Part 3
A generation unto the generations

Matthew Henry's Commentary (Concise) - Numbers 4:16
Numbers 4:4-20 (The duties of the Kohathites)
"Book Intro
The Kohathites were to carry the holy things of the tabernacle. All the holy things were to be covered; not only for security and respect, but to keep them from being seen. This not only marked the reverence due to holy things, but the mystery of the things signified by those types, and the darkness of the dispensation. But now, through Christ, the case is altered, and we are encouraged to come boldly to the throne of grace.

Matthew Henry's Commentary (Concise) - 1 Chron. 9:30
1 Chron. 9:1-44 (Genealogies)
"Book Intro
This chapter expresses that one end of recording all these genealogies was, to direct the Jews, when they returned out of captivity, with whom to unite, and where to reside. Here is an account of the good state into which the affairs of religion were put, on the return from Babylon. Every one knew his charge. Work is likely to be done well when every one knows the duty of his place, and makes a business of it. God is the God of order. Thus was the temple a figure of the heavenly one, where they rest not day nor night from praising God, Revelation 4:8. Blessed be His name, believers there shall, not in turn, but all together, without interruption, praise him night and day: may the Lord make each of us fit for the inheritance of the saints in light.

Deut. 28:40; Ruth 3:3; Esther 2:12; Psalm 92:10; Psalm 104:15; Psalm 141:5; Proverbs 27:9; Proverbs 27:16; Eccles. 9:8; Song 1:3; Song 4:10; Isaiah 57:9; Amos 6:6; Micah 6:15;
Dake's Study Notes - Ruth 3:3
"Front Matter "Charts/Maps "Summary of Ruth
Ruth 3:3
a [Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: but make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking.] After telling Ruth when and where to meet Boaz (Ruth 3:2), Naomi outlined the next steps in her plan for Ruth:
1. Wash yourself (Ruth 3:3).
2. Anoint yourself with perfumes.
3. Get dressed for the occasion.
4. Go down to the threshing floor where he will be found tonight.
5. Do not reveal yourself until he is finished eating and drinking.
6. Mark the place where he will lie down for the night (Ruth 3:4).
7. Go in and uncover his feet.
8. Lay down at his feet.
9. Listen to what he tells you to do.

Dake's Study Notes - Psalm 92:10
"Front Matter "Charts/Maps
"Summary of Psalms "Notes of Psalms
Psalm 92:10
a [horn] The word horn in symbolic passages referring to kingdoms, represents kings (Daniel 7:7-8,19-24; Daniel 8:20-23; Rev. 12:3; Rev. 13:1; Rev. 17:12-17); but in connection with individuals it represents power and authority (Job 16:15; Psalm 75:4-5; Psalm 92:10; Psalm 112:9; Psalm 132:17).
b [unicorn] Perhaps the wild buffalo or ox.
c [I shall be anointed with fresh oil] Four personal references:
1. My horn (power and authority, Psalm 92:10)
2. My head-anointed with fresh oil
3. My eyes (Psalm 92:11)
4. My ears

Dake's Study Notes - Psalm 141:5
"Front Matter "Charts/Maps
"Summary of Psalms "Notes of Psalms
Psalm 141:5
a [Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head] The righteous will chasten in kindness and his reproof will not be to destroy, like that of the wicked.
b [for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities] The prayer is for calamities or punishment of the wicked for their wickedness, not for judgment upon the righteous. The Peshitta reads, "Let the righteous teach me and reprove me; let the oil of the wicked not anoint my head since my prayer has been against their evils." The oil of the wicked may refer to his smooth, flattering speeches. The psalmist desires to be reproved by the righteous rather than the oily talk of the flatterer.

Dake's Study Notes - Proverbs 27:9
"Front Matter "Charts/Maps "Summary of Proverbs
Proverbs 27:9
a [Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel] Anointing of the head and certain parts of the body with aromatic oil was frequent in the East, and scenting the beards of guests at the end of an entertainment was extremely common. All this seemed to refresh and rejoice the heart of vain men. So also do the pleasant, kind, and assuring words of friendship or counsel from a true friend. Hearty counsel means the sincere counsel of the soul.

Dake's Study Notes - Eccles. 9:8
"Front Matter "Charts/Maps "Summary of Eccles.
Eccles. 9:8
a [Let thy garments be always white] White garments are commonly worn in the East. This is a figurative exhortation to perpetual purity of character and conduct (Rev. 7:13; Rev. 19:14).

