28 ¶ And the rest of the people, the ||it of them on the sabbath, or on the priests, the Levites, the porters, the sing- holy day; and that we would leave the ers, the Nethinims, and all they that seventh year, and the exaction of every had separated themselves from the people debt. of the lands, unto the law of God, their wives, their sons, and their daughters," i every one having knowledge, and having understanding; 29 They jclave to their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in God's law, which was m given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the LORD our Lord, and his judgments and his statutes; n [Practical Observations.] 30 And P that we would not give our daughters unto the people of the land, nor take their daughters for our sons: 31 And if the people of the land bring ware, or any victuals, on the sabbath day to sell, that we would not buy g 7:72,73. Ezra 2:70. h 9:2. 13:3. Ezra 9:1,2. 10:1117. 2 Cor. 6:14-17. i 8:2. Ec. 5:2. Jer. 4:2. j Is. 14:1. Acts 11:23. 17:34. Rom. 12:9. k 5:12,13. 13:25. Deut. 27:15, &c. 29:12-14. 2 Chr. 15:13,14. Ps. 119:106. Acts 23:12-15, 21. 12 Kings 10:31. 23:3. 2 Chr. 6: 16. 34:31. Jer. 26.4. here mentioned, are found among those who returned with Zerubbabel, about ninety years before: so that, either the same names were preserved in the several families; or the principal descendants of these persons, when in general favorable to the measure, subscribed their familyname; that is, the name of that ancestor, by relation to whom they were commonly distinguished. (Luke 1:61.) 32 Also we made ordinances for us, to charge ourselves yearly with the third part of a shekel, for the service of the house of our God; 33 For the shew-bread, and for the continual meat-offering, and for the continual burnt-offering, of the sabbaths, of the new moons, for the set feasts, and for the holy things, and for the sin-offerings, to make an atonement for Israel, and for a all the work of the house of our God. 34 And we cast the lots among the priests, the Levites, and the people, for the wood-offering, to bring it into the house of our God, after the houses of our fathers, at times appointed, year by year, to burn upon the altar of the LORD our God, as it is written in the law: of Judah, on the sabbath: and he supposed, that by engaging the people, in this solemn manner, not to buy of them, they would be discouraged from coming. But he soon found that many evaded or violated the engagement, without regard to consequences; and he was afterwards constrained to employ coercive measures. (Notes, 13:15-22.)-It may be concluded from this narrative, that none of the Jews attempted to carry V. 28. (Marg. Ref.) All that did not sub-on trade on the sabbath; though some of them 'scribe and seal, because they were too many, yet 'gave their consent to what the forenamed per'sons did: and not only the men, but their wives and their children, who were arrived at years 'of discretion, engaged themselves.' Bp. Pat- || rick. All they that had separated, &c.] It is probable, that these were the proselytes, who, having been circumcised, separated from their idolatrous connexions, and kept the law of Moses, and thus were numbered among the native Jews. would buy of the Gentiles. This gave the latter an undue advantage, and proportionably injured the Jews. And certainly, carrying on trade is as contrary to the law of hallowing the sabbath, as any kind of labor whatever. The exaction, &c. (31) Notes, 5:6—13. Lev. 25:1-7. Deut. 15:2,3. Matt. 18:23—35. V. 32, 33. A half shekel apiece had been collected for erecting the tabernacle in the wilderness; and that sum is supposed to have been paid from time to time, for the purchase of supe-sacrifices, and other expenses of the stated worship. (Notes, Ex. 30:11-16. 