Observations Upon the Old Testament, Commentary · 1 Kings
I. Kings.
THE Books of Kings do most pursue the History of the Kings of Israel, during the continuance of that Kingdome.
They seeme to be written after their dayes, 1 King. IX. 13, 21, and X. 12. and XII. 19. 2 King. II. 22. and VIII. 22. and X. 27. and XIV. 7. and XVI. 6. and XVII. 23, 34, 41. 1 Chron. IV. 41 and V. 26. 2 Chron. XXXVI. 22, 23.
The first Book of Kings [or III.] contains an History of one hundred and eighteen years: viz. of Solomon: And after him,
Of
Rehoboam, Abia, Asa, Jehoshaphat, Kings of Judah.
Jeroboam, Nadab, Baasha, Elah, Zimri, Tibni, Omri, and Ahab, Kings of Israel.
Acts of Solomon, Rehoboam and Abijah, are written in Books of Nathan the Prophet, of Shemaiah the Prophet, of the Prophecie of Ahijah the Shilomite, of the Visions and story of Iddo the Seer, and Prophet, 2 Chron. IX. 29. and XII. 15. and XIII. 22. which are lost, and never were Canonical Scripture. Yet those of Solomon seeme to some to be written by Nathan, Ahijah, and Iddo, in the beginning of the first Book of Kings, 2 Chron. I. 29.
Adonijah] The eldest sonne then living, chapter I verse 5 2 Sam. III. 3, 4 Chileab or Daniel, 1 Chron. III. 1. being dead (as Absolon was eldest when he formerly sought the Crowne) begins with a Courtly traine and Lifeguard; as Absolon did. But gets Joab, and Abiathar to joyne with him, in seeking to be King; And that by a fairer way then Absolon did, 2 Sam. XV. 1 King. I.
En-Rogel] Or the Well of Rogel. verse 9 This was nigh Jerusalem, East and by South. See Josh. XV. 7. 2 Sam. XVII. 17.
Gihon] Gihon is a Mount, verse 33 and a Rivolet, close on the West-side of Jerusalem. See 2 Chron. XXXII. 30. and XXXIII. 14.
Hornes of the Altar] And so, chap. II. 28. verse 50 The Altar whereunto Adonijah, and Joab fled, seemes to be not any at Jerusalem, but that with the Tabernacle at Gibeon, 2 Chron. I. 3,—6.
Fourty years] And so the years of his life, chapter II verse 11 seventy, when he dies of age. For he was thirty when he began to reigne, 2 Sam. V. 4. And yet Jesse was above one hundred, when he begat him: See on Rahab, Josh. II. And we read not of any King of Judah, or Israel after David that attained to his age: OnelyOnly Vzziah, and Manasseh came very near it.
I will not say thee nay] Many Promises of God and Man, verse 20 have their Provisoes, and are to be understood conditionally, as 1 Sam. II. 30. Ezek. XXXIII. 13. 1 Chron. XVII. 9. and chap. XXVIII. 9. 2 Chron. VI. 16. Psal. CXXXII. 12. 2 Chron. VII. 17,—22. As Gods manifold promises of Long Life, and Temporal Blessings, and Deliverances. And many the like. And so for Threatnings, and Dooms, Judg. X. 13. Jonah III. 4. See my Observations on that Text of Jonah.
Abiathar] Abiathar the fourth from Eli, verse 35 of the race of Ithamar, the younger brother, was High Priest, till Solomon put Zadok in his roome, being indeed the right heir of the right line, of Eleazar, and Phineas, 1 Chron. VI. 3, &c. Num. XXV. 13.