Deut. 28:15-44 (The curses for disobedience)
"Book Intro
If we do not keep God's commandments, we not only come short of the blessing promised, but we lay ourselves under the curse, which includes all misery, as the blessing all happiness. Observe the justice of this curse. It is not a curse causeless, or for some light cause. The extent and power of this curse. Wherever the sinner goes, the curse of God follows; wherever he is, it rests upon him. Whatever he has is under a curse. All his enjoyments are made bitter; he cannot take any true comfort in them, for the wrath of God mixes itself with them. Many judgments are here stated, which would be the fruits of the curse, and with which God would punish the people of the Jews, for their apostacy and disobedience. We may observe the fulfilling of these threatenings in their present state. To complete their misery, it is threatened that by these troubles they should be bereaved of all comfort and hope, and left to utter despair. Those who walk by sight, and not by faith, are in danger of losing reason itself, when every thing about them looks frightful.

Matthew Henry's Commentary (Concise) - Ruth 3:3
Ruth 3:1-5 (The directions given to Ruth by Naomi)
"Book Intro
The married state should be a rest, as much as any thing upon earth can be so, as it ought to fix the affections and form a connexion for life. Therefore it should be engaged in with great seriousness, with earnest prayers for direction, for the blessing of God, and with regard to his precepts. Parents should carefully advise their children in this important concern, that it may be well with them as to their souls. Be it always remembered, That is best for us which is best for our souls. The course Naomi advised appears strange to us; but it was according to the laws and usages of Israel. If the proposed measure had borne the appearance of evil, Naomi would not have advised it. Law and custom gave Ruth, who was now proselyted to the true religion, a legal claim upon Boaz. It was customary for widows to assert this claim, Deuteronomy 25:5-10. But this is not recorded for imitation in other times, and is not to be judged by modern rules. And if there had been any evil in it, Ruth was a woman of too much virtue and too much sense to have listened to it.

Matthew Henry's Commentary (Concise) - Esther 2:12
Esther 2:1-20 (Esther chosen queen)
"Book Intro
We see to what absurd practices those came, who were destitute of Divine revelation, and what need there was of the gospel of Christ, to purify men from the lusts of the flesh, and to bring them back to the original institution of marriage. Esther was preferred as queen. Those who suggest that Esther committed sin to come at this dignity, do not consider the custom of those times and countries. Every one that the king took was married to him, and was his wife, though of a lower rank. But how low is human nature sunk, when such as these are the leading pursuits and highest worldly happiness of men! Disappointment and vexation must follow; and he most wisely consults his enjoyment, even in this present life, who most exactly obeys the precepts of the Divine law. But let us turn to consider the wise and merciful providence of God, carrying on his deep but holy designs in the midst of all this. And let no change in our condition be a pretext for forgetting our duties to parents, or the friends who have stood in their place.

Matthew Henry's Commentary (Concise) - Psalm 92:10
Psalm 92:7-15 (The wicked shall perish, but God's people shall be exalted)
"Book Intro
God sometimes grants prosperity to wicked men in displeasure; yet they flourish but for a moment. Let us seek for ourselves the salvation and grace of the gospel, that being daily anointed by the Holy Spirit, we may behold and share the Redeemer's glory. It is from his grace, by his word and Spirit, that believers receive all the virtue that keeps them alive, and makes them fruitful. Other trees, when old, leave off bearing, but in God's trees the strength of grace does not fail with the strength of nature. The last days of the saints are sometimes their best days, and their last work their best work: perseverance is sure evidence of sincerity. And may every sabbath, while it shows forth the Divine faithfulness, find our souls resting more and more upon the Lord our righteousness.

Matthew Henry's Commentary (Concise) - Psalm 104:15
Psalm 104:10-18 (His provision for all creatures)
"Book Intro
When we reflect upon the provision made for all creatures, we should also notice the natural worship they render to God. Yet man, forgetful ungrateful man, enjoys the largest measure of his Creator's kindness. the earth, varying in different lands. Nor let us forget spiritual blessings; the fruitfulness of the church through grace, the bread of everlasting life, the cup of salvation, and the oil of gladness. Does God provide for the inferior creatures, and will he not be a refuge to his people?