2 Kings 12:4,5. Matt. 17:24-27.) But it was now computed, that one third of a shekel apiece, or something less than a shilling of our money, annually, would suffice for these expenses. During prosperous times, the treasury of the temple, replenished by voluntary oblations, it is probable, supplied what was wanted; and on some occasions the liberality of kings and nobles rendered such contributions unnecessary; but the circumstances of the nation now required them. V. 29. By the nobles, in this place, the rior persons, priests, or Levites, are evidently meant. The body of the people, who were old enough to be capable of knowing what was intended, assembled together, and signified, by some appointed token, their consent to the covenant, as in the presence of God, and under the solemn obligations of an oath; and to an awful curse, which was denounced against such as violated these obligations. (Notes, 5:10-13. Deut. 27:15-26.) They engaged in general to obey the whole law of Moses: and some instances were specified, in which they had been remarkably guilty, or which were peculiarly ensnar- || ing. V. 30, 31. (Notes, Ezra 9: 10:)-It seems, that Nehemiah would not venture, in the present unsettled state of the Jews, to exercise his authority, to prevent their heathen neighbors from vending provisions at Jerusalem, or in the cities V. 34. It is probable, that the wood for fuel had hitherto been provided for, out of the same fund with the sacrifices: but on this occasion it was deemed expedient to bear the expenses of it in another manner.-It seems each family engaged to send in a regular supply at an appointed time every year; and that the order was determined by lot. Levites, that the same Levites might have the tithes, in all the cities of our tillage. 38 And the priest the son of Aaron shall be with the Levites, when the Levites take tithes: and the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes unto the house of our God, to the chambers, into the treasure-house. 39 For the children of Israel and the children of Levi shall bring the of 37 And that we should bring the first fruits of our dough, and our offer-fering of the corn, of the new wine, and ings, and the fruit of all manner of trees, of wine, and of oil, unto the priests, i to the chambers of the house of our God; and the tithes of our ground unto the e Ex. 23:19. 34:26. Lev. 19:23 14. Gal. 6:6. h Lev. 23:17. Num. 15:19-21. f Ex. 13:2,12-15. 34:19. Lev. g Num. 18:9-19. 1 Cor. 9:6 V. 35-39. (Marg. Ref.) The priests had a tithe out of the tithe given to the Levites; and one of them was at this time appointed to see that it was regularly paid. (Notes, Num. 18:25 -32. 2 Chr. 31:5-10. Mal. 3:7-12.) PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. V. 1-29. the oil, unto the chambers, where are the vessels of the sanctuary, and the priests that minister, and the porters, and the singers: and P we will not forsake the house of our God. the gospel; all therefore should be exhorted and commanded, to set their seals to the new covenant: but those who have the pre-eminence in society, or take the lead in religious exercises, ought to set the example; and they, who are remarkably zealous to reform others, should be as remarkably zealous in every good work.-The influence and example of the great will always have a powerful effect upon their inferiors: their distinction is truly honorable, when, in following and cleaving to them, others follow and cleave to the Lord: and the Christian equality of the common people, as brethren to believing nobles and rulers, will influence them to render the more heartily "honor to whom honor is due." (Note, 1 Tim. 6:1-5.) V. 30-39. not desire the sanctifying Spirit of Christ, to mortify that peculiar sinful propensity: and consequently that we are not born of God, nor interested in the righteousness and atonement of Christ. But real believers, at least all, who by a As the creatures and subjects of the Lord, we are bound by his authority to obey all his commandments, and are exposed to a tremendous curse for violating them. But our offended Sovereign, in his infinite mercy, has provided a better covenant, according to which believers are delivered from this curse, and are taught and enabled to perform a new, sincere, and acceptable obedience through Jesus Christ. The word of God calls us to consent to this covenant, We are not sincere in covenanting with God, and to partake of its inestimable benefits. And except we aim to obey all his commandments: when we humble ourselves in godly sorrow and for if we allow ourselves in violating one of penitent confessions of sin; when we receive them habitually, it is evident that we