service they stood, had also their proper Jewish names; and the reason why their Babylonian or Assyrian names are given here is probably to mark them out as men of importance, who very likely held positions of office in the Court of Assyria or Babylon.
(4) The deputation, after entreating the favour of the Lord by presenting gifts and offerings,[1] was instructed to address the inquiry " to the priests of the House of Jehovah of hosts," because according to the Mosaic institution they in all such matters were to teach Jacob God's judgments, and Israel His law (Deut. xxxiii. 8 10); or, as we have it in the beautiful picture in Mai. ii. 57, "the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth." That they should also consult " the prophets " that is, Haggai and Zechariah was very natural, since by their ministry, and its immediate powerful effect in rousing the people to the long-neglected task of rebuilding the Temple, they had indeed proved and authenticated themselves in the sight of the whole people to be " Jehovah's messengers in Jehovah's message " (Hag. i- 13).
(5) The question itself was, " Shall I (i.e., the city of Bethel} weep in the fifth month, separating myself (i.wn hinnazer like the Nazarite who separated himself, or abstained from strong drink and other bodily indulgences),[2] as I have done these many years? "
The fast of the fifth month, which is the month of Ab, answering to August, is still observed by the Jews on the ninth day, in celebration of the destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar; but, according to the Talmud and Jewish historians, the following list of calamities all happened on
- ↑ The phrase J9 n^n (hilah penei) primarily signifies to "stroke the face," hence to entreat favour, or to appease, or propitiate. It is used of entreating the favour of the rich with gifts (Job xi. 19; Prov. xix. 6; Ps. xlv. 12), and is often used in reference to God. No intelligent reader is, of course, in any danger of misunderstanding these anthropomorphic expressions in the Bible when applied to God.
- ↑ Fasting and mourning were generally accompanied with weeping (comp. Judg. xx. 26; i Sam. i. 7; 2 Sam. i. 12; Ezra x. i; Neh. i. 4, etc.).
