(2) The chief of the fathers.--Rather, the chiefs of the clans (father-houses). Vulg., "capita familiarum;" LXX., ????? ??????????? ???????.

Elders . . . heads.--Or, sheikhs . . . ameers.

Zion.--Syr. and Arab., Hebron.

In the feast which was in the seventh month.--Heb., in the feast; that (is) the seventh month. The words "in the month of Ethanim" (Kings) have been accidentally omitted before the expression rendered "in the feast." The Authorised version suggests another mode of emending the text. (Comp. Nehemiah 8:14.) Syr., "in the month of the fruits ('ebbo) of the feast of Tabernacles; that is the seventh month." The LXX. had the present faulty Hebrew.

Verse 2. - Comparing the language of this and the following verse with that used on the occasion of David's bringing up of the ark to Zion, found in 2 Samuel 6:1; 1 Chronicles 13. and 15, some have thought that a considerable difference of tone is perceptible, and that indication is given of the intention, or at any rate a feeling, even if more or less unconscious, on the part of Solomon, that times were ripe for a demonstration, that should partake less of the enthusiasm of the mass, so far as his own summons might be concerned, and more of the form and dignity of the chief and representative men of the nation. This view can hardly be pressed. The very word "wherefore" in ver. 3 goes far to discredit it. And any difference that may be apparent in the language is far more probably and easily attributable to the old cause of the narrower, though intenser, interest of the writer of Chronicles.

5:1-10 The ark was a type of Christ, and, as such, a token of the presence of God. That gracious promise, Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world, does, in effect, bring the ark into our religious assemblies, if we by faith and prayer plead that promise; and this we should be most earnest for. When Christ is formed in a soul, the law written in the heart, the ark of the covenant settled there, so that it becomes the temple of the Holy Ghost, there is true satisfaction in that soul.See Chapter Introduction