High places] High places called so, chapter III verse 2 because mostwhat on Mountains, Esay LVII. 7. whence named Bamah, Ezek. XX. 28, 29. There they built houses of the High Places, Temples, Chappels, Altars, &c. and put their Idols and Images there, and decked all with Tapistry, and garments of divers colours. They made Priests of the High places; and there they sacrificed, yea, sometimes their children; and burnt Incense, 1 King. XII. 31, 32. 2 King. XVII. 29, 32. Ezek. XVI. 16, 17, 18, 24, 25, 31. Ier. XIX. 5. The High places of Heathen Idolaters were alwayes abominable. These High places God commands the Israelites to destroy, and quite pluck down, Num. XXXIII. 52. While the Ark, and Tabernacle were parted one from the other; and both from Shiloh; and removed from place to place, till the building of the Temple, and there fixed and setled; We read of High places lawfully resorted to, and used, by Samuel, 1 Sam. IX. 12, 13, 14, 19, 25. and by others, chap. X. 5, 12, 13. And not much unlawfully by these here, 1 King. III. 2, 3. And Gibeon it self, when the Tabernacle and Altar, were there, is called the Great High place, 1 King III. 4. But when the Temple was since built, then all other High places for Gods solemneworship, and Ceremonial Services were counted abominable. And in this sin, the ten Tribes, after the division of the Kingdomes by Ieroboam, continualy abounded. They made houses and Priests of High places, in Mountains, and in all the Cities of Samaria, and their Altars were as heaps in the furrows of the fields, 1 King. XIII. 32. Hos. XII. 11. Yea, and Solomon himself, afore that, in his later dayes, fearfully offended in this kinde, 1 King. XI. 7. 8. And Iudah it self fell into this sin, even in Rehoboams reigne, 1 King. XIV. 23. And in after-times, They built High places to Baal, and to the Idols of neighbouring Nations, 2 Chr. XXV. 14. in Tophet, in the Valley of the sonne of Hinnom, on Mount Olivet, in Hierusalem, in all the Cities of Iudah, and in every street of the Cities, Micah I. 5. 1 King. XIV. 23. Ier. VII. 31. and XIX. 5. and XXXII. 35. Ezek. XVI. 16, 31. And this specialy in the reignes of Ahaz, Ioram, and Manasseh. And in the reignes of divers good Kings of Iudah, as Ioash, Amatziah, Vzziah, Iotham, it is recorded as a blemish in them, That they did not take away the High places, but the people sacrificed, and burnt Incense in them. Of good Asa it is said, that he did, and he did not take them away, 1 King. XV. 14 2 Chron. XV. 17. And so of Iehoshaphat, 2 Chron XVII. 6. and XX. 33 1 King. XXII. 43 The meaning is, They took away those High places which were for Idols and strange gods, not those which were for Gods worship: or they laboured in the Reformation of these later also; but through the peoples waywardnesse, could not therein fully prevaile In the Reformation of Manasseh upon his Repentance, it is said That neverthelesse the people did sacrifice still in the High places, yet unto the Lord their God only, 2 Chron XXXIII. 17 But zealous Hezekiah and Iosiah, went through-stitch with all.
Gibeon] The Tabernacle was never at any one of the Cities of the Levites, verse 4 except here at Gibeon only.
Aske… Gods proffer to Solomon, verse 5 in that night after he had offered up those numerous Sacrifices at Gibeon, 2 Chron. I. 7. And his large Petition thereupon for Wisdome, 1 King. III. 6, 7, 8, 9. And Gods ample Grant thereunto; and further Largesse, partly added, partly upon Condition promised, ver. 11, 12, 13, 14. were transacted all whiles Solomon was asleep, as appears by ver. 5. and 15. Though in this same History, 2 Chron. I. 7,—12. of Sleep, or Dreame there is no mention made at all.
a little childe] In that sleep Solomon calls himself a little childe; verse 7 And a little before that David testifies the like of him, 1 Chron. XXII. 5. and chap. XXI. 1. with an eye had to his grear charge at that age; not unlike to that, Jer. I. 6. Yet then David calls him a Wise-man, 1 King. II. 9. even before that wonderful increase of wisdome added to him after Davids death; And then Solomon, being indeed about seventeen years old, had Rehoboam, his son, as appears by the age of Rehoboam at the beginning of his reigne, 1 King. XIV. 21. 2 Chron. XII. 13.
Harlots] The King knew not likely, verse 16 that the women were Harlots; haply open Inne-keepers, and close Harlots.
sonne of Nathan] chapter IV verse 5 The Prophet Nathans two sons highly honoured and advanced by Solomon.
Spake] Solomon chosen by God to be King, verse 32 1 Chron. XXVIII. 5. and XXIX. 1. and chap. XXII. 9, 10, spake three thousand Proverbs. And he spake of all Trees, 1 King. IV. 32, 33. Not that the Text saith, he writ them, or of them. And his Songs were one thousand and five.
