After that he and Darius had won Babylon, for he had reigned in Persia long before But this was the first yeer of his empire.
by the mouth of Jeremiah] 2 Chron. 36. 22. Jere. 25. 12. and 29. 10. Who promised them deliverance after that seventy yeers were past.
the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus] That is, moved him, and gave him an heart to do it.
made a proclamation] Heb. caused a voice to passe.
V. 2. all the kingdoms of the earth] For he was an emperour, and had many nations under his dominion: which honour, this heathen king confesseth, that he received from the true God.
charged me] Heb. commanded concerning me. To wit, by Isaiah the prophet, Chap. 44. 28. and 45. 13. It is likely Daniel shewed him of it, who lived in his time, and was in authority then, Dan. 6. 28.
V. 4. let the men of his place, &c.] If any through poverty were not able to return, the kings commandment was, that he should be furnished with necessaries for his journey.
help him] Heb. lift him up.
besides the free-will-offering] Which they should send besides towards the building of the temple.
V. 6. all they that were about them] The Babylonians, and the Caldeans gave them these presents. Thus, rather then the children of God should want for their necessities, or Gods service decay, God will stir up the heart of the very infidels to afford liberall help, Exod. 12. 36.
strengthened their hands] That is, helped them.
V. 7. which Nebuchadnezzar had brought forth] 2 Kings 24. 13. 2 Chron. 36. 7.
Sheshbazzar] This name signifies joy in tribulation. A fit name for him that should bring back the vessels of the house of God, in regard of the former tribulation and present joy. It is likely it was Zerubbabel. See chap. 5. 14.
V. 9. knives] Which served to kill and flay the beasts which were offered in sacrifice, and for other uses.
V. 11. five thousand and four hundred] So many were added besides those before named, as made up that sum.
with them of the captivity] With the Jews, that had been kept captives in Babylon.
the captivity] Heb. the transportation.
CHAP. II.
Vers. 1. THese are the children] Nehe. 7. 6, &c.
province] Meaning Judea, which was a province subject to the Babylonians, Nehe. 1. 3. and 11. 3. Or, such as dwelt in the province of Babylon (so called, Dan. 3. 1.)
which had been carried away] See v. 21.
V. 2. Zerubbabel] Zerubbabel was cheif captain, and Jeshua high priest: but Nehemiah a man of great authority, went not now, but came after sixty four yeers, unlesse it were another Nehemiah, for one of that name is said to come up at first, Nehem. 7. 56.
Seraiah] Or, Azariah, Nehem. 7. 7.
Mordecai] This seems not to be Mordecai, Esthers kinsman, for he came up afterward in the reign of Artaxerxes, Nehem. 2. 1.
people of Israel] Meaning of the common people.
V. 6. Pahath-moab] Nehe. 7. 11.
V. 10. Bani] Or, Binnui, Nehe. 7. 15.
V. 16. of Hezekiah] Which were of the posterity of Hezekiah. Very likely by some younger son. Or, it may be another Hezekiah then the king.
V. 18. Jorah] Or, Hariph, Nehem. 7. 24.
V. 20 Gibbar] Or, Gibeon, Nehe. 7. 25.
Beth-lehem] That is, they that had dwelt there. Or, their posterity, Hag 2. 5. For so the word signifies, when it is added to names of places.
V. 24. Azmaveth] Or, Bethazmaveth, Nehe. 7. 28.
V. 29. Nebo] Not of Nebo beyond Jordan in the tribe of Reuben, for none are mentioned here but the tribes of Judah, Benjamin, and Levi, which belonged to the kingdom of Judah: but of the other Nebo, which before the captivity was called Nob, and is by Neherniah called the other Nebo, Neh. 7. 33.
V. 31. Elam] See verse 7.
V. 33. Lod] Of the posterity of Lod, of the tribe of Benjamin, 1 Chron. 8. 12.
Hadid] Or, Harid, as it is in some copies.