have not the atonement and reconciliation, which the Me- truly repented of our former transgressions in diator of this covenant has made by his precious that particular; that we have never sought forblood, and seek for mercy through his interces-giveness of them in a due manner; that we do sion by fervent prayers; and when in our purposes of renewed obedience, we rely on his gracious assistance: when these transactions have indeed taken place in secret, between God and our souls; our public sealing and ratifying the covenant at the Lord's table, or in any other consistent conduct give satisfactory evidence solemn way, will be honorable to God, edifying that they are such, place the strongest guard to his people, and encouraging to ourselves; and where there is the greatest danger; and use we may trust in him to enable us to fulfil the every means of avoiding and subduing those sins, engagements with acceptance. But where this which have the most foiled and ensnared them preparation of heart is wanting, such public en- Separation from intimate connexions with un gagements are mere hypocrisy. (P. O. Deut. godly persons, and the conscientious hallowing 29:1-17. 2 Chr. 30:13-27.) This detestable of the Lord's day, are peculiarly attended to by evil will intrude in all great revivals of religion, them. They do not infringe upon the sacred after every possible precaution; and the hyp-rest, and they shew a marked disapprobation of ocrites must be left to the judgment of a heartsearching God. But men should be warned, that those, who in baptism, or at the Lord's table, or when admitted into the ministry, or in any other way, engage for what they do not tend, or afterwards do not take care, to perform, bring themselves under an additional and most awful curse: as do all, who trifle with solemn oaths, vows, or sacramental engagements of any kind; and all, who despise, oppose, or pervert the salvation of the gospel.-Every one, capable of understanding, is alike required to obey the law of God; all need the mercy and grace of those who do: they carefully remove occasions of transgression, and previously so arrange every thing, as may best promote the strict observance of that holy day. Their attention to the ordiin-nances of God is connected with justice to all men, and mercy to those who need it. They do not exact from their brethren, when it would distress them; but they trust the Lord to repay what they thus lose or expend. Though they be poor or burdened, they will find a little to spare for pious or charitable uses; that little will be accepted; and, coming from great numbers, will form large funds for useful purposes.—As CHAP. XI. The rulers, with every tenth man taken by lot, and those who offered voluntarily, dwell at Jerusalem, 1, 2. Their names, 3 -19. The rest dwell in the other cities, 20-36. ND the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts to dwell in other cities. 2 And the people blessed all the men, that willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem. 3 Now these are the chief of the province that dwelt in Jerusalem: but n the cities of Judah dwelt every one m his possession in their cities, to wit, Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants. k 4 And at Jerusalem, dwelt certain of the children of Judah, and of the children of Benjamin. Of the children of Judah; 7:4,5. Deut. 17:8,9. Ps. 122:5. | e Deut. 24:13. Job 29:13. 31:20. 1 10:34. Josh. 18:10. 1 Chr. 26: f Judg. 5:9. 2 Cor. 8:16,17. 13. Prov. 16:33. Acts 1:24. g 7:6. Ezra 2:1. e Judg. 20:9,10. h 7:73. 1 Chr. 9:1,2. Ezra 2:70. d 18. Is. 48:2. 52:1. Matt. 4:5. i 7:57-60. Ezra 2:55-58. 27:53. k 1 Chr. 9:3,4. Athaiah the son of Uzziah, the son of 5 And Maaseiah the son of Baruch, the son of Col-hozeh, the son of Hazaiah, the son of Adaiah, the son of Joiarib, the son of Zechariah, the son of Shiloni. 6 All the sons of Perez that dwelt at 7 And these are Jerusalem, were four hundred threescore S And after him Gabbai, Sallai, nine hundred twenty and eight. 9 And Joel the son of Zichri was their overseer: and P Judah the son of Senuah was second over the city. 1 Gen. 39:29. Ruth 4:18. Pha- | 20. Shelanites. 1Cbr. 4:21. 