Westminster Annotations, Nehemiah
ANNOTATIONS On the Book of NEHEMIAH.
The Argument.
BEcause Religion cannot well subsist without civill policie and peace, therefore God stirs up the spirit of Nehemiah to use the favour that he had with Artaxerxes the second, to obtain the Government over the Jews: whereby he sets up the Walls of Jerusalem, sets the City and Countrey in order, and then returns to the King in the thirty second yeer of his reign, Chap. 13. 6. Some think this History to be written by Ezra, because he speaks of Nehemiah, as a different person, Chap. 1. 1. But so doth Isaiah of himself, Isai. 1. 1. and Solomon, Prov. 1. 1. yet were those Books theirs. And Nehemiah presently speaks of himself in the first person, Chap. 1. 1. and all the Book over for the most part. The first time he staid twelve yeers at Jerusalem, or neer, compare Chap. 2. 1. with Chap. 13. 6. The second time, he reformed the Church, Chap. 13. In this Book, the History beginning at the twentieth yeer of Artaxerxes the second, proceeds to the reign of another Darius, Chap. 12. 22. whom some think to be Darius Ochus: Others, Darius Codomannus, the last Persian Monarch. See the notes on Chap. 13.
CHAP. I.
Vers. 1. WOrds] Or, Deeds. For he was no prophet, and it may be the Book might be written by another.
And] He begins so, because he joyns his book to Ezra.
in the monethmonth Chisteu] Which containeth part of November, and part of December.
in the twentieth yeer] Of king Artaxerxes. See Chap. 2. v. 1.
V. 2. Hanani] Chap. 7. 2.
one of my brethren] A Jew as I am.
of Judah] Or, out of Judah: For how could they tell what was done there, unlesse they came from thence. See v. 3.
V. 3. in the province] Ezra 2. 1.
is broken down] 2 King. 25. 10. Though the temple were built, yet the wals were not repaired, for the enemies hindered still.
V. 5. O Lord God of heaven] Dan. 9. 4.
V. 7. and have not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the judgements] We have neither kept the morall, ceremoniall, nor judiciall law. See Mal. 4. 4.
V. 8. saying] Or, to say. To wit, to us for our comfort. For God did not here command Moses to do any thing.
If ye transgresse] Deut. 4. 25, &c.
V. 9. though there were] Deut. 30. 4.
unto the uttermost part of the heaven] Repentance will bring men out of the greatest troubles.
V. 10. whom thou hast redeemed] Former favours encourage good men to ask more of God.
V. 11. to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants] Of me, and thy people: for he doubted not, but others of Gods people prayed for the same thing.
to fear thy name] To worship thee aright.
and grant him mercy in the sight of this man] That he may grant my request.
For I was the kings cup-bearer] It is an excellent thing when great men use their interest in the favour of princes for the good of Gods Church.
CHAP. II.
Vers. 1. IN the monethmonth Nisan] Which was the first monethmonth of the yeer to the Jews, and seventh to the Chald…ans and Persians: It contained part of March, and part of April. The news came to him three moneths before, chap. 1. 1. but he staid till his office brought him into the kings presence, and till the king spoke to him.
of Artaxerxes the king] Artaxerxes Memor, mentioned Ezra 7. 1. Others think him to be Artaxerxes Longimanus.
V. 2. I was very sore afraid] He was terrified with the kings majesty, the trouble of his people, and the greatnesse of his request.
V. 3. the place of my fathers sepulchres lieth waste] No doubt he was most troubled, because Gods service was interrupted: but he thought an argument taken from naturall compassion would most move an heathen king: and their sepulchres were generally esteemed sacred.
V. 4. I prayed] I desired God in mine heart to prosper mine enterprise, Exod. 14. 15.
V. 5. that thou wouldest send me] My request is, That thou wouldest send me.
V. 6. queen] Heb. wife.
I set him a time] The space of twelve yeers. See chapter 5. 14.
V. 7. over] Or, thorow.
V. 8. the palace] That is, the court of the temple, where the priests were to dwell, which yet lay open.
according to the good hand of my God upon me] God that moved me to ask, verse 4. give me good successe.
V. 10. When Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah] These were great enemies to the Jews, and laboured alwayes, both by force and subtilty, to overcome them: And Tobiah because his wife was a Jewesse, had advertisement ever of their affairs, and so wrought them great trouble.
the servant] It seems he was a slave born, but preserred by the kings favour.
V. 11. and was there three dayes] He rested him three dayes after his journey, as Ezra did, Ezra 8. 31, 32.
V. 13. by the gate of the valley] So called, because it led to the valley of Jehoshaphat. It was next the dung-gate on the left-hand, v. 15. chap. 3. 13. 2 Chron. 26. 9.
dragon-well] A well so called between the valley gate, and the dung-gate, but neerer to the former.
to the dung-port] Either because the rain carried the dirt thorow it to Kidron, or because men carried their dung that way to some common lay-stall, chap. 3. 13. and 12. 3.
V. 14. to the gate of the fountain] Which led toward the fountain of the river Siloah, chap. 3. 15. and 12. 37.
to the kings pool] Pool of Siloah by the kings garden, chap. 3. 15.
no place for the beast] By reason of stones and rubbish faln out of the wall.
that was under me to passe] Or, to passe under me. That is, I was forced to go on foot.
V. 15. by the brook] The brook Kidron, 2 Sam. 15. 23.
by the gate of the valley] Which I went out at, v. 13.
and so returned] To my lodging.
V. 16. nor to the nobles] So called, because they were white robes, Esth. 8. 15.
V. 17. that we be no more a repreach] That is, contemned of other nations, as though God had forsaken us.
V. 18. which was] Or, that it was.
good upon me] Vers. 8.
they strengthned their hands] They were encouraged, and gave themselves to do well, and to travell in this worthy enterprise.
