2 Chronicles 23

2 Chronicles 23:1

Seventh. Vatican Sept., by mistake, has “the eighth.” — Encouraged, or “strengthened.” Sept., &c. H. — Captains, whether Levites, or ancient officers of the crown, who were dissatisfied with the usurper, 4 K. xi.

2 Chronicles 23:2

Israel, of which Juda formed a part. M. — At the time when the author lived, Israel was destroyed, so that there was no danger of a mistake. — Jerusalem, on a sabbath-day, and most likely on one of the three great festivals: (C.) Salien (the year of the world 3157) thinks at the Passover, to avoid suspicion. M.

2 Chronicles 23:4

Do. Though God’s promise was absolute, human means were to be used. W.

2 Chronicles 23:5

To the sabbath. That is, to perform in your weeks the functions of your office, or the weekly watches. Ch. — Porters. Sept. “even to the entrance gates.” — House, where Athalia resided, or in the apartments of Joas in the temple. — Foundation. Sept. “middle.” Syriac, “of the cooks, or guards.” H. — It led from the palace up the steps, v. 21. M. — Perhaps it was also called Sur, 4 K. — But let. This seems to be transposed out of its place from v. 6.

2 Chronicles 23:7

Slain. Athalia ventured to enter; but she was alone, and not much feared. C.

2 Chronicles 23:8

High. Heb. “the priest dismissed not the courses.” H. — In case of right and necessity, we see here what the high priest could do, though otherwise he would not interfere. W.

2 Chronicles 23:10

Altar of holocausts, in the court of the priests, while the people stood in their own court. T.

2 Chronicles 23:11

CHAPTER XXIII.

Crown. Literally, “diadem.” — Testimony. This is explained in the following sentence, (H.) which is not in Hebrew nor in many Latin MSS. The Jews understand the phylaceries, Deut. xvii. 18.

2 Chronicles 23:13

Step. Heb. hamudo, “his pillar,” to which he ascended by steps. D. — Entrance into the court of the priests; but the tribune stood in that of the people, where Joas was in his royal attire.

2 Chronicles 23:16

Himself, as God’s vicegerent. C. — A double covenant was made between God and the people, and between the king and his subjects. D.

2 Chronicles 23:17

Idols. Prot. “images.” H. — Those are wilfully blind who will not distinguish these from the images of Christ and his saints. W.

2 Chronicles 23:18

David, which had been long neglected, 1 Paralipomenon xxiv. M.

2 Chronicles 23:20

Upper gate of the guards, at the back or western end of the temple, C. v. 5.