236
The common rendering is "ancient river;" Cassel translates "river of help." I prefer "battle," the root
being: to meet or to encounter, obviam ire. Kishon, "the winding one." Ancient Jewish tradition has it that
this battle was fought on the Passover, which is not unlikely, as the Kishon is swollen during the rainy
season, but quite dry in summer.
237
In their flight. In the original the word is simply repeated.
238
Probably a place near Endor, whose inhabitants joined not in the pursuit of Sisera.
239
Such women as live in tents - pastoral and nomadic, as all the Kenites were.
240
The cup used on state occasions, as it were.
241
Cream, or thickened milk (it is a mistake of interpreters to suppose that it was thickened to make him
intoxicated); or else camel's milk.
242
We almost seem to hear the three strokes of the hammer by which her bloody work is done.
243
The description of the effects corresponding to the three strokes of the hammer.
244
With each captive maiden the warrior would also receive one dyed garment and twain many-colored
kerchiefs. In the arduous task of translating this, one of the most difficult passages of Scripture, Cassel's
Commentary has been of greatest use, although its suggestions are too often fanciful.
245
Ophrah means township. This Ophrah is to be distinguished from that in Benjamin.
246
"My father is help."
247
The Targum puts it: "they seemed to eat," and Cassel argues that, as theirs was not real humanity, neither
was their eating. This, of course, is quite different from the eating on the part of our Lord, which was real -
since His humanity and His body were real and true.
248
"One who cuts down," a warrior.
249
The term in the original conveys this.
250
So literally.
251
This is the uniform meaning of the word.
252
The added notice as to its continuance at the time of the writer throws light upon the date of the
authorship o f the book.
253
The two were very generally connected, and formed the grossest contrast to the pure service of Jehovah.
254
That is, if any should seek to vindicate Baal today let him die; wait till tomorrow to give him time!
255
In 2 Samuel 11:21 he is called Jerubbesheth - besheth, "shame," being an opprobrious name instead of
Baal. May this throw any light on the names of Ishbosheth and Mephibosheth? In 1 Chronicles 8:33, 9:39, at
least Ishbosheth is called Ish-baal, while in 1 Chronicles 8:34 we have Meribbaal ("strife of," or else "against
Baal") instead of Mephibosheth ("glory" or "utterance" of Baal).
256
So, Judges 6:34, literally.