V. 19. Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant the Am…nite, and Geshem the Arabian] These were three chief governours under the king of P…rha, beyond Euphrates.
will ye rebell against the king?] Thus the wicked when they will discredit the children of God, use to lay rebellion unto their charge, both because it maketh them most odious unto the world, and also stirreth the hatred of princes most against them, Ezra 4. 15.
V. 20. no portion] Ezra 4. 3.
nor memoriall in Jerusalem] Neither are ye of the number of the people of God (to whom onelyonly he hath appointed this city) neither did any of your predecessors ever fear God.
CHAP. III.
Vers. 1. ELiashib the high priest] The nephew of Jehoshuah, chap. 12. 10.
they built the sheep-gate] Here is an exact description of the gates of Jerusalem in order as they stood. The sheep-gate here: the fish-gate next on the right-hand, v. 3. Then the old-gate, v. 6. Next was the valley-gate, v. 13. After that the dung-gate, v. 14. Then the fountain-gate, v. 15. Next was the water-gate, v. 26. After that the horse-gate, v. 28. Then the east-gate, v. 29. Lastly, the gate Miphkad, which was the prison-gate, v. 31. chap. 12. 39. This appears to be the order for these reasons. First, when Nehemiah went to view them, chap. 2. v. 12, 13. those few gates there named, stand in the rank they do here. Secondly, in repairing the wall in this third chapter, they begin and end at the sheep-gate. Thirdly, many of these stand in the same posture, chap. 12. 31. at the dedication of the wall: for one company goes on the right-hand to the dung-gate, the other on the left, and both meet at the prison-gate, chap. 12. 39.
they sanctified it] Dedicated it to the LORD by prayer, when they had finished it, Deut. 20. 5. desiring God to maintain it. Or, appointed it for the use of the temple, that sacrifices might be had there at hand in the market, and other things.
unto the tower of Meah] Heb. of Hammeah. Or, to the hundredth tower: or, it might have one hundred pinacles: or, be one hundred foot high. For Meah signifies an hundred.
unto the tower of Hananeel] Chap. 12. 39. Jerem. 31. 38. Zech. 14. 10.
V. 2. next unto him] Heb. at his hand.
them] Heb. to him. It may be the men of Jericho builded on the one side of the high priest, and Zaccur on the other.
V. 3. the fish-gate] It might look toward the sea, and so the fish might be brought in there, and sold neer it, some coming from Joppa, and some from Tyrus, though it were further off See chap. 13. 16, 19.
and set up the doors thereof] Afterwards, when all the wall was finished, chap. 6. 1. and 7. 1.
V. 4. next unto them] For it is likely Merimoth wrought not alone, but set others on work with him.
V. 5. their nobles put not their necks to the work of their …ord] The rich and great men would not work with their hands in Gods work, for they thought it too mean a service for them.
V. 6. the old gate] Part whereof stood ever since the razing of the walls, chap. 12. 39.
V. unto the throne of the governour] Where the governour was to dwell: that is, Nehemiah himself, chap. 2. 8.
V. 8. fortified Jerusalem unto the broad wall] Or, left fortifying Jerusalem at the broad wall: Or, left Jerusalem unto the broad wall. Chap. 12.
V. 9. the ruler of the half part of Jerusalem] It may be he was over that part of the city which was in the tribe of Judah, and some other set over that part which was in the tribe of Benjamin, v. 12.
V. 11. other piece] Heb. second measure. That is, the part next Hattush his part: or, as much, as he did.
the tower of the furnaces] See chap. 12. 38. Some think fire was kept there perpetually for direction of men at sea: Or, it may be the furnaces for melting of metals stood thereabouts.
V. 12. and his daughters] These virgins thought not much to work like men in this publike service.
V. 13. unto the dung-gate] Chap. 2. 13.
V. 14. of part] Or, of the tract. It seems to be some outpart of Jerusalem in the tribe of Benjamin, Jere. 6. 1.
V. 15. the gate of the fountain] Chap. 2. 14.
of the pool of Silcah] John 9. 7.
V. 16. the sepulchres of David] It is likely he made them to bury his houshold in.
to the pool] 2 King. 20. 20. Isai. 22. 11.
that was made] Not naturall, as the pool, v. 15. is thought to be.
unto the house of the mighty] Where the garison of the city of David used to watch.
V. 17. in his part] Or, for his part: or, with his part: That is, the men subject to him.
V. 18. of the half part] That is, of the other half part.
V. 19. over against the going up to the armoury] Where the weapons and armour of the city lay.
at the turning of the wall] 2 Chron. 26. 9.
V. 20. Zabbai] Or, Zaccai.
V. 21. Koz] Heb. Hakkoz.
V. 22. the men of the plain] Which dwelt in the plain countrey, between Jerusalem and Jericho, 2 Sam. 2. 29. Nehe. 12. 28.
V. 25. court of the prison] Jere. 32. 2.
V. 26. dwelt] Or, which dwelt.
Op…el] Or, the tower. 2. Chron. 27. 3. and 33. 14. An high tower reaching as it were to the clouds, as the name in the originall imports. There dwelt the Nethinims, neer the water-gate; for they carried wood and water to the temple. See the notes on Ezra 2. 43.
the water-gate] Chap. 8. 1. and 12. 37.
V. 27. the Tekoites repaired another piece] Though their great men would not help them, yet they quickly ended their work, v. 5. and now take another part upon them.
V. 28. the horse-gate] It stood east-ward, Jere. 31. 40. it was called the horse-gate, as some think, because the kings horses went in and out that way, 2 King. 11. 16. 2 Chron. 23. 15. Or, as others suppose, either because they might ride no further toward the temple, or because they rid their horses out of that gate to water them in Kidron, and breathe them in the valley of Gehinnom.