Hiram] Hiram, chapter V verse 1 or Huram King of Tyre, and Sidon too, ver. 6. having Lebanon in his possession. Both father and son of that name, 2 Chron II. 3, 13. And again, Hiram the workman, father and sonne at the same time of the said Kings, both it seemes of the same name likewise, 1 King. VII. 13, 14. 2 Chron. II. 14. and IV. 11. and both wrought to Solomon, 2 Chron. IV. 16. The sonnes mother was of Dan, 2 Chron. II. 14. His father, of Naphtali, though inhabiting in Tyre, 1 King. VII. 14.
The House of the Lord] This House, chapter IV verse 1 called the Temple, ver. 3. the Throne of Gods glory, Jer. XIV. 21. a Glorious high throne, Jer. XVII. 12. our Holy and Beautiful House, where our fathers praised thee, Esay XLVI. 11. the Beauty of Holinesse, 1 Chron XVI. 29. was built in Jerusalem, on Mount Moriah, or Sion, on the Threshing-floore of Araunah or Ornan the Jebusite, 2 Chron. III. 1. 1 Chron. XXII. 1.
Very wonderful riches acquired, and laid up, and other preparations made by David, and others, towards the building of the Temple, 2 Sam. VIII. 11, 12. 1 Chron. XXII. 14. and ch. XXIX.
And the Patterne or Platforme of it given to David by the Spirit, 1 Chron. XXVIII. 21. he set down in writing particularly, and gave it to his sonne, 1 Chron. XXVIII. 11,—18. This was such like an help as Moses had, Exod. XXV. 40. The Preparations for the second Temple were very small.
Huge stones, and costly, and precious stones used in Solomons Buildings, 1 King. VII. 9,—12. and chap. X. 2, 10, 11. 1 Chron. XXIX. 2, 8. 2 Chron. III. 6.
The Brazen Altar for Sacrifice was in the Court next the Temple, in the open aire.
The Lavers likewise in that Court, between the Brazen Altar, and the Temple; fixt and placed before the Temple, in the inmost Court; viz. five Bases, and Lavers upon them, on the right hand; and five on the left, as one was to go from the East into the Temple: To wash in them such things as they Offered for the Burnt-offerings and Sacrifices.
The great molten Sea, standing on twelve Oxen, or Brazen Buls, which were by, and beside, not under the Bases and Lavers, as the word is rendered, Jer. LII 20. This Sea was placed on the right hand, or North-side, over against the South, For the Priests to wash in, 2 Chron. IV. 6, 10. In most other places in Scripture, the Right hand is taken for the South; and the Left hand for the North; as supposing a mans posture with his face towards the East.
Going on from the East towards the West; and passing by the Altar, Lavers, and Sea; Entrance was so made into the Porch of the Temple. This Porch being the entrance, and East-end of the Temple, was in length twenty Cubits; from North to South; In breadth ten Cubits, from East to West; and in height as high as the Temple, and thrice as high above it, one hundred and twenty Cubits in all, 1 King. VI. 3. 2 Chron. III 4. In the middle betweene the walls, not joyning to the walls, stood on each side of the entrance or Porch, the two Pillars, of Jachin, on the right hand; and Boaz, on the left; eighteen sacred Cubits apiece high, 1 King. VII. 15. or thirty five common Cubits besides the Basis or Pedestal of one Cubit, 2 Chron. III. 15. Although some would have this thirty five to be the number arising from the height of both Pillars or the shafts of them. And a Chapiter on the top of each, five sacred Cubits high, 1 King. VII. 16. 2 Chron. III. 15. to a part whereof are assigned three Cubits, 2 King. XXV. 17. And they being four fingers thick of brasse, and hollow within, Jer. LII. 21. a line of twelve sacred Cubits did compasse either of the Pillars about, 1 King. VII. 15. Some divide the Pillars into five parts; or rather into six thus; a square Table on the bottome; a Rundle or round Basis upon that; the shaft and maine body of the Pillars round; and above that a square Border upon which the Pomegranates were; a Head, or Chapiter, or Belly; and a Crowne or Powel, both round. All the three parts above the Shaft are called by the name of Chapiter, and are said to be five Cubits high, 1 King. VII. 16. Jer. LII. 22. And the four Cubits; 1 King. VII. 19. is to be understood of some parts of them: And the th…ee Cubits, 2 King. XXV. 17. of the other: or the four Cubits relate to the Lilie-work, and the three Cubits to the Net-work. The whole Chapiters had Nets of Checker-work, and wreaths of Chain-work, seven on either 1 King. VII. 17. And Pomegranates upon the Net-works, in two rowes, one above another, that is, twenty four on a square or side, and so ninety six in all upon the four sides of each rowe; which with the four corner ones make up one hundred in each rowe, 2 Chron. III. 16. Jer. LII. 23. And so two hundred on either Pillar, 1 King. VII. 20. and four hundred Pomegranates on both joyntly.
