2 Chronicles 4:3
Images <01823> [And under.]
bulls .................. bulls <01241> [oxen.]
In the parallel passage of Kings, instead of {bekarim,} "oxen," we have {peka‹m,} "knops," in the form of colocynths. (See on 1 Ki 6:18, and 2 Ki 4:39;) which last is supposed by able critics to be the reading which ought to received be here; {bekarim,} "oxen," being a mistake for {peka‹m,} "knops." Houbigant, however, contends that the words in both places are right; but that {bakar} does not signify an ox here, but a large kind of grape, according to its meaning in Arabic. But Dr. A. Clarke states that {bakar,} or {bakarat,} has no such meaning in Arabic, though the phrase {aino 'lbikri,} or "ox-eye," signifies a species of black grape, very large, and of incredible sweetness; that consequently the criticism of this great man is not solid; and that the likeliest method of reconciling the two places is to suppose a change in the letters as above.
2 Chronicles 9:9
gave .......................... gave <05414> [she gave.]
spices ........ spices <01314> [of spices.]
Sheba <07614> [Sheba.]
This queen is called Balkis by the Arabians, who say she came from the city of Sheba, also called Mareb, in Yemen or Arabia Felix; but the Ethiopians call her Maqueda, claim her as their sovereign, and say that her posterity reigned there for a long time. Mr. Bruce has given us the history of her and her descendants from Abyssinian records; and Josephus says that Sheba was the ancient name of the city of Mero‰, (south of Egypt, and sometimes comprehended in Ethiopia,) and that this princess came from thence. Those who think the princess came from Arabia, rely chiefly on the fact that gold, silver, spices, and precious stones, which were the presents she made to Solomon, are the natural products of that country; and that it may well be placed at the uttermost part of the earth, as it borders on the southern ocean, and formerly they knew no land beyond it.
2 Chronicles 21:20
thirty-two <07970 08147> [A.M. 3119. B.C. 885. Thirty and two.]
regretted <02532> [without being desired. Heb. without desire.]
That is, without being regretted: no one wished him to live any longer. He was hated while he lived, and neglected when he died.
