The same year, two of the elders of the people were appointed to be judges, such as the Lord spoke of, that wickedness came from Babylon from elders who were judges, who were supposed to govern the people.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 5. Judges. The Jews say they were Achab and Sedecias, (Orig.) as this text seems to allude to Jeremiah 29:21 or 33:14. But how were they burnt? since the Jews appear to have stoned them, unless they were delivered up to the king’s officers. verse 61. Calmet.—The captives under Joakim, were better treated than those who were taken nineteen years afterwards, when all fell into a heavier bondage. Worthington.—The might enjoy possessions, ( Bible.) and have judges of their nation. Calmet.—Cappel. urges this difficulty, and many others, to shew that this account is fabulous. But as the Jews were allowed to follow their religion, the Chaldees would strive to keep them in good order. It is not said that Joakim was one of the captives. He might have settled long before at Babylon, where Helcias probably brought up his daughter in the fear of God. verse 3. The judges might also have had authority before over the Israelites, in Assyria, who were now all under the same government. verse 57. Houbigant. Pref.