V. 36. The priests] Before he had reckoned up such as returned of Judah, and Benjamin: now he comes to the tribe of Levi, and begins with the priests.
Jedaiah] 1 Chron. 24. 7.
V. 37. Immer] 1 Chron. 24. 14.
V. 38. Pashur] 1 Chron. 9. 21.
V. 39. Harim] 1 Chron. 24. 8.
V. 40. Hodavaiah] Or, Judah, chap. 3. 9. called also Hodevah, Nehe. 7. 43.
V. 43. The Nethinims] So called because they were given to the house of God, to cut wood and bear water for the use of the sacrifices, and came of the Gibeonites, which were appointed to this use by Joshuah, Josh. 9. 23. 1 Chron. 9. 2.
V. 46. Shalmai] Or, Shamlai.
V. 52. Bazluth] Or, Bazlith, Nehe. 7. 54.
V. 55. of Solomons servants] Of the Canaanites, whom Solomon made servants to the temple, as Joshuah had made the Gibeonites before. See 1 King. 9. 21, 22.
Peruda] Or, Perida, Nehe. 7. 57.
V. 57. Ami] Or, Amon, Nehe. 7. 59.
V. 58. Nethinims] Josh. 9. 21, 27. 1 Chron. 9. 2.
Solomons servants] 1 King. 9. 21.
V. 59. Tel-melah, Tel-harsa] These are names of towns in Babylon: because they which came thence are said not to know their genealogy, he tels out of what places in Babylon they came.
seed] Or, pedegree.
V. 61. Barzillai] Of him is made mention, 2 Sam. 17. 27. and 19. 31. It may be either, because the priesthood was lightly esteemed by them, or else to get Barzillai's lands, they changed their name, and so lost the estimation of the world, and dignity of their office.
of Barzillai the Gileadite] 2 Sam. 17. 27.
V. 62. These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogie, but] Or, As for these they that reckoned the genealogie sought their register, but.
were they, as polluted, put from the priest hood] Heb. they were polluted from the priest-hood.
V. 63. Tirshatha] Or, governour. This is a Chaldee name, and signifieth him that hath authority over others: And it seems to be Shezbazzar, chap. 1. 8, 11. who in likelihood was Zerubbabel, chap. 2. 1. He would not let the priests that knew not their genealogies cat of the most holy things, till he might know Gods minde herein by Urim and Thummim, Num. 27. 21.
with Ʋrim and with Thummim] Exod. 28. 30.
V. 69. unto the treasure of the work] 1 Chron. 26. 20.
one thousand drams of gold] Which amounts to twenty two thousand eight hundred seventy and five pound of our money. The dram is the eighth part of an ounce, and the ounce of gold is three pounds of our money: so that every dram of gold is seven shillings six pence of our money: And then sixty one thousand drams make up the sum above named. It was a Persian coyn of Darius, king of Persia, as the name Drakmon shews. See more in the notes on 1 Chron. 29. 7.
five thousand pound of silver] Which are called mina's, and each amounts to seven pound ten shillings of our money: which being too great a sum to put in o…e piece of silver, was somtimes coyned in three pieces, one of twenty shekels, another of twenty five, and the third of fifteen shekels, Ezek. 45. 12. So each mina of silver was sixty shekels: Each shekel of silver was two shillings six pence, which being computed, produceth in our coyn thirty seven thousand and five hundred pound. See the notes on 1 King. 10. 17. The whole sum now given in gold and silver, comes to sixty thousand three hundred and seventy …ive pound in our coyn.
CHAP. III.
Vers. 1. THe seventh meneth] Either he means, when they had dwelt six moneths in the cities of Judah, after their return, or else in the seventh monethmonth of the yeer called Tishri, containing the part of September, and part of October: for in that monethmonth were two feasts, and a fast. See Levit. 23. 24. Num. 29. 1, 7, 12. and therefore it was time to set up the altar, for many sacrifices were to be offered.
was come] Or, drew nigh.
were in the cities] Or, that were.
gathered] Or, had gathered.
