Notes, Critical and Explanatory, on the Holy Scriptures

Matt. 4 : 16. This first verse is united with the preceding chapter in M8S. and editions. P. begins this chapter a little above : " Nevertheless the dimness shall not be such as was in her vexation, when at the first He lightly afflicted the land of Zabulon, and the land of Naptball."

The country bordering on the lake of Genesareth.

Lower Galilee was to the south of the lake, and west of the Jordan ; but Upper Galilee, called of the Gentiles, is thought by Galmet, and others, to have been to the northeast of the lake. As Upper Galilee bordered on heathen provinces, several heathens settled there, whenoe It derived its name.

Instead of the negative many MSS. have lS which yields an easier meaning. "Thou hast increased joy for it."

" After taking booty." This is not in the text.

Judges 7 : 25. God, through Gideon, mwsd Hit people from their oppressors. The victory obtained over them, is called by their name, " the day of Madian." j

The meaning given by Joseph Kimchi, is adopted by Qea.: "Every shoe of him who puts on his shoes in the confusion of battle." The war-shoe is spoken of as the last part of the warrior's armor. It is to be burnt with the armor itself, the blood-stained coat, when war is no longer necessary, peace being secured by victory. L. "All the weapons of the fighter in tho battle's tumult" The prophet contemplates a state of things in which the weapons of war 6hall be no longer needed, the people of God being free and secure.

The blessings promised are all traced to tho birth of the child so distinctly foretold. This prophecy was understood of the Messiah by the ancient Jews, as well as by Chald., as Ges. acknowledges.

It is another expression for a child. The birth is spoken of os having taken place, it being thus contemplated by the prophet.

The keys, in token of the charge of the palace, were accustomed to hang from the shoulders. Tho badge on his shoulder was the mark of Ilis power.

This is a Hebrew mode of declaring what He shall be.

Adviser and guide of men. ** 1131 Infra 10 : 21 ; also with the definite article. Deut 10 : 17 ; also Nehemiah 9 : 32. * *2X P- "The everlasting Father." All these accumulated epithets mark the child as Em- manuel, God with us, in the strictest sense.

This blessing is perpetual in the kingdom of Christ, inasmuch as there is a consciousness of security, grounded on the Divine promises, although troubles and calamities may be endured.

P. "/hr the leaders of this people cause them to err." Supra 3 : 12.

Bloodthirsty. The slaying of one's fellow-citizens is figuratively styled the eating of their flesh : it is even as if one were to eat his own flesh.

Both united against Juda, to inflict on her the calamities of war.