2 Chronicles 36

Notes on the verses

Chap. XXXVL_ This chapter records the principal facts of (2 Kings 23)from ver, 30, the whole of ch. xxiv. and of (2 Chronicles 25)as far as ver. 21. Ver. 9. Jehotachin was eight years old.—(The Syriac, Arabic, and the [THESE sacred books have been held in low estimation, and consequently too much neglected both by readers and commentators, induced thereto by the fulse persuasion, thut they contained few things which are not to be found in the preceding books. Jerome, however, had a most exalted opinion of the books of Chronicles; and asserts, that they are an epitome of the Old Testament; that they are of such i Importance that he who supposes himself to be acqnainted with the Sacred Writings, and deceives himself: and that innumerable here explained:—This may be going too far; but though they contain many particulars related in the preceding books, and supply many circumstances omitted in former accounts, they ought certainly not to be considered merely as un abridgment of other histories, with some supplementary additions, but as Looks written with a particular view; in consistency with which.

the author sometimes disregards important particulars, in those accounts from which he might have compiled his work, and adheres to the design proposed, whichseems to_ have been, to furnish a genealogical sketch of the twelve tribes dedueed from the earliest times, in order to point out those distinctions which were a to discriminate the mixed multitude that returned parallel place, (on which see the note (2 Kings 24:8).) have “ eighteen years;” which, as Sca/iger observes, is no doubt the genuine reading. |—Bagster. Ver. 22. First year of Cyrus.—|This and the following verse are supposed to have been written by mistake from the book of Ezra, which begins in the same gent The book of Chronicles properly closes with ver.

21.; and these verses relate to a period 70 years later. |—Bagster. from Babylon; to ascertain the lineage of Judah, from which the Messial: was to spring; and to re-establish them on their ancient footing. The authoappears to have intended to furnish, at the same time, an epitome of sume parts of the Jewish history, but, enriched with many additional particulars, The books of Chronicles, therefore, present us with a. lively picture of the state of the kingdom of Judah, and of the various vicissitudes and revolutions a does not know them, only which it sustained under different princes. They serve, as the author seems questions relative to the Gospel are to have designed, greatly to illustrate the necessity of depending on God for defence, without whose protection kingdoms, as well as individuals, must fall.

The advantages derived from obedience to God, and the miseries that resulted from wickedness and sin, are seine’ exhibited: they abeand with useful examples; and the characters are forcibly displayed by a contrasted succession of pious and depraved princes. The change and defection sven o1 individuals, and their decline from righteousness to evil, are show with much effect; and many interesting incidents are brought forward, which exhibit the interposition of the Almi: hty, sefealing evil, and effecting his cuncerted puroses. The authenticity fe canonical authority of these books have neve en disputed. }—Bagster.