Passing through the Porch, They entered into the Sanctuary or Body of the Temple, conjoyned to the Porch; which Sanctuary or Body was fourty sacred Cubits long, and twenty broad, and thirty high, 1 King. VI. 17. 2 Chron. III. 3 Overlaid within with gold, upon Palme trees, and Chaines, and Cherubims; and garnished with precious stones, 2 Chron. III. 5, 6, 7.
In this body of the Temple, were the things following; ten Candlesticks of gold, with their Lamps [Besides other of silver mentioned, 1 Chron. XXVIII. 16. for other uses, in other places, in the Courts and Chambers of the Priests and Levites.] Of which ten, there were placed five on the right hand, and five on the left 2 Chron. IV. 7. And each of them far greater then that one in the Tabernacle. Oile was used to the Lamps.
Ten Tables for Shew-bread, likely of gold; [besides other of silver in other places, for other uses, in the Priests Courts, Chambers, and Treasuries, mentioned, 1 Chron. XXVIII. 16.] Of which ten, there were five placed on the right side, and five on the left, 2 Chron. IV. 8, 19. Though one Table and one Candlestick, be named for the rest, 2 Chron. XIII. 11. 1 King. VII. 48.
Altar of Incense, of gold, placed by the Oracle, at the West-end of the Sanctuary, 1 King. VI. 20, 22. and VII. 48. On which was daily burnt the Perfume, Exod. XXX. 34,—38. and ver. 1,—10. And that not by the High Priest only; as it is in the Annotations on 2 Chron. XXVI. 16. But by other Priests; as it is in the Annotations on Exod. XXX. 7.
Thence straight forward, Through the Vaile, and Doore the High Priest once in the year entered into the Oracle or Most-Holy-Place; twenty sacred Cubits long; twenty broad; and twenty high; a perfect square, 1 King. VI. 20. Being the West-end of the Temple. By the Height here it seemes plainly to be ten Cubits lower then the Body of the Temple; as our Chancels commonly are lower then the Bodies of our Churches. Neither seemes there to be any thing in the Text to induce us to be otherwise minded: Though the Great Annotations on 1 King. VI. 20. seek out wayes to heighten the upmost outmost top of it to be level and even with the top of the Temple.
In the Oracle were, the Ark, called Gods strength, and glory, Psal LXXVIII. 61, and CXXXII. 8. 1 Sam. IV. 20. And in it only two Tables of the Law and Covenant, or Testimony: The Propitiatory or Cover upon it; which made up the Mercy-seat: And the two Cherubims, not of massie gold, as those two lesser ones in the Tabernacle, Exod. XXXVII. 7. But of Olive-tree, covered with plates of Gold, and meeting with one of their wings upon the Mercy-seat; and the other wings stretching to the walls of the Oracle; whereupon it is called the Chariot of the Cherubims, 1 Chron. XXVIII. 19. See 1 Sam. IV. 4 Psal. LXXX. 1. and X…IX. 1. Esay XXXVII. 16. And their faces were inward or toward the House, 2 Chron. III. 13. These Cherubims have one paire of wings apiece. In Ezekiels Vision two paire apiece, Ezek. I. 6. and chap. X. 21. In Esayes Vision the Seraphim have three paire a piece, Esay VI. 2. As also those four living wights, Apoc. IV. 8. Probably on their Shoulders, Breasts, and Hips. These Cherubims were so made as the parts of them might be taken asunder, 2 Chron. III. 10. And by the side of the Arke, or before the Testimony, are conceived to be the Pot of Mannah; Aarons Rod; The Censer; and the Book of the Law, as they had formerly been in the most Holy Place of the Sanctuary. And the smaller Cherubims which Moses made out of the matter of the Mercy-seat, or Propitiatory, or Cover, if inseparably fastened to the ends of it, then they were also covered with the great Cherubims, Exod. XXV. 18, 19. & ch. XXXVII. 8. Of all which see what more hath been said upon Exod. See also 1 King. VI. and VIII. chapters. 2 Chron. III. and IV. chapters, where more is set down of the gold, and precious ornaments of this place, and the things in it. [Our Westerne Churches have the Chancels at the East-end; and the steeples commouly at the West-end; (otherwise then it was in Solomons Temple) in relation likely to Judea, and Jerusalem, and that Temple, East from us. Of the second Temple in Ezra; we have little for the things in it. Of Herods Temple, little or nothing in Scripture.
