• A.M. 2989, A.C. 1015.

Ver. 1. Tender, not so much in years, for he was 22, but in comparison with David, and with reference to so great a work. M.

Ver. 2. Onyx, or "emeralds." C. — Sept. "soom," from the Heb. shoham. — Alabaster. Heb. puc. H. — The dark paint used for the eyes, has the same name. 4 K. ix. 30. Jer. iv. 30. Yet the stibium or stimmi, or alabaster, mentioned by Pliny, (xxxiii. 6.) was of a sliver colour, but not transparent. The stone here specified was probably alabaster, as it was used for the pavement. There is a very fine species at Damascus, and in Arabia, which was much sought after to decorate buildings. C. — Chal. has "emeralds." Sept. "stones of perfection, rich and various, and every precious stone, and much Parion." H. — But Isai. liv. 11, they translate the same term, "carbuncle." C. — The stone might resemble the agate, which is beautifully shaded with clouds and other fanciful figures. T. — Paros: this is taken from the Sept. Heb. has simply, "and stones of ssiss." H. — Whether it denote the isle of Chio, or that of Chitis, in the Red Sea, the former famous for marble, and the latter for the topaz; or it may refer to Sais, a city of Egypt, which had most beautiful porphyry. Pliny xxxvi. 7. and xxxvii. 8. — But Paros, one of the Cyclades, was most renowned for its white marble. ib. xxxvi. 5. — Josephus (Bel. vi. 6.) informs us, that the temple was built of large white marble stones; so that it appeared, at a distance, to be covered with snow. C.

Ver. 3. Own. What he had already vowed, he esteemed no longer his. W. — Temple. Heb. "houses," including the various apartments belonging to the temple. The sum which David had formerly set apart out of the spoils of war, &c. amounted to 825,000,000l. What he now adds, is 16,125,000l. sterling, according to Brerewood, who deems the sums exorbitant; and others have suspected that there is a mistake in the former numbers. We have seen with what foundation. C. xxii. 14. David was so convinced, that the sum which he had been able to collect was too small, that he exhorted the princes to contribute, with all their power, and set them this noble example, which they endeavoured to imitate. H. — He had collected some of the gold of Ophir, which was esteemed the best. C. See 3 K. ix. 28. M. — We have before remarked, that Solomon went beyond the expectations of his father, and used no silver.

Ver. 5. Fill his hand, is an expression applied to priests, by which David intimates, that any one may now offer a species of sacrifice to the Lord. Judg. vii. 5. Ex. xxxii. 29. C. M. — He wishes them to act with generosity. H.

Ver. 6. Possessions, mentioned C. xxvii. 25.

Ver. 7. Solids. Sept. "pieces of gold;" χρυσους. Heb. adarcnim, which Prot. render "drachms," (H.) after the Syr. &c. Others think that the Darics, used in Persia, are meant, though they did not exist in David's time. Esdras might reduce the money to correspond with the coin with which his countrymen were then acquainted. 2 Esd. vii. 70. Pelletier. — The Daric was equivalent to the golden sicle, which was only half the weight of one of silver, though this is not certain. C. — A solid was only the sixth part of an ounce, whereas the sicle weighed half an ounce, or four drachms. — Talents were always of the same weight, 125 Roman pounds. M.

Ver. 8. Gersonite; who, with his brethren, was treasurer. C. xxvi. 22.

Ver. 9. Willingly. Their disposition was perfect: for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Cor. ix. 7. C.

Ver. 10. From. Sept. "from age to age;" (Pagnin, &c.) that is, throughout eternity: (M.) "for ever and ever." Prot. Eternity has no parts. H.

Ver. 11. Magnificence. Thee we ought to magnify. David uses many words to express the sentiments of his grateful soul. M.

Ver. 12. Thine. Heb. and Sept. "of thee." H. — Greatness. Heb. "to magnify and strengthen all." M. — Our riches are thy gifts; and to thee we return a part, with gladness.

