1: [1:1-2:4a] This section introduces the whole Pentateuch. It shows how God brought an orderly univ[...] 2: [2] The abyss: the primordial ocean according to the ancient Semitic cosmogony. After God's creat[...] 3: [5] In ancient Israel a day was considered to begin at sunset. According to the highly artificial[...] 4: [26] Man is here presented as the climax of God's creative activity; he resembles God primarily b[...]
1: [4b-25] This section is chiefly concerned with the creation of man. It is much older than the narr[...] 2: [7] God is portrayed as a potter molding man's body out of clay. There is a play on words in Hebre[...] 3: [8] Eden: used here as the name of a region in southern Mesopotamia; the term is derived from the [...] 4: [10-14] Rises: in flood to overflow its banks. Beyond there: as one travels upstream. Branches: li[...] 5: [23] There is a play on the similar-sounding Hebrew words ishsha ("woman") and ishah ("her man, h[...] 6: [24] One body: literally "one flesh"; classical Hebrew has no specific word for "body." The sacre[...]
1: [5] Like gods who know: or "like God who knows." 2: [8] The breezy time of the day: literally "the wind of the day." On most days in Palestine a cooli[...] 3: [15] He will strike . . . at his heel: since the antecedent for he and his is the collective noun [...] 4: [20] This verse seems to be out of place; it would fit better after Genesis 3:24. The Hebrew name[...] 5: [24] The above rendering is based on the ancient Greek version; that of the current Hebrew is, Whe[...]
1: [1] The Hebrew name qayin ("Cain") and the term qaniti ("I have produced") present another play o[...] 2: [7] Demon lurking: in Hebrew, robes, literally "croucher," is used here, like the similar Akkadian[...] 3: [15] A mark: probably a tattoo. The use of tattooing for tribal marks has always been common among[...] 4: [16] The land of Nod: not a definite geographic region. The term merely means "the land of nomads[...] 5: [17-22] In Genesis 4:12-16 Cain was presented as the archetype of nomadic peoples. The sacred aut[...] 6: [25-26] Has granted: Hebrew shat, a wordplay on the name shet ("Seth"). Enosh: in Hebrew, a synony[...]
1: [1-32] Although this chapter, with its highly schematic form, belongs to the relatively late "Prie[...] 2: [24] In place of the usual formula, Then he died, the change to Enoch walked with God clearly impl[...] 3: [29] There is a similarity in sound between the Hebrew word noah, "Noah," and the verbal phrase y[...]
1: [1-4] This is apparently a fragment of an old legend that had borrowed much from ancient mythology[...] 2: [2] The sons of heaven: literally "the sons of the gods" or "the sons of God," i.e., the celestia[...] 3: [3] My spirit: the breath of life referred to in Genesis 2:7. His days . . . years: probably the [...] 4: [4] As well as later: According to Numbers 13:33, when the Israelites invaded Palestine and found[...] 5: [6:5-8:22] The story of the great flood here recorded is a composite narrative based on two separ[...] 6: [14] Gopherwood: an unidentified wood not mentioned elsewhere; gopher is merely the Hebrew word fo[...] 7: [15] The dimensions of Noah's ark were approximately 440 x 73 x 44 feet, a foot and a half to the[...] 8: [16] Opening for daylight: a conjectural rendering of the Hebrew word sohar, occurring only here.[...]
1: [4] Ararat: ancient Urartu, north of the Mesopotamian plain, part of modern Armenia. 2: [6] In the original Yahwist source, from which this verse is taken, the forty days refer to the fu[...] 3: [21] From the start: literally "from his youth." It is uncertain whether this means from the begi[...]
1: [3] Antediluvian creatures, including man, are depicted as vegetarians (Genesis 1:29-30), becomin[...] 2: [4] Because a living being dies when it loses most of its blood, the ancients regarded blood as th[...] 3: [18-27] This story seems to be a composite of two earlier accounts; in the one, Ham was guilty, wh[...] 4: [26] Blessed . . . Shem: perhaps the text read originally, "Blessed of the LORD be Shem," which wo[...] 5: [27] In the Hebrew text there is a play on the words yapt ("expand") and yepet ("Japheth").
1: [1-32] This chapter presents a remarkably good classification of the various peoples known to the [...] 2: [2] Gomer: the Cimmerians; Madai: the Medes; Javan: the Greeks. 3: [3] Ashkenaz: the Scythians. 4: [4] Elishah: Cyprus; the Kittim: certain inhabitants of Cyprus; the Rodanim: the inhabitants of Rh[...] 5: [6] Cush: Biblical Ethiopia, modern Nubia. Mizraim: Egypt; Put: either Punt in East Africa or Liby[...] 6: [8] Cush: here, the Kassites; see note on Genesis 2:10-14. Nimrod: probably Tukulti-Ninurta I (th[...] 7: [10] Shinar: ancient Sumer in southern Mesopotamia, mentioned also in Genesis 11:2; 14:1. 8: [11] Asshur: Assyria. Rehoboth-Ir: literally "wide-streets city," was probably not the name of ano[...] 9: [12] Calah: Assyrian Kalhu, the capital of Assyria in the ninth century B.C. 10: [14] The Pathrusim: the people of upper (southern) Egypt; cf Isaiah 11:11; Jeremiah 44:1; Ezekie[...] 11: [15] Heth: the biblical Hittites; see note on Genesis 23:3. 12: [19] Lasha: the reading of this name is uncertain; perhaps it should be "Bela"; cf Genesis 14:2. [...] 13: [25] In the Hebrew text there is a play on the name Peleg and the word niplega, "was divided." [...]
1: [1-9] This story, based on traditions about the temple towers or ziggurats of Babylonia, is used b[...] 2: [2] Shinar: see note on Genesis 10:10. 3: [4] Tower with its top in the sky: a direct reference to the chief ziggurat of Babylon, the E-sag-[...] 4: [9] Babel: the Hebrew form of the name "Babylon"; the native name, Bab-ili, means "gate of the go[...] 5: [10-26] This section is a continuation of the genealogical record given in Genesis 5:1-32; see no[...] 6: [12] The Greek text has a certain Kenan (cf Genesis 5:9-10) between Arpachshad and Shelah. This t[...] 7: [16] Eber: the eponymous ancestor of the Hebrews, "descendants of Eber" (Genesis 10:21, 24-30); s[...] 8: [28] Ur of the Chaldeans: Ur was an extremely ancient city of the Sumerians (later, of the Babylon[...] 9: [31] The Samaritan and Greek texts include Nahor and his wife in Terah's migration to Haran. Altho[...] 10: [32] Since Terah was seventy years old when his son Abraham was born (Genesis 11:26), and Abraham[...]
1: [3] Shall find blessing in you: the sense of the Hebrew expression is probably reflexive, "shall b[...] 2: [5] Persons: slaves and retainers that formed the social aggregate under the leadership of Abraham[...] 3: [9] The Negeb: the semidesert land of southern Palestine. 4: [13] You are my sister: although Abraham's deceit may not be fully defensible, his statement was a[...] 5: [16] Camels: domesticated camels probably did not come into common use in the ancient Near East un[...]
1: [1] In the days of . . . : the personal name by which the event is dated has not been preserved. [...] 2: [3] The Salt Sea: now known as the Dead Sea. 3: [5-6] The four kings came from north to south through the land east of the Jordan. 4: [13] Abram the Hebrew: elsewhere in the Old Testament, until the last pre-Christian centuries, the[...] 5: [18] Salem: traditionally identified with Jerusalem (Psalm 76:3), but the Hebrew text is not cert[...] 6: [19] God Most High: in Hebrew, el-elyon. In Canaanite texts, each element may occur separately as [...] 7: [20] Abram gave him: literally "he gave him"; but Abram is to be understood as the subject of the [...] 8: [22] Abraham uses the name of the Canaanite god el-elyon ("God, the Most High") in apposition to t[...]
1: [6] Abraham's faith in God's promises was regarded as an act of righteousness, i.e., as expressing[...] 2: [9] Three-year-old: ritually mature. 3: [16] Time-span: the Hebrew term dor is commonly rendered as "generation," but it may signify a per[...] 4: [17] Brazier: literally "oven"; a portable one is meant here. The smoke and fire represent God's [...] 5: [18] Made a covenant: literally "cut a covenant"; the expression derives from the ceremony of cutt[...]
1: [1-6] Sarah's actions are all in keeping with the laws of the time, as known from ancient extra-bi[...] 2: [7] The LORD'S messenger: a manifestation of God in human form; therefore in Genesis 16:13 the me[...] 3: [11] Ishmael: in Hebrew the name means "God has heard." 4: [13] The God of Vision: In Hebrew, el-roi; hence the name of the spring. Remained alive: for the a[...] 5: [14] Beer-lahai-roi: probably "the well of living sight," i.e., the well where one can see (God) [...]
1: [1] The Almighty: traditional but incorrect rendering of the divine title shaddai, of uncertain me[...] 2: [5] Abram and Abraham are merely two forms of the same name, both meaning, "the father is exalted"[...] 3: [15] Sarai and Sarah are variant forms of the same name, both meaning "princess." 4: [17] Laughed: yishaq, which is the Hebrew form of the name "Isaac"; other similar explanations of [...]
1: [3] Abraham addresses the leader of the group, whom he does not yet recognize as Yahweh; in the ne[...] 2: [6] Three seahs: one ephah, about half a bushel. 3: [8] Curds: a type of soft cheese or yoghurt. 4: [10] One of them: i.e., the Lord. Abraham now realizes this for the first time when he hears the p[...] 5: [12] Sarah laughed: see note on Genesis 17:17. 6: [20] Israelite tradition was unanimous in ascribing the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah to the w[...]
1: [2] Gentlemen: Lot does not yet know that the distinguished-looking men are God's messengers; cf [...] 2: [11] Blinding light: a preternatural flash that temporarily dazed the wicked men and revealed to L[...] 3: [12] Since Lot apparently had no sons, a glossator interpreted the term to mean sons-in-law. 4: [14] It is uncertain whether Lot's sons-in-law were fully married to his daughters or only "engage[...] 5: [20] A small place: the Hebrew word misar, literally "a little thing," has the same root consonant[...] 6: [25] Overthrew: The consistent use of this term, literally "turned upside down," to describe the [...] 7: [28-29] From the height east of Hebron, Abraham could easily see the region at the southern end of[...] 8: [30-38] This Israelite tale about the origin of Israel's neighbors east of the Jordan and the Dead[...] 9: [37] From my father: in Hebrew, meabi, similar in sound to the name "Moab." 10: [38] The son of my kin: in Hebrew, ben-ammi, similar in sound to the name "Ammonites."
1: [1-18] This story from the Elohist source (see note on Genesis 4:25) combines elements found in t[...] 2: [7] Spokesman: the Hebrew term nabi used here is regularly translated as "prophet," but it simply [...] 3: [16] A thousand shekels of silver: not a gift distinct from that of the animals and the slaves (G[...]
1: [9-19] This story of Hagar's expulsion, in the Elohist source, is in general a duplicate of the on[...] 2: Placing the child on her back: the phrase is translated from an emended form of the Hebrew text. I[...] 3: [22] Here and in Genesis 21:32 the Greek text has ". . . Abimelech, accompanied by Ahuzzath, his [...] 4: [23] This place: Beer-sheba (Genesis 21:31). Abimelech had come from Gerar (Genesis 20:2), about [...] 5: [31] Beer-sheba: the Hebrew name really means, "the well of the seven," i.e., the place where ther[...] 6: [33] God the Eternal: in Hebrew, el olam, perhaps the name of the deity of the pre-Israelite sanct[...]
1: [1] God put Abraham to the test: to prove the firmness of Abraham's faith in God's promise that th[...] 2: [2] Only one: uniquely precious, especially loved; therefore the same term is rendered in Genesis[...] 3: [14] Yahweh-yireh: a Hebrew expression meaning "the Lord will see"; the reference is to the words [...] 4: [20-24] A list of Aramean tribes who lived to the east and northeast of Israel, twelve in number, [...]
1: [3] The Hittites: a non-Semitic people in Canaan; their relationship to the well-known Hittites of[...] 2: [4] A resident alien: literally "a sojourner and a settler," i.e., a long-term resident alien. Suc[...] 3: [10] Who sat on his town council: probable meaning of the literal translation, "who came in at the[...] 4: [15] Four hundred shekels: probably an exorbitant sum; Jeremiah (Jeremiah 32:9) paid only sevente[...] 5: [16] The current market value: the standard weight called a shekel varied according to time and pl[...]
1: [2] Put your hand under my thigh: the symbolism of this act was apparently connected with the Hebr[...] 2: [10] Nahor: it is uncertain whether this is to be understood as the name of Abraham's brother (Ge[...] 3: [12] Let it turn out favorably for me: let me have a favorable omen; cf Genesis 24:14. 4: [63] He went out: the meaning of the Hebrew term that follows this is obscure.
1: [1-11] Though mentioned here, Abraham's marriage to a "concubine," or wife of secondary rank, and [...] 2: [6] The land of Kedem: or "the country of the East," the region inhabited by the Kedemites or East[...] 3: [18] Pitched camp: literally "fell"; the same Hebrew verb is used in Judges 7:12 in regard to the[...] 4: [25] Reddish: in Hebrew, admoni, a reference to Edom, another name for Esau (Genesis 25:30; 36:1)[...] 5: [26] Esau's heel: the Hebrew is baaqeb esaw, a reference to the name Jacob; cf Genesis 27:36. Pro[...] 6: [30] Red stuff: in Hebrew, adom; another play on the word Edom, the "red" land. 7: [31] Birthright: the privilege that entitled the first-born son to a position of honor in the fami[...]
1: [6-11] The Yahwist's version of the wife-sister episode at Gerar; the Elohist's version (Genesis [...] 2: [12-33] The Yahwist's version of the story about the wells at Beer-sheba; again, the Elohist's ver[...] 3: [20] Esek: "challenge." 4: [21] Sitnah: "opposition"; one might expect the text to be continued by some such words as "becau[...] 5: [33] Shibah: "seven," for the sake of a closer assonance with Beer-sheba; but the present version [...] 6: [34-35] These verses from the Priestly source, which have no logical connection with the preceding[...]
1: [1-45] What Jacob did in deceiving his father and thereby cheating Esau out of Isaac's deathbed bl[...] 2: [4] My special blessing: "the blessing of my soul." The same expression is used also in Genesis 2[...] 3: [36] He has now supplanted me: in Hebrew, wayyaqebeni, a wordplay on the name Jacob, yaaqob; see [...] 4: [27:46-28:9] This section, which is from the Priestly source and a direct sequel of Genesis 26:3[...]
1: [11] Shrine: literally "place," often used specifically of a sacred site. Here the place was Bethe[...] 2: [12] Stairway: in Hebrew, sullam, traditionally but inaccurately translated as "ladder." The corre[...] 3: [17] This: the stone Jacob used as a headrest; cf Genesis 28:22. That: the stairway Jacob saw in [...] 4: [18] Memorial stone: in Hebrew, masseba, a stone which might vary in shape and size, set upright a[...] 5: [19] Bethel: i.e., "house of God"; the reference is to the abode of God in Genesis 28:17.
1: [1] Easterners: see note on Genesis 25:6. 2: [11] Burst into tears: literally "raised his voice and wept," i.e., for joy. 3: [14] Flesh and blood: literally "bone and flesh," i.e., a close relative; on the Hebrew idiom, see[...] 4: [17] Lovely eyes: the adjective modifying eyes is often translated as "weak," but "lovely" is the[...] 5: [18] Jacob offers to render service (Joshua 15:16, 17; 1 Sam 17:25; 18;17) in lieu of the customa[...] 6: [25] Jacob was amazed: he had not recognized Leah because a bride was veiled when she was brought [...] 7: [27] The bridal week: an ancient wedding lasted for seven days of festivities; cf Judges 14:12. [...] 8: [32] Reuben: the literal meaning of the Hebrew name is "look, a son!" But in this case, as also wi[...] 9: [33] Simeon: in popular etymology, related to shama, "he heard." 10: [34] Levi: related to yillaweh, "he will become attached." 11: [35] Judah: related to odeh, "I will give grateful praise."
1: [3] On my knees: in the ancient Near East, a father would take a newborn child in his lap to signi[...] 2: [4] Consort: The Hebrew word normally means "wife," but here it refers to a wife of secondary ran[...] 3: [6] Dan: explained by the term dannanni, "he has vindicated me." 4: [8] Naphtali: explained by the phrase "naptule elohim niptalti," literally, "in a divine wrestlin[...] 5: [11] Gad: explained by the Hebrew term begad, literally "in luck," i.e., what good luck! 6: [13] Asher: explained by the term beoshri, literally "in my good fortune." i.e., what good fortune[...] 7: [14] Mandrakes: an herb whose root was anciently thought to promote conception. The Hebrew word fo[...] 8: [18] Issachar: explained by the terms, sekari, "my reward," and in Genesis 30:16, sakor sekartika[...] 9: [20] Zebulun: related to the Akkadian word zubullum, "bridegroom's gift," is explained by the term[...] 10: [24] Joseph: explained by the words yosep, "may he add," and in Genesis 30:23, asap, "he has remo[...] 11: [32] Dark . . . sheep . . . spotted or speckled goats: In the Near East the normal color of sheep [...] 12: [35] By giving the abnormally colored animals to his sons, Laban not only deprived Jacob of his fi[...] 13: [39-42] Jacob's stratagem was based on the widespread notion among simple people that visual stimu[...]
1: [8-12] This Elohist account of the miraculous increase in Jacob's flock differs somewhat from the [...] 2: [15] Outsiders: literally "foreign women"; they lacked the favored legal status of native women. [...] 3: [19] Household idols: in Hebrew, teraphim, figurines used in divination (Ezekiel 21:26; Zechariah[...] 4: [20] Hoodwinked: literally "stolen the heart of," i.e., lulled the mind of. Aramean: The earliest[...] 5: [23] For seven days: literally "a way of seven days," a general term to designate a long distance;[...] 6: [26] War captives: literally "women captured by the sword"; the women of a conquered people were [...] 7: [39] Laban's actions were contrary to the customs of the ancient Near East, as recorded in the Cod[...] 8: [43-54] In this account of the treaty between Laban and Jacob, the Yahwist and Elohist sources are[...] 9: [47] Jegar-sahadutha: an Aramaic term meaning "mound of witness." Galeed: in Hebrew, galed, with t[...] 10: [49] Mizpah: a town in Gilead; cf Judges 10:17; 11:11, 34; Hosea 5:1. The Hebrew name mispa ("l[...]
1: [3] Mahanaim: a town in Gilead (Joshua 13:26, 30; 21:38; 2 Sam 2:8; etc.). The Hebrew name means[...] 2: [25] Some man: a messenger of the Lord in human form, as is clear from Genesis 32:29,-31 3: Israel: the first part of the Hebrew name Yisrael is given a popular explanation in the word sarit[...] 4: [31] Peniel: a variant of the word Penuel (Genesis 32:32), the name of a town on the north bank o[...]
1: [17] Succoth: an important town near the confluence of the Jabbok and the Jordan (Joshua 13:27; J[...] 2: [19] Pieces of bullion: in Hebrew, kesita, a monetary unit of which the value is now unknown. Desc[...]
1: [1] Every able-bodied man in the community: literally "all those who go out at the gate of the cit[...] 2: [2] Hivite: The Greek text has "Horite"; the terms were apparently used indiscriminately to desig[...] 3: [24] Behind the story of the rape of Dinah and the revenge of Jacob's sons on the men of the city [...]
1: [2] Foreign gods: pagan images, including household idols (see note on Genesis 31:19), that Jacob[...] 2: [4] Rings: Earrings were often worn as amulets connected with pagan magic. 3: [8] This verse may have stood originally in some other context. Rebekah's nurse is spoken of witho[...] 4: [18] Ben-oni: means either "son of my vigor" or, more likely in the context, "son of affliction."[...] 5: [19] Bethlehem: the gloss comes from a later tradition that identified the site with Bethlehem, al[...] 6: [24-26] Benjamin is here said to have been born in Paddan-aram, either because all twelve sons of [...]
1: [2-14] The names of Esau's wives and of their fathers given here differ considerably from their na[...] 2: [20] Seir the Horite: according to Deut 2:12, the highlands of Seir were inhabited by Horites bef[...] 3: [31] Before any king reigned over the Israelites: obviously this statement was written after the t[...]
1: [21-36] The chapter thus far is from the Yahwist source, as are also Genesis 37:25-28a. But Genes[...] 2: [28] They sold Joseph . . . silver: in the Hebrew text, these words occur between out of the ciste[...]
1: [1-30] This chapter, from the Yahwist source, has nothing to do with the Joseph story in which Jud[...] 2: [5] Chezib: a variant form of Achzib (Joshua 15:44; Micah 1:14), a town in the Judean Shephelah. [...] 3: [8] Preserve your brother's line: literally "raise up seed for your brother." The ancient Israelit[...] 4: [18] Seal and cord: the cylinder seal, through which a hole was bored lengthwise so that it could [...] 5: [21] Temple prostitute: the Hebrew term qedesha, literally "consecrated woman," designates a woman[...] 6: [29] He was called Perez: the Hebrew word means "breach." 7: [30] He was called Zerah: a name connected here by popular etymology with a Hebrew verb for the re[...]
1: [42] Signet ring: a finger ring in which was set a stamp seal, different from the cylinder seal su[...] 2: [43] Abrek: apparently a cry of homage, though the word's derivation and actual meaning are uncert[...] 3: [45] Zaphenath-paneah: a Hebrew transcription of an Egyptian name meaning "the god speaks and he ([...] 4: [51] Manasseh: allusion to this name is in the Hebrew expression, nishshani, "he made me forget." [...] 5: [52] Ephraim: related to the Hebrew expression hiphrani, "(God) has made me fruitful."
1: [9,12] The nakedness of the land: the military weakness of the land, like human nakedness, should [...] 2: [27-28] These two verses are from the Yahwist source, whereas the rest of the chapter is from the [...]
1: [1-34] This chapter and the following one are from the Yahwist source, in which Judah, not Reuben [...] 2: [32] Separately to him: that Joseph did not eat with the other Egyptians was apparently a matter o[...] 3: [34] Five times as large as: probably an idiomatic expression for "much larger than."
1: [1-2] Replacement of the money in the men's bags is probably a redactional addition here, taken fr[...] 2: [5] Divination: seeking omens through liquids poured into a cup or bowl was a common practice in t[...] 3: [16] Guilt: in trying to do away with Joseph when he was young. 4: [19] My lord . . . your servants: such frequently repeated expressions in Judah's speech show the [...]
1: [8] Father to Pharaoh: a term applied to a vizier in ancient Egypt. 2: [9-15] In these verses, as in Genesis 46:31-47:5a, all from the Yahwist source, Joseph in his own[...] 3: [10] The region of Goshen: modern Wadi Tumilat in the eastern part of the Nile Delta.
1: [3] I am God: more precisely according to the Hebrew text, "I am El." "El" is here a divine name,[...] 2: [9-27] This genealogical list has here been inserted by a redactor who based it on the clan lists [...] 3: [27] Seventy persons: either to be understood as a round number, or arrived at by including Jacob [...]
1: [9] Wayfarer . . . wayfarers: man is merely a sojourner on earth; cf Psalm 39:13. 2: [11] The region of Rameses: same as the region of Goshen; see note on Genesis 45:10. The name Ram[...] 3: [31] Israel bowed at the head of the bed: meaning perhaps that he gave a nod of assent and appreci[...]
1: [3] Luz: an older name of Bethel (Genesis 28:19). 2: [7] Since her early death prevented Rachel from bearing more than two sons, Jacob feels justified [...] 3: [22] Both the meaning of the Hebrew and the historical reference in this verse are obscure. By tak[...]
1: [5] Knives: if this is the meaning of the obscure Hebrew word here, the reference may be to the kn[...] 2: [10] While tribute is brought to him: this translation is based on a slight change in the Hebrew t[...] 3: [11] In wine . . . the blood of grapes: Judah's clothes are poetically pictured as soaked with gra[...] 4: [16] In Hebrew the verb for achieve justice is from the same root as the name Dan. 5: [19] In Hebrew there is a certain assonance between the name Gad and the words for "raided," "rai[...] 6: [25-26] A very similar description of the agricultural riches of the tribal land of Joseph is give[...]