The windows narrow without, and broad within, were above the Chambers, round about both the Temple, and Oracle.
Of the Walls, and Doores, see 2 Chron. III. 5, 6, 7. and chap. IV. 22. 1 King. VI. 15, 16, 22, 29, 30, 31,—35. and VII. 50.
The Floore of the Temple, was of Firre-Plancks, 1 King. VI 15. Of the Oracle, was of Cedar, ver. 16. Both overlaid with gold, i. e. plates of gold, ver. 30.
The covering of the House was with beames, and boards of Cedar, ver. 9. sieled or covered within with gold, 2 Chron. III. 5, 8. And in likelyhood Lead upon the outside of them, to defend all against the injuries of the weather.
Gates of the Temple, and Courts of it, 2 Chron. VIII. 14. and XXIII. 4, 5, 19, 20. and XXIV. 8. and XXVII. 3. and XXXI. 14. and XXXV. 15. See the Annotations on Ezek. VIII. 3, 5, 14. and on chap. IX. 2. and on chap. XL. 3.
The Courts; of the Tabernacle was one; of Solomons Temple at least two, 2 Chron. IV. 9. Besides the Court of the Gentiles, or intermural; the East-gate whereof was called Solomons Porch; of Ezekiels Visionarie Temple, at least three; besides that for the Gentiles.
The Courts were comprised under the name of the Temple, Acts XXI. 28. Joh. II. 14, 16. In the Court of the People, or Greater Court Solomon erected his Scaffold, 2 Chron. VI. 13. And Joash was anointed King, 2 Chron. XXIII. 13. And here, and in the Porch of it, were the People taught, by the Priests, and Levites; by the Prophets, and Apostles; by our Saviour, who never entered further then this Court into the Temple.
The time of Building, seven years. Though there were six moneths more by comparing, 1 King. VI. 1, 38. 2 Chron. III. 2. Like to that of the time of Davids reigne, 2 Sam. V. 4, 5.
The time of Dedication of the House and Altar in the seventh monethmonth, 1 King. VIII. 2. 2 Chron. V. 3. and chap. VII. 9, 10. either the monethmonth before all the appurtenances, and ordinances of the House were fully finished; or else in the seventh monethmonth of the next year, when the Jubilee began; that so the celebrity of Bringing in the Ark, and Dedication of the Temple, and Solomons sacrifices, and his solemne Prayer upon his brazen scaffold, might then and thereby, become the greater and more illustrious, 1 King. VIII. 1,—66. 2 Chron. V. and VI. and VII. chapters. It began the seventh or eighth day of that monethmonth: for on the fifteenth day began the Feast of Tabernacles. And in relation to these two Feasts, are those fourteen dayes mentioned, 1 King. VIII. 65. 2 Chron. VII. ver. 8, 9. And on the twenty third day of that monethmonth the people were dismissed, 2 Chron. VII. 10. the eighth day of the later Feast, 1 King. VIII. 66.
