Ver. 19.-T,lie builder of the second temple. Among the names recorded here, that of Zerubbabel suggests an interesting passage in the Jewish history; and he has a. marked individuality, so that his worlc and his times may be profitably reviewed. It is noticed as a fulfilling of the Divine promise concerning the Davidic dynasty, that Zernbbabel was a prince of the house of David, and so the returned captives resumed their national life under a Davi<lic leader, and with a fresh and constantly effective rememLrance of the Divine promise and faithfulness. From tha narrative in Ezra, details of the work of Zerubbabel may be given. Ilia mission concerned three things: l. The leadership of the liberated captives on their return fo11rney to Palestine. \Vhat qualities this demanded-command, courage, patience, cheerfulnes~, etc., should be fully illustrated. 2. The erection of a, new temple from the ruins of that of Solomon, and the restoration of the Mosaic ritual and worship. ln this he was aided by Joshua, the high priest. Show what further qualities were demanded by this work-power to inspire others, personal godliness, an enkindling enthusiasm, and, in viaw of the efforts of the Samaritans, firmness, unswerving loyalty to God, and a holy jealousy that permitted no compromises in religion. 3. The establishment of a national and govern- mental order among the people. This was the work for which he probably had here- ditary genius; and his position and authority, as the PersiBn Sheshbazzar, enabled him effectively to carry out his schemes. In him may be illustrated tho threefold truth: (1) that circumstances call forth the best that is in men ; (2) that men may to a large extent mould their circumstances; and (3) that God is ever ready to give his grace and strength, unto the best success, to every man who sincerely wishes to be fu11nd fuitl,f11l.-R. T.
EXPOSITION. CHAPTER IV. follow in the direction already indicated in eh. ii., nenr 1he end of which we were left Vera. 1-23.-After the large spnce given with Sholml nnd Horoeh, probably tho snmo to the "sons of David," of the tribe of with Ueaiah (the same name as Heoia, eh. J u<lah, in the previous chapter, this chapter v. 5, though not the same person). l'etums for twenty-three verses to group Vers. 1, 2.-Tbo Carmi of vor. 1 is eon- togetllcr a few a.Jditiooal ramifications of si<lereu to lie doubtful between the Carmi the same tribe, whose registers were for of eh. ii. 7 or the Chelubai of eh. ii !I, in Borne rcnsons, perhaps not very evi,lent, which last alternation tho fivo naml's of tlds pre~erveu und kuown. 'l'lie tir~t Vl'roe~ vu1·,o wouhl repeat the line of ,ksl·cut willi THE FIRST BOOK OF 'l'IIE CHRONICLES. [err. 1v. 1-4.3.