1: [1] Sons of Israel: here literally the first-generation sons of Jacob. Cf Genesis 1:5. However, be[...] 2: [2] The sons of Jacob are listed here according to the respective mothers. Cf Genesis 29:31; 30:2[...] 3: [5] Direct descendants: literally, persons coming from the loins of Jacob; hence, wives and servan[...] 4: [8] Who knew nothing of Joseph: this king ignored the services that Joseph had rendered to Egypt. [...] 5: [11] Pharaoh: not a personal name, but a title common to all the kings of Egypt. 6: [14] Mortar: either the wet clay with which the bricks were made, as in Nahum 3:14, or the cement[...] 7: [16] And see them giving birth: the Hebrew text is uncertain. 8: [22] The river: the Nile, which was "the" river for the Egyptians.
1: [3] Basket: literally, "chest" or "ark"; the same Hebrew word is used in Genesis 6:14 for Noah's [...] 2: [10] When the child grew: probably when he was weaned or a little later. Moses: in Hebrew, Mosheh;[...] 3: [11] After Moses had grown up: Acts 7:23 indicates that this was after an interval of nearly fort[...] 4: [18] Reuel: he was also called Jethro. Cf Exodus 3:1; 4:18; 18:1. 5: [19] An Egyptian: Moses was probably wearing Egyptian dress, or spoke Egyptian to Reuel's daughter[...] 6: [22] Gershom: the name is explained as if it came from the Hebrew word ger, "stranger," joined to [...]
1: [1] The mountain of God: probably given this designation because of the divine apparitions which t[...] 2: [2] An angel of the LORD: the visual form under which God appeared and spoke to men is referred to[...] 3: [6] The appearance of God caused fear of death, since it was believed that no one could see God an[...] 4: [8] I have come down: a figure of speech signifying an extraordinary divine intervention in human [...] 5: [11] Who am I: besides naturally shrinking from such a tremendous undertaking, Moses realized that[...] 6: [14] I am who am: apparently this utterance is the source of the word Yahweh, the proper personal [...] 7: [16] Elders: the Israelite leaders, who were usually older men. They were representatives of the p[...] 8: [22] Articles: probably jewelry. Despoil: this was permissible, that the Israelites might compensa[...]
1: [13] Send someone else: literally, "Send by means of him whom you will send," that is, "Send whom [...] 2: [16] Spokesman: literally, "mouth"; Aaron was to serve as a mouthpiece for Moses, as a prophet do[...] 3: [17] This staff: probably the same as that of Exodus 4:2-4; but some understand it here of a new [...] 4: [18] Moses did not tell his father-in-law his main reason for returning to Egypt, but this seconda[...] 5: [21] Make him obstinate: literally, "harden his heart." God permitted Pharaoh to be stubborn in hi[...] 6: [24-26] Apparently God was angry with Moses for having failed to keep the divine command given to [...]
1: [6] The taskmasters and foremen: the former were higher officials and probably Egyptians; the latt[...] 2: [7] Straw was mixed with the clay to give the sun-dried bricks greater consistency.
1: [14] The purpose of the genealogy here is to give the line from which Moses and Aaron sprang. Reub[...] 2: [20] His aunt: more exactly, "his father's sister." Later on such a marriage was forbidden. Cf Le[...]
1: [1] Just as God had his prophets to speak to men in his name, so Moses had Aaron as his "prophet" [...] 2: [14] Most of the ten plagues of Egypt seem to be similar to certain natural phenomena of that coun[...] 3: [7:25-8:28] This is Exodus 8:1-32 in the verse enumeration of the Vulgate.
1: [9] Courtyards: some render "farmhouses." 2: [12, 17] Gnats, flies: it is uncertain what species of trouble-some insects are here meant. 3: [15] The finger of God: understood by the magicians as the staff mentioned in Exodus 8:13, Cf Luk[...] 4: [22] The Egyptians would fiercely resent the sacrifice of any animal they considered sacred. Certa[...]
1: [10] The LORD help you . . . : literally, "May the LORD be with you in the same way as I let you .[...] 2: [11] Pharaoh realized that if the men alone went they would have to return to their families. He s[...] 3: [13] East wind: coming across the desert from Arabia, the strong east wind brings Egypt the burnin[...] 4: [19] The Red Sea: according to the traditional translation, but the Hebrew is literally, "the Reed[...] 5: [21] Darkness: at times a storm from the south, called the khamsin, blackens the sky of Egypt with[...]
1: [2] This month: Abib, the month of "ripe grain." Cf Exodus 13:4; 23:15; 34:18; Deut 16:1. It occ[...] 2: [4] Share in the lamb: probably, in the expenses of its purchase. Some explain, "reckon for the la[...] 3: [11] Passover: in Hebrew, pesach, in Aramaic, pascha. In the following verses the same root is use[...] 4: [22] Hyssop: a plant with many woody branchlets that made a convenient sprinkler. 5: [38] Mixed ancestry: half-Hebrew and half-Egyptian. Cf Numbers 11:4; Lev 24:10-11. 6: [40] In Egypt: according to some ancient sources, "in Canaan and Egypt," thus reckoning from the t[...] 7: [46] You shall not break any of its bones: the application of these words to our Lord on the cross[...]
1: [17] By way of the Philistines' land: the most direct route from Egypt to Palestine, along the sho[...] 2: [21] A column of cloud . . . a column of fire: probably one and the same preternatural phenomenon,[...]
1: [2] These places have not been definitively identified. Even the relative position of Pi-hahiroth [...] 2: [20] The cloud now became dark: the light which it ordinarily cast at night would now have been a [...]
1: [1-21] This canticle (used in Christian liturgy) celebrates God's saving power, miraculously deliv[...] 2: [21] She led them: Miriam's refrain re-echoes the first verse of this song and was probably sung a[...]
1: [1] On the fifteenth day of the second month: just one full month after their departure from Egypt[...] 2: [4] Bread from heaven: as a gift from God, the manna is said to come down from the sky. Cf Psalm [...] 3: [15] What is this: the original man hu is thus rendered by the ancient versions, which understood [...] 4: [18] St. Paul cites this passage as an example of equitable sharing. Cf 2 Cor 8:15. 5: [31] Coriander seed: small, round, aromatic seeds of bright brown color; the comparison, therefore[...] 6: [33] Urn: according to the Greek translation, which is followed in Hebrews 9:4, this was a golden[...] 7: [34] The commandments: the two tablets of the ten commandments, which were kept in the ark. Cf Ex[...]
1: [7] Massah . . . Meribah: Hebrew words meaning respectively, "the (place of the) test," and, "the [...] 2: [8] Amalek: the Amalekites were an aboriginal people of southern Palestine and the Sinai peninsula[...] 3: [15] Yahweh-nissi: meaning, "the LORD is my banner."
1: [1-17] The precise division of these precepts into "ten commandments" is somewhat uncertain. Trad[...] 2: [5] Jealous: demanding exclusive allegiance, such as a wife must have for her husband. 3: [24] I choose for the remembrance of my name: literally, "where I make my name to be remembered": [...]
1: [1] Rules: judicial precedents to be used in settling questions of law and custom. This introducto[...] 2: [6] To God: to the sanctuary; or perhaps the phrase is to be rendered, "to the gods," in the sense[...] 3: [8] Destined her: intended her as a wife of second rank. 4: [23-25] This section is known as the lex talionis, the law of tit for tat. The purpose of this law[...] 5: [36] In the Vulgate, Exodus 22:1-31.
1: [1-2] If a thief is caught: this seems to be a fragment of what was once a longer law on housebrea[...] 2: [4] The Greek and Latin versions understood this verse as a prohibition against allowing one's cat[...] 3: [7] Brought to God: see note on Exodus 21:6. Cf also Exodus 22:10. 4: [16] The customary marriage price for virgins: fifty shekels according to Deut 22:29. 5: [27] God: or perhaps "the gods," in the sense of "the judges," as the parallel with a prince of y[...]
1: [14] These three feasts are elsewhere called the Passover, Pentecost and Booths. Cf Exodus 34:18-2[...] 2: [15] Appear before me: the original expression was "see my face"; so also in several other places,[...] 3: [19] Boil a kid in its mother's milk: this was part of a Canaanite ritual; hence it is forbidden h[...] 4: [21] My authority resides in him: literally, "My name is within him." 5: [24] Make anything like them: some render, "act according to their conduct." Sacred pillars: objec[...] 6: [28] Hornets: some understand this figuratively of various troublesome afflictions; others transla[...] 7: [31] The sea of the Philistines: the Mediterranean. The River: the Euphrates. Only in the time of [...]
1: [4] Pillars: stone shafts or slabs, erected as symbols of the fact that each of the twelve tribes [...] 2: [11] After gazing on God: the ancients thought that the sight of God would bring instantaneous dea[...]
1: [5] Tahash: perhaps the name of a marine animal, such as the dugong or the porpoise. The Greek and[...] 2: [17] Propitiatory: this traditional rendering of the Hebrew term, which may mean merely "cover," i[...] 3: [18-20] Cherubim: probably in the form of human-headed winged lions. The cherubim over the ark for[...] 4: [25] A frame: probably placed near the bottom of the legs to keep them steady. The golden table of[...] 5: [29-30] The plates held the showbread, that is, the holy bread which was placed upon the table eve[...] 6: [33] In keeping with the arrangement of the ornaments on the shaft, the three sets of ornaments on[...] 7: [34-35] Of the four ornaments on the shaft, one was at the top and one was below each of the three[...] 8: [37] The lamps were probably shaped like small boats, with the wick at one end; the end with the w[...] 9: [38] Trays: small receptacles for the burnt-out wicks.
1: [1] Sheets: strips of tapestry, woven of white linen, the colored threads being used for the cheru[...] 2: [7] Tent covering: the cloth made of sheets of goat hair to cover the Dwelling. 3: [9] Half the width of the end strip was folded back at the front of the Dwelling, thus leaving ano[...] 4: [17] Arms: literally, "hands." According to some, they served as "tongue and groove" to mortise t[...] 5: [32] Hooks: probably placed near the tops of the columns, to hold the rope from which the veils an[...] 6: [36] Variegated: without definite designs such as the cherubim on the inner veil.
1: [4] Grating: it is not clear whether this was flush with the altar or at some small distance from [...] 2: [8] Hollow: probably filled with earth or stones when in use. Cf Exodus 20:24-25.
1: [6] Ephod: this Hebrew word is retained in the translation because it is the technical term for a [...] 2: [15-30] Breastpiece: in shape like a modern altar burse, it was a pocketlike receptacle for holdin[...] 3: [17-20] The translation of the Hebrew names of some of these gems is quite conjectural. 4: [30] Urim and Thummim: both the meaning of these Hebrew words and the exact nature of the objects [...] 5: [41] Ordain them: literally, "fill their hands," a technical expression used solely for the insta[...]
1: [22] Fatty tail: the thick layer of fat surrounding the tails of sheep and rams bred in Palestine [...] 2: [24-26] Wave offering: the portions of a peace offering, breast and right thigh, which the officia[...] 3: [27-30] These verses are a parenthetical interruption of the ordination ritual; Exodus 29:31 belo[...] 4: [36,37] Purge the altar: the construction of an altar by profane hands rendered it impure. The ano[...] 5: [38-42] A parenthesis inserted into the rubrics for consecrating the altar; Exodus 29:43 belongs [...]
1: [5] The calf . . . a feast of the LORD: from this it is clear that the golden calf was intended as[...] 2: [20] The water: the stream that flowed down Mount Sinai. Cf Deut 9:21. 3: [27] Slay your own kinsmen . . . : those who were especially guilty of the idolatry. 4: [29] Dedicated to the LORD: because of their zeal for the true worship of the Lord, the Levites we[...] 5: [32] The book that you have written: the list of God's intimate friends. In a similar sense St. Pa[...]
1: [7-11] The meeting tent is mentioned here by anticipation; its actual construction is described in[...] 2: [14] I myself: literally, "my face," that is, "my presence." To give you rest: in the Promised La[...] 3: [23] You may see my back: man can see God's glory as reflected in creation, but his "face," that i[...]
1: [13] Sacred poles: "Ashera" was the name of a Canaanite goddess. In her honor wooden poles (asher[...] 2: [14] The LORD is "the Jealous One": see note on Exodus 20:5. Some, by a slight emendation, render[...] 3: [22] Feast of Weeks: the festival of thanksgiving for the harvest, celebrated seven weeks or fifty[...] 4: [33] He put a veil over his face: St. Paul sees in this a symbol of the failure of the Jews to rec[...]
1: [2] From the herd or from the flock: the only animals which could be used as sacrificial victims w[...] 2: [3] Holocaust: from the Greek word meaning "wholly burned," this is the technical term for the spe[...]
1: [2] Token offering: literally, "reminder." Instead of burning the whole cereal offering, they burn[...] 2: [13] The salt of the covenant of your God: the partaking in common of salt by those seated togethe[...]
1: [1] Peace offering: thus the ancient versions have rendered the Hebrew word, which perhaps means m[...] 2: [4] The lobe of the liver: some render, "the fatty covering of the liver." 3: [9] The whole fatty tail: see note on Exodus 29:22. 4: [17] Any fat: only the fat mentioned in Lev 3:9-10, 14-15 is meant; other fat could be eaten by t[...]
1: [2] A sin: not necessarily a moral fault; included are all the cases of ritual uncleanness which p[...] 2: [3] The anointed priest: his violation of the ceremonial law brought a sort of collective guilt on[...]
1: [15] Cheating: not offering the full amount in tithes, first fruits, etc. Guilt offering: its char[...] 2: [17] Without being aware of it: the case naturally presupposes that later on the offender learns o[...]
1: [2] Ritual: literally, "law, instruction." Here, and in the following paragraphs, are given additi[...] 2: [12-16] This is another law about the daily or "established" cereal offering. It differs in some [...]
1: [13] Leavened bread: these loaves were not burned on the altar (cf Lev 2:11), but were eaten at t[...] 2: [23] The fat: only the particular portions specified in Lev 3:9- 10,14-15 are meant. Ox or sheep [...] 3: [30-34] A wave offering . . . a raised offering: these ceremonies are described in Exodus 29:24-2[...] 4: [35] The priestly share: literally, "the anointed part."
1: [1-9, 21] Though presented in the form of a narrative, this description of Aaron's ordination was [...] 2: [2] The vestments, etc.: already described in Exodus 28-29. 3: [8] The Urim and Thummim: see note on Exodus 28:30. 4: [34] The sense is not quite clear. Either the verse gives merely the reason why God ordered this c[...]
1: [1] Nadab and Abihu: the older sons of Aaron. Cf Exodus 6:23-24. 2: [2] Fire: perhaps after the manner of lightning. 3: [3] I will manifest my sacredness: the presence of God is so sacred that it strikes dead those who[...] 4: [5] In their tunics: they were buried just as they were, with no shroud or funeral solemnities. [...] 5: [6] Bare your heads: go without the customary head covering, as a sign of mourning. Some interpret[...] 6: [16-19] Eleazar and Ithamar burned the entire goat of the sin offering (Lev 9:15) instead of eati[...]
1: [1-3] These distinctions between edible and inedible meats were probably based on traditional idea[...] 2: [5-6] According to modern zoology, the rock badger (hyrax Syriacus) is classified as an ungulate, [...] 3: [13-19, 30] The identification of the various Hebrew names for these birds and reptiles is in many[...] 4: [19] The bat: actually a mammal, but listed here with the birds because of its wings. 5: [22] The Hebrew distinguishes four classes of edible locust-like insects, but the difference betwe[...] 6: [24-28] This paragraph sharpens the prohibition against unclean animals: not only is their meat un[...] 7: [26] All hoofed animals that are not cloven-footed: such as the horse and the ass. 8: [27] All those that walk on paws: such as dogs and cats. 9: [36] Whoever touches the dead body: to remove the dead insect from the water supply.
1: [2-3] The uncleanness of the woman was more serious during the first period, the seven days after [...] 2: [8] Forty days after the birth of Jesus, his Virgin Mother made this offering of the poor (Luke 2[...]
1: [2-4] Various kinds of skin blemishes are treated here which were not contagious but simply disqua[...] 2: [12-14] If leprosy breaks out on the skin: the symptoms described here point to a form of skin dis[...] 3: [30] Scall: a scabby or scaly eruption of the scalp. According to some, "ringworm." 4: [39] Tetter: vitiligo, a harmless form of skin disease. 5: [47] A leprous infection: some mold or fungus growth resembling human leprosy.
1: [4] Scarlet yarn: probably used for tying the hyssop sprig to the cedar branchlet. 2: [5] Spring water: literally, "living water," taken from some source of running water, not from a [...] 3: [22] Two turtledoves: substitutes for the two additional lambs, similar to the offering of a poor [...]
1: [2] The sanctuary, inside the veil: the innermost part of the sanctuary, known also as "the holy o[...] 2: Azazel: perhaps a name for Satan, used only in this chapter. The ancient versions translated this[...] 3: [13] Else he will die: the smoke is to conceal the resplendent majesty of God, the sight of which [...] 4: [23] This verse is best read after Lev 16:25. According to later Jewish practice the high priest [...] 5: [29] Mortify himself: literally, "afflict his soul"; traditionally understood by the Jews as sign[...]
1: [3-5] The ancients considered blood the seat and sign of life, and therefore something sacred, eve[...] 2: [11] That atonement may thereby be made for your own lives: hence, the sacrifice of an animal was [...]
1: [6-18] These laws are formulated as directed to the male Israelites only, but naturally the same n[...] 2: [16] With your brother's wife: it was the violation of this law which aroused the wrath of John th[...] 3: [21] Immolated to Molech: the reference is to the Canaanite custom of sacrificing children to the [...]
1: [18] You shall love your neighbor as yourself: cited by our Lord as the second of the two most imp[...] 2: [20-22] This law seems out of its proper context here; perhaps it stood originally after Lev 20:1[...] 3: [23-25] Uncircumcised: by analogy with a newborn boy, the newly planted tree was considered impure[...] 4: [27] See note on Lev 21:5.
1: [1] Unclean for any dead person: by preparing the corpse for burial. Cf Numbers 6:6; 19:11-19. [...] 2: [5] Such mourning customs of the Canaanites were forbidden to all the Israelites, but especially t[...] 3: [6] Sacred: the same Hebrew word has both the active meaning of "holy," that is, keeping oneself f[...] 4: [10] Bare his head: see note on 10:6.
1: [11] The sabbath: according to the Jewish tradition this was the feast day itself, the fifteenth o[...] 2: [14] Any bread: made from the new grain. The harvest had first to be sanctified for man's use by t[...] 3: [16] The fiftieth: from the Greek word for this we have the name "Pentecost." Cf 2 Macc 12:31; Ac[...] 4: [34] Feasts of Booths: the joyful observance of the vintage and fruit harvest. Cf Deut 16:13. Duri[...] 5: [40] Foliage: literally, "fruit," but here probably used in the general sense of "produce, growth[...]
1: [5-7-9] As long as the produce of the sabbatical year remains on the field, it remains available t[...] 2: [10] Fiftieth year: to arrive at this number, the preceding year of jubilee is included in the cou[...]
1: [3-45] Since God's covenant was with the Israelite nation as a whole, these promises and threats a[...] 2: [29] Eat the flesh of your own sons and daughters: extreme famine in cities under siege often forc[...] 3: [46] The Book of Leviticus seems originally to have ended here; the following chapter is an append[...]
1: [12] Determine its value: fix the price at which the animal may be sold to someone else. Only the [...] 2: [27] An unclean animal: such as the first-born of an ass, which was unfit for sacrifice. According[...] 3: [29] All human beings that are doomed: according to some interpreters, this signifies the idolatro[...]
1: [2] All Israel was divided into tribes, each tribe into clans, and each clan into ancestral houses[...] 2: [16] Troops: literally "thousands"; this division of the Israelites, with its subdivisions of "hu[...] 3: [47] The Levites were not enrolled in this census, which was principally for military purposes, bu[...]
1: [25-26] The Gershonites had two wagons for transporting these things; cf Numbers 7:7. For a descr[...] 2: [31] The Kohathites had to carry these sacred objects on their shoulders; cf Numbers 7:9. For a d[...] 3: [36-37] The Merarites had four wagons for transporting this heavy material; cf Numbers 7:8. For a[...]
1: [3] Thirty: at a later period the Levites began to serve when they were twenty-five (Numbers 8:24[...] 2: [5] The screening curtain: the veil between the inner and the outer rooms of the sanctuary. Cf Exo[...] 3: [11] The golden altar: the altar of incense. Cf Exodus 30:1-6. 4: [13] The altar: the bronze altar of holocausts. Cf Exodus 27:1-8. 5: [14] Forks: used in turning over the sacrificed animal on the fire of the altar. Basins: to receiv[...]
1: [2] For the laws regarding victims of leprosy, see Lev 13-14; those suffering from a discharge, Le[...] 2: [5-10] The basic law on unjust possession is given in Lev 5:14-19. The new item here concerns the[...] 3: [8] Next of kin: literally "redeemer," a technical term denoting the nearest relative, upon whom [...] 4: [17] Holy water: water from the laver that stood in the court of the Dwelling. 5: [18] Appeal: by which she invokes the Lord and refers her case to his decision. 6: [21] An example of malediction and imprecation: the woman's name would be used in curses and oaths[...] 7: [22] Amen: a Hebrew word meaning, "certainly, truly," used to give assent to a statement, a curse,[...] 8: [31] Free from guilt:by fulfilling his obligation of obtaining a decision in the matter.
1: [1-3] Nazirite: from the Hebrew word nazir, meaning "set apart as sacred, dedicated, vowed." The [...] 2: [25] Let his face shine: a Hebrew idiom for "smile." 3: [26] Peace: the Hebrew word includes the idea of "prosperity, happiness."
1: [6] Purify them: in the language of the Pentateuch only the priests were "consecrated," that is, m[...] 2: [7] Water of remission: literally, "water of sin," that is, for the remission of sin. 3: [21] Cleansed themselves of sin: by having the "water of remission" sprinkled on them as prescribe[...]
1: [14] An alien: this passage presupposes that he is already circumcised as prescribed in Exodus 12[...] 2: [15] The cloud: already mentioned at the departure from Egypt; cf Exodus 13:21-22.
1: [10] Days of celebration: special holidays, such as the occasion of a victory. Festivals: the grea[...] 2: [30-33] Hobab wished to be coaxed before granting the favor. From Judges 1:16 it seems probable t[...] 3: [33] The mountain of the LORD: Sinai (Horeb), elsewhere always called "the mountain of God."
1: [3] Taberah means "the burning." 2: [7] Coriander seed: see note on Exodus 16:31. Bdellium: a transparent, amber-colored gum resin, w[...] 3: [25] They prophesied: in the sense, not of foretelling the future, but of speaking in enraptured e[...] 4: [31] At a height of two cubits from the ground: exhausted by the storm, the quail could take but s[...] 5: [32] They spread them out: to cure by drying. 6: [34] Kibroth-hattaavah means "graves of greed."
1: [1] Cushite woman: apparently Zipporah, the Midianitess, is meant; cf Exodus 2:21. Perhaps the te[...] 2: [2] The real reason for Miriam's quarrel with her brother Moses was her jealousy of his superior p[...] 3: [10] A snow-white leper: afflicted with "white leprosy," a skin disease that generally is not seri[...]
1: [16] Joshua: in Hebrew, "Jehoshua," which was later modified to "Jeshua," the Hebrew pronunciatio[...] 2: [21] The desert of Zin: north of Paran and southwest of the Dead Sea. It is quite distinct from "t[...] 3: [22, 28] Anakim: an aboriginal race in southern Palestine, largely absorbed by the Canaanites befo[...] 4: [23] Eshcol means "cluster." 5: [33] Giants: in Hebrew, "nephilim." Cf Genesis 6:4.
1: [9] They are but food for us: that is, "we can easily consume and destroy them." This is the answe[...] 2: [25] The valleys: the low-lying plains in the Negeb and along the seacoast and in the Jordan depre[...] 3: [28-29] God punished the malcontents by giving them their wish; cf Numbers 14:2. Their lack of fa[...] 4: [45] Hormah: one of the Canaanite royal cities in southern Judea (Joshua 12:14), known at this ti[...]
1: [2-16] These laws on sacrifice are complementary to those of Lev 1-3. Since the food of the Israel[...] 2: [20] Dough: some render, "barley grits." This word is used elsewhere only in Ezekiel 44:30 and Ne[...] 3: [22-24] Although no moral guilt is incurred by an inadvertent violation of God's commandments, the[...] 4: [34] No clear decision: they already knew that a willful violation of the sabbath was a capital of[...] 5: [38] Tassels: at the time of Christ these tassels were worn by all pious Jews, including our Lord [...]