Ver. 14. Promise. Heb. "to offer so willingly in this manner?" H. — He is astonished at the rich display of gifts: but acknowledged that all was originally sent by God. In the same sentiments, we say in the mass, "We offer unto thee of thy own presents and gifts;" or, as the Greek expresses it, τα σα απο των σων. C.

• * Wisdom 2:5
  For our time is as the passing of a shadow, and there is no going back of our end: for it is fast sealed, and no man returneth:

Ver. 15. Strangers. We have nothing but what we have received from thee; and for how short a time! C. — No stay. Heb. "none abiding, (H. or) no hope" of being able to escape death, (C.) when we must leave all. How happy, therefore, are those who sent their treasures before them! H. — All are pilgrims, with respect to heaven. Heb. xiii. W.

Ver. 17. Simplicity. Heb. "uprightness." Sept. "justice;" (H.) a pure intention, which our Saviour styled a single eye. Mat. vi. 22. T.

Ver. 18. This. Heb. "keep this for ever, in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people, and direct their heart unto thee. Preserve these good dispositions, which thou hast given them." C.

Ver. 20. Then is not in Heb. or Sept. H. — The same term is used, to express the outward adoration which they shewed to God, and the civil respect which was due to the king: pari gestu, says Grotius, animo diverso. C. — How then will Protestants prove that we are guilty of idolatry, when we bow down before the cross, &c. unless they pretend to know the secrets of hearts? Prot. they "bowed down their heads, (Sept. knees) and worshipped the Lord and the king." H. — The exterior set was the same, but the intention determined the application. See Ex. xx. W.

Ver. 21. And with. Heb. and Sept. "and their sacrifices of wine and victims, (or peace-offerings, to be eaten by the people. C.) in abundance for all Israel." H.

• * 3_Kings 1:34
  And let Sadoc, the priest, and Nathan, the prophet, anoint him there king over Israel: and you shall sound the trumpet, and shall say: God save king Solomon.

Ver. 22. The Lord, at Jerusalem, (M.) where the ark was then kept. H. — Second time: the first had been done with too much precipitation, in consequence of the attempt of Adonias; (3 K. i. 39. T.) or this took place after the death of David, that his successor might be invested with full power, (Grot.) and be acknowledged by all. H. — Priest. This at least only took place after the death of David, when Abiathar fell into disgrace. 3 K. ii. 35. Both prince and priest must act by God's authority; and those who resist them, resist God himself. Rom. xiii. 1. C. — They are ministers of the Lord. H.

Ver. 24. Gave. Heb. "placed their hands upon Solomon." Sept. "were subject to him." C. — The latter words in the Vulg. explain the meaning of the ceremony. M. — It seems to have been similar to that used when Abraham required an oath of his servant. Gen. xxiv. 2. Vassals placed their hands within those of their Lord, under whom they hold lands; (C.) and the descendants of the Germans testify their submission, by putting their hands between a person's knees. Grotius. — The nobles took the oath of fidelity to Solomon, by some such method. C.

• * 3_Kings 2:11
  And the days that David reigned in Israel, were forty years: in Hebron he reigned seven years, in Jerusalem thirty-three.

• A.M. 2990, A.C. 1014.

Ver. 29. Gad, the seer "of David," as he is sometimes styled. These three were well acquainted with David, (C.) and wrote the two first books of Kings; (H.) or at least those books are compiled from their memorials, (C.) if their works be lost, (M.) which is uncertain. W.

Ver. 30. Under him in various tribulations, towards the end of his reign. Vatable, &c. — Those prophets recorded not only what regarded David, (H.) but also what happened of consequence, in other nations, with which he had any connections. — Of the. Syr. and Arab. "of his land, or among the kings of his race." C. — David reduced under his dominion not only the nations which dwelt in Chanaan, but all those which had been promised to Israel. H.