These were those who waited on the king, in addition to those whom the king put in the fortified cities throughout all Judah.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 19. King, at different times. Septuagint “waiting upon” him, ( Bible.) like the companies which David had appointed, ( Calmet.) but far more numerous. Bible.—The dominions of Juda were now pretty extensive, and well cultivated. The population must have amounted to near six millions, for whose support recourse must have been had to commerce. Rome had once almost four million inhabitants, and Cairo is said to contain seven millions, while China has two hundred millions. Calmet.—We must reflect that many from the other tribes had taken refuge in the kingdom of Juda. Tirinus.—It would be too bold to suppose, with Kennicott, that so many numbers have been corrupted. Bible. Calmet. 13:3.