1: [1-3] The evidence seems to show that there were two distinct rebellions: one of Korah and his ban[...] 2: [12] We will not go: to appear before Moses' tribunal. 3: [14] Gouge out our eyes: blind us to the real state of affairs. 4: [25] Since Dathan and Abiram had refused to go to Moses (Numbers 16:12-14), he, with the elders a[...] 5: [35] This verse continues 16:24; the first sentence is transposed from 16:27.
1: [3] Whatever was brought into intimate contact with something sacred shared in its sacredness. See[...] 2: [17] (17)The staff was not merely an article of practical use, but also a symbol of authority; cf [...] 3: [18] (18)Levi's staff: it is not clear whether this is considered as one of the twelve mentioned i[...] 4: [27] (27,28)Logically these two verses belong immediately after Numbers 16:35.
1: [1-3] This law, which kept unqualified persons from contact with sacred things, is the answer to t[...] 2: [2] Associates: in Hebrew this word alludes to the popular etymology of the name "Levi." Cf Genesi[...] 3: [4] Layman: here, "one who is not a Levite"; in Numbers 18:7, "one who is not a priest." 4: [7] Veil: the outer veil, or "curtain," is probably meant. 5: [8-10] Two classes of offerings are here distinguished: the most sacred offering, which only the m[...] 6: [11] Wave offering: this included the breast and right leg (Numbers 18:18), the shoulder of the p[...] 7: [14] Doomed: in Hebrew, herem, which means here "set aside from profane use and made sacred to the[...] 8: [19] An inviolable covenant: literally, "a convenant of salt." Cf 2 Chron 13:5. The reference may [...] 9: [20] The priests and Levites were forbidden to own hereditary land such as the other Israelites po[...]
1: [3] Outside the camp: several Fathers of the Church saw in this a prefiguring of the sacrificial d[...] 2: [4] Toward the front of the meeting tent: since the tabernacle faced the east (Exodus 26:15-30), [...] 3: [17-19] "If . . . the sprinkled ashes of a heifer sanctify the unclean unto the cleansing of the [...] 4: [20] Ritual uncleanness is, as it were, contagious, so also sacredness; see note on Numbers 17:3.[...]
1: [1] The first month: we would expect the mention also of the day and of the year (after the exodus[...] 2: [11] Twice: perhaps because he had not sufficient faith to work the miracle with the first blow. C[...] 3: [12-13] The sin of Moses and Aaron consisted in doubting God's mercy toward the ever-rebellious pe[...] 4: [14] Your brother Israel: the Edomites were descended from Esau, the brother of Jacob. Their count[...] 5: [17] The royal road: an important highway, running north and south along the plateau east of the D[...] 6: [22] Mount Hor: not definitively identified, but probably to be sought in the vicinity of Kadesh. [...]
1: [1-3] The account of this episode seems to be a later insertion here, for Numbers 21:4, belongs l[...] 2: [3] Hormah: related to the Hebrew word herem, meaning "doomed." See notes on Numbers 14:45; 18:1[...] 3: [5] This wretched food: apparently the manna is meant. 4: [6] Saraph: the Hebrew name for a certain species of venomous snakes; the word probably signifies [...] 5: [8] If anyone who has been bitten looks at it, he will recover: "and as Moses lifted up the serpen[...] 6: [9] King Hezekiah, in his efforts to abolish idolatry, "smashed the bronze serpent which Moses had[...] 7: [11] lye-abarim probably means "the ruins in the Abarim (Mountains)." See note on Numbers 27:12. [...] 8: [14] The "Book of the Wars of the LORD": an ancient collection of Israelite songs, now lost. Waheb[...] 9: [16] Beer means a well. 10: [20] Jeshimon: "the wasteland"; in 1 Sam 23:19, 24; 26:1, 3 this is the desert of Judah, on the [...] 11: [29] Chemosh: the chief god of the Moabites, and mentioned as such in the famous inscription of Me[...]
1: [1] The plains of Moab: the lowlands to the northeast of the Dead Sea, between the Jordan and the [...] 2: [6] Curse this people for us: Balak believed that if Balaam forecast an evil omen for Israel, this[...] 3: [22] The anger of God flared up: not merely because Balaam was going to Balak, for he had God's pe[...]
1: [7] Aram: the ancient name of the region later known as Syria. The Eastern Mountains: the low rang[...] 2: [9] A people that lives apart: Israel, as the chosen people of God, occupied a unique place among [...] 3: [10] The dust of Jacob . . . Israel's wind-borne particles: the Israelites will be as numerous as [...] 4: [13] To another place: Balak thought that if Balaam would view Israel from a different site, he co[...] 5: [21] Misfortune . . . misery: Balaam admits that he is unable to predict any evils for Israel. 6: [22] A wild bull of towering might: the reference is to Israel, rather than to God.
1: [10] Balak beat his palms: a sign of disclaiming any responsibility for paying the promised rewar[...] 2: [17] A star . . . a staff: many of the Fathers have understood this as a Messianic prophecy, alth[...] 3: [20] First: literally "the beginning." Amalek was an aboriginal people in Palestine and therefore[...] 4: [21] The Kenites lived in high strongholds in the mountains of southern Palestine and the Sinai P[...] 5: [23-24] The translation of this short oracle is based on a reconstructed text and is rather uncer[...]
1: [1] Shittim: the full name was Abel-shittim, a locality at the foot of the mountains in the northe[...] 2: [4] Hold a public execution: the same phrase occurs in 2 Sam 21:6-14 where the context shows that[...] 3: [6] Midianite woman: at this time the Midianites were leagued with the Moabites in opposing Israel[...] 4: [11] For my honor: by taking vengeance on those who had made Baal of Peor a rival of the Lord. 5: [14-15] The nobility of the slain couple is mentioned in order to stress the courage of Phinehas i[...] 6: [16-18] The account of the execution of this command is given in Numbers 31:1-18. 7: [19] This is the last verse of Numbers 25.
1: [12] Nemuel: so also in Genesis 46:10; 1 Chron 4:24. In Exodus 6:15, the same man is called "Je[...] 2: [52-56] The division of Canaan among the various tribes and clans and families was determined part[...]
1: [3] He did not join . . . against the LORD: had he done so, he and his heirs could have rightly be[...] 2: [5-11] The purpose of this law, as also that of the related laws in Numbers 36:2-10 (heiresses to[...] 3: [12] The Abarim Mountains: the range on the eastern side of the Dead Sea. 4: [16] The God of the spirits of all mankind: the sense is either that God knows the character and a[...] 5: [18] A man of spirit: literally, "a man in whom there is spirit": one who has the qualities of a g[...] 6: [21] The Urim: certain sacred objects which the Hebrew priests employed to ascertain the divine wi[...]
1: [3] The established holocaust: "the tamid holocaust," the technical term for the daily sacrifice. [...] 2: [5] Oil of crushed olives: this oil, made in a mortar, was purer and more expensive than oil extra[...] 3: [7] In the sanctuary: according to Sirach 50:15 it was at the base of the altar. 4: [11] On the first of each month: literally, "at the new moons"; beginning on the evening when the [...] 5: [16] On the fourteenth day: toward evening at the end of this day; cf Exodus 12:6, 18. 6: [26] The day of first fruits: a unique term for this feast, which is usually called "the feast of [...]
1: [1] The first day of the seventh month (about September-October) is now the Jewish New Year's Day.[...] 2: [7] The tenth day of this seventh month: the Day of Atonement. Mortify yourselves: literally, "aff[...] 3: [11] The atonement sin offering: the bullock prescribed in Lev 16:11-12. 4: [12] This feast of Booths celebrating the vintage harvest was the most popular of all and therefor[...] 5: [13] Thirteen bullocks: the number of bullocks sacrificed before the octave day was seventy, arran[...] 6: [35] A solemn meeting: the Hebrew word is the technical term for the closing celebration of the th[...]
1: [3] A vow . . . a pledge: here the former signifies the doing of some positive good deed, in parti[...] 2: [11] In her husband's house: after her marriage. This contrasts with the case given in Numbers 30[...] 3: [16] He countermands them: he prevents their fulfillment. Since he has first allowed the vows to r[...]
1: [1-3] The narrative of Israel's relations with Midian, which was interrupted after Numbers 25:18,[...] 2: [8] The five Midianite kings: they are called "Midianite princes, Sihon's vassals" in Joshua 13:2[...] 3: [17] (17)There are later references to Midian in Jdgs 6-8; 1 Kings 11:18; Isaiah 60:6. The presen[...] 4: [23] Lustral water: water mixed with the ashes of the red heifer as prescribed in Numbers 19:9. [...] 5: [27] Divide them evenly: for a similar division of the booty into two equal parts, between those w[...] 6: [50] The precise nature and use of some of these articles of gold is not certain.
1: [1] Gilead: the name of the western part of the plateau east of the Jordan, sometimes signifying t[...] 2: [3] The places named in this verse, as well as the additional ones given in Numbers 32:34-38, wer[...] 3: [12] Kenizzite: a member of the clan of Kenaz, which, according to Genesis 36:11, 15, 42, was Ed[...] 4: [20-22] Since the ark of the Lord was borne into battle with the Israelite army, the vanguard was [...] 5: [33] The preceding is concerned solely with the two tribes of Gad and Reuben and with the land of [...] 6: [38] The phrase in brackets is a gloss, warning the reader either to change the order of the prece[...]
1: [1-3] This list of camping sites was drawn up by Moses, as Numbers 33:2 expressly states. However[...] 2: [3-4] These two verses were probably borrowed from some ancient song celebrating the exodus from E[...] 3: [30-36] Moseroth is mentioned in Deut 10:6 (in the form of "Moserah"), as the place where Aaron d[...] 4: [40] The verse begins the same account of the victory over Arad as is given in Numbers 21:1-3, wh[...] 5: [41b-49] It seems that this section stood originally immediately after Numbers 33:36a.
1: [8] This provision was hardly observed in the actual assignment of the levitical cities as narrate[...] 2: [12] The avenger of blood: one of the close relatives of the slain (2 Sam 14:7) who, as executor [...] 3: [16-25] Here, as also in Deut 19:1-13, there is a casuistic development of the original law as st[...]
1: [4] Before the jubilee year various circumstances, such as divorce, could make such property rever[...] 2: [5-9] This is a supplement to the law given in Numbers 27:5-11.
1: [1] The local setting of all these discourses is in the land of Moab beyond the Jordan (cf Deut 1[...] 2: [7] The Amorites and the Canaanites formed the principal part of the pre-Israelite population of P[...] 3: [9] Carry you: cf Deut 1:31. 4: [27] In your tents: among yourselves. 5: [36] Except Caleb: Joshua also was allowed to enter, but he is not referred to here because specia[...]
1: [23] The Caphtorim: members of one of the groups of sea peoples who invaded the coast of Egypt and[...] 2: [34] Doomed: see notes on Numbers 18:14; 21:3.
1: [11] Bed of iron some translate, "a sarcophagus of basalt." 2: [18] I charged them the words which follow were spoken to the men of Reuben and Gad (cf Numbers 32[...]
1: [10] Beginning here and continuing on for several verses (at least to the end of v Deut 4:14) is [...] 2: [20] Egypt is called an iron foundry, or furnace for smelting iron, because God allowed the Israel[...] 3: [25] Grown old: Israel will lose the freshness of its youthful fervor. 4: [34] Testings: the demonstrations of God's power as in the ten great plagues of Egypt; cf Deut 7:[...] 5: [48] Sion: another name for Mount Hermon, besides those mentioned in 3:9.
1: [4-5] This passage contains the basic principle of the whole Mosaic law, the keynote of the Book o[...] 2: [8] Bind them . . . as a sign: these injunctions were probably meant merely in a figurative sense;[...] 3: [13] Him shall you serve: here, to "serve" God means especially to "worship" him; in this sense i[...]
1: [14] Even the highest heavens: literally, "and the heavens of the heavens"; compare the phrase, "[...] 2: [16] Circumcise your hearts: cf Deut 30:6; Jeremiah 4:4; Romans 2:29. The "uncircumcised heart" [...]
1: [13-15] As often in the Prophets, the discourse passes into the words of God himself. Cf Deut 7:4[...] 2: [14] The early rain: the rains which begin in October or November and continue intermittently thro[...] 3: [24] The Western Sea: the Mediterranean. 4: [29] You shall pronounce the blessing . . . the curse: for the full ceremony, see Deut 27-28. Geri[...]
1: [5] The gazelle, the addax, the oryx: species of antelopes. The ibex: a species of wild goat. 2: [19-20] The apparent contradiction is to be resolved in the light of Lev 11:20-23: the unclean wi[...] 3: [21] Boil a kid in its mother's milk: see note on Exodus 23:19. 4: [24] Considering how the LORD has blessed you: should the Israelite farmer be blessed with an abun[...]
1: [1] At the end of every seven-year period: in every seventh, or sabbatical, year. Cf Deut 15:9; 3[...] 2: [11] The needy will never be lacking: compare the words of Christ, "The poor you have always with [...] 3: [17] His ear: cf Exodus 21:6 and the note there.
1: [1] Abib: "ear of grain, ripe grain," the name of the month in which the barley harvest fell, cor[...] 2: [10] Feast of Weeks: later known more commonly as "Pentecost." 3: [13] See note on Lev 23:34. 4: [21-[ETML-C:=.Deu.17.7]17:7[ETML-C:/]] This section seems to be out of its proper place, since it [...] 5: [21-22] Sacred pole . . . sacred pillar: see note on Exodus 34:13.
1: [5] Out to your city gates: outside the gates in an unclean place; cf Lev 24:14; Numbers 15:36; A[...] 2: [12] The priest: the high priest; the judge: a layman. The former presided over the court in cases[...] 3: [16] Horses: chariotry for war. The LORD'S warning: the same warning is also referred to in Deut [...]
1: [10-11] Immolates his son or daughter in the fire: to Molech. See note on Lev 18:21. Such human s[...] 2: [15] A prophet like me: from the context (opposition to the pagan soothsayers) it seems that Moses[...]
1: [2] Set apart three cities: the Israelites were to have at least six cities of refuge, three in th[...] 2: [6] The avenger of blood: see note on Numbers 35:12.
1: [1-9] This paragraph is best read immediately after Deut 19:21. The slain man may not necessarily[...] 2: [4] They shall cut the heifer's throat there in the wadi: its blood is to be carried away by the s[...] 3: [6] Wash their hands: a symbolic gesture in protestation of one's own innocence when human blood i[...] 4: [7] This blood: the blood of the slain man as symbolized by the heifer's blood. 5: [12-13] Shave her head . . . : these symbolic actions are meant to signify the purification of the[...] 6: [19] The gate: in the city walls. This open space served as the forum for the administration of ju[...] 7: [22] Hung on a tree: some understand, "impaled on a stake." In any case the hanging or impaling w[...] 8: [23] God's curse rests on him who hangs on a tree: St. Paul quotes these words in Gal 3:13, where[...]
1: [9] Become forfeit: to the sanctuary; cf Lev 19:19; Joshua 6:19. 2: [12] Twisted cords: referred to as "tassels" on "violet cords" in Numbers 15:38. See note there. [...] 3: [15] The evidence of her virginity: the bridal garment or sheet stained with a little blood from t[...] 4: [18] Chastise him: flog him, as prescribed in Deut 25:1-3. 5: [23] A maiden who is betrothed: a girl who is married but not yet brought to her husband's home an[...]
1: [1] Father's wife: stepmother. Dishonor: cf Deut 27:20. 2: [17] In any one of your communities: from this it would seem that the slave in question is a fugit[...] 3: [18-19] The pagans believed that they could enter into special relationship with their gods and go[...]
1: [1-4] This law is directly concerned only with forbidding divorced couples to remarry each other, [...] 2: [1] Something indecent: a rather indefinite phrase, meaning perhaps "immodest conduct." At the tim[...] 3: [6] Since the Israelites ground their grain into flour only in sufficient quantity for their curre[...] 4: [10-11] The debtor had the right to select the pledge that the creditor demanded as a guarantee fo[...]
1: [3] Forty stripes: a relatively mild punishment in ancient times. Later Jewish practice limited th[...] 2: [4] St. Paul argues from this verse that a laborer has the right to live on the fruits of his labo[...] 3: [5] When brothers live together: when relatives of the same clan, though married, hold their prope[...] 4: [9-10] The penalty decreed for a man who refuses to comply with this law of family loyalty is publ[...] 5: [17-19] This attack on Israel by Amalek is not mentioned elsewhere in the Old Testament, although [...]
1: [5] Aramean: either in reference to the origin of the patriarchs from Aram Naharaim (cf Genesis 2[...] 2: [12] And you have given them to the Levite . . . : as prescribed in Deut 14:28-29. 3: [14] These are allusions to pagan religious practices.
1: [1-69] This chapter would read better immediately after Deut 26. 2: [6] In your coming in . . . in your going out: at the beginning and end of every action, or in all[...] 3: [7,25] From but one direction . . . in seven: in one compact mass, contrasted with many scattered [...] 4: [10] You bearing the name of the LORD: literally, "The LORD'S name is called over you," an express[...] 5: [13] The head, not the tail: in the honorable position as leader. Cf Isaiah 9:14; 19:15. 6: [35] This verse is best read with Deut 28:27. 7: [46] A sign and a wonder: an ominous example, attracting attention; cf Deut 29:21-28. 8: [60] He will again afflict you with all the diseases of Egypt: such as the Lord had promised to re[...] 9: [65] Wasted eyes: worn out and disappointed in their longing gaze. 10: [68] In galleys: in the ships of the Phoenician slave traders (Ezekiel 27:13; Joel 3:6[4:6]; Amo[...]
1: [3] Eyes to see . . . ears to hear: with inner, spiritual discernment. Cf Matthew 13:43. 2: [11] Sanction of a curse: the present pact binds under penalty of the curses mentioned in this boo[...] 3: [14] Not here among us: this includes their descendants. 4: [18] To sweep away both the watered soil and the parched ground: apparently a proverb signifying t[...] 5: [28] What is still hidden: the events of the future. What has already been revealed: God's law and[...]
1: [6] Circumcise your hearts: see note on Deut 10:16. 2: [11-14] God has revealed his will so clearly that ignorance of hislaw can be no excuse. St. Paul i[...] 3: [14] In your mouths: that you may readily talk about it; cf Deut 6:7; 11:19. And in your hearts: [...]
1: [10] The year of relaxation: cf Deut 15:1-3 and the note there. 2: [11-13] Reading the law not only instructed the people but also consoled them by the assurance of [...] 3: [14-15,23] Deut 31:23 is best read immediately after Deut 31:15; perhaps the original order was D[...]
1: [1-43] In the style of the great prophets, the speaker is often God himself. The whole song is a p[...] 2: [8] The sons of God: the angels; cf Job 1:6; 2:1; 38:7; Psalm 89:6-7. Here the various nations a[...] 3: [13] The land: Canaan. 4: [14] Bashan: a fertile grazing land east of the Jordan, famous for its strong cattle. Cf Psalm 22[...] 5: [15] The darling: a probable meaning of the Hebrew word yeshurun, a term of endearment for "Israe[...] 6: [28-35] The reference is to the pagan nations, not to Israel. 7: [36] Their protected and unprotected: the meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain; according to some, t[...]
1: [2-5,26-29] These verses seem to form an independent hymn describing, in the form of a theophany, [...] 2: [3] His holy ones were in his hand: the Israelites were protected by the Lord. 3: [5,26] The darling: see note on Deut 32:15. 4: [6] In keeping with the other blessings, probably this verse was once introduced by the phrase, "O[...] 5: [7] Bring him to his people: this probably refers to the isolated position of the tribe of Judah d[...] 6: [8] Thummim . . . Urim: see note on Exodus 28:30. 7: [9] The reference is probably to the Levites' slaughter of their brethren after the affair of the [...] 8: [16] Him who dwells in the bush: a title given to the Lord because of his appearance to Moses in t[...] 9: [19] The abundance of the seas: perhaps the wealth that comes from sea-borne trade or from fishing[...] 10: [21] The princely portion: Moses gave the tribe of Gad their land on the east of the Jordan only o[...] 11: [22] The sense is, "May he leap up like a lion of Bashan"; the heavily wooded hills of Bashan were[...] 12: [23] The lake: the Lake of Gennesaret on which the land of this tribe bordered. 13: [24] The land of the tribe of Asher was covered with olive groves.
1: [1] Harlot: this is the regular equivalent of the Hebrew word, but perhaps it is used here of Raha[...] 3: [8-11] Rahab's faith and good works are praised in the New Testament; cf Hebrews 11:31; James 2:2[...] 4: [15] A house built into the city wall: such houses, which used the city wall for their own inner w[...]
1: [15] Season of the harvest: toward the end of March and the beginning of April, when the grain and[...] 2: [16] The sudden damming of the river could have been caused by a landslide, as has happened on oth[...]
1: [3] Gibeath-haaraloth: "Hill of the Foreskins." 2: [9] The place is called Gilgal: by popular etymology, because of the similarity of sound with the [...] 3: [10] The month: the first month of the year, later called Nisan; see note on Joshua 3:15. The cro[...] 4: [5:13-6:26] The account of the siege of Jericho embraces: (1) The command of the Lord, through h[...]
1: [18] That is under the ban: that is doomed to destruction; see notes on Lev 27:29; Numbers 18:14;[...] 2: [20] The wall collapsed: by the miraculous intervention of God. The blowing of the horns and the s[...] 3: [25] From Matthew 1:5, we learn that Rahab married Salmon of the tribe of Judah and thus became t[...] 4: [26] He shall lose his first-born . . . its gates: this curse was fulfilled when Hiel rebuilt Jeri[...]
1: [16-18] Was designated: probably by means of the Urim and Thummim; cf 1 Sam 14:38-42. See note on[...] 2: [26] Achor: "misery, affliction." The reference is to the saying of Joshua in Joshua 7:25, with a[...]
1: [3] Thirty thousand warriors: this figure of the Hebrew text, which seems extremely high, may be d[...] 2: [30-35] These ceremonies were prescribed in Deut 11:29; 27:2-26. See notes on those passages.
1: [7] The Hivites: apparently the Gibeonites belonged to this larger ethnic group (cf also Joshua 1[...] 2: [21] Hewers of wood and drawers of water: proverbial terms for the lowest social class in the Isra[...] 3: [26-27] Later on, Saul violated the immunity of the Gibeonites, but David vindicated it; cf 2 Sam[...]
1: [5] Hebron . . . Eglon: these four cities were to the south and southwest of Jerusalem. 2: [11] Great stones from the sky: the hailstones mentioned in the next sentence. 3: [13] Is this not recorded: the reference is to the preceding, poetic passage. Evidently the Book o[...] 4: [41] Goshen: a town and its surrounding district at the southern end of the Judean mountains (cf [...]
1: [1-3] Hazor, Madon, Shimron, and Chinneroth: cities and their surrounding districts in eastern Gal[...] 2: [5] The waters of Merom: a stream in central Galilee that flows southeast to water the fertile Ara[...] 3: [21-23] Most of the land assigned to the tribe of Judah was not conquered by it till the early per[...] 4: [23] The land enjoyed peace: of a limited and temporary nature. Many of the individual tribes had [...]
1: [8] The Valley of Ben-hinnom: the southern limit of Jerusalem. Ben-hinnom means "son of Hinnom." [...] 2: [17-19] The story of Othniel is told again in Judges 1:13-15; cf also Judges 3:9-11. 3: [20-62] This elaborate list of the cities of Judah was probably taken from a document made origina[...] 4: [33] In the foothills: see note on Deut 1:7. 5: [61] In the desert: in the Jordan rift near the Dead Sea.
1: [1-[ETML-C:=.Jos.17.18]17:18[ETML-C:/]] The boundaries and cities of Judah, the most important tr[...] 2: [1-3] This line formed the southern boundary of Ephraim and the northern boundaries of Benjamin an[...] 3: [5] The dividing line: separating Ephraim from Manasseh. Ephraim's northern border (Joshua 16:5) [...]
1: [10-16] Zebulun's territory was in the central section of the Plain of Esdraelon and of southern G[...] 2: [17-23] Issachar's land was on the eastern watershed of the Plain of Esdraelon, but also included [...] 3: [24-31] Asher inherited the western slope of the Galilean hills as far as the sea, with Manasseh t[...] 4: [32-39] Naphtali received eastern Galilee; Asher was to the west and Zebulun and Issachar were to [...] 5: [40-46] The original territory of Dan was a small enclave between Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim and the[...] 6: [47] Leshem: called Laish in Jdgs 18 where the story of the migration of the Danites is told at gr[...]