House of the Forrest of Lebanon] This was built in Jerusalem. chapter VII verse 2 See ver. 6, 7, 8. His dwelling House and Throne not farre from it; and golden shields in it, 1 King. X. 16, 17. And there seazed on by the King of Egypt, 2 Chron. XII. 9, 10. It seemes so called, as being a kinde of abridgement of that famous Forrest, afarre off from Jerusalem, and containing in it, and in the Groves and Gardens about it, all the delights and pleasures of that Forest, in solitary walks, sweet smels, musick of birds, and sight of wilde-beasts, &c. See my Annotations on Zech. XI. 1. where conceiving this House to be built in that Forest, not in Jerusalem, upon further consideration, I think good to retract that opinion here.
Two thousand Baths] Bath the measure of Liquid things, verse 26 as Epha of Dry: Both of the same capacity. This Sea had ordinarily put into it two thousand Baths, or five hundred Barrels, reckoning eight gallons to the Bath and four Baths to the Barrel. But this Sea being filled up to the brim, it might containe three thousand Baths, 2 Chron. IV. 5. or seven hundred and fifty Barrels; with water drawn out of it by Cocks or otherwayes, the Priests washed, &c.
Ten Lavers] But one in the Tabernacle, verse 38 Exod. XXX. 18. Here are ten Lavers, besides the Sea. And so of the Candlesticks, and Tables, there were ten in the Temple to one in the Tabernacle, 1 King. VII. 49. 2 Chron. IV. 8. Each Laver contained fourty Baths.
Bowles of pure Gold] Of Gold belonging to the Altar of Incense, verse 50 1 Chron. XXVIII. 17. Some of Silver, 1 Chron. XXVIII. 16. And as those given by the twelve Princes, Num. VII. 13, 85. Some of Brasse, for the Brazen Altar, Exod. XXXVIII. 3 Num. IV. 14. 1 King. VII. 45. And for the Vessels of the Temple, See on Jer. LII. 17,—23.
Pleased him not] King Hiram, chapter IX verse 12 though displeased with the twenty Cities, given him by Solomon, in the Land of Galilee, yet pleaseth to restore them to him in love, 2 Chron. VIII. 2.
A tribute of bond-service] These here mentioned, verse 21 and their posterity, seeme to be called Solomons servants, Ezra II. 55, 58. Neh. VII. 57, 60. and XI. 3.
Gold from Ophir] So gold from Uphaz, chapter X verse 11 Jer. X. 9. and Gold of Ophir, Psal. XLV. 9. and Gold of Uphaz, Dan. X. 5. and Gold of Sheba, Ps. LXXII. 15. and Gold of Parvaim, 2 Chron. III. 6. And these are taken for the finest Gold, 1 King. X. 18. compared with 2 Chron. IX. 17. Job XXII. 24. But whether these places be Peru in America; or Fez in Africa; or Sumatra; or Taprobane; or in Arabia; or elsewhere, according to our moderne names, is in these dayes altogether doubtful.
Tarshish] The name of one of the sonnes of Javan, verse 22 Gen. X. 4. whose posterity, as some imagine, planted in that part of Spaine, where a Citie, and Region adjacent, thence took the denomination of Tartesus, and Tartesia afterwards: Or rather, as others conceive, they seated themselves in Cilicia, and gave this name of Tarshish, as to the whole Region, so specially to the chief City, and Port-towne there, afterwards called Tarsus, the place of Pauls birth, Acts XXI. 39. and XXII. 3. And that thence the Midland Sea which bordered upon that port and territorie, was called Tarshish; and the ships, either belonging to that Port, or trading to and fro in that Sea, were thence called ships of Tarshish, Esay II. 16. yea, sometimes Tarshish seemes to denote the Arabian, and Persian Gulphs; the Ocean, either Westerne, or Easterne, Ezek. XXVII. 12. or any great Sea; as likewise Pontus doth in Latine: And ships of Tarshish, to be vessels of great bulk and burden, fit to traverse and traffick in any such Sea, 1 King. X. 22.
Silver to be in Jerusalem as stones] The Israelites ripe for Rebellion, verse 27 complain so much of their Oppressions in Solomons peaceable, rich, & glorious reigne, 1 King. X. 27. and XII. 4. 2 Chron. I. 15. and VIII. 8, 9.
Loved many strange women] Wise Solomons, chapter XI verse 1 or Jedidiah's Fall is wonderful: yet his Repentance not to be doubted of: as appears in the Book of Ecclesiastes, in 2 Sam. VII. 14, 15. 1 Chron. XXII. 10. and XXVIII 6. and XVII. 13 14. 2 Chron. XI. 17. 2. Pet. I. 21.