Matthew Henry's Commentary (Concise) - Psalm 141:5
Psalm 141:5-10 (That God would appear for his rescue)
"Book Intro
We should be ready to welcome the rebuke of our heavenly Father, and also the reproof of our brethren. It shall not break my head, if it may but help to break my heart: we must show that we take it kindly. Those who slighted the word of God before, will be glad of it when in affliction, for that opens the ear to instruction. When the world is bitter, the word is sweet. Let us lift our prayer unto God. Let us entreat him to rescue us from the snares of Satan, and of all the workers of iniquity. In language like this psalm, O Lord, would we entreat that our poor prayers should set forth our only hope, our only dependence on thee. Grant us thy grace, that we may be prepared for this employment, being clothed with thy righteousness, and having all the gifts of thy Spirit planted in our hearts.

Matthew Henry's Commentary (Concise) - Proverbs 27:9
Proverbs 27:1-27
"Book Intro
27:1 We know not what a day may bring forth. This does not forbid preparing for to-morrow, but presuming upon to-morrow. We must not put off the great work of conversion, that one thing needful.
27:2 There may be occasion for us to justify ourselves, but not to praise ourselves.
27:3-4 Those who have no command of their passions, sink under the load.
27:5-6 Plain and faithful rebukes are better, not only than secret hatred, but than love which compliments in sin, to the hurt of the soul.
27:7 The poor have a better relish of their enjoyments, and are often more thankful for them, than the rich. In like manner the proud and self-sufficient disdain the gospel; but those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, find comfort from the meanest book or sermon that testifies of Christ Jesus.
27:8 Every man has his proper place in society, where he may be safe and comfortable.
27:9-10 Depend not for relief upon a kinsman, merely for kindred's sake; apply to those who are at hand, and will help in need. But there is a Friend that sticketh closer than a brother, and let us place entire confidence in him.
27:11 An affectionate parent urges his son to prudent conduct that should gladden his heart. The good conduct of Christians is the best answer to all who find fault with the gospel.
27:12 Where there is temptation, if we thrust ourselves into it, there will be sin, and punishment will follow.
27:13 An honest man may be made a beggar, but he is not honest that makes himself one.
27:14 It is folly to be fond of being praised; it is a temptation to pride.
27:15-16 The contentions of a neighbour may be like a sharp shower, troublesome for a time; the contentions of a wife are like constant rain.
27:17 We are cautioned to take heed whom we converse with. And directed to have in view, in conversation, to make one another wiser and better.
27:18 Though a calling be laborious and despised, yet those who keep to it, will find there is something to be got by it. God is a Master who has engaged to honour those who serve him faithfully.
27:19 One corrupt heart is like another; so are sanctified hearts: the former bear the same image of the earthly, the latter the same image of the heavenly. Let us carefully watch our own hearts, comparing them with the word of God.
27:20 Two things are here said to be never satisfied, death and sin. The appetites of the carnal mind for profit or pleasure are always desiring more. Those whose eyes are ever toward the Lord, are satisfied in him, and shall for ever be so.
27:21 Silver and gold are tried by putting them into the furnace and fining-pot; so is a man tried by praising him.
27:22 Some are so bad, that even severe methods do not answer the end; what remains but that they should be rejected? The new-creating power of God's grace alone is able to make a change.
27:23-27 We ought to have some business to do in this world, and not to live in idleness, and not to meddle with what we do not understand. We must be diligent and take pains. Let us do what we can, still the world cannot be secured to us, therefore we must choose a more lasting portion; but by the blessing of God upon our honest labours, we may expect to enjoy as much of earthly blessings as is good for us.