1: [11] In the region of the Jordan facing the land of Canaan: on the eastern side of the Jordan vall[...] 2: [12] To declare war on them: the western Israelites considered this altar, which seemed to violate[...] 3: [19] Unclean: not sanctified by the Dwelling of the Lord. 4: [20] Achan . . . did not perish alone: his guilt caused the failure of the first attack on Ai (Jo[...] 5: [22] The LORD, the God of gods: the Hebrew, which cannot be adequately rendered in English here, a[...] 6: [28] To witness: far from being destined to form a rival sanctuary, the model of the altar was int[...] 7: [34] The name of this altar was the Hebrew word for "witness," "ed.
1: [14] Going the way of all men: drawing near to death, the inevitable goal of all; cf 1 Kings 2:1-[...] 2: [15] Every threat: mentioned especially in Deut 28:15-68.
1: [2] Beyond the River: east of the Euphrates; cf Genesis 11:28-31. 2: [12] The hornets: see note on Exodus 23:28. 3: [15] The gods your fathers served: Abraham's ancestors were polytheists. 4: [19] You may not be able: fidelity to God's service is not easy, and therefore those who take such[...] 5: [32] The bones of Joseph: the mummified body of Joseph (Genesis 50:25-26), which the Israelites t[...]
1: [1-36] This chapter summarizes events most of which occurred shortly after the death of Joshua. Pe[...] 2: [16] Moses' father-in-law: Reuel; cf Numbers 10:29-32 and note. City of palms: Jericho (cf Deut 3[...] 3: [21] According to Joshua 18:16, Jerusalem was assigned to the tribe of Benjamin. But it was not a[...]
1: [5] Bochim: the Hebrew word for "weepers." 2: [11] Baals: the chief god of the Canaanites and the Phoenicians was called "Baal," a word meaning [...] 3: [13] Ashtaroth: the Canaanite Phoenician goddess of love and fertility was Astarte. The plural for[...]
1: [3] The Philistines: non-Semitic invaders who gave their name to all Palestine, although they occu[...] 2: [7] Asherahs: elsewhere rendered "sacred poles." See note on Exodus 34:13 and on Deut 7:5. Here t[...]
1: [11] Most of the Kenites occupied a district in the southern part of Judah (Judges 1:16). A group[...] 2: [17-22] It is to be noted that the sacred author merely records the fact of the murder of Sisera. [...]
1: [2-31] This canticle is an excellent example of early Hebrew poetry, even though some of its verse[...] 2: [8] New gods: pagan deities; cf Deut 32:16-18. God punished the idolatry of the Israelites by lea[...] 3: [14-22] Praise for the tribes which formed the Israelite league against Sisera: Ephraim, Benjamin,[...] 4: [20-21] It would seem that nature aided the Hebrews in some way. Perhaps the torrential rains swel[...] 5: [23] Meroz: an unknown locality in which Hebrews probably resided, since its inhabitants are curse[...]
1: [24] Yahweh-shalom: Hebrew for "the LORD is peace," a reference to the LORD's words, "Be calm," l[...] 2: [25] The sacred pole: see note on Exodus 34:13. 3: [32] Jerubbaal: similar in sound to the Hebrew words meaning, "Let Baal take action."
1: [5] The Lord desired not numerous but reliable soldiers. Those who drank from their hands were ale[...] 2: [13] The barley loaf represents the agricultural Hebrews while the tent refers to the nomadic Midi[...] 3: [19] At the beginning of the middle watch: about two hours before midnight. The ancient Hebrews di[...]
1: [6] Are the hands . . . in your possession . . . ?: i.e., can you already boast of victory? The ha[...] 2: [24] Ishmaelites: here as in Genesis 37:25-28, the designation is not ethnic; it refers rather to[...] 3: [31] Concubine: a wife of secondary rank. 4: [33] Baal of Berith: one of the titles of Baal as worshiped by the Canaanites of Shechem, meaning [...]
1: [9] Whereby men and gods are honored: oil was used in the worship both of the true God and of fals[...] 2: [13] Cheers gods: wine was used in the libations both of the Temple of Jerusalem and of pagan temp[...] 3: [16] Just as the noble trees refused the honor of royalty and were made subject to a mean plant, s[...] 4: [45] Sowing the site with salt: a severe measure, which was a symbol of desolation, and even more,[...]
1: [24] Chemosh: the chief god of the Moabites - not of the Ammonites, whose leading deity was called[...] 2: [30-40] The text clearly implies that Jephthah vowed a human sacrifice, according to the custom of[...] 3: [37] Mourn my virginity: to bear children was woman's greatest pride; to be childless was regarded[...]
1: [5] Consecrated: in Hebrew, nazir. Samson therefore was for life to be under the nazirite vow, whi[...] 2: [18] Mysterious: incomprehensible, above human understanding. Hence, the angel speaks in the name [...]
1: [1-3] Marriages were arranged by the parents of the bridegroom as well as of the bride; cf Genesi[...] 2: [5-7] Although Samson was accompanied by his parents on the journey to Timnah, Judges 14:7 implie[...] 3: [11] Companions: known at a later period as "the friends of the bridegroom" (1 Macc 9:39; Mark 2:[...]
1: [17] Ramath-lehi: "heights of the jawbone." 2: [19] En-hakkore: "the spring of him who cries out," an allusion to Samson's cry in Judges 15:18. [...]
1: [3] Idol: an image, not of a pagan god, but of the Lord. The Mosaic law forbade the making of an i[...] 2: [12-13] According to Numbers 18:1-7 only those Levites who were descended from Aaron could be con[...]
1: [1] The tribe of Dan had been assigned a territory with definite limits in central Palestine. Howe[...] 2: [3] Recognized the voice: perhaps they noticed the peculiar pronunciation of his south Hebrew dial[...] 3: [30] Until . . . land: about the year 734 B.C., when the Assyrian emperor Tiglath-pileser III subj[...]
1: [5-9] Such importuning of guests to prolong their stay at the home of their host is characteristic[...] 2: [15] Private hospitality was the customary means of providing comfort to travelers where public fa[...] 3: [22] Who were corrupt: literally "sons of Belial," indicating extreme perversion; cf Genesis 19:4[...] 4: [29] A drastic means for arousing the tribes to avenge the unheard of crime of the Benjaminites. [...]
1: [1] From Dan to Beer-sheba: from north to south. The land of Gilead: all the territory east of the[...] 2: [7] The Israelites were asked to decide at once what action to take concerning this crime; cf 2 S[...] 3: [12] Before the crime at Gibeah was punished, the Benjaminites were invited to join their brethren[...] 4: [18] Judah shall go first: the same response as in Judges 1:1-2, but without the assurance of imm[...] 5: [29-46] This stratagem proved more useful to the Israelites than force, as in the siege of Ai (Jo[...]
1: [1-3] The anger of the Israelites led them to destroy their brethren, the Benjaminites. Having rea[...] 2: [6-9] This account is summarized in the parallel passage in Judges 21:2-5. 3: [11] Under the ban: see note on Numbers 21:3. 4: [15] Had made a breach: what is here attributed to God was in reality the free and deliberate act [...] 5: [18] Regardless of the serious consequences of their vow, the Israelites considered themselves obl[...] 6: [25] Cf Judges 17:6; 18:1; 19:1. The verse gives the reason why the lawlessness of the period of[...]
1: [1,2 ] In the time of the judges: three generations before the end of the period of judges; cf Ru[...] 2: [8] Mother's house: the women's part of the dwelling; cf Judges 4:17; Song 3:4. 3: [11] Have I other sons . . . husbands? Naomi insisted that her daughters-in-law remain in their ow[...] 4: [16-17] An example of heroic fidelity and piety. Ruth's decision, confirmed with an oath, to adher[...] 5: [20-21] Naomi: "amiable" or "pleasant," suggesting God's favor toward her. The Almighty has broug[...] 6: [22] Barley harvest: early April. This circumstance favored the events of the narrative that follo[...]
1: [2] Let me go and glean . . . grain: even the poor, the widow, the stranger, and the orphan had a [...] 2: [4] The LORD be with you: courtesy and religious feeling characterize the salutations of the Hebre[...] 3: [20] One of our next of kin: literally "our redeemer," a near relative of the same clan who had th[...]
1: [4] Uncover a place at his feet, . . .: confident of the virtue of Ruth and Boaz, Naomi advises th[...] 2: [9] Spread the corner of your cloak over me: be my protector by marrying me according to the duty [...] 3: [12] Relative still closer: who had a prior right and duty to marry Ruth.
1: [1] Took a seat at the gate: i.e., of the city, where business affairs were settled. 2: [2] Ten of the elders: to serve as judges in legal matters as well as witnesses of the settlement [...] 3: [4] Poverty had obliged Naomi to sell the land of her deceased husband. The law permitted the near[...] 4: [5-6] The heir of Elimelech's field had died without children (Ruth 1:5). The nearest of kin coul[...] 5: [7] Take off his sandal . . .: by this act the near relative renounced his legal right, both to th[...] 6: [12] Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah: the right which Judah unwittingly satisfied for his daughter[...] 7: [16] Placed him on her lap: took him as her own; cf Genesis 30:3; 48:12; Numbers 11:12. 8: [17] The father of Jesse, the father of David: indicating the place of Obed, Jesse and David in th[...]
1: [11] Give him to the LORD: some ancient texts call Samuel a nazir in this context; see note on Nu[...] 2: [20] Since she had asked: this explanation would be more directly appropriate for the name Saul, w[...] 3: [24] An ephah: a little more than a bushel.
1: [1-10] A hymn attributed to Hannah, the mother of Samuel, as her thanksgiving to God because she h[...] 2: [1] Horn: the symbol of strength; cf Psalm 18:3; 75:5; 89:18; 112:9. 3: [3] Speak . . . mouths: addressed to the enemies mentioned in 1 Sam 2:1. 4: [18] Linen apron: called in Hebrew "ephod," but not the same as the high priest's ephod (Exodus 2[...] 5: [22] The bracketed words, which recall Exodus 38:8, are a gloss in the received text; they are la[...] 6: [27-36] These verses propose the punishment of Eli from a point of view contemporary with the refo[...] 7: [28] Ephod: a portable container, presumably of cloth, for the lots used in ritual consultation of[...]
1: [1] Uncommon: prophetic communications from God were almost unknown. 2: [17] May God do thus and so to you: the Biblical writers avoid repeating for us the specific terms[...]
1: [1] And. . . Israel: this belongs to ch 4. 2: [4] Enthroned upon the cherubim: this title of the Lord seems to have originated in the sanctuary [...] 3: [8] These mighty gods: the Philistines, who were polytheists, are represented as supposing the Isr[...]
1: [8] A quarter of a silver shekel: about a tenth of an ounce of silver. 2: [9] (9)This verse is a later explanation of the term seer, first used in the text in 1 Sam 9:11. [...] 3: [12] On the high place: the local sanctuary on the top of a hill, where the sacrifice was offered [...] 4: [24] And what went with it: a slight change would give "and the fatty tail" as perhaps the origina[...]
1: [2] Here, as in Jeremiah 31:15 Rachel's tomb is placed north of Jerusalem. Later tradition unders[...] 2: [5] A garrison of the Philistines: the Hebrew word for "garrison" has been explained alternatively[...] 3: [8] By inserting this verse, with its seven days, an editor has prepared for one narrative of the [...] 4: [10] The story has here been abridged by omitting the fulfillment of the first two signs given by [...] 5: [25] The law of royalty: the charter defining the rights of the king. Neither this work nor any[...]
1: [1] About a month later: there is ancient evidence for a longer introduction to this campaign. The[...] 2: [12-14] With these verses, an editor has harmonized the account of the acknowledgment of Saul as k[...]
1: [1] A formula like that of 2 Sam 5:4 was introduced here at some time; but the age of Saul when h[...] 2: [3-4] The Philistine garrison: see note on 1 Sam 10:5. Let the Hebrews hear: a different reading [...] 3: [7-15] These verses, like 1 Sam 10:8 anticipate the rejection of Saul; a different occasion and m[...]
1: [18] Ephod: to be used in consulting God; see note on 1 Sam 14:41; 2:28 2: [23] Past Beth-horon: this is a textual correction influenced by 1 Sam 13:18; the received Hebrew[...] 3: [41] The Urim and Thummim, or sacred lots, were a device for ascertaining the will of God; they ce[...] 4: [45] Rescue: the Hebrew word used is that for the "redemption" of the first-born (Exodus 13:13-15[...] 5: [49] Ishvi: known also as Ishbaal, in 2 Sam 2:8 and elsewhere. The name may once have read "Ishyo[...]
1: [3] Under the ban: in such wars of extermination, all things (men, cities, beasts, etc.) were to b[...] 2: [4] The numbers here are not realistic; compare note 1 Sam 14:24. 3: [11] I regret: God manifests "regret" when, offended by men, he takes away his benefits, graces a[...] 4: [22] Samuel is disapproving, not of sacrifices in general, but of merely external sacrifices offer[...]
1: [1] The anointing here prepared for is unknown to David's brother Eliab in the next chapter (1 Sa[...] 2: [14] An evil spirit sent by the LORD: the Lord permitted Saul to be tormented with violent fits of[...] 3: [18] Of the two traditions which describe the coming of David into Saul's service, the oldest Gree[...]
1: [6] Scimitar: the Hebrew word for this is rather rare, and the nature of the weapon was in doubt u[...] 2: [7] Six hundred shekels: over 15 pounds. 3: [12-31] An alternative account of how David came to undertake the combat with the Philistine is he[...] 4: [54] At the time supposed by this narrative, Jerusalem was still Jebusite, and David had no milita[...]
1: [25] Fool is his name: Nabal in Hebrew means "a fool." 2: [26] Abigail anticipates that some misfortune will shortly overtake Nabal, as in fact it does (1 [...] 3: [29] The bundle of the living: the figure is perhaps taken from the practice of tying up valuables[...]
1: [5] This report of the suicidal act of Saul is presented as a part of his downfall, to be judged a[...] 2: [12] Cremated them: cremation was not normally practiced in Israel, though it was known in the cou[...]
1: [6-12] David's most important military exploit, the taking of Jerusalem, is here presented before [...] 2: [17] Refuge: probably near Adullam (1 Sam 22:1-5). 3: [18-25] The successive defeats of the Philistines in the valley of Rephaim southwest of Jerusalem [...] 4: [20] Baal-perazim: means approximately "the lord of scatterings." 5: [24] Sound of marching: the wind in the treetops suggestive of the Lord's footsteps.
1: [8-16] The prophecy to David contained in these verses is cited again, in poetic form, in Psalm 8[...] 2: [19] This too you have shown to man: the text as transmitted has, rather, "and this is instruction[...]
1: [1] Wresting . . . : the Hebrew text here gives "the bridle of the cubit"; 1 Chron 18:1 understoo[...] 2: [2] Two lengths . . . a full length: usually taken to mean that two-thirds of them were executed; [...] 3: [13] On his return: possibly to Jerusalem, after the revolt of Absalom, a circumstance which this [...]
1: [1] Some time later: early in the reign of David, since Hanun's father had been ruling in Ammon at[...] 2: [6-9] A Hebrew text from Qumran (4Q Sam * ) comes closer in these verses to what is given in 1 Ch[...]
1: [1] At the turn of the year: in the spring. 2: [22] After this verse, the Greek text, which is here the older form, has David, angry with Joab, r[...]
1: [1-4] This utterance of Nathan is in regular lines in Hebrew, resembling English blank verse. 2: [30] Weighed a talent: since this would be more than 75 pounds, some commentators picture the idol[...]
1: [7] Hope: literally, "glowing coal." The image is similar to that of the lighted lamp, e.g., Psal[...] 2: [14] How not to banish: a possible allusion to the religious institution of cities of refuge for i[...] 3: [17] A resting place: cf Psalm 95:11; Hebrews 3:7-4, 11. The reference here is to a return home [...]
1: [1-51] This song of thanksgiving is also given, with a few small variants, in Ps 18. In both place[...] 2: [3] The horn of my salvation: my strong savior. The horn, the dreadful weapon of an enraged bull, [...] 3: [5-6] These verses are to be understood figuratively. 4: [7] His temple: his heavenly abode. 5: [8-10] God's intervention is graphically portrayed under the figures of an earthquake (2 Sam 22:8[...] 6: [11] He mounted a cherub: since God makes the winds his messengers, or "angels" (Psalm 104:4), he[...] 7: [26-27] Men are treated by God in the same way they treat him and their fellow men. 8: [29] My lamp: a figure of life and happiness; cf 1 Kings 11:36. 9: [34] The heights: a natural stronghold safe from attack; cf Psalm 62:3; Hebrews 3:19.
1: [1-7] The text of this short composition in the spirit of the wisdom writers (Proverb 30:1-6) is [...] 2: [8-10] There are thirty-seven warriors in all mentioned in this list. First there are the Three wa[...] 3: [24] A more complete notice about Asahel, who died early in his career (2 Sam 2:16-23), is to be [...]
1: [1-3] This story was probably joined at one time to 2 Sam 21:1-14. 2: [10] The narrative supposes that since the people belonged to the Lord rather than to the king, on[...] 3: [17] Before this verse a Qumran manuscript (4Q Sam[a]) gives the fuller text of 1 Chron 21:16 an [...]
1: [9] En-rogel: the modern Job's Well southeast of Jerusalem. It marked the ancient boundary between[...] 2: [20] At this time, neither law nor the right of primogeniture, but the will of the ruling monarch,[...] 3: [38] Cherethites and Pelethites: mercenaries in David's bodyguard. They became part of his retinue[...] 4: [50] Horns of the altar: the protuberances on each of the four corners of the altar were surrounde[...]
1: [1-6,8-9] Solomon is expected to remove from his father's family the imputation of blood guilt bro[...] 2: [17,22-25] Abishag had been the concubine of King David (1 Kings 1:4). His successor, Solomon, in[...]
1: [7-19] The administration of the kingdom thus initiated by Solomon continued in its main features [...] 2: [19] One prefect . . . in the king's own land: the royal territory of Judah had its own peculiar [...]
1: [1] Construction of the temple of the LORD is here paralleled in importance with the founding of t[...] 2: [11-13] The word of the LORD . . . my people Israel: the oracle, which came as a climax at the com[...] 3: [19] The innermost part of the temple: the sanctuary or holy of holies reserved exclusively for th[...] 4: [20] Twenty (cubits) high: it is usually supposed that the holy of holies was of this height becau[...]
1: [15-21] The two hollow bronze columns, Jachin and Boaz (2 Chron 3:17) stood free to the right and[...] 2: [23-26] The sea . . . rested on twelve oxen: this was a large circular tank containing about twelv[...]
1: [6-9] The transfer of the ark of the covenant into the newly constructed temple building, and the [...] 2: [33-34,46-53] These references to deportation of Israelites to a hostile land are an expansion of [...]
1: [14] One hundred and twenty talents of gold: approximately three million six hundred thousand doll[...] 2: [15] Millo: probably means a filling, and may refer to an artificial earthwork or platform of stam[...] 3: [26] Ezion-geber . . . Edom: the first mention of maritime commerce in the Israelite kingdom (to w[...]
1: [1] Queen of Sheba: women rulers among the Arabs are recorded in eighth-century- B.C. Assyrian ins[...] 2: [11-12] Cabinet: an unknown wood, probably fragrant. 3: [22] Tarshish ships: large, strong vessels for long voyages. Tarshish was the ancient Tartessus, a[...]
1: [1] Shechem: chief city of the northern tribes, where a covenant of fidelity had previously been m[...] 2: [16] What share have we in David: even in David's time the northern tribes seemed ready to withdra[...] 3: [26-32] Jeroboam feared reunification of the divided kingdom through worship in the single temple [...] 4: [29] Bethel and Dan: at the southern and northern boundaries of the separate kingdom of Israel, wh[...]
1: [11-13] Compare these divine manifestations to Elijah with those to Moses (Exodus 19:1-23; 33:21-[...] 2: [15-17] Elijah himself carried out only the third of the commissions entrusted to him (1 Kings 19[...] 3: [19-21] Elijah's act of throwing his mantle over the shoulders of Elisha expressed the divine call[...]
1: [19] The response of Ahab to this divine judgment is described in 1 Kings 21:27, and the conseque[...] 2: [20-26] In these verses the Judean editor of the Books of Kings substitutes, for the message of El[...]
1: [19-23] The prophet Micaiah uses as a last resort to deter Ahab from his foolhardy design of fight[...] 2: [28] A note in the Hebrew text after this verse attributes to Micaiah ben Imlah the first words of[...] 3: [52] Seventeenth year: so the present Hebrew text. More consistent with 2 Kings 1:17 would be a d[...]
1: Baalzebub: in this form, "Baal of flies." The name in the Hebrew text is a derisive alteration of [...] 2: [8] Hairy garment: a sign of ascetical and prophetic calling, imitated by John the Baptizer; see [...] 3: [12] Divine fire: literally, "fire of God," which in Hebrew sounds quite like man of God. The play[...] 4: [17] Joram: in the Second Book of Kings the name Joram (yoram), alternately Jehoram (yehoram), app[...]
1: [1] Gilgal: commonly identified with Jiljulieh, about seven miles north of Bethel, and different f[...] 2: [9] Double portion of your spirit: as the first-born son inherited a double portion of his father'[...] 3: [12] My father: a religious title accorded prophetic leaders; cf 2 Kings 6:21; 8:9. Israel's char[...] 4: [23-24] This story, like the one about Elijah and the captains (2 Kings 1), is preserved for us in[...]
1: [1] The sequence of the reigns between Ahab and Jehu of Israel may be reconstructed as follows: Je[...] 2: [22] The two Jehorams were contemporary for much of their reigns; Jehoram of Judah was succeeded b[...] 2: [22] Red as blood: possibly caused by the red sandstone of the Wadi Zered (Deut 2:13), south of M[...] 3: [25] Kir-hareseth: modern Kerak, east of the Dead Sea; cf Isaiah 16:7, 11; Jeremiah 48:31, 36. [...] 4: [27] The wrath against Israel: probably the wrath of Chemosh, the Moabite god to whom the child wa[...]
1: [1] His creditor . . . slaves: Hebrew law permitted the selling of wife and children as chattels f[...] 2: [26] Greetings: the conventional answer to Gehazi's question, which tells him nothing. 3: [29] Do not greet him: the profuse exchange of compliments among Orientals meeting and greeting on[...]
1: [12] Wash in them and be cleansed: typical of the ambiguity in ritual healing or cleanliness. The [...] 2: [17] Two mule-loads of earth: Israelite earth on which to erect in Aram an altar to the God of Isr[...] 3: [19] Go in peace: Elisha understands and approves the situation of Naaman who, though a proselyte [...]
1: [1] Market: literally "gate," the principal place of trading in ancient walled cities in time of [...] 2: [6] Kings of the borderlands: from Musur in Anatolia rather than Egypt.
1: [6] An official: literally "eunuch," and perhaps actually so in this instance. 2: [13] A dog . . . your servant: Hazael feigns humility (1 Sam 24:14; 2 Sam 9:8), without attending[...] 3: [16] Jehoram of Judah succeeded his father Jehoshaphat during the reign of Ahaziah of Israel. See [...] 4: [25] Twelfth year of Joram: i.e., of Israel, who probably reigned only eight years.
1: [7-10] The editors of the Books of Kings have here added to the prophet's message the same type of[...] 2: [22] Fornications and witchcrafts: the worship of foreign gods.
1: [5] A savior: by this language, typical of the Book of Judges (2 Kings 3:9, 15), Jeroboam II of I[...] 2: [6] Sacred pole: see note on Exodus 34:13. 3: [12-13] The conclusion to the reign of Joash is given again in 2 Kings 14:15-16 where it is more [...] 4: [14] My father, my father: the king expresses here the same sentiments as those with which Elisha [...] 5: [16-19] Symbolic acts similar to these are seen in Exodus 17:8-10; Joshua 8:18-20; Ezekiel 4:1-3.[...]
1: [1-2] In the second year . . . twenty-nine years in Jerusalem: the reigns of the kings of Judah be[...] 2: [17] See note on 2 Kings 14:1-2. 3: [21] Azariah: also called Uzziah in many texts. 4: [25] Sea of the Arabah: the Dead Sea. Jonah: see note on Jonah 1:1.