V. 29. of the east-gate] Some think it stood not full east, but was called the east-gate, because it stood on the east-end of the temple. It is by some called the golden-gate. It seems it was the beautifullest gate; yet it might be so called, because the fun-beams lighting on it in the morning, might make it glister.
V. 31. unto the place of the Nethinims] Vers. 26.
the gate Miphkad] Which was the prison-gate, not far from the sheep-gate. See chap. 12. 39.
going up of the corner] Or, corner-chamber.
CHAP. IIII.
Vers. 2. HIs brethren] His companions that dwelt in Samaria: he stirs them up against the Jews.
What do these feeble Jews] Thus the wicked mock Gods people, as though they were weak and feeble, because they consider not, that Gods power is ever in a readinesse for the defence of his.
fortifie themselves] Heb. leave to themselves.
V. 4. Hear, O our God] This is the remedy that the children of God have against the derision and threatnings of their enemies.
despised] Heb. despite.
the land of captivity] Let them be spoiled, and led away captive.
V. 5. And cover not their iniquity] Let thy plagues declare to the world, that they set themselves against thee, and against thy church, Jere. 18. 23. Thus he prayeth, having having respect to Gods glory, and not out of private grudge.
they have provoked thee to anger before the builders] Or, they have provoked others against the builders. Or, they have provoked the builders standing over against them.
V. 6. unto the half thereof] Of the height of the wall.
V. 7. were made up] Heb. ascended.
V. 8. to hinder it] Heb. to make an errour to it.
V. 9. Neverthelesse] Or, Therefore.
against them] Or, over them: That is, over the workmen because of the enemies.
V. 10. so that we are not able to build the wall] The bearers, and the rubbish lying in the way, hinders us from building.
V. 12. they said] Or, and said.
ten times] That is, oftentimes, Job 19. 3.
From all places, whence ye shall return unto us, they will be upon you] Or, That from all places ye must return to us. Or, They that are against us will come on all places, whence ye shall return. That is, when you go from your work to eat, or rest, the enemies will assail you on all sides.
V. 13. Therefore] Or, Then.
in the lower places] Heb. from the lower parts of the place, &c.
V. 14. remember the Lord] Who is ever at hand to deliver his out of danger, and therefore seeing they should fight for the maintenance of Gods glory, and for the preservation of their own lives, and the lives of theirs, he encourageth them to play the valiant men, 2 Sam. 10. 12.
V. 15. and God had brought] Or, that God had brought.
that we returned] Or, and we returned.
V. 16. And] Or, Yet.
the rulers were behinde all the house of Judah] To over-see them, and to encourage them to their work.
V. 17. and with the other hand held a weapon] A lively type of the militant church, which still must with the one hand build on the work of the LORD, and with the other must be ready to keep off their spirituall and bodily enemies.
V. 18. by his side] Heb. on his loyns.
V. 20. resort ye thither unto us] Meaning to resist their enemies. And to this end he kept a trumpeter alwayes by him, to make them know when the enemy approached, v. 18.
our God shall fight for us] Exod. 14. 14. Deut. 1. 30. and 3. 22.
V. 23. saving that every one put them off for washing] Or, every one went with his weapon for water.
for washing] That is, when they purified themselves, or else when they washed their clothes.
CHAP. V.
Vers. 1. AGainst their brethren] Against the rich which oppressed them, v. 7.
V. 2. we take up corn for them] This is the complaint of the people, shewing to what extremity they were brought, that they were forced to sell their children for food. See v. 5. Matth. 18. 25.
V. 3. We have morgaged our lands] They were brought to this poverty, because by reason of continuall labour in building the wall, they were forced to neglect their own businesse.
V. 4. for the kings tribute] Which they yeerly paid to the king of Persia: for church-men onelyonly were free. See Ezra 7. 24. Gen. 47. 22.
V. 5. our flesh is as the flesh of our brethren] By nature the rich is no better then the poor, Isai. 58. 7. Act. 17. 26.
neither is it in our power to redeem them] We are not able to redeem them, but for poverty are compelled to hire them out to others.
V. 7. I consulted with my self] Heb. my heart consulted in me.
You exact] Ye oppresse them with usury, and seek how to bring all things into your hands.
usury] Or, burden, Isai. 58. 6.
And I set a great assembly against them] Both because they should be moved with pitty, seeing how many were by them opprest, and also hear the judgement of others, which should be as it were witnesses of their dealing toward their brethren.
V. 8. We, after our abilitie, have redeemed our brethren] Levit. 25. 48.
shall they be sold unto us?] Seeing God by our means hath once already delivered them from the bondage of the heathen, shall we make them our slaves?
V. 9. Also I said] Meaning Nehemiah.
not good] Or, stark naught, as Prov. 24. 23.
because of the reproach of the heathen] Who by this occasion will blaspheme the name of God, seeing that our acts are no better then theirs, 2 Sam. 12. 14. Rom. 2. 24.
V. 10. might exact of them money] Or, have lent to them. To wit, without usury.
usury] Or, burden, v. 7.
V. 11. that ye exact of them] Which ye take of them for the loan: or, otherwise exact from them, Isai. 58. 3.
V. 12. will require nothing] Or, we will not require it: To wit, the hundredth part, v. 11. For it is not likely that they would do more then Nehemiah asked.
V. 13. I shook my lap] A ceremony then used, the same in effect with that, Act. 18. 6. and not unlike that of shaking off the dust of their feet, Matth. 10. 14. Act. 13. 51. For substance see the like, 2 Chron. 15. 13.
emptied] Heb. empty, or void.
V. 14. the bread of the governour] I received not that portion and diet which the governours before me had exacted, v. 15. wherein he declareth, that he rather sought the wealth of the people, then his own commodity, 1 Cor. 9. 4, 15. 1 Kings 4. 22.