Matthew Henry's Commentary (Concise) - Proverbs 27:16
Proverbs 27:1-27
"Book Intro
27:1 We know not what a day may bring forth. This does not forbid preparing for to-morrow, but presuming upon tomorrow. We must not put off the great work of conversion, that one thing needful.
27:2 There may be occasion for us to justify ourselves, but not to praise ourselves.
27:3-4 Those who have no command of their passions, sink under the load.
27:5-6 Plain and faithful rebukes are better, not only than secret hatred, but than love which compliments in sin, to the hurt of the soul.
27:7 The poor have a better relish of their enjoyments, and are often more thankful for them, than the rich. In like manner the proud and self-sufficient disdain the gospel; but those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, find comfort from the meanest book or sermon that testifies of Christ Jesus.
27:8 Every man has his proper place in society, where he may be safe and comfortable.
27:9-10 Depend not for relief upon a kinsman, merely for kindred's sake; apply to those who are at hand, and will help in need. But there is a Friend that sticketh closer than a brother, and let us place entire confidence in him.
27:11 An affectionate parent urges his son to prudent conduct that should gladden his heart. The good conduct of Christians is the best answer to all who find fault with the gospel.
27:12 Where there is temptation, if we thrust ourselves into it, there will be sin, and punishment will follow.
27:13 An honest man may be made a beggar, but he is not honest that makes himself one.
27:14 It is folly to be fond of being praised; it is a temptation to pride.
27:15-16 The contentions of a neighbour may be like a sharp shower, troublesome for a time; the contentions of a wife are like constant rain.
27:17 We are cautioned to take heed whom we converse with. And directed to have in view, in conversation, to make one another wiser and better.
27:18 Though a calling be laborious and despised, yet those who keep to it, will find there is something to be got by it. God is a Master who has engaged to honour those who serve him faithfully.
27:19 One corrupt heart is like another; so are sanctified hearts: the former bear the same image of the earthly, the latter the same image of the heavenly. Let us carefully watch our own hearts, comparing them with the word of God.
27:20 Two things are here said to be never satisfied, death and sin. The appetites of the carnal mind for profit or pleasure are always desiring more. Those whose eyes are ever toward the Lord, are satisfied in him, and shall for ever be so.
27:21 Silver and gold are tried by putting them into the furnace and fining-pot; so is a man tried by praising him.
27:22 Some are so bad, that even severe methods do not answer the end; what remains but that they should be rejected? The new-creating power of God's grace alone is able to make a change.
27:23-27 We ought to have some business to do in this world, and not to live in idleness, and not to meddle with what we do not understand. We must be diligent and take pains. Let us do what we can, still the world cannot be secured to us, therefore we must choose a more lasting portion; but by the blessing of God upon our honest labours, we may expect to enjoy as much of earthly blessings as is good for us.

Matthew Henry's Commentary (Concise) - Eccles. 9:8
Eccles. 9:4-10 (All men must die, Their portion as to this life)
"Book Intro
The most despicable living man's state, is preferable to that of the most noble who have died impenitent. Solomon exhorts the wise and pious to cheerful confidence in God, whatever their condition in life. The meanest morsel, coming from their Father's love, in answer to prayer, will have a peculiar relish. Not that we may set our hearts upon the delights of sense, but what God has given us we may use with wisdom. The joy here described, is the gladness of heart that springs from a sense of the Divine favour. This is the world of service, that to come is the world of recompence. All in their stations, may find some work to do. And above all, sinners have the salvation of their souls to seek after, believers have to prove their faith, adorn the gospel, glorify God, and serve their generation.

Matthew Henry's Commentary (Concise) - Song 1:3
Song 1:2-6 (The church confesses her deformity)
"Book Intro
The church, or rather the believer, speaks here in the character of the spouse of the King, the Messiah. The kisses of his mouth mean those assurances of pardon with which believers are favoured, filling them with peace and joy in believing, and causing them to abound in hope by the power of the Holy Ghost. Gracious souls take most pleasure in loving Christ, and being loved of him. Christ's love is more valuable and desirable than the best this world can give. The name of Christ is not now like ointment sealed up, but like ointment poured forth; which denotes the freeness and fulness of the setting forth of his grace by the gospel. Those whom he has redeemed and sanctified, are here the virgins that love Jesus Christ, and follow him whithersoever he goes, Revelation 14:4. They entreat him to draw them by the quickening influences of his Spirit. The more clearly we discern Christ's glory, the more sensible shall we be that we are unable to follow him suitably, and at the same time be more desirous of doing it. Observe the speedy answer given to this prayer. Those who wait at Wisdom's gate, shall be led into truth and comfort. And being brought into this chamber, our griefs will vanish. We have no joy but in Christ, and for this we are indebted to him. We will remember to give thanks for thy love; it shall make more lasting impressions upon us than any thing in this world. Nor is any love acceptable to Christ but love in sincerity, Ephesians 6:24. The daughters of Jerusalem may mean professors not yet established in the faith. The spouse was black as the tents of the wandering Arabs, but comely as the magnificent curtains in the palaces of Solomon. The believer is black, as being defiled and sinful by nature, but comely, as renewed by Divine grace to the holy image of God. He is still deformed with remains of sin, but comely as accepted in Christ. He is often base and contemptible in the esteem of men, but excellent in the sight of God. The blackness was owing to the hard usage that had been suffered. The children of the church, her mother, but not of God, her Father, were angry with her. They had made her suffer hardships, which caused her to neglect the care of her soul. Thus, under the emblem of a poor female, made the chosen partner of a prince, we are led to consider the circumstances in which the love of Christ is accustomed to find its objects. They were wretched slaves of sin, in toil, or in sorrow, weary and heavy laden, but how great the change when the love of Christ is manifested to their souls!