1: [1] Twenty-seventh year: see note on 2 Kings 14:1-2. 2: [19] Pul: The Babylonian throne name of the Assyrian Tiglath-pileser III; cf 2 Kings 15:29. 3: [27] The twenty years here ascribed to Pekah are an impossibility; the calculation which made his [...] 4: [35] The Upper Gate: also the Gate of Benjamin; cf Jeremiah 20:2; Ezekiel 9:2.
1: [9] Firmly dated events bearing on chapters 16 through 20 are: the fall of Damascus (2 Kings 16:9[...] 2: [15] For consultation: perhaps the introduction into Judah of the Babylonian practice of omen sacr[...] 3: [18] Emplacement . . . for a throne, and the outer entrance for the king: signs of sovereignty for[...]
1: [3] Shalmaneser: son and successor of Tiglath-pileser. 2: [6] The king of Assyria: Shalmaneser's successor and usurper, Sargon II. 3: [34-40] They did not . . . earlier manner: this passage is an adaptation of language denouncing th[...]
1: [9] See note on 2 Kings 16:9. 2: [18:13-20:11] Duplication of Isaiah 36:1-22; 37; 38:8, 21-22. 3: [13] Sennacherib succeeded Sargon II as king of Assyria. His Judean campaign was waged in 701 B.C.[...] 4: [17] General, the lord chamberlain . . . commander: the text lists three major functionaries by th[...]
1: [7] Cult prostitutes: of both sexes; cf 1 Kings 14:24. 2: [10] Topheth . . . by fire: condemned by Deuteronomic law and denounced by Jeremiah (Deut 12:31; [...] 3: [11] Large building: to the west of the temple area (1 Chron 26:18), named in the Hebrew by an Eg[...] 4: [13] Mount of Misconduct: a paranomasia on "Mount of Olives" (in Hebrew Maschit/mishcheh) as sugg[...] 5: [18] From Samaria: more narrowly, from Bethel; cf 1 Kings 13:31-32. 6: [24] Household gods, idols: teraphim. See note on Genesis 31:19. 7: [30-35] People of the land: in this period, the phrase referred to "landed gentry"; in later times[...] 8: [33] A talent of gold: some manuscripts of the Greek and Syriac texts have "ten talents."
1: [1-30] This chapter parallels Jer 39 and 52; see notes to those parts of Jeremiah. 2: [11] Those who had deserted: perhaps on the advice of Jeremiah; cf Jeremiah 38:2-3.
1: [1:1-9:34] The Chronicler set as his task the retelling, from his particular viewpoint, of the s[...] 2: [38] Seir: another name for Esau (1 Chron 1:35) or Edom (1 Chron 1:43).
1: [2:3-4:23] For two reasons, the Chronicler places the genealogy of the tribe of Judah before that[...] 2: [9] Chelubai: a variant form of the name Caleb (1 Chron 2:18, 42) distinct from Chelub of 1 Chro[...] 3: [10-17] Immediate ancestors of David. A similar list is given in Ruth 4:19-22; each list, indepen[...] 4: [18-24] Descendants of Caleb. In 1 Chron 4:15 as is often the case in the Pentateuch (Numbers 13:[...] 5: [25-41] The Jerahmeelites were a clan in the Negeb of Judah. 6: [42-49] Another list, dating from preexilic times, of the Calebites, a clan that inhabited the sou[...] 7: [50-55] The Hurites, a clan dwelling to the south and west of Jerusalem and related to the Calebit[...]
1: [1-9] David's sons. 2: [1] Daniel: called Chileab in 2 Sam 3:3. 3: [5] Shimea: called Shammua in 2 Sam 5:14. Ammiel: called Eliam in 2 Sam 11:3. 4: [10-16] The kings of Judah from Solomon to the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. 5: [15] Shallum: the same as Jehoahaz, Josiah's successor; cf Jeremiah 22:11. 6: [17-24] The descendants of King Jechoniah up to the time of the Chronicler. If twenty-five years a[...] 7: [18] Shenazzar: presumably the same as Sheshbazzar of Ezra 1:8, 11; 5:14-16 the prince of Judah [...] 8: [19] Zerubbabel: here called the son of Pedaiah, though elsewhere (Haggai 1:12, 14; 2:2, 23; Ezr[...]
1: [1-26] The Transjordan tribes. 2: [26] Pul: the name which the Assyrian king Tiglath-pileser III (745-727 B.C.) took as king of Baby[...] 3: [5:27-6:66] The tribe of Levi. The list gives special prominence to Levi's son Kohath, from whom[...] 4: [30-41] The line of preexilic priests. The list seems to be confused in 1 Chron 5:26(36-38), whic[...]
1: [16-32] The origin of the choir services performed by the levitical families in the postexilic tem[...] 2: [39-66] Regarding the nature of the rights of Levites in the cities assigned to them, see note on [...]
1: [11-12] The Three: the Chronicler names only two of them: Ishbaal and Eleazar. According to 2 Sam[...] 2: [20] The Thirty: listed by name in 1 Chron 11:26-47. The list given in 2 Sam 23:8-39 often differ[...]
1: [5] Shihor of Egypt: the eastern branch of the Nile delta. Labo of Hamath: in southern Syria. 2: [9] Chidon: in 2 Sam 6:6 Nodan. 3: [11] Perez-uzza: a Hebrew term meaning "the breaking out against Uzza."
1: [16] Zadok . . . and Ahimelech, son of Abiathar, were priests: as in the Chronicler's source, 2 S[...] 2: [17] David's sons were the chief assistants to the king: in the parallel passage, 2 Sam 8:18 whic[...]
1: [1] A satan: in the parallel passage of 2 Sam 24:1 the Lord's anger. The change in the term refle[...] 2: [25] Six hundred shekels of gold: about 10, 000 dollars. According to 2 Sam 24:24, David paid 50 [...]
1: [2-4] According to 1 Kings 5:15-18,(15-32) it was Solomon who made the material preparations for [...] 2: [9] The Hebrew word for peace, shalom, is reflected in the name Solomon, in Hebrew, Shelomo. A con[...] 3: [14] A hundred thousand talents of gold: about 3,775 tons of gold. A million talents of silver: ab[...]
1: [1-15] This list of army commanders is similar to, but distinct from, the list of David's warriors[...] 2: [34] After Ahithophel: after his suicide (2 Sam 17:23). Jehoiada then succeeded him as the king's[...]
1: [2] The ark . . . , the footstool . . . of our God: the Lord, who was invisibly entroned upon the [...] 2: [18] Chariot throne: probably suggested by Ezekiel 1:4-24; 10:1-22.
1: [5] The bronze altar . . . the LORD's Dwelling: the Chronicler justifies Solomon's worship at the [...] 2: [16-17] Egypt . . . Cilicia: it seems likely that the horses came from Cilicia and the chariots fr[...]
1: [1] Mount Moriah: the height in the land of Moriah (Genesis 22:2). This is the only place in the [...] 2: [4] The porch . . . twenty cubits high: this measurement, not given in the Books of Kings, is here[...] 3: [14] The veil: at the entrance of the holy of holies, as also in the Mosaic meeting tent (Exodus [...]
1: [3] Oxen: in 1 Kings 7:24 this double row of ornaments is described as being gourds. The text of [...] 2: [5] Three thousand measures: according to 1 Kings 7:26, two thousand measures.
1: [4] The Levites: The parallel passage in 1 Kings 8:3 has the priests; but see 2 Chron 5:5 where t[...] 2: [9] The ark has remained there to this day: the Chronicler must have copied this from his source [...]
1: [2] The cities which Huram had given him: according to 1 Kings 9:10-14, Solomon had ceded the cit[...] 2: [4] Tadmor: later known as Palmyra, an important caravan city in the Syrian desert. The parallel p[...]
1: [1-30] Although the account here seems to be a free composition of the Chronicler, there is probab[...] 2: [21] Holy Appearance: the Lord, who is with the Israelite army (2 Chron 20:17), manifests himself[...] 3: [26] Beracah: the Hebrew word for "blessing."
1: [6] One of Ahab's daughters: Athaliah. In 2 Chron 22:2 (and its source, 2 Kings 8:26) she is call[...] 2: [12] Elijah: the only mention by the Chronicler of this prophet of the northern kingdom of Israel.[...]
1: [24] With Obed-edom: possibly a reference to the priest of an Edomite false worship (cf 2 Chron 2[...] 2: [28] The City of Judah: in the parallel passage of 2 Kings 14:20 the City of David. The Chronicle[...]
1: [11] There is no evidence elsewhere for an imprisonment of King Manasseh in Babylon. However, acco[...] 2: [13] And prayed to him: these words led an unknown writer to compose the apocryphal "Prayer of Man[...]
1: [3] In his twelfth year: c. 628 B.C., the year after Asshurbanipal's death, when Judah could free [...] 2: [31] Standing at his post: see note on 2 Chron 23:13.
1: [6] Nebuchadnezzar . . . bound him with chains to take him to Babylon: the Chronicler does not say[...] 2: [10] His brother Zedekiah: Zedekiah was actually the brother of Jehoiakim and the uncle of Jehoiac[...] 3: [22-23] The words of these verses are identical with those of Ezra 1:1-3a. Originally Ezra-Nehemi[...]
1: [1] In the first year of Cyrus: as sovereign over the world empire which began with his conquest o[...] 2: [8] Sheshbazzar: very probably the fourth son of Jehoiachin, king of Judah, taken captive to Babyl[...] 3: [11] Total . . . five thousand four hundred pieces: either this figure or the figures given for on[...]
1: [1-67] As it now stands, this list is an expanded form of the lists of returned captives from the [...] 2: [63] His Excellency: the deputy of the Persian government; from the context, he was one of the Jew[...]
1: [5] Darius: Darius I (521-485 B.C.). The temple-building narrative continues in Ezra 4:24. In betw[...] 2: [7] Aramaic: this word in the original text seems to be a note indicating a change of language fro[...] 3: [8-23] The central question here is the rebuilding of the fortification walls of Jerusalem, not th[...] 4: [24] The second year . . . of Darius: that is, 520 B.C.; it marks the beginning of the successful [...]
1: [1-8] The date of Ezra's journey to Palestine is not known with certainty. The seventh year of Kin[...] 2: [25] The wisdom of your God: the Mosaic law; cf Ezra 7:6, 14.
1: [15] Ahava: a town at an unidentified site in Babylonia. The river that flowed toward it was proba[...] 2: [36] The story of Ezra's mission is seemingly continued from this point by Nehemiah 7:72b-8:18 wh[...]
1: [6] Johanan, son of Eliashib: actually, the grandson of Eliashib; the father of Johanan was Eliash[...] 2: [9] Ninth month: Chislev (November-December), during the "early rains" in Palestine. Since the as[...] 3: [16-17] The work of the committee lasted three months, from the first day of the tenth month, Tebe[...] 4: [44] The account of the problem of mixed marriages at the time of Ezra is continued in Nehemiah 9[...]
1: [1] The first mission of Nehemiah, from the twentieth year of Artaxerxes I, lasted from the spring[...] 2: [11] Cupbearer to the king: an important official in the royal household. Because Nehemiah could a[...]
1: [10] Sanballat the Horonite: the governor of the province of Samaria [Nehemiah 3:32(33,34)], appa[...] 2: [13-15] Nehemiah left Jerusalem by the Valley Gate near the northwestern end of the old City of Da[...] 3: [20] Neither share nor claim nor memorial: although Sanballat and Tobiah were Yahwist, Nehemiah wo[...]
1: [1-32] The construction work on the gates and walls of the city is described in counterclockwise d[...] 2: [8] Wall of the public square: that is, the section of wall bounding the place of assembly outside[...]
1: [15] Elul: the sixth month (August-September). Fifty-two days: according to Josephus (Antiquities [...] 2: [17-19] These verses should be read immediately after v 14.
1: [6-72a] See note on Ezra 2:1-67. 2: [65, 69] His Excellency: see note on Ezra 2:63. 3: [7:72b-8:18] To be read after Ezra 8:36. The gloss mentioning Nehemiah in Nehemiah 7:9 was inser[...]
1: [1-5] This is a continuation of the account concerning the problem of mixed marriages at the time [...] 2: [6-37] The prayer of Ezra which began in Ezra 9:6-7 is here continued; see note on Ezra 9:7.
1: [10-11] Jeshua, the high priest when Zerubbabel was governor, i.e., the last decades of the sixth [...] 2: [27-43] The dedication of the wall of Jerusalem took place, no doubt, soon after the restoration o[...] 3: [44-47] This account of the provisions made for the temple services is apparently a composition of[...]
1: [1-3] These verses were composed by the Chronicler to serve as an introduction to the reforms that[...] 2: [4-31] This is part of the "Memoirs of Nehemiah"; it is continued in 10:1-40. 3: [6] After due time: It is not known when Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem or how long his second per[...] 4: [24] Ashdodite: the language spoken at Ashdod, more likely an Aramaic rather than a Philistine dia[...]
1: [1] Tobit: in the fragments of the book found at Qumran, is given as Tobi, an abbreviated form of [...] 2: [2] Shalmaneser (V) (727-722 B.C.): began the siege of Samaria; the inhabitants of the northern ki[...] 3: [5] Jeroboam established sanctuaries in Dan and Bethel so that the people would no longer go to J[...] 4: [6] (6-8) Perpetual decree: Deut 12:11, 13-14. Refusing to worship at Jeroboam's shrines, the fai[...] 5: [14] A great sum of money: literally, "ten silver talents," about ten thousand dollars. Rages: mo[...] 6: [15] Sennacherib (705-681 B.C.): the son of Sargon (722-705 B.C.); neither was descended from Shal[...] 7: [17] (17-18) Tobit risked his own life to bury the dead. Deprivation of burial was viewed with hor[...] 8: [21] Esarhaddon: 681-669 B.C. Ahiqar: a hero of ancient folklore, known for his outstanding wisdom[...]
1: [1] The feast of Weeks: also called by its Greek name Pentecost, was celebrated fifty days after t[...] 2: [2] Almsgiving and charity to the poor are important virtues taught by the book (4:7-11, 16, 17; [...] 3: [5] I washed myself: because of ritual defilement from touching a corpse (Numbers 19:11-13). 4: [10] Cataracts: literally, "white scales, or films." Elymais: the Greek name of ancient Elam, a d[...] 5: [12] Late in winter: literally, "seventh of Dystros," the Macedonian month which corresponds to th[...] 6: [14] Anna's sharp rebuke calls to mind the words of Job's wife (Job 2:9).
1: [6] It is better for me to die than to live: in his distress Tobit uses the words of the petulant [...] 2: [7] From here on, the story is told in the third person. Tobit 3:7 relates one of the several mar[...] 3: [8] Asmodeus: in Persian aeshma daeva, "demon of wrath," adopted into Aramaic with the sense of "[...] 4: [11] Facing the window: that is, looking toward Jerusalem; cf Daniel 6:11: Blessed are you and "B[...] 5: [17] Tobiah had the right: according to the patriarchal custom of marriage within the family group[...]
1: [3] (3-19) A collection of maxims which parallel those in the wisdom literature, especially Prov a[...] 2: [6] Before the revelation of retribution for all men in the afterlife-a doctrine taught in the Boo[...] 3: [17] Tobit counsels his son either to give alms in honor of the dead, or, more probably, to give t[...] 4: [19] Prayer is the foundation of a moral life.
1: [3] Document: in Greek cheirographon. In the Middle Ages, notably in England, a deed and its dupli[...] 2: [4] He did not know: the theme of an angel in disguise occurs frequently in folklore as well as in[...] 3: [6] It is a good two days' travel from Ecbatana to Rages: Alexander's army took eleven days in for[...] 4: [10] Hearty greetings and what joy form a wordplay on the Greek verb chairein, "to greet" and "to [...] 5: [13] (13-14) Azariah, "Yahweh helps"; Hananiah, "Yahweh is merciful"; Nathaniah, "Yahweh gives"; [...] 6: [15] The normal wages: literally, "a drachma," about seventeen cents, a day's wage for a workingma[...] 7: [22] My love: literally, "sister," a term of endearment applied to one's wife; cf Tobit 7:11, 15;[...]
1: [5] Its gall . . . medicines: belief in the healing power of these organs was common among even th[...] 2: [13] Raguel . . . Book of Moses: Numbers 36:6-8 prescribed marriage within the ancestral tribe, b[...] 3: [18] Rise up to pray: prayer is needed to drive out the demon.
1: [2] (2,3) The manner of coping with demonic influences among the ancients seems quaint to us. Howe[...] 2: [3] Into Upper Egypt: to the desert there. The desert was considered the dwelling place of demons.[...] 3: [20] For fourteen days: because of the happy, and unexpected, turn of events, Raguel doubles the t[...]
1: (1-5) Tobit and his son generously agree to give Azariah far more than the wages agreed upon in T[...] 2: [6] (6-10) In the fashion of a wisdom teacher, Raphael gives the two men a short exhortation simil[...] 3: [6] (6-7) The Jews considered the duty of praising God their most esteemed privilege. Without prai[...] 4: [8] Prayer . . . fasting . . . almsgiving . . . righteousness: these, together with the proper att[...] 5: [12] (12,15) Raphael is one of the seven specially designated intercessors who present man's praye[...] 6: [14] I was sent . . . test: God often sends trials to purify his faithful servants further. Cf Job[...]
1: [4] (4-5) Nahum: one of the minor prophets, whose book contains oracles of doom against Nineveh. H[...] 2: [5] Until the era . . . completed: a reference to the advent of Messianic times, in which a new, m[...] 3: [6] Conversion of the Gentiles is also to come in the Messianic era. 4: [10] Nadab: In the Story of Ahiqar, the hero Ahiqar, chancellor under the Assyrian kings Sennacher[...] 5: [15] Cyaxares: Nabopolassar, king of Babylon, and Cyaxares conquered and destroyed Nineveh in 612 [...]
1: [6] Cheleoud: probably the Chaldeans are meant. 2: [12] The two seas: the ancient rulers in Mesopotamia often designated the limits of their realm as[...]
1: [7] Earth and water: in the Persian period, the offering of these to a conqueror was a symbolic ge[...] 2: [12] As I live: in the Old Testament, an oath proper to divinity; cf Deut 32:40. Nebuchadnezzar i[...] 3: [23] Put and Lud: the same as the "Put and Lud" mentioned in Ezekiel 30:5 as allies of Egypt, and[...]
1: [3] Returned from exile . . . profanation: these allusions are variously attributed-to the Persian[...] 2: [6] Joakim, who was high priest: see Baruch 1:7 and the footnote on Baruch 1:8, 9; this name for[...] 3: [8] The organization of the Jewish nation as subject to a high priest and a senate, or council of [...] 4: [10] Domestic animals: see note on Jonah 3:8. 5: [11] Prostrated themselves in front of the temple building: for a parallel to this ceremony of ent[...]
1: [1] Salamiel, son of Sarasadai: head of the tribe of Simeon during the wanderings of the Israelite[...] 2: [5] A tent: erected by Judith on the roof of her house (Judith 8:5); it was here that the elders [...]
1: [2] The maiden: Dinah, Jacob's daughter, who was violated by Shechem, the Hivite (Genesis 34:2). [...] 2: [3] Because Shechem had deceived and violated Dinah, her brothers, Simeon and Levi, tricked Sheche[...]
1: [17] Fire and worms into their flesh: see footnote on Isaiah 66:24. 2: [25] The Vulgate adds: "The feast day of this victory was adopted by the Hebrews into the calendar[...]
1: [1] King Ahasuerus: Xerxes I (486-465 B.C.). Mordecai: a Babylonian name, after the god Marduk. Th[...] 2: [4] The interpretation of this dream is given in Esther F:1-6. 3: [16] Rewarded him: this reward comes only later; see the sequence of events from the Hebrew text o[...] 4: [17] Haman . . . the Agagite: opposed Mordecai the Benjaminite, by whom, however, he was overcome [...]
1: [1] From India to Ethiopia: from western India to Upper Egypt, the greatest extent of the Persian [...] 2: [2] Susa: ancient capital of Elam (Genesis 14:1); under the Achamenid kings, one of the two capit[...] 3: [9] Queen Vashti: Herodotus (Histories 7:61) relates that the wife of Ahasuerus was Amestris. 4: [19] Irrevocable royal decree: the historian Siculus Indicates that such a concept of irrevocable [...] 5: [22] To each province . . . script and to each people . . . language: many languages were spoken i[...]
1: [7] Hadassah (the feminine form of hadas, myrtle), was the name by which this woman would be known[...] 2: [18] A holiday: or perhaps, "a remission of taxes." 3: [19-23] This is a resumption, in a slightly different form, of the story already told in Esther A[...] 4: [21] Mordecai . . . at the king's gate: to exercise watchful care for Esther. Some understand this[...] 5: [23] Hanged on a gibbet: impaled, perhaps, after the Babylonian manner.
1: [2] Mordecai . . . would not kneel and bow down: in order not to render to man the homage which he[...] 2: [7] Pur: a Babylonian word which the Hebrew translates as goral, "lot." This word is preserved in [...] 3: [10] Signet ring: a ring containing a seal which was impressed on documents to authenticate them. [...]
1: [8] Whatever is written . . . cannot be revoked: the king cannot directly grant Esther's request [...] 2: [13] Avenge themselves on their enemies: partly in self-defense (Esther E:20), and partly to expr[...]
1: [10] They did not engage in plundering: in contrast to the Israelites who fought Agag (1 Sam 15:9[...] 2: [15] This second slaughter explains the two dates (13th and 14th) of the Purim celebration by Jews[...] 3: [16] Seventy-five thousand: according to the Greek text this number was fifteen thousand. 4: [29] Queen Esther, daughter of Abihail and of Mordecai: the natural offspring of Abihail and adopt[...] 5: [31] Fasting and supplication: as the Jews had previously undertaken the duty of fasting and suppl[...]
1: [7] Two lots: in this passage of the Greek text, which gives a more religious interpretation of th[...] 2: [10] The Greek text of Esther contains a postscript as follows: In the fourth year of the reign of[...]
1: [1] Land of Kittim: Greece. The name referred originally to inhabitants of Kiti, capital of the is[...] 2: [7] Twelve years: 336-323 B.C. 3: [10] The year one hundred and thirty-seven: Antiochus IV seized the throne in September, 175 B.C. [...] 4: [14] Gymnasium: symbol and center of athletic and intellectual life, it was the chief instrument o[...] 5: [17] Elephants: an important part of Seleucid armament. About 300 B.C. Seleucus I, founder of the [...] 6: [20] Defeated Egypt in the year one hundred and forty-three: 169 B.C. No mention is made in 1 Mc o[...] 7: [33] City of David: not Mount Zion on the eastern hill of Jerusalem, which David captured from the[...] 8: [54] Fifteenth day of the month Chislev, in the year one hundred and forty-five: December 6, 167 B[...] 9: [56-57] Scrolls of the law: one or more of the first five books of the Old Testament.
1: [1] Modein: a village twenty miles northwest of Jerusalem. 2: [18] The King's Friends: a regular order of nobility at Hellenistic courts. The various grades are[...] 3: [18] Friends, Chief Friends, Kinsmen. 4: [29] The desert: the sparsely inhabited mountain country southward from Jerusalem and west of the [...] 5: [42] Hasideans: in Hebrew hasidim, "pious ones," a religious group devoted to the strict observanc[...] 6: [70] In the year one hundred and forty-six: 166 B.C.
1: [10] Apollonius: the Mysian commander mentioned in 1 Macc 1:29; 2 Macc 5:24. 2: [16] Beth-horon: the famous pass leading up from the coastal plain to the Judean hill country. Her[...] 3: [22] He himself: out of reverence for God, the author of 1 Macc prefers to use this and other expr[...] 4: [24] About eight hundred: the figures given in this book for strength of armies and number of casu[...] 5: [37] This expedition, in the spring of 165 B.C., resulted in failure; cf 1 Macc 6. 6: [38] Nicanor: the leader of another attack against the Jews four years later. He was finally kille[...] 7: [40] Emmaus: probably not the village mentioned in Luke 24:13 but a settlement about twenty miles[...] 8: [46] ...Mizpah a place of prayer for Israel: a holy place established of old eight miles north and[...] 9: [48] To learn . . . idols: favorable omens for the coming battle. A contrast is intended between t[...] 10: [49] Nazirites: see note on Numbers 6:1-3.