V. 15. bread] Or, for bread.
beside fourty shekels of silver] Or, after fourty shekels of silver. That is, being not contented with the fourty shekels they exacted of the people, they required more of them to buy bread and wine.
V. 17. from among the heathen] Of strangers that came for visitation, or embassage, or the like offices.
V. 18. store of all sorts of wine] It may be they had wine at other times by a set allowance, but once in ten dayes they had aboundance.
the bread of the governour] See v. 14.
V. 19. Think upon me] Chap. 13. 22.
CHAP. VI.
Vers. 1. NO breach left therein] That is, that the wall was joyned together every where, chap. 4. 6.
V. 2. Ono] Which was in the tribe of Benjamin, chap. 11. 35.
to do me mischief] That is, to kill me.
V. 3. why should the work cease] Meaning, that if he should obey their request, the work which God had appointed, would cease. Yet he teacheth us withall, that we should not commit our selves into the hands of the wicked.
V. 6. Gashmu] Or, Geshem, verse 2.
according to these words] As the fame goeth.
V. 7. thou hast also appointed prophets] Thou hast bribed and set up false prophets to make thy self king, and so to defraud the king of Persia of that subjection which ye owe unto him.
and let us take counsell together] That no hurt may come to you, nor to us for your neighbour-hood.
V. 10. who was shut up] As though he prayed to God for Nehemiahs preservation, but intending to deceive him: or, he shewed by his own carriage what he thought fit for Nehemiah to do. So did prophets teach by gestures, 1 King. 22. 11. Ezek. 24. 17, 22.
and let us shut the doors of the temple] It is not safe us to meet, or be in the city, because the gates are not up, but we can shut the doors of the temple upon us, and be safe.
V. 11. Should such a man as I flee?] He doubted not but God was able to preserve him, and knew that if he had obeyed the counsell of Shemaiah, he should have discouraged all the people: and also, that the enemies might have come in (for the gates were yet open, v. 1.) and have taken the city, while he lay hid in the temple. Thus God giveth wisdom to his, to prevent the hurt that might come by false prophecies, though they seem to have never so great probability: or else he thought it unlawfull for him, being not a priest, to come into the temple, Numb. 3. 38.
V. 12. Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him] Either to do this work at this time, that they might take the city by Nehemiah… neglect, upon his preswasion: or else he had a yeerly pension from them, to further their ends to the hurt of the Jews.
V. 14. on the prophetesse Noadiah] Very grief caused him to pray against such, as under the pretence of being ministers of God, were adversaries to his glory, and went about to overthrow his church, declaring also hereby, that where there is one true minister of God, the devill hath a great sort of hirelings, chap. 13. 29.
V. 15. the wall was finished] With gates, barrs, locks, and all things needfull, which were wanting, vers. 1.
of the monethmonth Elul] Which was the sixth monethmonth; containing part of August, and part of September.
in fifty and two dayes] From the beginning of the building of it: For it is delivered as a strange thing. See v. 16.
V. 17. sent many letters unto Tobiah] Heb. multiplied their letters passing to Tobiah. Thus the church of God hath evermore enemies within it self, which are more dangerous then the outward and professed enemies.
V. 19. words] Or, matters.
CHAP. VII.
Vers. 3. LEt them shut the doors, and bar them] Or, and shut the doors, do ye lay hold on them: That is, when the porters shut the doors in the evening, feel ye your selves whither they be shut fast or no.
appoint] Heb. appoint thou; Hanani, or Hananiah. For it is likely they would not be there both at once.
against his house] That is, the place where his house should be built; for many had no houses yet, v. 4. Or, where his present place of abode was.
large and great] Heb. broad in spaces.
V. 5. to gather together the nobles] That the city might be better peopled then it was, by bringing in the children of the former inhabitants of Judah, and adding others if need should require, v. 5. Chap. 8. 1.
V. 6. These are the children of the province] That is, the inhabitants of Judah that came up with Zerubbabel, Ezr. 2. 1, &c.
V. 7. Azariah] Or, Seraiah. Azariah in Ezra is called Seraiah, and Raamiah Reeliah, Ezr. 2. 2. and so the names of many other are different: neither do they wholly agree in the sum of the numbers; because, being made long after, some of the mentioned families might be diminished, and some encreased.
V. 8. The children of Parosh] For the rest that follow, see the Notes on Ezr. 2. 1, &c.
V. 15. Bianui] Or, Bani.
V. 21. Hezekiah] Ezr. 2. 16.
V. 24. Hariph] Or, J….
V. 25. The children] That is, the inhabitants. So in many verses following, they are called men, which, Ezr. 2. 21. are called children of those places.
Gibeon] Or, Gibbar.
V. 28. Beth-azmaveth] Or, Azmaveth.
V. 29. Kirjath-jearim] Or, Kirjath-arim.
V. 33. of the other Nebo] For there were two cities called Nebo. See the Notes on Ezr. 2. 29.
V. 34. the other Elam] See v. 12.
V. 39. Jedaiah] 1 Chron. 24. 7.
V. 43. Hodevah] Or, Hodaviah, Ezr. 2. 40. or Judah, Ezr. 3. 9
V. 59. Amo… ] Or, Ami.
V. 60. Solomons servants] 1 King. 9. 22.
V. 61. And these were they] Ezr. 2. 59.
seed] Or, pedigree.
V. 63. K…z] Heb. Hakkoz.
V. 65. the Tirshatha] Or, the governour. Not Nehemiah, but he that ruled when they came up with Zerubbabel: for these words are written, Ezr. 2. 63. before Nehemiah came up.
V. 70. some] Heb. part.
g…ve unto the work] This is a new gift, not that mentioned, Ezr. 2. 68.
the Tirshatha] The circumstance shews, that this might be Nehemiah, though it were another that is mentioned, vers. 65. See chap. 8. 9.
V 71. drams of gold] For drams and pounds, see the Notes on Ezr. 2. 69.