V. 2 Jeshua] Or, Joshua, Hag. 1. 1.
Zerubbabel] Called Zorobabel, Matth. 1. 12. Luke 3. 27.
the son] It seems he was his brothers son, for he was the son of Pedaiah, 1 Chron. 3. 19. But he might be called his son for succeeding him in place or inheritance.
of S…eal…e… ] Matth. 1. 12. Luke 3. 27. called Salathiel.
written in the law of Moses] Deut. 12. 5.
V. 3. upon his bases] In the place where Solomon had placed it.
for] Or, though, as Psal. 23. 4. Josh. 17. 18.
fear was upon them] The fear of their enemies is given as a reason, either why they did it no sooner, or why they built no more now but the altar, or why they did it now; to wit, by sacrifice to seek Gods help against their enemies. Or, though they had much cause of terrour, yet they couragiously built the altar.
V. 4. as it is written] Exod. 23. 16.
offered the daily burnt-offerings by number] Num. 29. 12, &c.
as the duty of every day required] Heb. the matter of the day in his day.
V. 5. afterward] That is, after the feast of tabernacles was done.
offered the continuall burnt-offering] Either he means the daily burnt-offerings, or such as were for the feasts onelyonly, Exo. 29. 39.
V. 6. the foundation of the temple of the Lord was not yet laid] Heb. the temple of the Lord was not yet founded.
V. 7. carpenters] Or, workmen.
to the sea of] Or, on the sea to.
Joppa] Acts 9. 36. Because Joppa was the most convenient port, from whence it might by land be conveyed to Jerusalem.
V. 8. unto the house of God at Jerusalem] To the place where the temple stood before.
in the second monethmonth] Which monethmonth containeth part of April, and part of May: for in the mean season they provided things needfull for the work, vers. 7.
V. 9. Then stood Jeshua, with his sons and his brethren] They gave them exhortations not to fear the enemies, and stood to guard them, and encouraged every one, and so forwarded the work, 2 King. 25. 2, 9. 2 Chron. 36. 11, 19. Ezek. 40. 1.
Judah] Or, Hodaviah, chap. 2. 40.
together] Heb. as one.
V. 10. ordinance of David king of Israel] 1 Chron. 6. 31. and 16. 7. and 25. 1.
V. 12. that had seen the first house] As well some of them might, it being but about sixty yeers since the former was destroyed, which was done in the eleventh yeer after the captivity of Jeconiah, 2 King. 25.
wept with a loud voice] Because they saw by the foundation, that the temple was not like to so glorious, as Solomons had been. But Haggai comforts them with the coming of Christ into this very temple, which shall make it more glorious then the former, Hag. 2. 4, &c.
CHAP. IIII.
Vers. 1. THe adversaries of Judah] Meaning the inhabitants of Samaria, whom the king of Assyria had placed in the room of the ten tribes, 2 King. 17. 24. and 19. 37. These professed God, but worshipped idols also, and therefore were the greater enemies to the true servants of God.
the children of the captivity] Heb. the sons of the transportation.
V. 2. we do sacrifice unto him] Or, we do not sacrifice to another.
V. 3. but we our selves] For they percived what their pretence was, to wit, to erect idolatry in stead of true religion.
together] Or, alone, as Job 34. 29.
V. 5. And hired counsellours against them] They bribed the kings counsellours, that they might hinder the building of the temple. Thus they that halt in religion, cannot abide that God should be purely served.
even untill] Or, and unto.
even untill the reign of Darius] In all the kings reignes between Cyrus and Darius, vers. 24. Two of which are named, v. 6, 7.
V. 6. Ahasuerus] Heb. A…ashveresh. Some think it was Cambises. Cyrus his son: or Xerxes, called in Greek Oxuares, or Xerxes, who succeeded Darius the son of Hystaspes.
wrote they unto him] Now they openly opposed them, and wrote against them, though it be not set down in particular what they writ in Ahasuerus his time.
