(15) And they departed not from the commandment of the king.--From has fallen out of the Heb. text, and must be restored. So three MSS. and the versions.

The king=David.

Unto.--Concerning; literally, upon.

Concerning any matter, or concerning the treasures.--With reference to any matter and (especially) with reference to the treasures. (See 1Chronicles 26:20-28.) 2Chronicles 8:14-15 assure us that the arrangements of David, as described in 1 Chronicles 24-26, were faithfully observed by his successor.

Verse 15. - Considering the last clause of the previous verse, the king probably designs David, not Solomon. The commandment... concerning the treasures. (See, with the exposition, 1 Chronicles 26:20-32. Comp. also our 2 Chronicles 35:3-5.)

8:1 - 18 Solomon's buildings and trade. - It sometimes requires more wisdom and resolution to govern a family in the fear of God, than to govern a kingdom with reputation. The difficulty is increased, when a man has a hinderance instead of a help meet in the wife of his bosom. Solomon kept up the holy sacrifices, according to the law of Moses. In vain had the altar been built, in vain had fire come down from heaven, if sacrifices had not been constantly brought. Spiritual sacrifices are required of us, which we are to bring daily and weekly; it is good to be in a settled method of devotion. When the service of the temple was put into good order, it is said, The house of the Lord was perfected. The work was the main matter, not the place; the temple was unfinished till all this was done. Canaan was a rich country, and yet must send to Ophir for gold The Israelites were a wise people, but must be beholden to the king of Tyre for men that had knowledge of the seas. Grace, and not gold, is the best riches, and acquaintance with God and his law, the best knowledge. Leaving the children of this world to scramble for the toys of this world, may we, as the children of God, lay up our treasure in heaven, that where our treasure is, our hearts also may be.And they departed not from the commandment of the king unto the priests and Levites,.... The priests and Levites departed not from it, not from the commandment of Solomon, according to the order of David, but in all things obeyed it:

concerning any matter; which related to the office of either of them, sacrificers, singers, or porters:

or concerning the treasures; such of the Levites as had the care of them were faithful to their trust, see 1 Chronicles 26:20, &c.