Matthew Henry's Commentary (Concise) - Song 4:10
Song 4:8-15 (Christ's love to the church)
"Book Intro
Observe the gracious call Christ gives to the church. It is, 1. A precept; so this is Christ's call to his church to come off from the world. These hills seem pleasant, but there are in them lions' dens; they are mountains of the leopards. 2. As a promise; many shall be brought as members of the church, from every point. The church shall be delivered from her persecutors in due time, though now she dwells among lions, Psalms 57:4. Christ's heart is upon his church; his treasure is therein; and he delights in the affection she has for him; its working in the heart, and its works in the life. The odours wherewith the spouse is perfumed, are as the gifts and graces of the Spirit. Love and obedience to God are more pleasing to Christ than sacrifice or incense. Christ having put upon his spouse the white raiment of his own righteousness, and the righteousness of saints, and perfumed it with holy joy and comfort, he is well pleased with it. And Christ walks in his garden unseen. A hedge of protection is made around, which all the powers of darkness cannot break through. The souls of believers are as gardens enclosed, where is a well of living water, John 4:14; 7:38, the influences of the Holy Spirit. The world knows not these wells of salvation, nor can any opposer corrupt this fountain. Saints in the church, and graces in the saints, are fitly compared to fruits and spices. They are planted, and do not grow of themselves. They are precious; they are the blessings of this earth. They will be kept to good purpose when flowers are withered. Grace, when ended in glory, will last for ever. Christ is the source which makes these gardens fruitful; even a well of living waters.

Matthew Henry's Commentary (Concise) - Isaiah 57:9
Isaiah 57:3-12 (The abominable idolatries of the Jewish nation)
"Book Intro
The Lord here calls apostates and hypocrites to appear before him. When reproved for their sins, and threatened with judgments, they ridiculed the word of God. The Jews were guilty of idolatry before the captivity; but not after that affliction. Their zeal in the worship of false gods, may shame our indifference in the worship of the true God. The service of sin is disgraceful slavery; those who thus debase themselves to hell, will justly have their portion there. Men incline to a religion that inflames their unholy passions. They are led to do any evil, however great or vile, if they think it will atone for crimes, or purchase indulgence for some favourite lust. This explains idolatry, whether pagan, Jewish, or antichristian. But those who set up anything instead of God, for their hope and confidence, never will come to a right end. Those who forsake the only right way, wander in a thousand by-paths. The pleasures of sin soon tire, but never satisfy. Those who care not for the word of God and his providences, show they have no fear of God. Sin profits not; it ruins and destroys.

Matthew Henry's Commentary (Concise) - Amos 6:6
Amos 6:1-7 (The danger of luxury and false security)
"Book Intro
Those are looked upon as doing well for themselves, who do well for their bodies; but we are here told what their ease is, and what their woe is. Here is a description of the pride, security, and sensuality, for which God would reckon. Careless sinners are every where in danger; but those at ease in Zion, who are stupid, vainly confident, and abusing their privileges, are in the greatest danger. Yet many fancy themselves the people of God, who are living in sin, and in conformity to the world. But the examples of others' ruin forbid us to be secure. Those who are set upon their pleasures are commonly careless of the troubles of others, but this is great offence to God. Those who placed their happiness in the pleasures of sense, and set their hearts upon them, shall be deprived of those pleasures. Those who try to put the evil day far from them, find it nearest to them.

Matthew Henry's Commentary (Concise) - Micah 6:15
Micah 6:9-16 (The wickedness of Israel)
"Book Intro
God, having showed how necessary it was that they should do justly, here shows how plain it was that they had done unjustly. This voice of the Lord says to all, Hear the rod when it is coming, before you see it, and feel it. Hear the rod when it is come, and you are sensible of the smart; hear what counsels, what cautions it speaks. The voice of God is to be heard in the rod of God. Those who are dishonest in their dealings shall never be reckoned pure, whatever shows of devotion they may make. What is got by fraud and oppression, cannot be kept or enjoyed with satisfaction. What we hold closest we commonly lose soonest. Sin is a root of bitterness, soon planted, but not soon plucked up again. Their being the people of God in name and profession, while they kept themselves in his love, was an honour to them; but now, being backsliders, their having been once the people of God turns to their reproach.

Jeremias Antonetty
12/3/2003