V. 7. of Artaxerxes] Called so in the Persian tongue, because he was an excellent warriour; supposed to be Artaxerxes Longimanus, who succeeded Xerxes: by others, Darius Hystaspis, who reigned before him.
wrote] The copie of this letter is not recorded.
Bishlam] Or, in peace.
companions] Heb. societies. The other governours of those countries under the king.
V. 8. scribe] Or, secretary.
V. 9. companions] Chald. societies.
the Dinaites] These were heathen placed by the Assyrians in the room of the ten tribes.
V. 10. Asnappar] Sennacherib, or Salmanasar, or Esarhaddon, as v. 2.
on this side the river] To wit, Euphrates; and he meaneth that they dwelt beyond it, in respect of Babel, Psal. 72. 8.
at such a time] Chald. Cheeneth. He meaneth the time when the letter was dated, which is not set down in particular.
V. 12. set up] Or, finished.
joyned] Chald. sowed together.
V. 13. …ay] Chald. give.
tell, tribute and custom] Toll of substance, tribute of persons, custom of passengers, yeerly revenue.
thou shalt endamage] Or, it shall endamage; To wit, the city.
revenue] Or, strength.
V. 14. we have maintenance from the …ings palace] Chald. we are salted with the salt of the palace. We live upon the kings allowance.
dishonour] Chald. nakednesse.
V. 15. moved] Chald. made.
within the same] Chald. in the midst thereof.
V. 17. companions] Chald. societies.
V. 19. I commanded] Chald. by me a decree is set.
made insurrection] Chald. lifted up it self.
V. 21. Give ye now commandment] Chald. Make a decree.
V. 22. of the kings] Or, of kings.
V. 23. by force and power] Chald. by arm and power.
V. 24. of the reign of Darius] Darius Nothus who succeeded Artaxerxes Longimanus, vers. 5.
CHAP. V.
Vers. 1. HAggai] Hag. 1. 1.
Zechariah] Zech. 1. 1.
the son of Iddo] That is, his sons son, for he was the son of Berechiah, Zech. 1. 1.
V. 2. Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak] Zerubbabel was the ruler, chap. 2. 2. Jeshua the high priest, Zech. 1. 3.
the prophets of God helping them] Which encouraged them to go forward, and accused them that they were more carefull to build their own houses, then zealous to build the temple of God, Hag. 1. 4.
V. 4. Then said we unto them] The enemies asked this, as v. 10. They speak as if they were writing to the king against the Jews.
that make this building] Chald. that build this building.
V. 5. the eye of their God] His favour, and the spirit of strength from him.
they returned answer] The king and his counsell: or, an answer was sent by letter.
V. 7. wherein] Chald. in the midst whereof.
V. 8. with great stones] Chald. stones of rolling. With stones that could not be carried, they were so great, but must be rolled, as the Chalde word imports, or drawn on sleds with rollers.
V. 11. and set up] 1 Kings 6. 1.
V. 12. Nebuchadnezzar] 2 Kings 24. 2. and 25. 8.
V. 13. of Cyrus] Chap. 1. 1.
V. 14. the vessels also of gold and silver] Chap. 1. 7, 8. and 6. 5.
governour] Or, deputy.
V. 17. let there be search made] These carry themselves more moderately then those, chap. 4. v. 12, 13. for they accuse not the Jews, they report their answer modestly, they desire onelyonly to know the kings pleasure, as if they sought to shew themselves good subjects to the king, rather then enemies to the Jews.
in the kings treasure house] Their records were laid up as treasures in those times.
CHAP. VI.
Vers. 1. ANd search was made] Or, after that search had been made. That is, after the decree of Cyrus was found, Darius made another decree to build the temple. See vers. 6.
rolls] Chald. books.
laid up] Chald. made to descend.