9 m 3:15. n Gen. 38:5. Shelah. Num. 26: o 1 Chr. 9:7—9. p 1 Chr. 9:7. Hodaviah-Hasenuah. the ordinances of God are the appointed means thither. Some indeed willingly offered themof sustenance to our souls, the believer should selves to dwell there; whom their brethren not grudge the expense of them. Even the poor commended, thanked, and prayed for; though will part with their money for bread: yet most few would imitate them. The rulers fixed their men leave their souls to starve! But the cove- residence there, that the courts of justice, and nanted servant of God "honors him with his sub- the business connected with public affairs, might stance and with the first fruits of all his in- draw others: and, in addition to these inhabitcrease," and that brings a blessing upon the ants, one family in ten was expressly required rest: (Note, Prov. 3:9,10.) nor will he defraud || to remove to Jerusalem; the selection of which or withhold from the ministers, who labor in the was by lot referred to the determination of God. word and doctrine, their proportion of a suitable They cast lots, that among ten men, it might maintenance. In short, we must render to God, be known whom God chose to come thither. to the king, to magistrates, superiors, equals, in- and the lot falling by divine appointment upon feriors, relatives, the poor, and all men, that such a person rather than another; no doubt, he which is due unto them, according to the pre- removed the more contentedly to this city.' Bp. cepts of scripture; if we would evidence our- Patrick. (Notes, Lev. 16:8-10. Prov. 16:33. selves to be the true disciples of Christ, and, Acts 1:23-26.), "adorn the doctrine of God our Savior:" and in these things we must persevere, exhorting one another, "not to forsake the house of our God," but to "walk before him in all his ordinances and commandments blameless." NOTES. V. 3. Israel, in this verse, seems to mean those of the ten tribes, who went up with the Jews. These were not required to dwell at Jerusalem, but inhabited the cities and villages allotted to them. The priests, Levites, Nethinims and the children of Solomon's servants likewise, were left at liberty when not attending at the temple. (Notes, 1 Chr. 9:2. Ezra 2:55-58. 7:24-26.) CHAP. XI. V. 1, 2. Jerusalem at this time was not a place of trade, by which men could acquire wealth; the houses in general were not built; the adversaries of the Jews were pecu- V. 4-6. "Shiloni" (6) is supposed by some liarly hostile to that city, both as the capital of to mean Shelah, Judah's youngest, but only surthe people, whose returning prosperity they en- viving son, by Shuah, the Canaanitess. (Marg. vied, and the place of the holy worship which Ref. n.) If this supposition be well grounded, his they hated: so that the cities of Judah, and oth- descendants seem to have been included in the er situations in the country, afforded a fairer four hundred threescore and eight valiant men of prospect of living in peace, and of growing rich. Perez, or Pharez; that, being the principal branch It was therefore deemed a necessary policy, to of the tribe of Judah.-Many or most of these replenish Jerusalem, for the re-establishment of men of Judah seem to have offered themselves willthe Jews as a distinct nation; and for the honor ingly to dwell at Jerusalem, in order to defend of the temple, and the protection of the priests it: and probably they were, in general heads of and worshippers from the invasion of their en- families: yet the number from this principal emies. It was "the holy city," as chosen, sep- tribe, appears to have been comparatively small. arated, and sanctified of God, for his immediate-In Chronicles, a larger number is stated: but it presence and instituted worship; as a type of Christ and even of heaven; and as the place, where the greatest advantages of becoming holy were enjoyed: yet the Jews, in general, had not sufficient zeal, or desire after spiritual improvement, to venture the consequences of removing || may be supposed, that the descendants of Zerah, (Judah's other son,) are also included, of whom no more than one is mentioned in this chapter. (24. Note, 1 Chr. 9:3—9.) V. 7-9. The greatest part of Jerusalem was situated within the lot of Benjamin; and, it is 10 Of the priests: of