V. 73. So the priests] Trem…llius puts this verse in the beginning of the next chapter; and then the end of it may be read thus, That were in their cities: so it suits well with the verse following, and with Ezr. 3. 1. where the same words are found; though he spake there of another meeting before, at the same time of the yeer.
the seventh monethmonth] Which containeth part of September, and part of October.
came] Or, drew nigh: For when it came, they were not in their cities, but in Jerusalem, chap. 8. 1.
CHAP. VIII.
Vers. 1. ALl the people] Ezr. 3. 1.
the water-gate] Chap. 3. 26.
the scribe] Ezr. 7. 6.
V. 2. that could hear with understanding] Heb. that understood in hearing. Which had age and discretion to understand.
V. 3. from the morning] Heb. from the light.
untill mid-day] This declareth the great zeal that all the people had to hear the word of God.
V. 4. pulpit of wood] Heb. tower of wood.
Mattithiah, &c.] These seem to be Levites, that attended upon Ezra.
V. 5. sight] Heb. eyes.
he was above all the people] To the intent that his voyce might be the better heard.
V. 7. caused the people to understand the law] Preached to the peoples capacity, as v. 8. In this work both priests and Levites assisted Ezra; for the people were so many, that one man could not be heard of all.
V. 9. the Tirshatha] Or, the governour. See chap. 7. 70.
all the people wept] In considering their offences against the law: therefore the Levites do not reprove them for mourning, but labour to chear them up, and the rather, because it was a festivall day.
V. 10. for whom nothing is prepared] That is, Remember the poor, Ezr. 9. 22.
the joy of the Lord is your strength] Rejoyce in the LORD, and he will give you strength. Or, rejoyce in Gods benefits, who by his power hath restored to you your land, the city, the temple, and the free use of your religion, which ye could never have compassed by your strength.
V. 12. to sendportions] Esth. 9. 19.
because they had understood the words] Their principall joy was not for the good chear that they were to make, but for the benefit received by the word they had heard: which if they had not well understood, they could not well have rejoyced.
V. 13. the chief of the fathers] To know what was required of them and their people by the law.
to understand the words of the law] Or, that they might instruct in the words of the law, v. 7.
V. 14. by] Heb. by the hand of.
in booths] Levit. 23. 34. Deut. 16. 13.
V. 15. proclaim] All publike feasts were to be proclaimed, Levit. 23. 4. Num. 10. 10.
as it is written] Levit. 23. 40.
V. 16. upon the roof of his house] For their houses were made flat above, Deut. 22. 8.
water-gate] Chap. 3. 26.
the gate of Ephraim] Which led toward Ephraim. From this gate, to the corner-gate, Joash the king of Israel broke down the wall of Jerusalem, 2 King. 14. 13. 2 Chron. 25. 23. It may be he did it in pride, after he had beaten Amaziah, to ride in in triumph: or in policy, that he might come …n at any time without resistance.
V. 17. since the days of Jeshua the son of Num] Which was almost a thousand yeers before.
V. 18. asolemne assembly] Heb. a restraint.
according unto the manner] Levit. 23. 36, 39.
CHAP. IX.
Vers. 1. THis monethmonth] Chap. 8. 2.
the children of Israel were assembled with fasting] They were humbled by the law read, chap. 8. and put away their strange wives and confesse their sin, in this chapter, and renew their covenant with God in the next chapter.
V. 2. strangers] Heb. strange ch…ldren.
V. 3. one fourth part of the day] In likelihood they began at the time of the morning-sacrifice, and continued in preaching and prayer till the time of the evening-sacrifice, which was from nine in the fore-noon, till three in the after-noon, and contained the two fourth parts of the day here mentioned, their day consisting of twelve hours, Joh. 11. 9.
they confessed] They made confession of their sins, and used prayer and praise.
V. 4. stairs] Or, scoffold. It is likely that they stood on divers scaffolds, that they might not hinder one another, and that all the people might hear. See the Notes on chap. 8. 4, 7.
V. 5. which is exalted above all bl…ssing and praise] Which is more glorious then any tongue can expresse.
V. 6. Thou, even thou art Lord] They begin to praise God from the excellency of his nature, and the famous works of creating and preserving the creatures, and the honour done to him by the highest and best of the creatures.
thou hast made heaven &c.] Gen. 1. 1.
therein] Heb. thereon.
V. 7. who didst choose] Then he praiseth God for his covenant with Israel, and benefits bestowed on that people; which were the more praise-worthy, because the people were rebellious.
Abram] Gen. 11. 31. and 12. 1.
Abraham] Gen. 17. 5.
V. 8. faithfull] Gen. 15. 6.
madest a covenant with him] Gen. 12. 7. and 15. 18. and 17. 7, 8.
thou art righteous] That is, faithfull and true of thy word, 1 Joh. 1. 9. Heb. 6. 10.
V. 9. And didst see the affliction] Exod. 3. …. and 14. 10.
V. 10. And shewedst signes] Exod. 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, and 14. chapters.
so didst thou get thee a Name] Isai. 63. 12.
V. 11. And thou didst divide the sea] Exod. 14. 21, 22.
into the mighty waters] Exod. 15. 10.
V. 12. thou leddest them] Exod. 13. 21.
V. 13. Thou e…mest down] Exod. 19. 20. and 20. 1.
true laws] Heb. laws of truth.
V. 15. And gavest them bread from heaven] Exod. 16. 14, 15.
and broughtest forth water for them out of the rock] Exod. 17. 6. Num. 20. 9, &c.
which thou hadst sworn to give them] Heb. which thou hadst lift up thy hand to give them.
V. 16. But they and our fathers] Or, Yet they, even our fathers, Psal. 106. 6, 7. Dan. 9. 8.
and h…rdned their necks] 2 King. 17. 14. 2 Chron. 36. 13.