1: [15] Gazara: Gezer of the Hebrew Bible, five miles northwest of Emmaus; Azotus, Hebrew Ashdod, lay[...] 2: [22] Philistine territory: the coastal cities of southern Palestine, traditionally hostile to Jeru[...] 3: [29] Beth-zur: an important frontier city in the mountain area, fifteen miles south of Jerusalem. [...] 4: [35] According to 2 Macc 11:13-15 peace negotiations followed between Lysias and Judas. 5: [36] The sanctuary: the whole temple area with its walls, courts and outbuildings, to be distingui[...] 6: [52] Twenty-fifth day of the ninth month . . . in the year one hundred and forty-eight: December 1[...] 7: [59] Days of the dedication . . . Chislev: institution of thefeast of Hannukah, also called the fe[...]
1: [1] The events of this chapter occurred within the year 163 B.C. 2: Akrabattene: a district southwest of the Dead Sea. 3: [4] Sons of Baean: 2 Macc 10:15-23 calls them simply Idumeans. 4: [6-8] This summary anticipates the order of events and would fit better between 1 Macc 5:36 and 3[...] 5: [15] Ptolemais: Hebrew Acco (Judges 1:31), modern Acre, on the coast north of Haifa. 6: [25] Nabateans: an Arab people who acquired wealth and power as caravan merchants in the final two[...] 7: [46] Ephron: a city in Transjordan opposite Beth-shan, about five miles east of the Jordan River. [...] 8: [65] Sons of Esau: Idumeans.
1: [1] Elymais: the mountainous region of Elam, north of the Persian Gulf. This section continues the[...] 2: [16] The year one hundred and forty-nine: September 22, 164, to October 9, 163 B.C. A Babylonian l[...] 3: [17] The king's son Antiochus: Antiochus V Eupator, then about nine years old. He was in Antioch, [...] 4: [20] The year one hundred and fifty: October, 163, to September, 162 B.C. 5: [49] A sabbath year in the land: when sowing and reaping were prohibited (Exodus 23:10-11; Lev 25[...]
1: [1-3] The year one hundred and fifty-one: the spring of 161 B.C. Demetrius, son of Seleucus, was t[...] 2: [5-6] Alcimus: a renegade Jew hostile to the Maccabees, who became high priest after the death of [...] 3: [19] Beth-zaith: about three miles north of Beth-zur and twelve miles south of Jerusalem. 4: [27] Nicanor . . . deceitfully sent to Judas: a more favorable picture of Nicanor, as an honest ma[...] 5: [31] Caphar-salama: a village seven miles north-northwest of Jerusalem, on the road leading to Bet[...] 6: Defiled them: spitting on the priests caused them to become legally defiled. 7: [40] Adasa: a village southeast of Caphar-salama. 8: [49] The thirteenth of Adar: March 27, 160 B.C. This day in the Jewish calendar was called the "Da[...] 9: [50] A short time: about one month following the death of Nicanor. After that began the attack of [...]
1: [1] This chapter contains the account of the embassy which Judas sent to Rome, probably before the[...] 2: [1] The image of the Roman Republic greatly impressed the smaller Eastern peoples seeking support [...] 3: [2] Gauls: probably the Celts of northern Italy and southern France, subdued by the Romans in 222 [...] 4: [5] Phillip: Phillip V of Macedonia, defeated by a Graeco-Roman alliance at Cynoscephalae in 197 B[...] 5: [6] Antiochus: Antiochus III, greatest of the Seleucid kings. He was defeated at Magnesia in 190 B[...] 6: [8] Lycia, Mysia: regions in western Asia Minor. These names are restored here by conjectural emen[...] 7: [9-10] The revolt of the Achaean League, inserted here, occurred in 146 B.C., after Judas' time. I[...] 8: [16] They entrusted their government to one man: actually the Roman Republic always had two consul[...] 9: [22] The reply . . . on bronze tablets and sent to Jerusalem: The decree of the Senate would be in[...]
1: [2] They took the road . . . Arbela, they captured it: This passage is restored, in part, by conje[...] 2: [3] The first month of the year one hundred and fifty-two: April/May 160 B.C., by the temple calen[...] 3: [15] As far as the mountain slopes: conjectural emendation. The Greek text has "as far as Mount Az[...] 4: [33] Tekoa: home of the prophet Amos in the wild country above the Dead Sea, southeast of Jerusale[...] 5: [34] Omitted, it is a dittography of 1 Macc 9:43. 6: [35] Jonathan sent his brother: this was John who was called Gaddi (1 Macc 2:2; cf 1 Macc 9:36, 3[...] 7: [36] Medaba: northeast of the Dead Sea. 8: [45] Jonathan's force was apparently trapped in one of the many oxbows of the lower Jordan. Bacchi[...] 9: [50] These sites constitute a ring on the edges of the province of Judea. 10: [54] In the year . . . second month: May, 159 B.C. 11: [62] Bethbasi: two miles east of Bethlehem and six miles north of Tekoa. 12: [73] Began to judge: exercise the governing authority as in the book of Judges. With Jerusalem and[...]
1: [1] The year one hundred and sixty: 152 B.C. Alexander . . . Antiochus: Alexander Balas claimed to[...] 2: [21] Jonathan . . . feast of Booths: Jonathan began to discharge the office of high priest October[...] 3: [30] The three districts annexed from Samaria: mentioned by name in 1 Maccc 11;34. The present Gre[...] 4: [57] Cleopatra: Cleopatra Thea, then about fifteen years old. She later married Demetrius II, and [...] 5: [67] The year one hundred and sixty-five: 147 B.C. Demetrius: Demetrius II Nicator. 6: [76] Joppa: about forty miles northwest of Jerusalem. For the first time the Maccabees took posses[...] 7: [89] Kinsmen: a class higher than Chief Friends.
1: [7] Eleutherus: modern Nahr el-Kebir, the northern border of modern Lebanon; in the second century[...] 2: [8] Seleucia-by-the-Sea: at the mouth of the Orontes, the port city of Antioch. 3: [10] I regret . . . to kill me: according to Josephus, Ammonius, a friend of Alexander, had tried [...] 4: [19] The year one hundred and sixty-seven: 146/145 B.C. The two deaths (1 Macc 11:17-18) occurred[...] 5: [30] Brother: this title and father in 1 Macc 11:32 are honorific titles used of the Kinsmen. 6: [31] Lasthenes: leader of the mercenary troops who had come with Demetrius from Crete. He was now [...] 7: [34] Aphairema: the Ophrah of Joshua 18:23; 1 Sam 23:6; the Ephron of 2 Chron 13:19; and the Eph[...] 8: [59] Ladder of Tyre: modern Ras en-Naquurah, on the border between Lebanon and Israel, where the m[...] 9: [60] West-of-Euphrates: refers here to the territory of Palestine and Coelesyria, but not Upper Sy[...] 10: [67] Plain of Hazor: the site of the ancient Canaanite city (Joshua 11:10), ten miles north of th[...]
1: [7] Onias: Onias I, high priest from 323-300 or 290 B.C. Arius: Arius I, king from 309 to 265 B.C.[...] 2: [9] The sacred books . . . in our possession: a reference to "the law, the prophets and other book[...] 3: [25] Country of Hamath: the Seleucid territory of Upper Syria northeast of Coelesyria and separate[...] 4: [49] The Great Plain: of Beth-shan (1 Macc 12:41), where Jonathan's disbanded troops remained. [...]
1: [20-21] The invaders made a wide flanking; movement to invade Judea from the south. Adora was a fe[...] 2: [23] Bashama: northeast of the Sea of Galilee. 3: [41] The year one hundred and seventy: March, 142, to April, 141 B.C., by the temple calendar. 4: [43] Gazara: a key position in the Shephelah, fortified by Bacchides in 160 B.C.; cf 9,52. 5: [51] The twenty-third day of the second month: June 3, 141 B.C. 6: [53] John: John Hyrcanus, who was to succeed his father as ruler and high priest; cf 1 Macc 16:23[...]
1: [1] The year one hundred and seventy-two: 141-140 B.C. The expedition began most probably in the s[...] 2: [2] Arsaces: Arsaces VI, also called Mithridates I, the Parthian king (171-138 B.C.). Parthians ha[...] 3: [16] The embassy to Rome and Sparta was sent soon after Simon's accession to power, and the replie[...] 4: [27] Eighteenth day of Elul: September 13, 140 B.C. Asaramel: a Hebrew name meaning "court of the [...] 5: [47] Ethnarch: a subaltern ruler over a racial group whose office needed confirmation by a higher [...]
1: [1] Antiochus: Antiochus VII Sidetes, son of Demetrius I, and younger brother of Demetrius II, now[...] 2: [10] The year one hundred and seventy-four: 138 B.C. 3: [11] Dor, by the sea: a fortress on the Palestinian coast, fifteen miles south of Carmel. 4: [16] Lucius: Perhaps Lucius Caecilius Metellus, consul in 142 B.C., or Lucius Calpurnicus Piso, co[...] 5: [22] Attalus: Attalus II of Pergamum, reigned 159-138 B.C. Ariarthes: Ariarthes V of Cappadocia, r[...] 6: [37] Orthosia: a port between Tripoli and the Eleutherus River. 7: [39] Kedron: a few miles southeast of Jamnia and facing the fortress of Gazara held by John Hyrcan[...]
1: [14] In the year one hundred and seventy-seven, in the eleventh month: January-February, 134 B.C.,[...] 2: [15] Dok: a fortress built on a cliff three miles northwest of Jericho, near modern Ain Duq. 3: [23-24] John Hyrcanus was ruler and high priest from 134 B.C. till his death in 104 B.C. These ver[...]
1: [7] Demetrius: Demetrius II, king of Syria (145-139, 129-125 B.C.). The year one hundred and sixty[...] 2: [8] Our prayer was heard: in the ultimate victory of the Maccabees. 3: [9] Feast of Booths in the month of Chislev: really the feast of the Dedication of the temple (2 [...] 4: [10] 124 B.C. The date pertains to the preceding, not the following letter. King Ptolemy: Ptolemy [...] 5: [11-12] The king: Antiochus IV of Syria, the bitter persecutor of the Jews, who, as leader of the [...] 6: [13] Nanea: an oriental goddess comparable to Artemis of the Greeks. 7: [14-17] A different account of the death of Antiochus IV is given in 2 Macc 9:1-29, and another v[...] 8: [18-36] This purely legendary account of Nehemiah's miraculous fire is incorporated in the letter [...] 9: [18] Nehemiah, the rebuilder of the temple he: rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem, but the temple had [...] 10: [19] Persia: actually Babylonia, which later became part of the Persian Empire. 11: [36] By a play on words, the Greek term naphtha (petroleum) is assimilated to some Semitic word, p[...]
1: [1-8] This legendary accout of how Jeremiah hid the sacred tent (which was not mentioned after the[...] 2: [4] The mountain: Nebo; cf Deut 34:1. 3: [8] The Place: the temple of Jerusalem. 4: [11] The statement attributed here to Moses seems to be based on Lev 10:16-20. 5: [13] Nehemiah's Memoirs: a lost apocryphal work. 6: [20] For the account of the campaigns against Antiochus IV Epiphanes, see 2 Macc 4:7-10:9; and fo[...]
1: [1-40] This legendary episode about Heliodorus is recounted here for the purpose of stressing the [...] 2: [1] The high priest Onias: Onias III, who was high priest from 196 to 175 B.C., and died in 171 B.[...] 3: [3] Seleucus: Seleucus IV Philopator, who reigned from 187 to 175 B.C. 4: [4] Bilgah: a priestly family mentioned in Nehemiah 12:5, 18. 5: [11] Son of Tobias: a member of the Tobiad family of Transjordan (Nehemiah 2:10; 6:17-19; 13:4-8)[...]
1: [7] Seleucus died: he was murdered by Heliodorus. Antiochus Epiphanes was his younger brother. Oni[...] 2: [9] Youth club: an educational institution in which young men were trained both in Greek intellect[...] 3: [11] Eupolemus: one of the two envoys sent to Rome by Judas Maccabeus (1 Macc 8:17). 4: [12] Since the gymnasium, where the youth exercised naked (Greek gymnos), lay in the Tyropoeon Val[...] 5: [20] Triremes: war vessels with three banks of oars. 6: [21] Philometor: Ptolemy VI, king of Egypt, c. 172 to c. 145 B.C. 7: [23] Menelaus: Jewish high priest from c. 172 to his execution in 162 B.C. (2 Macc 13:3-8). 8: [30] Mallus: a city of Cilicia (2 Macc 4:36) in southeastern Asia Minor, about thirty miles east [...] 9: [36] The city: Antioch. But some understand the Greek to mean "each city." 10: [39] The city: Jerusalem. Menelaus was still in Syria. 11: [44] The senate: the council of Jewish elders at Jerusalem; cf 1 Macc 12:6.
1: [1] Second expedition: the first invasion of Egypt by Antiochus in 169 B.C. (1 Macc 1:16-20) is n[...] 2: [5] Jason: brother of Onias III, was claimant of the high priesthood (2 Macc 4:7-10). Later he wa[...] 3: [8] Aretas: King Aretas I of the Nabateans; cf 1 Macc 5:25. 4: [19] Man is more important than even the most sacred institutions; cf Mark 2:27. 5: [22] Philip, a Phrygian by birth: the Philip of 2 Macc 6:11; 8:8 but probably not the same as Phi[...] 6: [23] Mount Gerizim: the sacred mountain of the Samaritans at Shechem; cf 2 Macc 6:2. 7: [24] Apollonius: the Mysian commander of 1 Macc 1:29; mentioned also in 2 Macc 3:5; 4:4.
1: [2] Olympian Zeus: equated with the Syrian Baal Shamen ("the lord of the heavens"), a term which t[...] 2: [4] Amused themselves with prostitutes: as in the fertility cults of the ancient Near East; see no[...] 3: [7] Dionysus: called also Bacchus, the god of the grape harvest and of wine; ivy was one of his sy[...] 4: [6:18-7:42] The stories of Eleazar and of the mother and her seven sons, among the earliest mode[...]
1: [9] The King of the world will raise us up: here, and in 2 Macc 7:11, 14, 23, 29, 36, belief in [...] 2: [28] God did not make them out of existing things: that is, God made all things solely by his omni[...]
1: [8-29, 34-35] This account of the campaign of Nicanor and Gorgias against Judas is paralleled, wit[...] 2: [22] Joseph: called John in 1 Macc 2:2; 9:36, 38; this paragraph interrupts the story of Nicanor[...]
1: [1-28] In order to keep together the various accounts of God's punishment of the persecutors of hi[...] 2: [19-27] Despite the statement in 2 Macc 9:18 this letter is not really a supplication. It is rath[...] 3: [25] The letter copied below: not included in the text of 2 Macc.
1: [3] Two years: three years according to 1 Macc 1:54; 4:52. 2: [12] Ptolemy Macron: son of Dorymenes (2 Macc 4:45), was formerly hostile to the Jews (2 Macc 6:8[...] 3: [14-23] Probably the same campaign of Judas against the Idumeans that is mentioned in 1 Macc 5:1-[...] 4: [24] Timothy . . . previously . . . defeated by the Jews: as recounted in 2 Macc 8:30-33. 5: [28] As soon as dawn broke: the same battle at dawn as in 1 Macc 5:30-34. 6: [37] Timothy . . . they killed: apparently, the same Timothy is still alive in 2 Macc 12:2, 18-25[...]
1: [1-12] The defeat of Lysias at Beth-zur probably occurred before the purification of the temple; c[...] 2: [21] The year one hundred and forty-eight: 164 B.C. The reading of the name of the month and its p[...] 3: [33] The date, which is the same as the date of the Romans' letter (v 38), cannot be correct. The [...] 4: [38] The date is March 12, 164 B.C.
1: [2] Apollonius, son of Gennaeus: not the Apollonius who was the son of Menestheus (2 Macc 4:21). [...] 2: [10] From there: not from the aforesaid Jamnia (2 Macc 12:8-9) or Joppa (2 Macc 12:3-7), but from[...] 3: [17] Certain Jews known as Toubiani: because they lived "in the land of Tob" (1 Macc 5:13). 4: [26] Atargatis: a Syrian goddess, represented by the body of a fish. 5: [29] Scythopolis: the Greek name of the city of Beth-shan; cf 1 Macc 5:52. 6: [35] One of Bacenor's men: certain ancient witnesses to the text have "one of the Toubiani"; cf 2[...] 7: [42-45] This is the earliest statement of the doctrine that prayers (2 Macc 12:42) and sacrifices[...]
1: [1] In the year one hundred and forty-nine: 163-162 B.C. 2: [2] They led: the Greek means literally "Each (of them) led," but it is unlikely that the author [...] 3: [4] Beroea: the Greek name of Aleppo. 4: [5] Ashes: probably smoldering ashes; the tower resembles the ancient Persian fire towers. 5: [15] Slew: literally "stabbed"; the deed was done by Eleazar (1 Macc 6:43-46). 6: [16] They withdrew in triumph: according to 1 Macc 6:47 they fled. 7: [21] Military secrets: probably about the lack of provisions in the besieged city; cf 1 Macc 6:49[...] 8: [24] The Greek text is uncertain and may be rendered: "He approved of Maccabeus, then left Hegemon[...]
1: [1] Three years later: actually, Demetrius (I Soter), son of Seleucus (IV), landed at Tripolis in [...] 2: [14] Who would have banished Judas: the meaning of the Greek is uncertain; some render it: "who ha[...] 3: [37-46] The story of Razis belongs to the "martyrology" class of literature; it is similar to the [...]
1: [6] Public monument of victory: a heap of stones covered with the arms and armor of the fallen ene[...] 2: [9] The law and the prophets: the first of the three parts of the Hebrew Scriptures, called the sa[...] 3: [12] Onias, the former high priest: Onias III (2 Macc 3:1-40). Evidently the author believed that[...] 4: [14] Jeremiah: regarded by the postexilic Jews as one of the greatest figures in their history; cf[...] 5: [31] Those in the citadel: presumably Jewish soldiers; actually, the citadel was still in the poss[...] 6: [36] Mordecai's Day: the feast of Purim, celebrated on the fourteenth and fifteenth days of Adar [...]
1: [1] Uz: somewhere in Edom or Arabia. Job: a not uncommon name in ancient Semitic circles; its orig[...] 2: [2-3] The numbers mentioned here indicate Job's great wealth and happiness, external proof of God'[...] 3: [3] Men of the East: that is, east of Palestine. 4: [6] Sons of God: angels. Satan: literally, "adversary." 5: [15] Sabeans: from southern Arabia. 6: [16] Lightning: literally, "God's fire." 7: [21] Go back again: to the earth; cf Genesis 2:7; Sirach 40:1.
1: [4] Skin for skin: an expression which, as applied to Job, means that he has borne his suffering p[...] 2: [9] Curse God and die: you have nothing to hope for from God and therefore nothing to live for. [...] 3: [11] The names of Job's friends suggest Edomite origin. The Edomites (Obadiah 1:8-9) and more spe[...]
1: [8] Leviathan: in Job 40:25 the crocodile; here the reference is probably to a mythological sea m[...] 2: [16] (16)This verse has been placed between Job 3:11-12 where it probably stood originally. There[...] 3: [17] There: in death.
1: [10] The lion: used figuratively here for the violent, rapacious sinner who cannot prevail against[...] 2: [12-21] A dramatic presentation of the idea of man's nothingness in contrast to God's greatness. [...]
1: [4] At the gate: of the city, where justice was administered. 2: [7] Sparks: in Hebrew, "sons of resheph," which the ancient versions took as the name of a bird. [...] 3: [9] Omitted here; it is a duplicate of Job 9:10. 4: [19] Six . . . the seventh: proverbial expression for any large number; cf Proverb 24:16; Luke 17[...]
1: [5-6] Job would not complain if his life were as pleasant to him as fodder to a hungry animal; but[...] 2: [19] Tema: in northwest Arabia. Sheba: see note on Job 1:15.
1: [1] Drudgery: taken by some to refer to military service; cf also Job 14:14. 2: [12] An allusion in poetic imagery to primeval chaos as a monstrous ocean vanquished by God at the[...] 3: [12-21] Job now speaks, not to his friend, but to God.
1: [4-5] The Hebrew is somewhat obscure, but the general sense is that the wicked mock at the pious w[...] 2: [18] (18)Waistcloth . . . loins: he reduces kings to the condition of slaves, who wear only a clot[...]
1: [14] The second half of the verse is a common biblical expression for risking one's life; cf Judg[...] 2: [20] From here to the end of Job 14 Job pleads his case, addressing God rather than his three frie[...] 3: [28] (13:28)This verse has been transposed from Job 13.
1: [18] As the blood of those who were unjustly slain cries to heaven for vengeance (Genesis 4:10; E[...] 2: [19] Witness: refers either to God or, more probably, to Job's prayer.
1: [4] Job himself is portrayed as having the heedless rage of wild beasts, despite which God does no[...] 2: [13] First-born of death: that is, disease, plague. 3: [14] The king of terrors: of the nether world, death; however, the Hebrew is obscure.
1: [20] With my flesh between my teeth: meaning perhaps that Job has been reduced to such an extremit[...] 2: [22] Divine: possessing God's attributes of judgment and authority to punish. 3: [23-24] Job regards what he is about to say as so important that he wishes it recorded in a perman[...] 4: [25, 27] The meaning of this passage is obscure because the original text has been poorly preserve[...]
1: [6-8] This criticism of Job by Eliphaz is altogether untrue, but it is made to dramatize the latte[...] 2: [18] A gloss, taken partly from Job 21:16. 3: [24] Ophir: cf note to Psalm 45:10.
1: [1] Why does not God favor his friends by the speedy punishment of his enemies? (The text and orde[...] 2: [17] The asterisks which follow this verse mark off a passage (Job 24:18-24) which cannot be ascr[...]
1: [1-14] Probably to be read as Job's reply to Bildad's short speech. Some, however, would make it t[...] 2: [5] Shades: the dead in Sheol, the nether world; cf Psalm 6:6; 88:11. 3: [6] Nether world: cf note to Psalm 6:6. Abaddon: Hebrew for "(place of) destruction," a synonym f[...] 4: [7] The North: used here as a synonym for the firmament, the heavens; cf Isaiah 14, 13. 5: [10] Circle: the horizon of the ocean which serves as the boundary for the activity of light and d[...] 6: [12] Rahab: cf Job 9:13; see note on Psalm 89:11. 7: [13] The fugitive dragon: the same term occurs in Isaiah 27:1 in apposition to Leviathan; see not[...]
1: [2-11] This is probably to be read as Job's reply to Zophar's speech of Job 27:12-20(13-21). In t[...] 2: [12-20] This is probably to be read as Zophar's third speech. The asterisks are present to indicat[...] 3: [21] The Hebrew has two more verses: Job 27:22 (read above with Job 26:13); Job 27:23 which is a[...]
1: [1-28] Note the changed order of verses; Job 28:4 is uncertain. This chapter contains a beautiful[...] 2: [16] Ophir: cf note to Psalm 45:9. 3: [22] (22)Abaddon: cf note to Job 26:6.
1: [6] Hyperbole to express abundance; see note on Job 20:17. 2: [18] Phoenix: a legendary bird which, after several centuries of life, consumed itself in fire, th[...]
1: [4] Saltwort: found in salt marshes and very sour to the taste; eaten by the extremely poor as a c[...] 2: [16-21] (19-24)Job here refers to God's stern treatment of him.
1: [6-34] Job's final protestation of his innocence. 2: [8,9] Note the gradation: avoidance of sinful glances and thoughts against a maiden; desire for an[...] 3: [21] Gate: cf notes on Job 5:4; Ruth 4:1. 4: [26-28] Job never sinned by worshiping the sun or the moon; waft them a kiss: an act of idolatrous[...] 5: [31] The members of his household will testify to his hospitality. 6: [33,34] Job's present protest is made, not in spite of hidden sins which he had been unwilling to [...] 7: [36] On my shoulder: i.e., boldly, proudly. 8: [37] Like a prince: not as a frightened criminal. Final plea: literally, "tau," the last letter of[...]
1: [4] A reply to you: Elihu refers to Job's statement that the innocent suffer as much as the wicked[...] 2: [14-15] The text here is uncertain. It seems to indicate that Job should have realized God's indif[...]
1: [5-21] Perhaps this section should be read between Job 34:6 and 7. 2: [12] Knowledge: practical wisdom in serving God, which they lack because they refused it when warn[...] 3: [14] Reprobate: cf Deut 23:18-19. 4: [16-20] The Hebrew text here is in disorder. The Vulgate has: "Therefore he will give you most amp[...] 5: [31] These: refers to the showers of Job 36:28 if the verse order indicated above is correct. 6: [30-31] Because of the uncertaintiy of the text, no translation of these verses has received unani[...]