V. 2. at Achmetha] Or, Echatana, or, in a coffer. A place where the kings of Persia kept court in the summer, as they did a Shushan in the winter, Esth. 1. 2. Kings used to have winter and summer houses, Jere. 36. 22. Amos 3. 15.
a roll] For their books were written, and laid up in rolls of parchment to be kept for posterity, Jere. 36. 2. So the Jews have the law in rolls to this day.
V. 3. the height thereof threescore cubits] Cyrus gave leave to built it larger then it was before. See 1 King. 6. 2.
V. 5. brought] Chald. go.
V. 6. your companions] Chald. their societies.
V. 8. I make a decree] Chald. by me a decree is made.
hindred] Chald. made to cease. For lack of money, and materialls.
V. 10. of sweet savours] Chald. of rest.
of his sons] Of them which he had left, which he the rather injoyned, because his first children dyed young, as Ctesias reporteth.
V. 11. let him be hanged thereon] Chald. let him be destroyed.
V. 12. that hath caused his name to dwell there] Who hath appointed that place to have his name called upon there constantly: or, to make it the place of his own speciall residence, Psal. 132. 14.
V. 14. of Haggai the prophet] Whom God stirred up to assure them, that he would give their work good successe.
commandment] Chald. decree.
Artaxerxes] Not Artaxerxes mentioned, chap. 4. 7. for he hindered the building of the temple, but another that succeeded Darius, chap. 7. 1. Or else the meaning is, that they builded in the dayes of Cyrus and Darius, and ceased in the dayes of Artaxerxes, as they were commanded, chap. 4. 5, 21. Or, it may be he might give a commandment to build the temple a while before he died, which was not executed till Darius his time who succeeded him, and might confirm this by another decree, which might take effect.
V. 15. of the monethmonth Adar] This is the twelfth monethmonth, and containeth part of February, and part of March.
V. 16. the children of the captivity] Chald. the sons of the transportation.
V. 18. as it is written] Chald. according to the writing.
in the book of Moses] Num. 3. 6. and 8. 9.
V. 20. for their brethren the priests] Either he means, the Levites killed for the priests, or some priests for the rest.
V. 21. and all such as had separated themselves unto them] Which were of the heathen, and had forsaken their idolatry, to worship the true God, and so were to be admitted to the passcover by the law, Exod. 12. 48. Numb. 9. 14.
V. 22. for] Or, because.
and turned] Or, seeing he had turned.
of the king of Assyria] Meaning Darius, either because the Assyrians were subject to him, as well as the Persians: or, because he kept his court there at that time, having left Persia to be governourned by his son. The king of Babylon is called king of Assyria, 2 Chron. 33. 11.
CHAP. VII.
Vers. 1. ARtaxerxes] There were divers kings of this name among the Persians. This was Artaxerxes Memor, who succeded Darius Nothus, as some think: or as others suppose Artaxerxes Longimanus, who succeeded Darius Hystaspis.
Ezra the son of Seraiah] This Ezra was brother to Jehozada… the high priest that went into captivity, 1 Chron. 6. 14. and uncle to Jehoshua that returned with Zerubbabel, Ezra 3. vers. 2.
V. 3. the son of Meraioth] Here six of Ezra's predecessours are omitted for brevity sake. See 1 Chro. 6. See the like Matth. 1. 8.
V. 5. the son of Aaron the chief priest] Here Ezra reckoneth up his genealogy, till he come up to Aaron, to prove that he came of him.
V. 6. was a ready scribe] He sheweth here what is a scribe: One who had charge to write the law, and to expound it. He whom Mark calleth a scribe, Mark 12. 28. is by Matthew and Luke, called a lawyer, or doctor of the law, Matth. 22. 35. Luk. 10. 25.
V. 8. in the fifth monethmonth] Which containeth part of July, and part of August.
V. 9. began he to go up] Heb. was the foundation of the going up.
V. 10. to do it, and to teach] They are the best teachers, that do first themselves, and then teach others to do, Act. 1. 1.