Joiarib, Jachin. ጌ Jedaiah the son || the principal, 2 to begin the thanksgiving in prayer; and Bakbukiah the second among his brethren, and Abda the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun. 11 Seraiah the son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, was the ruler of the house of God. 12 And their brethren that did the work of the house, were eight hundred twenty and two: and "Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pelaliah, the son of Amzi, the son of Zechariah, the son of Pashur, the son of Malchiah, 13 And his brethren, chief of the fathers, two hundred forty and two: and Amashai the son of Azareel, the son of Ahasai, the son of Meshillemoth, the son of Immer, 14 And their brethren, mighty men of valor, an hundred twenty and eight: and their overseer was Zabdiel, the son * of one of the great men. 15 ¶ Also of the Levites: Shemaiah 16 And Shabbethai and Jozabad, of 18 All the Levites in the holy city were two hundred fourscore and four. 19 Moreover the porters, d Akkub, Talmon, and their brethren that kept the gates, were an hundred seventy and two. 20 And the residue of Israel, of the priests, and the Levites, were in all the cities of Judah, every one in his inheritance. e 21 But the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel: and Ziha and Gispa were over the Nethinims. 22 The foverseer also of the Levites at Jerusalem was & Uzzi the son of h Bani, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Micha. Of the sons of Asaph, the singers were over the business of the house of God. 23 For it was "the king's commandment concerning them, that a certain portion should be for the singers, due for every day. z 12:8,31. 1 Chr. 16:4,41. 25:1 | f 9,14. 12:42. Acts 20:28. g 12:42. -6. a Phil. 4:6. 1 Thes. 5:17,18. c 1. 1 Kings 11:13. Dan. 9:24. d 7:45. 12:25. 1 Chr. 9:17-22. e 3:26,31. 2 Chr. 27:3. h 3:17. 8:7. 9:4,5. 10:13. i 10:11. 12:24. Ezra 8:19. k 17. 12:25,35. 13:13. 1 Chr. 9: 15. 1 17. 12:46. 1 Chr. 25:1-6. m 11,16. 1 Chr. 9:26-32. n 1 Chr. 9:33. Ezra 6:3,9. 7:20 -24. || Or, a sure ordinance. V. 17. (Note, 1 Chr. 9:12-18.) The time of the morning and evening-sacrifices were the principal hours of prayer to the Jews, who then resorted to the courts of the temple for their de solemn praises and thanksgivings, which the Levites rendered to the Lord with music and singing. Over this sacred service, Mattaniah, as precentor, statedly presided; while the others acted under his direction. Mattaniah was descended from Asaph; and the others were descendants of Jeduthun, chief singers in David's time. (Notes, 22,23. 1 Chr. 16:37-43. 25:1-7. 2 Chr. 5:12,13. 29:25-30.) probable, the men of that tribe were most de- the names of their fathers; or that, having distinct names of their own, they were also honored in their public characters, by the names of their more illustrious ancestors. (Note, 10:18 priests, mentioned in these verses, seem to have 27. 22, 23. (Note, 17.) The descendants of constantly resided at Jerusalem, by their own V. 16. The outward business, &c.] (Note, 1 78 Asaph, presided over some business relative to the temple and its repairs, at those times when not employed in psalmody. And they were appointed to this service, because, it seems, the king of Persia allowed those employed in singing the praises of God a daily stipend, besides their maintenance as Levites. (Notes, 1 Chr. 9:31-33, v. 33. Ezra 7:24-26.) [617 Me-, from Geba dwelt at 'Michmash, and 24 And Pethahiah the son of shezabeel, of the children of P Zerah the son of Judah, was at the king's hand in all matters concerning the people. 25 And for the villages, with their fields, some of the children of Judah dwelt at Kirjath-arba, and in the villages thereof, and at Dibon, and in the villages thereof, and at Jekabzeel, and in the villages thereof, 26 And at Jeshua, and at Moladah, and at Beth-phelet, 27 And at Hazar-shual, and at 'Beersheba, and in the villages thereof. 28 And at Ziklag, and at Mekonah, and in the villages thereof. 