1: [2] Voice: the thunder. 2: [9] Chamber: where it was popularly believed storms were kept enclosed. 3: [12] Their rounds: of rain (Job 36:27), of clouds (Job 36:29-30), of lightning and thunder (Job [...] 4: [18] The firmament . . . mirror: the ancients thought of the sky as a ceiling above which were the[...] 5: [20] Will an angel bring this to God's attention? 6: [21] Even though God seems not to know our circumstances, he does know them, just as surely as the[...] 7: [22] Now the storms of doubt and ignorance disappear, and from the North, used here as a symbol fo[...]
1: [1] Now the LORD enters the debate and addresses two discourses (Job 38-39 and Job 40-41) to Job, [...] 2: [3] Gird up your loins: prepare for combat - figuratively, be ready to defend yourself in debate. [...] 3: [7] Sons of God: angels; cf Job 1:6. 4: [21] Divine irony. 5: [22-23] Hail . . . of war: thus God used a hailstorm to rout Joshua's foes in the battle of Gibeon[...] 6: [31-32] Pleiades . . . Orion . . . Bear: cf Job 9:9. Mazzaroth: It is uncertain what astronomical[...] 7: [34] Veil yourself . . . storm: wrap yourself in a cloud, as God comes in a theophany; cf Psalm 1[...] 8: [35] Here we are: at your service. 9: [36] Understanding: the reflection of divine Wisdom discernible in the created animal instincts of[...]
1: [13] The wings of the ostrich cannot raise her from the ground, but they help her to run swiftly. [...] 2: [14-16] It was popularly believed that, because the ostrich laid her eggs on the sand, she was the[...] 3: [19-25] The famous description of a war horse.
1: [15] Behemoth: the hippopotamus. 2: [24] Eyes . . . nose: the only exposed parts of the submerged beast. 3: [25] (25) Leviathan here is the crocodile. But cf Job 3:8. 4: [30] (30) Merchants: literally, "Canaanites," whose reputation for trading was so widespread that [...]
1: [2-6] In the current Hebrew text, this final utterance of Job is interrupted by words ascribed to [...] 2: [7] The three friends of Job (Elihu is ignored in the Epilogue) are criticized by the LORD because[...] 3: [8] Job becomes the intercessor for his friends, as were other great Old Testament characters, e.g[...] 4: [11] A piece of money: the term is the same as that used in Genesis 33:19; Joshua 24:32. Gold rin[...] 5: [14] Job's daughters had names symbolic of their charms: Jemimah, dove; Keziah, precious perfume ([...] 6: [15] Ordinarily daughters did not inherit property unless there were no sons; cf Numbers 27:1-11.[...] 7: [16] As his other rewards were twice as much as he had before (Job 42:10) so Job's hundred and fo[...]
1: [Psalm 1] A preface to the whole Book of Psalms, contrasting with striking similes the destiny of [...] 2: [1] Those: literally, "the man." That word is used here and in many of the Psalms as typical, and [...] 3: [2] The law of the LORD: either the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, or, more probably, d[...] 4: [4] The wicked: those who by their actions distance themselves from God's life-giving presence. [...]
1: [Psalm 2] royal psalm. To rebellious kings (Psalm 2:1-3) God responds vigorously (Psalm 2:4-6). A[...] 2: [2] Anointed: in Hebrew mashiah, "anointed"; in Greek christos, whence English Messiah and Christ.[...]
1: [Psalm 3] An individual lament complaining of enemies who deny that God will come to the rescue ([...] 2: [1] The superscription, added later, relates the psalm to an incident in the life of David. 3: [3,5,9] Selah: the term is generally considered a direction to the cantor or musicians but its exa[...]
1: [Psalm 4] An individual lament emphasizing trust in God. The petition is based upon the psalmist's[...] 2: [1] For the leader: many psalm headings contain this rubric. Its exact meaning is unknown but may [...] 3: [5] Tremble: be moved deeply with religious awe. The Greek translation understood the emotion to b[...]
1: [Psalm 5] A lament contrasting the security of the house of God (Psalm 5:8-9, 12-13) with the dan[...] 2: [10] Their throats: their speech brings harm to their hearers (cf Jeremiah 5:16). The verse menti[...]
1: [Psalm 6] The first of the seven Penitential Psalms (Psalm 6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, 143), a design[...] 2: [1] Upon the eighth: apparently a musical notation, now lost. 3: [4] How long?: elliptical for "How long will it be before you answer my prayer?" Cf Psalm 13:2-3.[...] 4: [5] mercy: Heb. hesed, translated as "mercy' or "love," describes God's affectionate fidelity to [...] 5: [6] A motive for God to preserve the psalmist from death: in the shadowy world of the dead no one [...]
1: [Psalm 7] An individual lament. The psalmist flees to God's presence in the sanctuary for justice [...] 2: [4] At fault in this: in the accusation the enemies have made against the psalmist.
1: [Psalm 8] While marvelling at the limitless grandeur of God (Psalm 8:2-3), the psalmist is struck[...] 2: [1] Upon the gittith: probably the title of the melody to which the psalm was to be sung or a musi[...] 3: [3] Babes and infants: the text is obscure. Some join this line to the last line of Psalm 8:2 (it[...] 4: [5] Humans . . . mere mortals: literally, "(mortal) person". . . "son of man (in sense of a human[...] 5: [6] Little less than a god: Hebrew 'elohim, the ordinary word for "God" or "the gods" or members [...]
1: [Psalms 9-10] Psalm 9 and Psalm 10 in the Hebrew text have been transmitted as separate poems but [...] 2: [1] Muth Labben: probably the melodic accompaniment of the psalm, now lost. 3: [15] Daughter Zion: an ancient Near Eastern city could sometimes be personified as a woman or a qu[...] 4: [17] The Lord is revealed in this divine rule: God has so made the universe that the wicked are pu[...]
1: [Psalm 11] A song of trust. Though friends counsel flight to the mountain country (a traditional h[...] 2: [3] Foundations: usually understood of public order. Cf Psalm 82:5. 3: [6] Their allotted cup: the cup that God gives people to drink is a common figure for their destin[...]
1: [Psalm 12] A lament. The psalmist, thrown into a world where lying and violent people persecute th[...] 2: [Psalm 13] A crucible: lit. "in a crucible in the ground." The crucible was placed in the ground f[...]
1: [Psalm 14] The lament (duplicated in Psalm 53) depicts the world as consisting of two types of peo[...] 2: [1] Fools: literally, "the fool." The singular is used typically, hence the plural translation. [...] 3: [7] Israel . . . Jacob . . . his people: the righteous poor are identified with God's people.
1: [Psalm 15] The psalm records a liturgical scrutiny at the entrance to the temple court (cf Psalm [...] 2: [1] Your tent . . . your holy mountain: the temple could be referred to as "tent" (Psalm 61:5; Is[...] 3: [5] Lends no money at interest: lending money in the Old Testament was often seen as assistance to[...]
1: [Psalm 16] In the first section, the psalmist rejects the futile worship of false gods (Psalm 16:[...] 2: [1] Miktam: a term occurring six times in psalm superscriptions, always with "David." Its meaning [...] 3: [4] Take their names: to use the gods' names in oaths and hence to affirm them as one's own gods. [...] 4: [6] Pleasant places were measured out for me: the psalmist is pleased with the plot of land measur[...] 5: [10] Nor let your faithful servant see the pit: Hebrew shahath means here the pit, a synonym for S[...]
1: [Psalm 17] A lament of an individual unjustly attacked who has taken refuge in the temple. Confide[...] 2: [8] Apple of your eye . . . shadow of your wings: images of God's special care. Cf Deut 32:10; Pr[...] 3: [10-12,14] An extended metaphor: the enemies are lions. 4: [15] When I awake: probably the psalmist has spent the night in the sanctuary (cf Psalm 17:3) and[...]
1: [Psalm 12] A royal thanksgiving for a military victory, duplicated in 2 Sam 22. Thanksgiving psalm[...] 2: [3] My saving horn: my strong savior. The horn referred to is the weapon of a bull and the symbol [...] 3: [6] Cords: hunting imagery, the cords of a snare. 4: [7] His temple: his heavenly abode. 5: [8-16] God appears in the storm, which in Palestine comes from the west. The introduction to the t[...] 6: [11] Cherub: a winged creature, derived from myth, in the service of the deity (Genesis 3:24; Exo[...] 7: [15] Arrows: lightning. 8: [35] Bow of bronze: hyperbole for a bow difficult to bend and therefore capable of propelling an a[...]
1: [Psalm 19] The heavenly elements of the world, now beautifully arranged, bespeak the power and wis[...] 2: [4] No word or sound: the regular functioning of the heavens and the alternation of day and night [...] 3: [5] The sun: in other religious literature the sun is a judge and lawgiver since it sees all in it[...] 4: [12] Instructed: the Hebrew verb means both to shine and to teach. Cf Daniel 12:3.
1: [Psalm 20] The people pray for the king before battle. The people ask for divine help (Psalm 20:2[...] 2: [4] Remember: God's remembering implies readiness to act. Cf Genesis 8:1; Exodus 2:24 3: [6] Victory: the Hebrew root is often translated "salvation," "to save," but in military contexts[...]
1: [Psalm 22] A lament unusual in structure and in intensity of feeling. The psalmist's present distr[...] 2: [1] The deer of the dawn: apparently the title of the melody. 3: [7] I am a worm, hardly human: the psalmist's sense of isolation and dehumanization, an important [...] 4: [13-14] Bulls: the enemies of the psalmist are also portrayed in less-than-human form, as wild ani[...] 5: [16] The dust of death: the netherworld, the domain of the dead. 6: [23] In the community I will praise you: the person who offered a thanksgiving sacrifice in the te[...] 7: [25] Turn away: literally, "hides his face from me," an important metaphor for God withdrawing fro[...] 8: [27] The poor: originally the poor, who were dependent on God; the term ('anawim) came to include [...] 9: [30] Hebrew unclear. The translation assumes that all on earth (Psalm 22:27-28) and under the ear[...]
1: [Psalm 23] God's loving care for the psalmist is portrayed under the figures of a shepherd for the[...] 2: [1] My shepherd: God as good shepherd is common in both the Old Testament and the New Testament ([...] 3: [3] The right path: connotes "right way" and "way of righteousness." 4: [4] A dark valley: a different division of the Hebrew consonants yields the translation "the valle[...] 5: [5] You set a table before me: this expression occurs in an exodus context in Psalm 78:19. As my [...] 6: [6] Goodness and love: the blessings of God's covenant with Israel.
1: [Psalm 24] The psalm apparently accompanied a ceremony of the entry of God (invisibly enthroned up[...] 2: [4-5] Literally, "the one whose hands are clean." The singular is used for the entire class of wo[...] 3: [7, 9] Lift up your heads, O gates . . . you ancient portals: the literal meaning is impossible si[...]
1: [Psalm 25] A lament. Each verse begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Such acros[...] 2: [5] Because of your goodness, LORD: these words have been transposed from the end of 7 to preserve[...] 3: [22] A final verse beginning with the Hebrew letter pe is added to the normal 22-letter alphabet. [...]
1: [Psalm 26] Like a priest washing before approaching the altar (Exodus 30:17-21), the psalmist see[...] 2: [6] I will wash my hands: the washing of hands was a liturgical act (Exodus 30:19, 21; 40:31-32)[...]
1: [Psalm 27] Tradition has handed down the two sections of the psalm (Psalm 27:1-6; 7-14) as one ps[...] 2: [2] To devour my flesh: the psalmist's enemies are rapacious beasts (Psalm 7:3; 17:12; 22:14, 17[...] 3: [8] Seek God's face (literally: "to seek his face"): to commune with God in the temple. The idiom [...] 4: [13] In the land of the living: or "in the land of life," an epithet of the Jerusalem temple (Psa[...]
1: [2] Your holy place: the innermost part of the temple, the holy of holies, containing the ark. Cf [...] 2: [6] The psalmist shifts to fervent thanksgiving, probably responding to a priestly or prophetic or[...] 3: [8] Your people . . . your anointed king: salvation is more than individual, affecting all the peo[...]
1: [Psalm 29] The hymn invites the members of the heavenly court to acknowledge God's supremacy by as[...] 2: [1] You heavenly beings: literally "sons of God," i.e., members of the heavenly court who served [...] 3: [3] The voice of the LORD: the sevenfold repetition of the phrase imitates the sound of crashing t[...] 4: [6] Sirion: the Phoenician name for Mount Hermon. Cf Deut 3:9. 5: [8] The desert of Kadesh: probably north of Palestine in the neighborhood of Lebanon and Hermon. [...] 6: [9b-10] Having witnessed God's supreme power (Psalm 29:3-9a), the gods acknowledge the glory that[...] 7: [10] The flood: God defeated the primordial waters and made them part of the universe. Cf Psalm 8[...] 8: [11] His people: God's people, Israel.
1: [Psalm 30] An individual thanksgiving in four parts: praise and thanks for deliverance and restora[...] 2: [1] For the dedication of the temple: a later adaptation of the psalm to celebrate the purificatio[...] 3: [3] Healed: for God as healer, see also Psalm 103:3; 107:20; Hosea 6:1; 7:1; 11:3; 14:5. 4: [4] Sheol ... pit: the shadowy underworld residence of the spirits of the dead, here a metaphor fo[...] 5: [7] Complacent: untroubled existence is often seen as a source of temptation to forget God. Cf De[...] 6: [10] in the stillness of Sheol no one gives you praise; let me live and be among your worshipers. [...]
1: [Psalm 31] A lament (Psalm 31:2-19) with a strong emphasis on trust (Psalm 31:4, 6, 15-16), endi[...] 2: [6] Into your hands I commend my spirit: in Luke 23:46 Jesus breathes his last with this psalm ve[...] 3: [13] Like a shattered dish: a common comparison for something ruined and useless. Cf Isaiah 30:14[...] 4: [14] Terrors are all around: a cry used in inescapable danger. Cf Jeremiah 6:25; 20:10; 46:5; 49[...]
1: [Psalm 32] An individual thanksgiving and the second of the seven Penitential Psalms (cf Psalm 6).[...] 2: [3] I kept silent: did not confess the sin before God. 3: [6] Flood waters: the untamed waters surrounding the earth, a metaphor for danger.
1: [Psalm 33] A hymn in which the just are invited (Psalm 33:1-3) to praise God, who by a mere word [...] 2: [6] All their host: the stars of the sky are commonly viewed as a vast army, e.g., Nehemiah 9:6; [...] 3: [7] The waters . . . as in a bowl: ancients sometimes attributed the power keeping the seas from o[...]
1: [Psalm 34] A thanksgiving in acrostic form, each line beginning with a successive letter of the He[...] 2: [1] Abimelech: a scribal error for Achish. In 1 Sam 21:13-16, David feigned madness before Achish[...] 3: [11] The powerful: literally, "lions." Fierce animals were sometimes metaphors for influential pe[...] 4: [12] Children: the customary term for students in Wisdom literature.
1: [Psalm 35] A lament of a person betrayed by friends. The psalmist prays that the evildoers be publ[...] 2: [1-6] The mixture of judicial, martial, and hunting images shows that the language is figurative. [...] 3: [13,15-17] The Hebrew is obscure.
1: [Psalm 36] A psalm with elements of wisdom (Psalm 36:2-5), the hymn (Psalm 36:6-10), and the lame[...] 2: [3] Hated: punished by God. 3: [6-7] Love . . . judgments: God actively controls the entire world. 4: [8] The shadow of your wings: metaphor for divine protection. It probably refers to the winged che[...]
1: [Psalm 37] The psalm responds to the problem of evil, which the Old Testament often expresses as a[...] 2: [3,9,11,22,27,29,34] The land: the promised land, Israel, which became for later interpreters a ty[...]
1: [Psalm 40] A thanksgiving (Psalm 40:2-13) has been combined with a lament (Psalm 40:14-17), that [...] 2: [4] A new song: a song in response to the new action of God (cf Psalm 33:3; 96:1; 144:9; 149:1; [...] 3: [7-9] Obedience is better than sacrifice (cf 1 Sam 15:22; Isaiah 1:10-20; Hosea 6:6; Amos 5:22-2[...]
1: [Psalm 41] A thanksgiving for rescue from illness (Psalm 41:4, 5, 9). Many people, even friends,[...] 2: [2] Happy those concerned for the lowly and poor: other psalms use the same formula ("Happy those"[...] 3: [10] Even the friend . . . has scorned me: John 13:18 cites this verse to characterize Judas as a[...] 4: [11] That I may repay them as they deserve: the healing itself is an act of judgment through which[...] 5: [14] The doxology, not part of the psalm, marks the end of the first of the five books of the Psal[...]
1: [Psalms 42-43] Psalm 42-43 form a single lament of three sections, each section ending in an ident[...] 2: [1] The Korahites: a major guild of temple singers (2 Chron 20:19) whose name appears in the supe[...] 3: [3] See the face of God: "face" designates a personal presence (Genesis 33:10; Exodus 10:28-29; [...] 4: [7] From the land of the Jordan: the sources of the Jordan are in the foothills of Mount Hermon in[...] 5: [8] Here deep calls to deep: to the psalmist, the waters arising in the north are overwhelming and[...]
1: [Psalm 44] In this lament the community reminds God of past favors which it has always acknowledge[...] 2: [11] You make us retreat: the corollary of Psalm 44:3. Defeat, like victory, is God's doing; neit[...] 3: [19] Our hearts have not turned back: Israel's defeat was not caused by its lack of fidelity. 4: [20] A place of jackals: following Israel's defeat and exile (Psalm 44:11-12), the land lies deso[...]
1: [Psalm 45] A song for the Davidic king's marriage to a foreign princess from Tyre in Phoenicia. Th[...] 2: [7] O god: the king, in courtly language, is called "god," i.e., more than human, representing God[...] 3: [9] Ivory-paneled palaces: literally, "palaces of ivory." Ivory paneling and furniture decoration[...] 4: [10] Ophir's gold: uncertain location, possibly a region on the coast of southern Arabia or easter[...] 5: [11] Forget your people and your father's house: the bride should no longer consider herself a dau[...]
1: [Psalm 46] A song of confidence in God's protection of Zion with close parallels to Psalm 48. The [...] 2: [1] Alamoth: the melody of the psalm, now lost. 3: [3-4] Figurative ancient Near Eastern language to describe social and political upheavals. 4: [4] The first line of the refrain is similar in structure and meaning to Isaiah's name for the roy[...] 5: [5] Jerusalem is not situated on a river. This description derives from mythological descriptions [...]
1: [Psalm 47] A hymn calling on the nations to acknowledge the universal rule of Israel's God (Psalm[...] 2: [5] Our heritage . . . the glory: the land of Israel (cf Isaiah 58:14), which God has given Israe[...] 3: [6] God mounts the throne: "has gone up to the throne," according to the context (Psalm 47:9). Ch[...]
1: [Psalm 48] A Zion hymn, praising the holy city as the invincible dwelling place of God. Unconquera[...] 2: [1] Korahites: Psalm 48: see note on Psalm 42:1. 3: [3] The heights of Zaphon: the mountain abode of the Canaanite storm-god Baal in comparable texts.[...] 4: [6] When they looked: the kings are stunned by the sight of Zion, touched by divine splendor. The [...] 5: [8] The ships of Tarshish: large ships, named after the distant land or port of Tarshish, probably[...] 6: [9] What we had heard we now see: the glorious things that new pilgrims had heard about the holy c[...] 7: [15] So mighty is God: Israel's God is like Zion in being eternal and invincible. The holy city is[...]
1: [Psalm 49] The psalm affirms confidence in God (cf Psalm 23; 27:1-6; 62) in the face of the appar[...] 2: [1] Korahites: see note on Psalm 42:1. 3: [5] Problem: the psalmist's personal solution to the perennial biblical problem of the prosperity [...] 4: [8] One cannot redeem oneself: an axiom. For the practice of redemption, cf Job 6:21-23. A play o[...] 5: [16] Will take me: the same Hebrew verb is used of God "taking up" a favored servant: Enoch in Ge[...]
1: [Psalm 51] A lament, the most famous of the seven Penitential Psalms, prays for the removal of the[...] 2: [7] A sinner, even as my mother conceived me: literally, "In iniquity was I conceived," an instanc[...] 3: [9] Hyssop: a small bush whose many woody twigs make a natural sprinkler. It was prescribed in the[...] 4: [18] For you do not desire sacrifice: the mere offering of the ritual sacrifice apart from good d[...] 5: [19(20-21)] Most scholars think that these verses were added to the psalm some time after the dest[...]
1: [Psalm 52] A condemnation of the powerful and arrogant (Psalm 52:3-6), who bring down upon themse[...] 2: [10] Like an olive tree: the righteous will flourish in the house of God like a well-watered olive[...]
1: [Psalm 54] A lament in which the person under attack calls directly upon God for help (Psalm 54:3[...] 2: [3] By your name: one is present in one's name, hence God as revealed to humans.
1: [Psalm 56] Beset physically (Psalm 56:2-3) and psychologically (Psalm 56:6-7), the psalmist maint[...] 2: [1] Yonath elem rehoqim: Hebrew words probably designating the melody to which the psalm was to be[...] 3: [9] Are my tears not stored in your vial: a unique saying in the Old Testament. The context sugges[...]
1: [Psalm 57] Each of the two equal strophes contains a prayer for rescue from enemies, accompanied b[...] 2: [1] Do not destroy: probably the title of the melody to which the psalm was to be sung. 3: [2] The shadow of your wings: probably refers to the wings of the cherubim (powerful winged animal[...] 4: [9] I will wake the dawn: by a bold figure the psalmist imagines the sound of music and singing wi[...]
1: [Psalm 58] A lament expressing trust in God's power to dethrone all powers obstructing divine rule[...] 2: [1] Do not destroy: probably the title of the melody to which the psalm was to be sung. 3: [2] Gods: the Bible sometimes understands pagan gods to be lesser divine beings who are assigned b[...] 4: [5-6] The image is that of a poisonous snake that is controlled by the voice or piping of its trai[...] 5: [9] A snail that oozes away: empty shells suggested to ancients that snails melted away as they le[...]
1: [Psalm 59] A lament in two parts (Psalm 59:2-9, 11b-17), each ending in a refrain (Psalm 59:10, [...] 2: [1] Do not destroy: probably the title of the melody to which the psalm was to be sung. 3: [8] Who is there to hear?: a sample of the enemies' godless reflection. The answer is that God hea[...]
1: [Psalm 60] The community complains that God has let the enemy win the battle (Psalm 60:3-5) and a[...] 2: [7-12] These verses occur again as the second half of Psalm 108. 3: [8] I will apportion . . . measure out: God lays claim to these places. The valley of Succoth: pro[...] 4: [9] Judah, my own scepter: an allusion to the Testament of Jacob, Genesis 49:10. 5: [10] Moab is my washbowl: Moab borders the Dead Sea, hence a metaphor for the country. Upon Edom I[...] 6: [11] The fortified city: perhaps Bozrah, the fortified capital of Edom. Cf Isaiah 34:6; 63:1; Amo[...]
1: [Psalm 61] A lament of the king who feels himself at the brink of death (Psalm 61:3) and cries ou[...] 2: [3] Brink of Sheol: literally, "edge of the earth," "earth" being taken in its occasional meaning[...] 3: [6] In prayer: added for sense. Psalm 61:7-8 express the plea of Psalm 61:6. 4: [9] Then: Hebrew "just as," i.e., in accord with the vows referred to in Psalm 61:5.
1: [Psalm 62] A song of trust displaying serenity from experiencing God's power (the refrains of Psa[...] 2: [1] 'Al Jeduthun: apparently the Hebrew name for the melody. 3: [10] On a balance they rise: precious objects were weighed by balancing two pans suspended from a [...] 4: [12] One thing . . . two things: parallelism of numbers for the sake of variation, a common device[...]
1: [Psalm 63] A psalm expressing the intimate relationship between God and the worshiper. Separated f[...] 2: [4] For your love is better than life: only here in the Old Testament is anything prized above lif[...] 3: [12] All who swear by the Lord: to swear by a particular god meant that one was a worshiper of tha[...]
1: [Psalm 64] A lament of a person overwhelmed by the malice of the wicked who are depicted in the ps[...] 2: [5] Catch them unawares: literally, "suddenly," i.e., "unexpectedly."