V. 12. Ʋnto Ezra the priest, a scribe of the law of the God of heaven, perfect peace] Or, To Ezra the priest, a perfect scribe of the law of the God of heaven, peace, &c.
V. 13. which are minded of their own free will to go up to Jerusalem] Which remaineth as yet in Babylon, and went not up with Zerubbabel.
V. 14. of the king] Chald, from before the king.
his seven counsellours] Esth. 1. 14.
to enquire] To examine who liveth not according to Gods law, and to punish him.
which is in thine hand] Wherein thou art expert.
V. 16. And all the silver and gold] Chap. 8. 25.
that thou canst finde in all the province of Babylon] Which any of my subjects will give, after my example. He gives him leave to make a generall collection for Gods service.
of the people] The people of Israel, as chap. 8. 25.
V. 18. and to thy brethren] The priests whose counsell thou shalt please to use.
V. 19. before the God of Jerusalem] Or, before God at Jerusalem.
V. 21. beyond the river] Which was the river Euphrates; and they were beyond it, in respect of Babylon, chap. 4. 10.
V. 22. an hundred talents of silver] A talent of silver is three thousand shekels, as appears, Exod. 38. 25, 26. where six hundred thousand men, at half a shekel apiece, are valued at an hundred talents. The shekel being two shillings and six pence of our money, three hundred shekels make three hundred seventy and five pounds; which, multiplied by an hundred, is thirty seven thousand and five hundred pounds. See 1 Chron. 22. 14.
an hundred measures of wheat] Chald. cors. A cor is a measure for dry things, containing ten epha's. An epha was about a bushel of our measure; so that a cor makes ten bushels: then an hundred cors is a thousand bushels.
an hundred baths of wine] A bath was a measure for liquid things, containing as much as an epha did of dry things. Every bath then was eight gallons; which, being multiplied by an hundred, make eight hundred gallons, 1 King. 7. 26. and 4. 22.
V. 23. Whatsoever is commanded] Heb. Whatsoever is of the decree. for why should there be wrath] This declareth, that the fear of Gods judgements caused him to use this liberality: also it sheweth, that this heathen king knew, That the hinderance of Gods service was a means to bring Gods wrath on him and his. See Notes on chap. 10. 6.
V. 24. it shall not be lawfull] Chald. none hath power. That is, I do not permit any, how great soever, to do it.
V. 25. of thy God] Which thy God hath given thee: or, of divine matters.
in thine hand] See notes on v. 14.
set magistrates and judges] He gave Ezra full authority to restore all things according to the word of God, and to punish them that resisted, and would not obey.
V. 26. to banishment] Banishment in the Chaldee is called rooting out. A man is planted in his native soil, as in a garden; and banishment plucks him up out of it, as it were by the roots.
V. 27. Blessed be the Lord] Thus Ezra gave God thanks for that he gave him so good successe in his affairs for the churches good, by the kings favour.
V. 28. as the hand of the Lord my God was upon me] Heb. according to the hand of the Lord my God upon me; as verse 6. of this chapter, and chapter 8. verse 18. Or, which was upon me. He notes the cause of his great strength that encouraged him to go on stoutly in the work, till he finished it: Not the degree of it, as if sometimes he went more earnestly about it, sometimes more slowly.
CHAP. VIII.
Vers. 2. OF the sons of Phinchas] He begins with the two branches of the priestly office, and with the royall seed.
Hattush] 1 Chron. 3. 22.
V. 3. of the sons of Pharosh] Or, who was of the sons of Pharosh. Hereby is he distinguished from the other, Shechaniah, vers. 5.
V. 12. the son of Hakkatan] Or, the youngest son.
V. 13. the last sons of Adonikam] Who went up now with Ezra, and not before with Zerubbabel, chap. 2. 13. Or they were born of his youngest sons.
V. 14. Zabbud] Or, Zaccur, as some read.
V. 15. And I gathered them together] To that place of Euphrates, where Ahava the river entreth into it.
abede] Or, pitched.
