Ver. 1. These are now the chief of their fathers] The chieftains of those that went up with Ezra, beside those that went up at first with Zerubbabel.
Ver. 2. Of the sons of Phinehas] The son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, that renowned zealot, with whom, and his seed after him, God gave a covenant of peace, even the covenant of an everlasting priesthood, Numbers 25:12,13. Daniel] Not the prophet Daniel, God’s darling, Daniel 9:23, but another of the same name, which might be some help to him. Of the sons of David] sc. Of David the king. See 1 Chronicles 3:22.
Ver. 3. Of the males an hundred and fifty] Great account was made of males under the law, more than of the females; and so there is to this day among the Jews, who hold women to be of a lower creation, made only for the propagation and pleasure of man, &c. (Blount’s Voyage). This their conceit is their folly, yet their posterity approve their sayings. He did better who styled woman the second edition of the epitome of the whole world. Sure it is, that souls have no sexes; and in Christ there is no respect had more to the male than female, Galatians 3:28.
Ver. 4. Of the sons of Pahathmoab] Haply so called, because some of his progenitors had dwelt in Moab. He was a covenanter, Nehemiah 10:14.
Ver. 5. The son of Jahaziel] The father is named, but not the son: but why, who can tell? Et patet et lucet pagina sacra. He is both well know and conspicuous by the sacred page.
Ver. 6. Of the sons also of Adin] A covenanter too, Nehemiah 10:6.
Ver. 7. Jeshaiah] Of the same name, but not the same man that is mentioned, Ezra 8:19.
Ver. 8. The son of Michael] A name afterwards given to Jesus Christ, Daniel 10:13 Re 12:7, signifying, Who is as God. Hence some conceive that it is not so fit to call a child Michael, Emmanuel, &c.
Ver. 9. Obadiah the son of Jehiel] This Obadiah (as also Zechariah, Ezra 8:11, and Azgad, Ezra 8:12) sealed the covenant, Nehemiah 10:1,5, not without oath and execration. It is both lawful, and in some cases needful, for good people solemnly to bind themselves to bounden duties. Hereby, saith a grave divine, as true intention, earnest desire, prudent jealousy, and holy zeal are manifested, so is a dull spirit much quickened, and the weak, wayward, revolting flesh bridled and curbed; yea, and bound to her good behaviour.
Ver. 10. The son of Josiphiah] See Ezra 8:5.
Ver. 11. Zechariah the son of Bebai] See Ezra 8:9.
Ver. 12. And the sons of Azgad] See Ezra 8:9.
Ver. 13. And of the sons of Adonikam] Some of his sons went up before with Zerubbabel, Ezra 2:13. These not till now, together with Ezra. They might want either age or hearts to go at first with their brethren, E posteris posterioribus (Tremell.). Second thoughts are best many times; and Nunquam sero, si serio. Never sorry if cultivated. That son, in the Gospel, who, being bidden go work to-day in the vineyard, answered and said, I will not, but afterwards repented and went, wanted not his commendation, Matthew 21:29. A learned man notes thus upon this text: The lot of Adonikam was below his brethren, because he was the last that set foot forward toward their return.
Ver. 14. And with them seventy males] The whole company consisted of one thousand four hundred ninety and six males: a good addition to those that went up before with Zerubbabel; yet nothing so many as might have been, but that they wanted hearts. Rari quippe boni, numero vix sunt totidem, quot Thebarum portae, vel divitis ostia Nili (Juvenal, Sat. 13).
Ver. 15. And I gathered them together to the river] There was their first rendezvous, at the meeting of two rivers; whereof that country was full, Psalms 137:1, and therefore fertile as the garden of the Lord, whereof it was a part, as most geographers are of opinion. And there abode we in tents] Glad we had our faces set toward Zion (going weeping, &c., Jeremiah 50:4,5), and our backs upon Babylon; of which we might well say, as the philosopher afterwards did of Athens, that it was a pleasant place to travel through, but not safe to dwell in. And found there none of the sons of Levi] None but what he afterwards sent for, no volunteers; this was lamentable, that Levites should be so backward to so good a business. Here was nomen inane, crimen immane. missing name, enormous crime.
Ver. 16. Men of understanding] Of special note for their wisdom and eloquence; such as could present to the people good matter well habited, and could well express their expositions of the law, being themselves wise, and willing to wise others, as the Hebrew word signifieth, Daniel 12:3. Men of understanding, and ready to instruct many, Daniel 11:33. Such a man as this is worth his weight in gold,