One Tribe] Not one whole Tribe; verse 32 but that of Judah only, did stick to Rehoboam, and the House of David after Solomons reigne, 1 King. XI. 32, 36. and XII. 20. 2. King XVII. v. 18. Yet see 2 Chr. XI, 13,—17. And hence begin those three hundred and ninty dayes in Ezek. IV. 5. See the Annotations there.
Rehoboam] Rehoboam is the only sonne we read of that Solomon had, verse 43 for all his shameful number of Wives, and Concubines. And there is mention made only of two of his daughters, 1 King. IV. 11, 15. set down in that chapter by Anticipation. This Rehoboam is said to be young, and tender-hearted, 2 Chron. XIII. 7. young in experienced wisdome, when yet at that time he was fourty one years of age, 2 Chron. XII. 13. being borne in the first year of his young wise father Solomons reigne. He foolishly forsook the counsel of the old men, 1 King. XII. 8, 13, 14. to the losse of the ten parts of his Kingdome. Yet afterwards he is said to deal wisely, 2 Chron. XI. 23.
In Bethel, chapter XII verse 29 and the other put he in Dan] In the South and North borders of his kingdome. And yet Bethel being in the Tribe of Benjamin] Bethel was taken from him in his own dayes, by Abijah, 2 Chron. XIII. 19. And Dan was smitten by Benhadad in the dayes of Asa, and Baasha, soone after, 1 King. XV. 20.
Bethel] Though Bethel be sometimes called Bethaven, in the Prophets, verse 32 as Hos. IV. 15. and V. 8. and X. 5, 15. and Aven, chap. X. 8. As Mount Olivet, of Mount Mischa is called Mount Maschith, 2 King. XXIII. 13. Yet were there Bethel, and Bethaven, two distinct neighbouring townes or Cities, Josh. VII. 2. and XVIII. 12. 1 Sam. XIII. 5. and chap. XIV. 23.
a childe] Fulfilled, 2 King. XXIII. 15, 16, 17.
Samaria] Samaria so called by Anticipation; chapter XIII verse 2 as Bethel, Gen. XII. 8. And sundry other places in Scripture. verse 32 Not that they had those names in those times first mentioned; But in after-times, when the writers of those Histories lived, 1 King. XVI. 24. It seemes of old to be called and belong to Shimron-Meron, Josh. XI. 1, 5. and XII. 20.
Book of the Chronicles] chapter XIV verse 19 After the division of the Kingdomes, The Books of the Kings do often cite the Books of the Chron of Israel, and of Judah, as 1 King. XIV. 19, 20. XV. 7. 23, 31. 2 King. I. 18. and VIII. 23. and X. 34. Not meaning thereby our Canonical Books of Chron. for they were not then written before, but after the Books of Kings; and therefore they could not be cited before they had a Being: But meaning thereby Civil Chronicles or Rolls, now not extant; Like those Ezra VI. 1, 2. Esther VI. 1.
Maachah] Abijahs mother, chapter XV verse 2 and her Father, had both of them two differing and various names, 1 King. XV. 2, 10. 2 Chron. XI. 20. and XIII. 2. His marriages and children, 2 Chron. XIII. 21. were all, or almost all, in his fathers reigne.
Save only in the matter of Vriah] In this sin David did lie long without repentance, verse 5 2 Sam. XII. 14. And to cover this sin, he made Uriah drunck; and after murthered him: yet afterwards upon his repentance, he publisheth it, and his shame and sorrow for it, in the LI. Psalme, and commits it to the chief Musician to be sung publickly in the Congregation. But besides this, there are many other sins recorded of David: As his speech and lyes to Jonathan, 1 Sam. XX. 6. to Ahimelech, 1 Sam. XXI. 2. to Achish, 1 Sam. XXVII. 10. the slownesse of his kindnesse to Mephibosheth; compare together, 2 Sam. IV. 4. and chap. IX. 11, 12. And after his ill-managing of it, 2 Sam. XVI. 4. and chap. IX. 29. his many Wives and Concubines; the sparing of his sons, Ammon, and Absolom; his numbering of the people. Yet by reason of the upright intention of his heart, and his singular rare graces, gifts, and qualifications, are the rest not reckoned, and this Praise here given him, by the indulgency of God.