V. 17. Iddo the chief] It seems he had commission from the kings of Persia, in that place, as in a colledge, to instruct the Levites in Gods law, and to breed them for Gods service.
I told them what they should say] Heb. I put words in their mouth.
V. 18. and Sherebiah] Or, even Sherebiah. So and for even. 1 Sam. 17. 40. and 28. 3.
V. 20. Also of the Nethinims] See chap. 2. 43.
whom David and the princes had appointed] It is likely that he sought out those Gibeonites that neglected their service appointed, Josh. 9. 21. and by his captains set them in order, and forced them to do it, when he ordered the Levites: for many of these Nethinims dwelt in Jerusalem. Compare 1 Chron. 9. 2. with chap. 25. and 26.
V. 21. Then I proclaimed a fast] Fasting and prayer is an excellent help in difficult cases.
that we might afflict our selves] He sheweth that the end of fasting is to humble men by abstinence from matters of delight, Levit. 16. 29. and 23. 29.
right] Or, safe. As Psal. 5. 8.
V. 22. For I was ashamed, &c.] He thought it better to commit himself altogether to Gods protection, then to give the heathen king the least suspicion of his distrust of Gods protection, whose goodnesse and power he had proclaimed to the king before.
V. 24. Sherebiah] Or rather, with Sherebiah: For he and his brethren were no priests, but Levites. Compare vers. 14. with 18, 19. It seems vers. 30. that to these twelve Levites, were twelve priests joyned, though they be not named.
V. 25. even the offering of the house] To be carried to Jerusalem, for the service of Gods house.
V. 26. talents of silver] Chap. 7. 22.
V. 27. drams] Chap. 2. 69.
fine copper] Heb. yellow, or shining brasse. Heb. brasse, or copper, guilded over.
precious] Heb. desireable. To wit, because it pleased the eyes, for it glistered like gold. See Gen. 3. 6. It could not be of equall price with gold.
V. 30. the weight of the silver] That is, the silver that was weighed, and not a note alone of the weight of it.
V. 31. of such as lay in wait by the way] This sheweth that their journey was full of danger, in regard of such as lay in ambush for them in the way, and yet God delivered them according to their prayer.
V. 33. by the hand] Or rather, into the hand, as vers. 26. For there is no mention of any other, to whom they were delivered.
V. 34. all the weight was written at that time] That their faithfull performance might appear upon record.
CHAP. IX.
Vers 1. THe Levites have not separated themselves] From the time they came home under Zerubbabel, untill the coming of Ezra they had degenerate contrary to the law of God, and married where it was not lawfull, Deut. 7. 3.
V. 2. of their daughters] Unconverted.
the holy seed] By Gods covenant with Abraham, out of whose loyns they came, 1 Cor. 7. 14.
the hand of the princes and rulers hath been chief] They began first to take strange wives to the bad example of the rest.
V. 3. I rent my garment] Gen. 37. 34.
and pluckt off the hair of my head] Heb. some of the hair.
V. 4. I sate astonied] As one doubting whether God would continue his benefits towards them, or no.
V. 5. heavinesse] Or, affliction.
having rent my garment] He meaneth not that he rent his garment again, but that he prayed with those garments on, which he had rent, vers. 3. and did not put them off.
V. 6. our iniquities are increased over our head] That is, we are drowned in sin: or, over-whelmed with it, Psal. 38. 4.
our trespasse] Or, guiltinesse.
is grown up unto the heavens] They so exceed, that they cannot grow greater, Jon. 1. 2. 2 Chron. 28. 9.
V. 7. as it is this day] For many were not returned from captivity.
V. 8. And now] They suddenly grew evill. This aggravates their sin.
for a little space] Heb. for a moment.
grace hath been shewed] So doth the great favour of deliverance from captivity make their sin greater.
a nail] Or, a pin: That is, a constant and sure abode. A fixed place, as a nail hath, being fastned in a wall, Isai. 22. 23. Ecclel. 12. 11.
lighten our eyes] By refreshing us who were in great danger, like men whose sight decayes, 1 Sam. 14. 29.