29 And at En-rimmon, and at Zareah, and at 4 Jarmuth, 30 Zanoah, Adullam, and in their villages, at Lachish, and the fields thereof, at Azekah, and in the villages thereof. And they dwelt from Beer-sheba unto the valley of Hinnom. lages, 36 And of the Levites were divisions The priests and Levites who came up with Zerubbabel, 1–9. The succession of high priests after the captivity, 10, IL The names of some chief priests, 12-21; and of some em inent Levites, 22-26. The solemnity of dedicating the wall, 27-43. The offices and portions of the priests and Levites, k 7:30. Gaba. Josh. 18:24. 1 Josh. 21: 1 Chr. 6.54-81. y Gen. 49:7. a 7:7. Ezra 21. 31 The children also of Benjamin 17:31 Michmas. 1 Sam. 13:11, b 1 Chr. 3.17-19. Ezra $8.4 23. Is. 10:28. 2.5-2. Hag. 1.1.12,14 22,21 -23. Zech. 4:6-10. Matt E 12,13. Zorobabel. Salathiel. c 10. Zech. 3:1-9. 6:11. Jesh willing to depart hence, and be “absent from the body, that we may be present with the Lord?” For, to the carnally-minded, the perfect holiness of heaven, of its inhabitants, its employments, and its pleasures, and especially of that God who there unveils his glory, would be proportionably more intolerable, than the feeble beginnings of holiness V. 24. (Note, 4-6.) Pethahiah, a descendant of Judah by Zerah, probably was the king's commissioner, who received the tribute, made all payments from it, and managed all such matters, according to orders from the king. It was an advantage to the Jews to have one of their own nation in this office: and it may be supposed he was preferred to it, through Nehemiah's recommend-in ation. V. 25-36. No account is given of those who dwelt in the cities and villages; but merely of the places which they inhabited. (Marg. Ref.) Some of these great towns, or cities without walls, had little villages about them; but others had only 'felds, and no villages in them, the country being 'as yet but thinly peopled. ... The rest of the Le'vites, who were not settled at Jerusalem, were 'distributed among the people of Judah and Ben'jamin, who dwelt in the forenamed towns, whom 'they taught and instructed in religion and good 'manners.' Bp. Patrick. (36.) PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. his church on earth, which excite their disgust, their weariness, and aversion.-The remnant who now willingly offer themselves to self-denying and perilous services, from love to the church, and zeal for the glory of God, shall in the event be distinguished with peculiar honor, and are now entitled to it from their brethren: indeed many will commend and wish them well, who, alas! have not courage to imitate them.-Our habitations are allotted us by the Lord himself; and we should not be hasty in changing them, though they be in some respects incommodious, especially if convenient for attendance on divine ordinances, and giving us opportunities of doing good.-In every station in life we should "study to be quiet, and to do our own business" with diligence; and, at all times, to cast our cares on God, and make It has in all ages been justly lamented, that men our requests known unto him, by prayer with prefer their own ease and emolument to the pub- thanksgiving. We cannot be so afflicted, as not lic good; that even professed Christians too com-to have cause for gratitude; nor so prosperous, as monly "seek their own, and not the things of Je- to have no need of prayer: these duties should sus Christ;" and that but few have such an attach- therefore be always united. (Notes, Phil. 4:5—7. ment to holy places and holy things, as to renounce 1 Thes. 5:16–22, v. 17,18.) And to this the mintheir secular pleasures or advantages for the sake isters ought to stir up the people, not only by their of them. Yet surely, where opportunities of spir- exhortations, but by their example likewise.-As itual improvement most abound, and where Jesus, far as the Lord sees good, he makes even stranthe Ruler of our holy city, especially resides, there gers to protect and provide for his servants. Let we should delight to dwell; in preference to all us then seek first his favor and his glory; let us interests and connexions, and notwithstanding study contentment, patience, and usefulness in persecutions, tribulations, perils, and losses. Otherwise, where is our "meetness for the inher- for an admission into the holy city of our God our several stations; and wait in cheerful hope itance of the saints in light?" and how shall we bell above. 6187 |