V. 17. appointed a captain] Num. 14. 4.
a God ready to pardon] Heb. a God of pardons.
V. 18. when they had made them a molten calf] Exod. 32. 4.
V. 19. the pillar of the cloud departed not] Exod. 13. 22. Num. 14. 14. 1 Cor. 10. 1.
V. 20. thy good spirit] Num. 11. 17.
and withheldest not thy manna] Exod. 16. 15. Josh. 5. 12.
and gavest them water] Exod. 17. 6.
V. 21. their clothes waxed not old] Deut. 8. 4.
and their feet swelled not] Though the way were tedious and long.
V. 22. and didst divide them] Either the Israeli as in the land of Canaan; or, such of their enemies as were not killed.
into corners] Heb. into a corner.
the land of Sihon] Num. 21. 21, &c.
and] Or, even.
V. 23. concerning which thou hadst promised] See Notes on v. 13.
V. 24. as they would] Heb. according to their will.
V. 25. wells] Or, cisterns.
fruit-trees] Heb. trees of food.
V. 26. and cast thy law behinde their backs] As we use to do with things we contemn or scorn, Ezek. 23. 35. Psal. 50. 17.
and slew thy prophets] 1 King. 19. 10.
which testified against them] Taking heaven and earth to witnesse, that God would destroy them, except they returned, Isai. 1. 2. 2 Chron. 24. 19.
V. 27. saviours] Judg. 2. 18. and 3. 9. Obad. v. 21.
V. 28. But after they had rest] They declare how Gods mercies ever contended with the wickednesse of this people, who, ever in their prosperity, forgat God, Deut. 32. 15.
they did evil again] Heb. they returned to do evil.
V. 29. withdrew the shoulder] Heb. they gave a withdrawing shoulder. Which is a similitude taken from oxen that shrink at the yoke. Zech. 7. 11. See v. 16.
and would not hear] When thou didst admonish them by the prophets.
V. 30. Yet many yeers] As long as the kingdoms of Israel and Judah lasted.
forbear them] Heb. protract over them.
and testifiedst against them] 2 King. 17. 13. 2 Chron. 36. 15.
in thy prophets] Heb. in the hand of thy prophets.
V. 32. the mighty, and the terrible God] Exod. 34. 6, 7.
let not all the trouble seem little before thee] They desire that God would lay no more or greater troubles on them then he had done already.
trouble] Heb. wearinesse.
that hath come upon us] Heb. that hath found us. God sends plagues to seek sinners.
of the kings of Assyria] Either they mean, since the captivity of their brethren by the king of Assyria, 2 King. 17. or their down-fall by Nebuchad-nezzar; for the king of Babylon is called king of Assyria, 2 Chron. 33. 11.
V. 33. For thou hast done right] They confesse that all these things came to them justly for their sins; but they appeal from Gods justice to his mercies, Dan. 9. 7. 14. Psal. 119. 137.
V. 34. our kings] Dan. 9. 8.
thou didst testifie against them] That thou wouldest destroy them, except they would return to thee, as v. 26.
V. 36. Behold, we are servants this day] They lay open their present servitude before God, to move him to pity, in that they were now servants in that land, wherein they had lived in all freedom and plenty before, Deut. 28. 47.
to eat the fruit thereof] That is, to be the lords thereof, Deut. 28. 33, 51.
V. 38. …asure covenant] Thus in affliction they promise to keep Gods commandments, whereunto they could not be brought by Gods great benefits.
seal] Heb. are at the sealing, or sealed.
CHAP. X.
Vers. 1. NOw, &c.] These did seal, but the people confirmed it by oath, v. 28, 29.
those that sealed] Heb. at the sealings.
the Tirshatha] Or, the governour.
V. 8. these were the priests] Which subscribed to the covenant, except Nehemiah, who is set first, as governour, v. 1.
V. 28. And the rest] Ezra 2.
the Nethinims] See Notes on Ezra 2. 43.
that had separated themselves] Which being idolaters, had forsaken their wickednesse, and given themselves to serve God: or, which had put away their strange wives, chap. 9. 2.
V. 29. and entred into a curse] Whereinto they gave themselves, if they should break this covenant. See Deut. 29. 12, 14, 19. and so agreed to that which their nobles had sealed, v. 1, 14.
by] Heb. by the hand of.
V. 30. that we would not give our daughters] Exod. 34. 16. Deut. 7. 3.
V. 31. And if the people] Exod. 20. 10. Levit. 23. 3. Deut. 5. 12. Chap. 13. 15, &c.
we would not buy it] Which notwithstanding they brake soon after. See chap. 13. 15, 16.
we would leave] That we would leave the fruit of our land that yeer for the poor, and forgive them their debts, Exod. 23. 10.
seventh yeer] Levit. 25 4.
exaction] Deut. 15. 2.
every debt] Heb. every hand.
V. 32. we made ordinances for us] Sacrifices required could not be offered without cost: whence this cost should come, the law did not determine; but good rulers took order for it, … Chron. 31. 3.
with the third part of a shekel] That is, ten pence apiece: rich and poor paid alike.
V. 33. For the shew-bread] This declareth wherefore they gave the third part of the shekel, which was beside the half shekel that they were bound to pay, Exod. 30. 13. if that were perpetuall.
of the sabbaths] See Num. 28, and 29.
V. 34. we cast the lots] Howsoever in the law there was no such particular direction for the bringing in of wood for maintaining of the fire on the altar, yet their present exigencie moved them by lot to assigne the persons and times for the bringing of it in, or providing of it.
V. 35. to bring the first-fruits] Exod. 23. 19. Levit. 19. 23.
V. 36. as it is written] By this rehearsall is meant, that there was no part of the ceremoniall law, whereunto they did not binde themselves by covenant.
in the law] Exod. 13. 2.
firstlings of our herds] Such as were fit for sacrifice, were to be brought in kinde; and such as were not, were paid for with money, Levit. 27. 9, &c.