V. 9. to repair] Heb. to set up.
V. 10. after this] Seeing God hath not left us in our adversity, and yet we have sinned against him after our deliverance.
V. 11. Which thou hast commanded] God had forewarned them, and therefore they could not plead ignorance to lessen their sin.
by thy servants] Heb. by the hand of thy servants.
from one end to another] Heb. from mouth to mouth.
V. 12. give not your daughters unto their sons] Exod. 23. 32. Deut. 7. 3.
no… seek their peace] Deut. 23. 6.
V. 13. hast punished us lesse then our iniquities deserve] Heb. hast withheld beneath our iniquities. This made their present sin the greater, because God favourably corrected them for their former sins, and not utterly destroyed them, as in justice he might, Lam. 3. 22.
V. 14. wouldest] Or, wilt.
hadst] Or, hast.
should] Or, shall.
V. 15. for] Or, though.
we remain yet escaped] We may be destroyed another time, though we have escaped now.
for] Or, but.
we cannot stand before thee] Though we come before thee as thy people, yet our consciences accuse us, and make us hang down our heads.
CHAP. X.
Vers. 1. WHen he had confessed] He confessed his sins, and the sins of his people, Dan. 9. 20. especially in unlawfull mariages.
wept very sore] Heb. wept a great weeping.
V. 2. there is hope in Israel] Meaning, that God would receive them to mercy.
V. 3. to put away] Heb. to bring forth. He sheweth the ground of his hope, and means of effecting it.
according to the counsell] Because God and the king have given thee authority to reform things amisse.
my lord] Or, the Lord.
V. 5. the chief priests, the Levites, and all Israel] Or, the chief of the priests, and of the Levites, and of all Israel. For why should he make all the Levites and Israelites swear, and not all the priests? Neither were all Israel yet gathered together, vers. 7. And he had some chief men that offered him assistance, vers. 4. See also vers. 14. and 16.
V. 7. they made proclamation] They who had sworn to assist Ezra, vers. 5. and are called princes and elders, vers. 8.
V. 8. forfeited] Heb. devoted.
separated] Or, excommunicated, Joh. 9. 22.
V. 9. the ninth meneth] Which containeth part of November, and part of December.
the great rain] Heb, the showers: For the season was given to rain, and so the weather was more sharp and cold, and also their conscience accused them.
V. 10. have taken] Heb. have caused to dwell, or, have brought back.
encrease the trespasse] By laying one sin upon another, 1 Sam. 12. 19. Luke 3. 20.
V. 13. we are many that have transgressed in this thing] Or, we have greatly offended in this thing.
V. 14. Let now our rulers of all the congregation stand] Let them be appointed to be ready to examine this matter speedily.
with them the elders of every city] The rulers of every place that knew the offenders, must come with them to inform the judges of the whole congregation.
untill the fierce wrath of our God] Till all the strange wives be put away, and so Gods wrath be appeased.
for this matter, be turned from us] Or, till this matter be dispatched.
V. 15. Jonathan the son of Asahel, and Jahaziah the son of Tikvah] It seems few of the priests and Levites were free from this sin: therefore so few judges are chosen among them. The high priest himself was not employed in it, because his sons were guilty, verse 18.
were employed] Heb. stood.
V. 16. after] Or, for.
tenth monethmonth] Which contained part of December, and part of January.
V. 17. first monethmonth] Which containeth part of March, and part of April.
V. 19. And they gave their hands] As a token that they would keep promise, and do it, 2 King. 10. 15.
V. 25. of Israel] Meaning of the common people: for he spake before of the priests and Levites, that were guilty.
V. 40. Machnadebai] Or, Mabnadebai, according to some copies.
V. 44. by whom they had children] Neither love to wife nor children could keep them from obeying Gods commandment. They put away as well those wives by whom they had children, as those by whom they had none. And it is likely they put away their children also. See verse 3.