Fourty and one years] Asa reigned in Judah in the times of the reignes of eight Kings in Israel; verse 10 viz. Jeroboham, Nadab, Baasha, Elah, Zimri, Tibni, Omri, Ahab, 1 King. XV. 9 and XVI. 29. and XXII. 41. In which time the Kingdome of Israel was changed into three several stocks and families.
Maachah] Maachah was wife to Rehoboam; verse 13 mother to Abijah; and grandmother to Asa, 1 King XV. 2. yet called the mother of Asa, 1 King. XV. 13. 2 Chron. XV ver. 16. And as mother used for grandmother; so daughter for grandchilde, 2 Kings VIII. 26. Brethren for Kinsmen, 2 Kings X. 13. Matth. XIII. 55, 56. And many like phrases are frequent in Scripture. See Gen. XIII. 8. Exod. II. 18. 20, 21. Dan. V. 10, 11, 13, 22.
these years] Not this place, chapter XVII verse 1 nor chap. XVIII. 1. nor any place in the Old Testament, do shew that the drought was brought at Elias his Prayer; or continued three years and six moneths; But Saint James first recordeth it, Jam. I. 17.
Four Barrels with water] Elijah got this water in the time of that wonderful drought for three years and a half, chapter XVIII verse 33 out of the sea; Mount Carmel joyning to the sea, Jer XLVI. 18. The brook Kishon, at the foot of Carmel being dryed up, as well as the brook Cherith.
thine Altars] Formerly erected to him; chapter XIX verse 10 thought not so warrantably. See ver. 14. thy Prophets] As chap. XVIII. 4, 13.
I only am left] In his own apprehension. Yet was there then a flowrishing Church in Judah.
anoint] By another; verse 15 viz. Elisha, 2 King. VIII. 7. And likewise Jehu was anointed by a young Prophet at the command of Elisha, 2 King. IX. 1.
Thirty two Kings] Petty Kings; chapter XX verse 1 As those, Gen. XIV. Josh. XII. Judg. I. 7.
Aphek] A Citie whose Kings was slaine by Joshuah, verse 26 Josh. XII. 18. Fell by lot afterwards to the Tribe of Asher, Josh. XIX. 30, 31. Where the Philistines pitching in battel against Israel, got the victory, and took the Ark of God, 1 Sam. IV. 1. And again gathering their armies in Aphek, went up to Jezreel, near the Mount of Gilboa, and overthrew Saul, and his hoast, 1 Sam. XXIX. 1, 11. and chap. XXX. And here the Syrians under Benhadad fought against Ahab, and were slaine, even one hundred thousand footmen in one day: And the rest fled to Aphek into the Citie; and there a wall fell upon twenty seven thousand of the men that were left, 1 King. XX. 26, 29 30. And here again the Syrians were smitten and consumed by Joash King of Israel, 2 King. XIII. 17.
Proclaime a Fast] chapter XXI verse 9 It seemes on Fast-dayes they were wont to try and execute heynous offendors.
and stoned him] The blood of his sons is mentioned, verse 13 2 Kings IX. 26.
Which is in Samaria, verse 18 behold, he is in the Vineyard of Naboth] Or will be in Jezreel in the Vineyard of Naboth. In Samaria when the message was given in charge to Elias; in the Vineyard at Jezreel when Elias met him.
even thine] Verified for the substance in himself, verse 19 in his wife Jezebel, and in his son Jehoram, 2 Kings IX. 25, 26.
not bring the evil in his dayes] That evil, verse 29 ver. 21,—24. that totally.
in the Poole of Samaria] Which might extend, chapter XXII verse 38 or run into Jezreel; or another poole of that name be there; or the armour washed there, where his chief armory was.
made peace] Made peace with Ahab, verse 44 and his two sons, Ahaziah, and Jehoram, 2 Kings III. 6, 7. 2 Chron. XIX. 2. and chap. XX. 35, 36. and is reprehended justly therefore.
would not] Would not at first: verse 49 but yeelded afterwards, 2 Chron. XX. 35, 36, 37.