An Exposition of the Old and New Testament, Volume 2 by Matthew Henry

Author:Matthew Henry
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Classic Literature, Bible Commentary
ISBN: 9781231045077
Publisher: RareBooksClub.com
Published: 2012-05-07T22:00:00+00:00

Here is,

I. Snlomon upon his throne: {v. 1.) So king' Solomon was king; that is, he was confirmed and estab-

lished king over all Israel, and not, as his succ.es sors, only over two tribes. He was a king, he did the work and duty of a king, w:th the wisdcm God hdd given him. Those preserve the name and honour of their place, th t mind the business of it, and make conscience of it.

II. The great officers of his court; in the choice of which, no doubt, his wisdom much appeared. It is observable, 1. That several of them are the same that were in his father's time. Zadok and Abiathar were then priests, (2 Sam. 20. 25.) so they were now; only then, Abiathar had the precedency, now, Zadok; Jehoshaphat was then recorder, or keeper of the great seal, so he was now. Benaiah, in his father's time, was a principal man in military affairs, and so he was now. Shisha was his father's scribe, and his sons were his, v. 3. Solomon, tluaigh a wise man, would not affect to seem wiser than his father in this matter. When sons come to inherit their father's wealth, honour, and power, it is ;i piece of respect to their memory, cseteris paribus — where it can property be done, to employ those whom they employed, and trust those whom they trusted. Many pride themselves in being the reverse of their good parents. 2. The rest were priests' sons. His prime minister of state, was, .dzariah the son of Zadok the priest. Two otliers of the first rank were the sons of Nathan the prophet, XK 5. In preferring them, he testified the grtiteful respect he had for their good father, whom he loved in the name of a prophet.

III. The purveyors for his household, whose business it was to send in provisions from several parts of the country, for the king's tables and cellars, (t\ 7.) and for his stables, -v. 27, 28. That thus, 1. His house might always be well furnished, at the best hand. Let great men learn hence good house-keeping, and yet good husbandry in their house-keeping; to be generous in spending according to their ability, but prudent in providing. It is the character of the virtuous woman, that she bringeth her food from afar, (Prov. 31. 14.) not far-fetched and dear-bought, but the contrary, every thing bought where it is cheapest. 2. That thus he himself, and those who immediately attended him, might be eased of a great deal of c ire, and the more closely apply themselves to the business of the state, not troubled about much serving; provisions for that being got ready to their hand. 3. That thus all the parts of the kingdom might be equally benefited, by the taking off of the commodities that were the productions of their country, and the circulating of the coin. Industry would hereby be encouraged, and consequently wealth increased, even in those tribes that lay most remote from the court.

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