- 148-
(^232) This is the literal, and, as will be perceived, much more forcible rendering.
(^233) Comp. here Exodus 20:4, 5; Deuteronomy 28:26. Even the alteration of this latter
passage in 1 Kings 14:11 is in favor of the earlier age of the Book of Deuteronomy -
since the addition about the "dogs" points to Eastern town-life, where the wild dogs act
as scavengers of cities.
(^234) The words of the original are somewhat difficult to render on account of the
abruptness of the speech; but the above, which corresponds with our Authorized
Version, gives the correct meaning.
(^235) It is remarkable, that the same strong expression occurs only in Ezekiel 23:35, in
reference to the same sin of apostate Judah as followed by the same punishment as that
of Israel.
(^236) We subjoin the following as the most interesting of the Rabbinical notices about
Jeroboam (comp. the Nachalath Shimoni, vol. i., p. 37, b and c): The name of
Jeroboam is explained as "making contest among the people," either in reference to
their relationship to God, or as between Israel and Judah (Sanh. 101, b). His father
Nebat is identified with Micah, and even with Sheba, the son of Bichri (Sanh. ib.). The
Talmud records various legendary accounts of Jeroboam's quarrel with Solomon, in
which the former appears more in the right (Sanh. ib.), although he is blamed alike for
the public expression of his feelings and for his rebellion. That rebellion is regarded as
the outward manifestation of long-existing disunion. The government of Jeroboam is
looked upon as distinguished by firmness, and he is praised for his wisdom, which had
given rise to great hope. Pride is stated to have been the reason of his apostasy from
God. (Sanh. 102 a). The promise to Jacob in Genesis 35:11, "Kings shall come out of
thee," is applied in Bereshith R. 82 (ed. Warsh. p. 146, b), to Jeroboam; but he is
regarded as not having share in the world to come. Seven such are mentioned: three
kings - Jeroboam, Ahab, and Manasseh, and four private persons - Balaam, Doeg,
Ahithophel, and Gehazi (Sanh. 90, a). He is also mentioned among those who are
condemned eternally to Gehenna in Rosh ha-Shanah, 17, a.
(^237) Abijah. - "my father Jehovah!" Two other forms of the name occur. In the Book of
Kings he is always called Abijam, while in 2 Chronicles 13:21 he is also designated (in
the Hebrew), Abijahu. Probably, Abijam (in 1 Kings) was the older form - and it is not
impossible that it may have been altered into, Abijah, when that monarch made his
loud profession of Jehovahism (2 Chronicles 13:4, etc.).
(^)