Ver. 1. But, forasmuch as he defiled his father’s bed.] [See Trapp on “Ge 35:22”] But, forasmuch as he defiled his father’s bed.] He might well say as Lysimachus did, when for a draught of water he had parted with his kingdom, Ah, for how short a (sinful) pleasure, how great privileges and blessings have I forfeited! His birthright.] That is, His double portion of inheritance: as for the dignity due to him, it was given to Judah. Joseph the son of Israel,] i.e., His best beloved son.
Ver. 2. For Judah prevailed above his brethren.] As was foretold. (Genesis 49:8-10) [See Trapp on “Ge 49:8”] [See Trapp on “Ge 49:9”] [See Trapp on “Ge 49:10”] And of him came the chief ruler.] Jesus Christ especially. (Hebrews 7:14) But the birthright was Joseph’s.] Quod ad fructum attinet.
Ver. 4. The sons of Joel.] Who was Hanoch’s son, likely.
Ver. 6. He was prince of the Reubenites.] But not the father of the prophet Hosea, as some have held. Lyra.
Ver. 10. They made war with the Hagarites,] i.e., Ishmaelites inhabiting Arabia deserta. These, ashamed of their mother Hagar the handmaid, would afterwards need for honour’s sake be called Saracens, by the name of Sarah the mistress, as saith Sozomen. This so pleased the rest of the Arabians, that they would all be called Saracens. Mohammed their general grew famous in the days of Heraclius the emperor, and subdued many countries. Now they are called Turks, &c. And they dwelt in their tents.] Few countries but have changed their inhabitants: such is the vanity of all here below. The Ath enians vaunted, but vainly, that they were αυτοχθονες, bred out of the land they lived upon, as so many mushrooms or grasshoppers. Lib. vii. cap. 38. Am. Marc.
Ver. 11. In the land of Bashan.] Bashan was the name both of the whole country and the chief city; like as Muscovia is at this day.
Ver. 12. And Jaanai and Shaphat in Bashan.] Or, Abode in Bashan to defend their country, while their brethren were warring abroad. Jun.
Ver. 16. Suburbs of Sharon.] Which was ager pascuosissimus, a place of fat feeding, (1 Chronicles 27:29) situate under the hill of Lebanon; coupled with Carmel for “excellency”; (Isaiah 35:2) not more a field than “a fold for flocks.” (Isaiah 65:10) Upon their borders.] Heb., Their outgoings.
Ver. 17. In the days of Jeroboam,] i.e., Jeroboam the second, who ruled over them.
Ver. 18. Men able to bear buckler and sword, and to shoot with bow.] These weapons were much in use till guns were invented; to the destruction, not of the inventor only—who was therefore hanged they say—but of many other brave marshals.
Ver. 19. And they made war with the Hagarites.] See 1 Chronicles 5:10.
Ver. 20. And they were helped against them.] Helped from heaven, by means of some manifest miracle. For they cried to God in the battle.] So did Jabez; (1 Chronicles 4:10) Jehoshaphat; (2 Chronicles 20:3) the thundering legion; the late king of Sweden, whose prayer before the great battle of Lutzen—where he fell, -was, “Jesus, vouchsafe this day to be my strong helper; and give me courage to fight for the honour of thy name.” Prayer alone he held the surest piece of his whole armour.
Ver. 21. Of their camels, fifty thousand.] These creatures were much set by in those eastern parts; as for their usefulness to bear great burdens, so for their unthirstiness, for they will travel three or four days together and not care to drink. Implentur cameli, cum bibendi est occasio, et in praeteritum, et in futurum, saith Pliny They drink when they do, both for the time past and for the time to come. And of sheep.] Good et ad esum, et ad usum. And of asses two thousand.] Little set by, and therefore a less number. Lib. viii. cap. 18.
Ver. 22. Because the war was of God,] i.e., It was just and necessary; God also fought therein, as it were personally, against those idolatrous wretches.
Ver. 25. And they transgressed against the God of their fathers.] Who had so renowned and prospered them. See their sin largely set forth, 2 Kings 17:7,8, &c. And went a-whoring after the gods.] Idolaters are adulterers and adulteresses in sundry respects. They “forsake” God, “the guide of their youths,” lavish gold out of the bag, take great pains and long journeys, plead for their sin, are impatient of reproof, careless of their credit, endless in plodding of their paramours, &c.
Ver. 26. And the God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul.] “Howbeit he meant not so, neither was it in his heart to think so,“—viz., that God set him on, -“but it was in his heart to destroy and cut off nations not a few.” (Isaiah 10:7) King of Assyria.] Though the Assyrians took their names from Ashur, son of Shem, (Genesis 10:22 1 Chronicles 1:17) yet the kingdom seemeth, saith one, to be raised amongst them by the prosperity of Cush, the son of Ham. (Genesis 10:6-11)