V. 37. And that we should bring the first-fruits] Levit. 23. 17. Num. 15. 19. and 18. 12, &c.
dough] Or, loaves.
might] Or, should.
of our tillage] As knowing that wheresoever we laboured, the tythes were due unto the LORD, both by the law, and according to the oath and covenant that we had made.
V. 38. And the priest] Or, And that the priest.
when the Levites take tithes] Num. 18. 26.
and the Levites] Or, and that the Levites.
to the chambers] 2 Chron. 31. 11.
V. 39. For] Or, That.
and we] Or, and that we.
will not forsake the house of our God] Will not leave it destitute of that which shall be necessary for it.
CHAP. XI.
Vers. 1. THe rest of the people also cast lots] See chap. 10. 34. Judg. 20. 10.
to bring one of ten] Because their enemies dwelt round about them, they provided that it might be replenished with men, and used this policie, because there were few that offered themselves willingly.
V. 2. the people blessed all the men] They prayed God to blesse them, or, thanked them.
V. 3. of the province] Of Judea, which at that time was a province of the Persian monarchy, Ezra 2. 1.
the children of Solomons servants] 1 King 9. 21.
V. 4. of the children of Perez] Which came of Perez the son of Judah.
V. 11. the ruler of the house of God] That is, was the high priest, or, orderer of things needfull in Gods service.
V. 12. that did the work of the house] That served and ministred in the temple.
V. 14. the son of one of the great men] Or, the son of Haggedelim.
V. 16. had the over-fight] Heb. were over.
of the …utward businesse of the h…use of God] To gather the money appointed, and buy things necessary, and to do other businesse of the same nature.
V. 17. the principall to begin the thanks-giving in prayer] He began the psalms and prayers.
V. 19. the gates] Heb. at the gates. Meaning, of the temple.
V. 20. the residue of Israel] Of them which dwelt not in Jerusalem.
V. 21. But the Nethinims] See chap. 3. 26.
Ophel] Or, the tower.
V. 22. over the businesse of the house of God] To see things well ordered when they were brought to the temple, by the care of the over-seers abroad, v. 16.
V. 23. it was the kings commandment] To provide for all officers and offices about the temple, Ezra 2. 20. and the singers came within this compasse.
a certain portion] Or, a sure ordinance.
V. 24. at the kings hand] Was chiefly employed by the king about his affairs. See 1 Chron. 23. 28.
V. 25. at Kirjath-arba, &c.] These places mentioned, till v. 21. were in the tribes of Judah and S…meon.
V. 30. And they dwell] Heb. pitcht their tents. That is, pl…ced their tents neer, as men do in war, for fear of enemies; for the cities were not yet built, Isai. 29. 1.
V. 31. from Geba] Or, of Geba.
at Michmash] Or, to Michinash.
in Jadah, and in Benjamin] They dwelt in the places assigned to them out of these tribes.
CHAP. XII.
Vers. 1. THe priests] Ezra 2. 1.
that went up] From Babylon to Jerusalem. Some think he mentions those that came up with Ezra since, as well as those that came up with Zerubbabel at first, because some are named here, that are not in Ezra 2.
V. 2. Malluch] Or, Meli…u, verse 14.
V. 3. Shecaniah] Or, Shebaniah, verse 14.
Rehum] Or, Harim, verse 15.
Meremoth] Or, Meraioth, verse 15.
V. 4. Ginnetho] Or, Ginnethon, verse 16.
V. 5. Maadiah] Or, Miniamin, verse 17.
Maadiah] Or, Moadiah, verse 17.
V. 7. Sallu] Or Sallai, verse 20.
the chief of the priests] Next in dignity to the high priest, and which were of the stock of Aaron.
V. 8. over the thanksgiving] That is, the psalms of thanksgiving. Had charge of them that sung the psalms of thanksgiving.
V. 9. in the watches] They kept their wards & watches according to their turns with the former in praising God. See v. 24, 25.
V. 12. of Seraiah] He had shewed before what priests and Levites were of note in the dayes of Jeshuah the high priest: now he shews who were of note in his sons dayes.
V. 17. Of Abijah] Of whom came Zachary, John Baptists father.
of Miniamin, of Moadiah,] That is, of Miniamin, who came of Moadiah.
V. 22. Johanan] Or, Jenathan, verse 11.
of Darius the Persian] Supposed to be Darius Codomannus the last Persian monarch, who was overcome by Alexander the great, and in whom that monarchy expired: For Jadduah here mentioned, is said to meet Alexander, when he would have entred Jerusalem, Josephus Amiq. book 11, ch. 7. 8. Others think it was Darius Nothus.
V. 23. of the chronicles] 1 Chron. 9. 14, &c.
the son of Eliashib] Or, nephew, vers. 22.
V. 24. ward over against ward] That is, one after another, and every one in his course, 1 Chron. 26. 16.
V. 25. thresholds] Or, treasuries, or, assemblies.
V. 27. they sought the Levites] For many of them were returned to their dwellings.
V. 28. of Netophathi] Which were a certain family, and had their possessions in the fields, 1 Chron. 2. 54.
V. 29. for the singers had builded them villages] For they were destroyed before in the war.
V. 30. purified themselves] From all ceremoniall pollutions: which places were subject to, as well as persons.
V. 31. I brought up] Meaning Nehemiah.
upon the wall] In a middle place between the tower of the furnaces, and the dung-gate, from whence one company went to the right hand, and the other to the left, and both met at the prison-gate, and went into the temple.
the dung-pate] Chap. 2. 13.
V. 37. the fountain-gate] Chap. 2. 14.
the stairs of the city of David] Which was the going up to the mount Zion, which is called the city of David.
the water-gate] See chap. 8. 16.