1: [Psalm 65] The community, aware of its unworthiness (Psalm 65:3-4), gives thanks for divine bount[...] 2: [2] Vows: the Israelites were accustomed to promising sacrifices in the temple if their prayers we[...] 3: [3] To you all flesh must come: all must have recourse to God's mercy. 4: [6] Awesome deeds: the acts of creating - installing mountains, taming seas, restraining nations [...] 5: [9-13] Apparently a description of the agricultural year, beginning with the first fall rains that[...] 6: [9] God's stream: the fertile waters of the earth derive from God's fertile waters in the heavenly[...] 7: [12] Paths: probably the tracks of God's storm chariot dropping rain upon earth.
1: [Psalm 66] In the first part (Psalm 66:1-12), the community praises God for powerful acts for Isr[...] 2: [5-6] Cf the events described in Exodus 14:1-15, 21; Joshua 3:11-4:24 and Psalm 114. 3: [12] You let captors set foot on our neck: literally, "you let men mount our head." Conquerors pla[...] 4: [13] Holocausts: wholly burnt offerings. Cf Lev 1:3-13; 6:1-4; 22:17-20.
1: [Psalm 67] A petition for a bountiful harvest (Psalm 67:7), made in the awareness that Israel's p[...] 2: [2] May God be gracious to us: the people's petition echoes the blessing pronounced upon them by t[...]
1: [Psalm 68] The psalm is extremely difficult because the Hebrew text is badly preserved and the cer[...] 2: [2] The opening line alluding to Numbers 10:35 makes clear that God's assistance in the period of[...] 3: [5] Exalt the rider of the clouds: God's intervention is in the imagery of Canaanite myth in which[...] 4: [7] While rebels live in the desert: rebels must live in the arid desert, whereas God's people wil[...] 5: [12-15] The Hebrew text upon which the translation is based has apparently suffered dislocation an[...] 6: [15] Zalmon: generally taken as the name of a mountain where snow is visible in winter, perhaps to[...] 7: [17] The mountain: Mount Zion, the site of the temple. 8: [23] Even from Bashan . . . from the depths of the sea: the heights and the depths, the farthest p[...] 9: [25-28] Your procession: the procession renews God's original taking up of residence on Zion, desc[...] 10: [31] The wild beast of the reeds: probably the Nile crocodile, a symbol for Egypt; see Psalm 68:3[...] 11: [31] Psalm 68:32[29-30] Lower Egypt is the delta area north of Cairo. Upper Egypt is the Nile-Val[...]
1: [Psalm 69] A lament complaining of suffering in language both metaphorical (Psalm 69:2-3; 15-16 t[...] 2: [1] "Lilies": apparently the name of the melody. 3: [2] Waters: the waters of chaos from which God created the world are a common metaphor for extreme[...] 4: [5] What I did not steal: the psalmist, falsely accused of theft, is being forced to make restitut[...] 5: [10] Zeal for your house consumes me: the psalmist's commitment to God's cause brings only opposit[...] 6: [31] That I may praise God's name in song: the actual song is cited in 33-35, the word "praise" in[...]
1: [Psalm 71] A lament of an old person (Psalm 71:9, 18) whose afflictions are interpreted by enemie[...] 2: [7] A portent to many: the afflictions of the sufferer are taken as a manifestation of God's anger[...]
1: [Psalm 72] A royal psalm in which the Israelite king, as the representative of God, is the instrum[...] 2: [2] The king . . . the son of kings: the crown prince is the king's son; the prayer envisages the [...] 3: [8] From sea to sea . . . the ends of the earth: the boundaries of the civilized world known at th[...] 4: [10] Tarshish and the islands: the far west (Psalm 48:6); Arabia and Seba: the far south (1 Kings[...] 5: [14] Their blood: cf Psalm 116:15. 6: [16] The translation of the difficult Hebrew is tentative. 7: [17] May the tribes of the earth give blessing with his name: an echo of the promise to the ancest[...] 8: [18-19] A doxology marking the end of Book II of the Psalter.
1: [Psalm 73] The opening verse of this probing poem (cf Psalm 37:49) is actually the psalmist's har[...] 2: [9] They set their mouths against the heavens: in an image probably derived from mythic stories of[...] 3: [10] The Hebrew is obscure. 4: And came to understand their end: the psalmist receives a double revelation in the temple: 1) the [...] 5: [24] And at the end receive me with honor: a perhaps deliberately enigmatic verse. It is understoo[...]
1: [Psalm 74] A communal lament sung when the enemy invaded the temple; it would be especially approp[...] 2: [1] Forever: the word implies that the disaster is already of long duration. Cf Psalm 74:9 and no[...] 3: [9] Now we see no signs: ancients often asked prophets to say for how long a divine punishment was[...] 4: [12-17] Comparable Canaanite literature describes the storm-god's victory over all-encompassing Se[...]
1: [Psalm 75] The psalmist gives thanks and rejoices (Psalm 75:2, 10) for the direct intervention of[...] 2: [2] You said: supplied for clarity here and in Psalm 75:11. The translation assumes in both place[...] 3: [5] Do not raise your horns!: the horn is the symbol of strength; to raise one's horn is to exalt [...] 4: A cup: "the cup of God's wrath" is the punishment inflicted on the wicked. Cf Isaiah 51:17; Jere[...]
1: [Psalm 76] A song glorifying Zion, the mountain of Jerusalem where God destroyed Israel's enemie[...] 2: [3] Salem: an ancient name for Jerusalem, used here perhaps on account of its allusion to the Hebr[...] 3: [5] Ancient mountains: conjectural translation of a difficult Hebrew phrase on the basis of Genes[...] 4: [11] Edom . . . Hamath: conjectural translation. Israel's neighbors to the southeast and north. [...]
1: [Psalm 77] A community lament in which the speaker ("I") describes the anguish of Israel at God's [...] 2: [11] I conclude: literally, "I said." The psalmist, after pondering the present distress and God's[...] 3: [12] I will remember: the verb sometimes means to make present the great deeds of Israel's past by[...]
1: [Psalm 78] A recital of history to show that past generations did not respond to God's gracious de[...] 2: [2] Story: Hebrew mashal literally means "comparison" and can signify a story with a hidden meanin[...] 3: [9] Ephraimite archers: Ephraim was the most important tribe of the Northern Kingdom. Its military[...] 4: [12,43] Zoan: a city on the arm of the Nile, a former capital of Egypt. 5: [23-31] On the manna and the quail, see Exodus 16 and Numbers 11. Unlike Exodus 16, here both mann[...] 6: [35] Remembered: invoked God publicly in worship. Their words were insincere (Psalm 78:36). 7: [38] God is always ready to forgive and begin anew, as in choosing Zion and David (Psalm 78:65-72[...] 8: [43-55] Exodus 7-12 records ten plagues. Here there are six divine attacks upon Egypt; the seventh[...] 9: [60] Shiloh: an important shrine in the north prior to Jerusalem. Despite its holy status, it was [...] 10: [68,70] God's ultimate offer of mercy to the sinful helpless people is Zion and the Davidic king. [...]
1: [Psalm 80] A community lament in time of military defeat. Using the familiar image of Israel as a [...] 2: [1] Lilies . . . . Eduth: the first term is probably the title of the melody to which the psalm wa[...] 3: [9] A vine: a frequent metaphor for Israel. Cf Isaiah 5:1-7; 27:2-5; Jeremiah 2:21; Hosea 10:1; [...] 4: [12] The sea: the Mediterranean. The river: the Euphrates. Cf Genesis 15:18; 1 Kings 5:1. The t[...] 5: [18] The man at your right hand . . . the one: the Davidic king who will lead the army in battle. [...]
1: [Psalm 81] At a pilgrimage feast, probably harvest in the fall, the people assemble in the temple [...] 2: [1] Upon the gittith: probably the title of the melody to which the psalm was to be sung or a musi[...] 3: [4] New moon . . . full moon: the pilgrimage feast of harvest began with a great assembly (Lev 23[...] 4: [6] I hear a new oracle: literally, "a tongue I do not know I hear." A temple official speaks the [...] 5: [7] I relieved their shoulders of the burden: literally, "his [Israel's] shoulder," hence the plur[...] 6: [8] Meribah: place of rebellion in the wilderness; cf Exodus 17:7; Numbers 20:13. 7: [10] There must be no foreign god among you: as in Psalm 50 and 95, Israel is challenged to obey t[...]
1: [Psalm 82] As in Psalm 58, the pagan gods are seen as subordinate divine beings to whom Israel's G[...] 2: [5] The gods are blind and unable to declare what is right. Their misrule shakes earth's foundatio[...] 3: [6] I declare: "Gods though you be": in John 10:34 Jesus uses the verse to prove that those to wh[...] 4: [8] Judge the earth: according to Deut 32:8-9, Israel's God had originally assigned jurisdiction [...]
1: [Psalm 83] The community lament complains to God of the nations' attempts to wipe out the name of [...] 2: [7-9] Apart from the Assyrians, all the nations listed here were neighbors of Israel. The people o[...] 3: [10-13] For the historical events, see Jdgs 4-8.
1: [Psalm 84] Israelites celebrated three pilgrimage feasts in Jerusalem annually. The psalm expresse[...] 2: [4] The desire of a restless bird for a secure home is an image of the desire of a pilgrim for the[...] 3: [7] Baca valley: Hebrew obscure; probably a valley on the way to Jerusalem. 4: [10] Our shield . . . your anointed: the king had a role in the liturgical celebration. For the ki[...]
1: [Psalm 85] A national lament reminding God of past favors and forgiveness (Psalm 85:2-4) and begg[...] 2: [9] The prophet listens to God's revelation. Cf Hebrews 2:1. 3: [11-13] Divine activity is personified as pairs of virtues.
1: [Psalm 87] A song of Zion, like Psalms 46; 48; 76; 132. After the Exile of the sixth century B.C.,[...] 2: [2] The gates: the city itself, a common Hebrew idiom. 3: [5-6] The bond between the exile and the holy city was so strong as to override the exile's citize[...]
1: [Psalm 88] A lament in which the psalmist prays for rescue from the alienation of approaching deat[...] 2: [4-8] In imagination the psalmist already experiences the alienation of Sheol. 3: [11-13] The psalmist seeks to persuade God to act out of concern for divine honor: the shades give[...]
1: [Psalm 89] The community laments the defeat of the Davidic king, to whom God promised kingship as [...] 2: [3-5] David's dynasty is to be as long-lasting as the heavens, a statement reinforced by using the[...] 3: [7] The gods: literally, "the sons of gods," "the holy ones" and "courtiers" of Psalm 89:6, 8. Th[...] 4: [11] Rahab: a mythological sea monster whose name is used in the Bible mainly as a personification[...] 5: [13] Zaphon and Amanus: two sacred mountains in northern Syria. Tabor: a high hill in the valley o[...] 6: [18,25] Horn: a concrete noun for an abstract quality; horn is a symbol of strength. 7: [26] The sea . . . the rivers: geographically the limits of the Davidic Empire (the Mediterranean [...] 8: [28] Most High: a divine title, which is here extended to David as God's own king. Cf Psalm 2:7-9[...] 9: [37-38] Like the sun before me . . . like the sky: as enduring as the heavenly lights. Cf Psalm 8[...] 10: [53] The doxology at the end of the third book of the Psalms; it is not part of Psalm 89.
1: [Psalm 90] A communal lament that describes only in general terms the cause of the community's dis[...] 2: [4] The translation reverses the order of the difficult Hebrew verses Psalm 90:3 and 4 to get the[...] 3: [3] Return: one word of God is enough to return mortals to the dust from which they were created. [...] 4: [5] You have brought them to their end: an interpretation of the unclear Hebrew. 5: [6] It is dry and withered: the transitory nature of the grass under the scorching sun was proverb[...]
1: [Psalm 91] A prayer of someone who has taken refuge in the security of the temple (Psalm 91:1-2).[...] 2: [1] The shelter of the Most High: basically "hiding place" but in the psalms a designation for the[...] 3: [11-12] The words are cited in Luke 4:10-11; Matthew 4:6, as Satan tempts Jesus in the desert. [...]
1: [Psalm 92] A hymn of praise and thanks for God's faithful deeds (Psalm 92:2-5). The wicked, delud[...] 2: [14] Planted: the just are likened to trees growing in the sacred precincts of the temple, which i[...]
1: [Psalm 93] A hymn celebrating the kingship of God, who created the world (Psalm 93:1-2) by defeat[...] 2: [1] The LORD is king: literally, "the LORD reigns." This psalm, and Psalms 47; 96-99, are sometime[...] 3: [3] The flood: the primordial sea was tamed by God in the act of creation. It is a figure of chaos[...]
1: [Psalm 95] Twice the psalm calls the people to praise and worship God (Psalm 95:1-2, 6), the king[...] 2: [8] Meribah: literally, "contention"; the place where the Israelites quarreled with God. Massah: [...] 3: [11] My rest: the promised land as in Deut 12:9. Hebrews 4 applies the verse to the eternal rest [...]
1: [Psalm 96] A hymn inviting all humanity to praise the glories of Israel's God (Psalm 96:1-3), who[...] 2: [4] For references to other gods, see comments on Psalm 58 and 82.
1: [Psalm 97] The hymn begins with God appearing in a storm, a traditional picture of some ancient Ne[...] 2: [7] All gods: divine beings thoroughly subordinate to Israel's God. The Greek translates "angels,"[...]
1: [Psalm 98] A hymn, similar to Psalm 96, extolling God for Israel's victory (Psalm 98:1-3). All na[...] 2: [1] Marvelous deeds . . . victory: the conquest of all threats to the peaceful existence of Israel[...]
1: [Psalm 99] A hymn to God as the king whose grandeur is most clearly seen on Mount Zion (Psalm 99:[...] 2: [1] Enthroned on the cherubim: cherubim were composite beings with animal and human features, comm[...] 3: [5] Footstool: a reference to the ark. Cf 1 Chron 28:2; Psalm 132:7.
1: [Psalm 100] A hymn inviting the people to enter the temple courts with thank offerings for the God[...] 2: [3] Although the people call on all the nations of the world to join in their hymn, they are consc[...]
1: [Psalm 101] The king, grateful at being God's chosen (Psalm 100:1), promises to be a ruler after [...] 2: [2] Within my royal court: the king promises to make his own household a model for Israel, banning[...] 3: [6] I look to the faithful of the land: the king seeks companions only among those faithful to God[...] 4: [8] Each morning: the normal time for the administration of justice (2 Sam 15:2; Jeremiah 21:12) [...]
1: [Psalm 102] A lament, one of the Penitential Psalms. The psalmist, experiencing psychic and bodily[...] 2: [9] They make my name a curse: enemies use the psalmist's name in phrases such as, "May you be as [...] 3: [20-23] Both Psalm 102:20-21 and Psalm 102:22-23 depend on Psalm 102:19. 4: [25] In the midst of my days: when the normal span of life is but half completed. Cf Isaiah 38:10[...]
1: [Psalm 103] The speaker in this hymn begins by praising God for personal benefits (Psalm 103:1-5)[...] 2: [5] Your youth is renewed like the eagle's: because of the eagle's long life it was a symbol of pe[...]
1: [Psalm 104] A hymn praising God who easily and skillfully made rampaging waters and primordial nig[...] 2: [3] Your palace upon the waters: God's heavenly dwelling above the upper waters of the sky. Cf Ge[...] 3: [5-9] God places the gigantic disk of the earth securely on its foundation and then, as a warrior,[...] 4: [16-18] Even the exotic flora and fauna of the high mountains of the Lebanon range receive adequat[...] 5: [26] Leviathan: a sea monster symbolizing primeval chaos. Cf Psalm 74:14; Isaiah 27:1; Job 40:25.[...] 6: [29-30] On one level, the spirit (or wind) of God is the fall and winter rains that provide food f[...] 7: [35] Hallelujah: a frequent word in the last third of the Psalter. The word combines the plural im[...]
1: [Psalm 105] A hymn to God who promised the land of Canaan to the holy people. Cf Psalm 78; 106; 13[...] 2: [14] Kings: Pharaoh and Abimelech of Gerar. Cf Genesis 12:17; 20:6-7. 3: [15] My anointed . . . my prophets: the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were "anointed" [...] 4: [23,27] The land of Ham: a synonym for Egypt. Cf Genesis 10:6. 5: [27-38] This psalm and Psalm 78:43-51 have an account of the plagues differing in number or in or[...]
1: [Psalm 106] Israel is invited to praise the God whose mercy has always tempered judgment of Israel[...] 2: [23] Withstood him in the breach: the image is that of Moses standing in a narrow break made in th[...] 3: [32] Moses suffered because of them: Moses was not allowed to enter the promised land because of h[...] 4: [37] The gods: Hebrew shedim, customarily translated "demons," occurs in parallelism with "gods" [...] 5: [48] A doxology ending Book IV of the Psalter. It is not part of the psalm.
1: [Psalm 107] A hymn inviting those who have been rescued by God to give praise (Psalm 107:1-3). Fo[...] 2: [33-41] God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 18-19, which the psalm sees as the destruction[...]
1: [Psalm 109] A lament notable for the length and vehemence of its prayer against evildoers (Psalm [...] 2: [6] An accuser: Hebrew satan, a word occurring in Job 1-2 and Zechariah 3:1-2. In the latter pass[...] 3: [20] May the LORD bring all this: the psalmist prays that God ratify the curses of 6-19 and bring [...]
1: [Psalm 110] A royal psalm in which a court singer recites three oracles in which God assures the k[...] 2: [1] The LORD says to you, my lord: literally, "The LORD says to my lord," a polite form of address[...] 3: [3] Like the dew I begot you: an adoption formula as in Psalm 2:7; 89:27-28. Before the daystar: [...] 4: [4] Like Melchizedek: Melchizedek was the ancient king of Salem (Jerusalem) who blessed Abraham ([...] 5: [7] Who drinks from the brook by the wayside: the meaning is uncertain. Some see an allusion to a [...]
1: [Psalm 111] A temple singer (Psalm 111:1) tells how God is revealed in Israel's history (Psalm 11[...] 2: [1] In the assembled congregation of the upright: in the temple. Cf Psalm 149:1. 3: [3] Your: the psalm refers to God in the third person throughout; the shift to the second person i[...] 4: [5] Food to those who fear you: probably a reference to the manna in the desert, which elsewhere i[...] 5: [6] Lands: literally, "inheritance, heritage." 6: [10] The fear of the LORD: reverence for God, the Hebrew term for religion.
1: [Psalm 112] An acrostic poem detailing the blessings received by those who remain close to God by[...] 2: [1] Happy are those: literally, "Happy the person." "Person" is used typically, hence the plural [...] 3: [3] Prosperity: literally, "justice." In the Second Temple Period the word acquired the nuance of[...] 4: [9] Their horn: the symbol for vitality and honor.
1: [Psalm 114] A hymn celebrating Israel's escape from Egypt, journey through the wilderness, and ent[...] 2: [3-4] Pairs of cosmic elements such as sea and rivers, mountains and hills, are sometimes mentione[...] 3: [8] The miracles of giving drink to the people in the arid desert. Cf Exodus 17:1-7; Isaiah 41:17[...]
1: [Psalm 115] A response to the enemy taunt, "Where is your God?" This hymn to the glory of Israel's[...] 2: [2] Where is their God?: implies that God cannot help them. 3: [9-11] The house of Israel . . . the house of Aaron . . . those fear the LORD: the laity of Israel[...] 4: [16] The heavens: literally "the heaven of heavens" or "the highest heavens," i.e., above the fir[...] 5: [17] See note on Psalm 6:5.
1: [Psalm 116] A thanksgiving in which the psalmist responds to divine rescue from mortal danger (Psa[...] 2: [3] The cords of death: death is personified here; it attempts to capture the psalmist with snares[...] 3: [9] The land of the living: the phrase elsewhere is an epithet of the Jerusalem Temple (cf Psalm [...] 4: [10] I kept faith, even when I said: even in the days of despair, the psalmist did not lose all ho[...] 5: [13] The cup of salvation: probably the libation of wine poured out in gratitude for rescue. Cf E[...] 6: [15] Too costly in the eyes of the LORD: the meaning is that the death of God's faithful is grievo[...]
1: [Psalm 118] A thanksgiving liturgy accompanying a victory procession of the king and the people in[...] 2: [20] Where the victors enter: their victory has demonstrated that God favors them; they are "just"[...] 3: [22] The stone the builders rejected: a proverb: what is insignificant to human beings has become [...] 4: [25] Grant salvation: the Hebrew for this cry has come into English as "Hosanna." This cry and the[...]
1: [Psalm 119] This psalm, the longest by far in the psalter, praises God for giving such splendid la[...] 2: [19] A sojourner in the land: like someone without the legal protection of a native inhabitant, th[...] 3: [32] For you open my docile heart: literally, "you make broad my heart." 4: [48] I lift up my hands to your commands: to lift up the hands was an ancient gesture of reverence[...] 5: [89-91] God's word creates the world, which manifests that word by its permanence and reliability.[...]
1: [Psalm 120] A thanksgiving, reporting divine rescue (Psalm 120:10) yet with fervent prayer for fu[...] 2: [1] Song of ascents: Psalm 120-134 all begin with this superscription. Most probably these fifteen[...] 3: [3] More besides: a common curse formula in Hebrew was "May the Lord do such and such evils to you[...] 4: [4] Coals of brushwood: coals made from the stalk of the broom plant burn with intense heat. The p[...] 5: [5] Meshech was in the far north (Genesis 10:2) and Kedar was a tribe of the north Arabian desert[...]
1: [Psalm 121] A blessing given to someone embarking on a dangerous journey whether a soldier going o[...] 2: [1] The mountains: possibly Mount Zion, the site of the temple and hence of safety, but more proba[...] 3: [5-6] The image of shade, a symbol of protection, is apt: God as shade protects from the harmful e[...]
1: [Psalm 122] A song of Zion, sung by pilgrims obeying the law to visit Jerusalem three times on a j[...] 2: [3] Walled round about: literally, "which is joined to it," probably referring both to the density[...]
1: [Psalm 124] A thanksgiving which teaches that Israel's very existence is owed to God who rescues t[...] 2: [8] Our help is the name: for the idiom, see Exodus 18:4.
1: [Psalm 125] In response to exilic anxieties about the ancient promises of restoration, the psalm e[...] 2: [3] The land given to the just: literally, "the lot of the just." The promised land was divided am[...]
1: [Psalm 126] A lament probably sung shortly after Israel's return from exile. The people rejoice th[...] 2: [4] Like the dry stream beds of the Negeb: the psalmist prays for rain in such abundance that the [...]
1: [Psalm 127] The psalm puts together two proverbs (Psalm 127:1-2, 3-5) on God establishing "houses[...] 2: [5] At the gate: the reference is not to enemies besieging the walls of a city but to adversaries [...]
1: [Psalm 128] A statement that the ever-reliable God will bless the reverent (Psalm 128:1). God's b[...] 2: [1] All who fear the LORD: literally, singular: "the one fearing," is used in a typical sense and[...]
1: [Psalm 129] A psalm giving thanks for God's many rescues of Israel over the long course of their h[...] 2: [4] The ropes of the yoke of the wicked: usually understood as the rope for yoking animals to the [...] 3: [6] Like grass on the rooftops: after the spring rains, grass would sprout from the coat of mud wi[...] 4: The blessing of the LORD be upon you: harvesters greeted one another with such blessings. Cf Ruth[...]
1: [Psalm 130] This lament, a Penitential Psalm, is the De profundis used in liturgical prayers for t[...] 2: [1] The depths: Sheol here is a metaphor of total misery. Deep anguish makes the psalmist feel "li[...] 3: [4] And so you are revered: the experience of God's mercy leads one to a greater sense of God.
1: [Psalm 132] A song for a liturgical ceremony in which the ark, the throne of Israel's God, was car[...] 2: [1] All his anxious care: to build the temple. Cf 2 Sam 7:1-17 and 1 Kings 8:17. 3: [2,5] Mighty One of Jacob: one of the titles of Israel's God. Cf Genesis 49:24; Isaiah 49:26; 60[...] 4: [6] Ephrathah: the homeland of David. Cf Ruth 4:11. The fields of Jaar: poetic for Kiriath-jearim[...] 5: [17] A horn sprout for David's line: the image of the horn, a symbol of strength, is combined with[...]
1: [Psalm 133] A benediction over a peaceful community, most probably the people Israel, but appropri[...] 2: [1] The people: literally, "brothers," i.e., male and female members of a kin group or people - m[...] 3: [2] Ointment: oil was used at the consecration of the high priest (Exodus 30:22-33). 4: [3] Dew: dew was an important source of moisture in the dry climate (Genesis 27:28
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