V. 38. tower of the furnaces] Chap. 3. 11.
the broad-wall] Chap. 3. 8.
V. 39. the gate of Ephraim] Chap. 8. 16. 2 King. 14. 13.
the old gate] Chap. 3. 6.
the fish-gate] Chap. 3. 3.
the tower of Hananeel] Chap. 3. 1.
the tower of Meah] Chap. 3. 1.
the sheep-gate] Chap. 3. 1.
the prison-gate] Chap. 3. 31.
V. 42. sang loud] Heb. made their voice to be heard.
V. 43. the joy of Jerusalem] That is, their joyfull acclamation. See Ezra 3. 11, 12, 13.
V. 44. over the chambers for the treasures] Which were chambers appointed by Hezekiah, to put in the tithes, and such like things, 2 Chron. 31. 11. and now were repaired again for the same use.
of the law] That is, appointed by the law.
for Judah rejoyced] Heb. for the joy of Judah.
for the priests] That they were set in their courses again: or, that they were so provided for, that they might stay at Jerusalem to serve God, and need not be scattered in the villages to seek a living. See chap. 13. 10.
that waited] Heb. that stood.
V. 45. the wa…d of the purification] They saw Gods service performed, and pollution kept out of the temple.
according to the commandment] 1 Chron. 25. and 26.
V. 46. and Asaph] 1 Chron. 25. 1, &c.
V. 47. sanctified] That is, set apart.
and the Levites] Num. 18. 26.
sanctified them] That is, the tenth part of the tithes.
CHAP. XIII.
Vers. 1. ON that day] It seems to be some day after Neliemiah's return from the king, v. 6. Or, …t that time, as Isai. 26. 1.
they read] Heb. there read. audience] Heb. ears.
that the Ammonite] Deut. 23. 3.
V. 2. hired Baalam] Num. 22. 5. Josh. 24. 9.
V. 3. all the mixed multitude] That is, all such which had been joyned to them in unlawfull marriage, and all those with whom God had forbidden them to have society.
V. 4. And before this] That the separation was.
having the oversight] Heb. being set over.
chamber] Or. chambers.
was allied unto Tobiah] He was joyned in affinity with Tobiah the Ammonite, and enemy of the Jews.
V. 5. a great chamber] Made of many small ones, v. 9. to lay Tobiah's stuff in, v. 8.
which was commanded to be given to the Levites] Heb. the commandment of the Levites.
V. 6. But in all this was not I at Jerusalem] The absence of a godly governour, for a little while, is abused to sin by priests and people, notwithstanding their solemn covenant, chap. 9. 38. and 10. 1. So Exod. 32.
after certain days] Heb. at the end of days. After a full yeer: so the word is used, Exod. 13. 10. Levit. 25. 29.
obtained I] Heb. I was asked. Or, I earnestly requested. To wit, of the state of things at Jerusalem, and so let go back: or, I was asked of the king to go back. It may be Nehemiah durst not ask to go again, having been so long absent, but set some other to do it, upon whose motion, the king willed him to go back. Or, leave was gotten me.
V. 11. I gathered them together] The Levites that were fled for want of means, to the neglect of Gods service, v. 10. ch. 10 39.
place] Heb. standing.
V. 12. treasuries] Or, store-houses.
V. 13. next to them] Heb. at their hand.
their office] Heb. it was upon them.
V. 14. Remember me] V. 22.
wipe not out] He prays God in mercy to remember and reward his good deeds done for the promoting of Gods service, v. 22. or, not to suffer his service to be any more neglected, which now Nehemiah had restored.
good deeds] Heb. kindnesses.
offices] Or, observations.
V. 15. I testified against them] I declared that I would suffer this sin no more unpunished, v. 21.
V. 18. and did not our God bring all this evil upon us] Was not this a great cause why God plagued us in times past? meaning, that if they transgressed now in the same again, their plague should be greater, Jer. 19. 21, &c. to 27.
V. 19. when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark] For the sabbath begun on the evening before the sabbath day, Levit. 23. 32. and it might be dark betimes there, because the city being compassed about with hills, Psal. 125. 2. the sun was sooner hid from thence then from other places, in the going down of it.
V. 21. I testified against them] See Notes on v. 15.
about the wall] Heb. before the wall.
V. 22. keep the gates] Either he trusts the Levites with the gates of the city, because others were negligent: or, sets them to their own charge, To look to the gates of the temple, that nothing unclean might come in there.
Remember me] Verse 14. Chap. 5. 19.
greatnesse] Or, multitude.
V. 23. had married wives] Heb. had made to dwell with them,
of Ashdod] They had married heathen wives, and so had corrupted their language and religion.
V. 24. their children spake half in] Or, half of their children spake in.
could not speak] Heb. discerned not to speak.
of each people] Heb. of people and people.
V. 25. cursed] Or, reviled. I declared that they had made themselves subject to Gods curse, and pronounced a curse against them, chap. 5. 13.
and pluckt off their hair] The hair of their heads or beards, in disgrace, 2 Sam. 10. 4.
V. 26. neverthelesse] 1 King. 11. 1, &c.
V. 27. Shall we then hearken unto you] Shall we suffer you to do so great a sin, and not restrain or punish you?
V. 28. one of the sons of Joiada] Meaning Manasseh the brother of Jadduah the high priest, Joseph. Amiq. book 11. chap. 7, 8.
the Horonite] Horonaim was either the place where he was born, or, that he ruled over, Isai. 15. 5.
V. 29. Remember] Punish them according to their fault and evil example, which they have given to the rest of thy people, contrary to their vocation, chap. 6. 14. 2 Tim. 4. 14.
them] Or, these.
because they have defiled the priesthood] Heb. for the defilings of the priesthood.
V. 31. for the wood-offering] Chap 10. 34.
for good] Shew mercy unto me, as v. 22.