Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Chronicles 13:5
Ought ye not to know that the LORD God of Israel gave the kingdom over Israel to David forever, [even] to him and to his sons by a covenant of salt?
5. a covenant of salt ] Salt was necessary for the efficacy of a sacrifice (Lev 2:13), so that Covenant of salt became a phrase for a sure covenant (Num 18:19). The sacredness of the bond which is acknowledged among the Arabs between two persons who have “eaten salt” together as host and guest is common knowledge. It is not however necessary that salt should be taken; any food, e.g. milk, will serve (W. R. Smith, Religion of the Semites, p. 270).
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Verse 5. By a covenant of salt?] For ever. “For as the waters of the sea never grow sweet, neither shall the dominion depart from the house of David.” – Targum. See Clarke on Nu 18:19.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
i.e. By a perpetual covenant, which thy usurpation can not disannul. For the phrase, See Poole “Num 18:19“.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
Ought you not to know,…. They did know what he afterwards says, but he would have them consider and acknowledge it:
that the Lord God of Israel gave the kingdom over Israel to David for ever; to him and his seed, particularly to the Messiah, that should spring from him; but whether Abijah had this in view is a question, see 2Sa 7:13
even to him and to his sons by a covenant of salt? that is, a perpetual one, which was inviolable, and never to be made void; called so, because salt preserves from corruption and putrefaction, and because made use of in sacrifices offered when covenants were made; the Targum is,
“as salt waters, which never lose their saltness.”
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
(5) Ought ye not to know.Literally, is it not to you to know? A construction characteristic of the chronicler. Abijah contrasts the moral position of his adversaries with his own, asserting (1) that their separate political existence is itself an act of rebellion against Jehovah; (2) that they have abolished the only legitimate form of worship, and established in its place an illegal cultus and priesthood; whereas (3) he and his people have maintained the orthodox ritual and ministry, and are therefore assured of the divine support.
By a covenant of salt.As or after the manner of a covenant of salt, i.e., a firm and unalterable compact (see Num. 18:19). According to ancient custom, salt was indispensable at formal meals for the ratification of friendship and alliance; and only a salt treaty was held to be secure. Salt therefore accompanied sacrifices, as being, in fact, so many renewals of the covenant between man and God. (Lev. 2:13; Eze. 43:24; Lev. 24:7 in the LXX.)
The antique phrase, covenant of salt, is otherwise important, as bearing on the authenticity of this speech.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
5. A covenant of salt The meat-offering was a standing memorial of God’s covenant with man, and could never be lawfully offered without salt.
Lev 2:13. Salt, the symbol of perpetuity and incorruptibility, became therefore proverbially associated with the Israelitish notion of a sacred and inviolable covenant. Hence “a covenant of salt” is equivalent to “a holy and inviolable covenant.” Compare Num 18:19.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
2Ch 13:5. By a covenant of salt See Num 18:19.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
2Ch 13:5 Ought ye not to know that the LORD God of Israel gave the kingdom over Israel to David for ever, [even] to him and to his sons by a covenant of salt?
Ver. 5. Ought ye not to know? ] q.d., How can ye be ignorant? and how dare you go against your knowledge? Is it not a grievous sin so to do
By a covenant of salt,
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Ought ye not . . . ? Figure of speech Erotesis.
the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4.
God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4.
even to him. Israel’s king must be of David’s line.
a covenant of salt. See notes on Lev 2:13 and Num 18:19. This is the third of the three occurrences,
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Ought ye not: Neh 5:9, Pro 1:29, 2Pe 3:5
the Lord: Jdg 11:21-24, Jer 27:5-7, Dan 4:25-32, Dan 5:18
to David: 1Sa 16:1, 1Sa 16:12, 2Sa 7:12-16, 1Ki 8:20, 1Ch 17:11, 1Ch 17:14, 1Ch 28:4, 1Ch 28:5, Psa 89:19-37, Jer 33:21, Jer 33:22, Jer 33:26, Luk 1:31-33
a covenant of salt: Lev 2:13, Num 18:19, Eze 43:24, Mar 9:49, Mar 9:50
Reciprocal: 2Sa 10:13 – they fled 1Ki 12:19 – Israel 1Ch 19:14 – they fled 2Ch 10:19 – Israel
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
2Ch 13:5. By a covenant of salt A perpetual covenant. The reason of this mode of expression seems to arise from the preserving nature of salt; which, therefore, was made a symbol of friendship and fidelity. It is most likely, that in all solemn covenants which were confirmed by sacrifice, it was an ancient custom to offer salt with the sacrifice, to denote the faith and perpetuity of the covenant; so that, in this view, a covenant of salt will signify a covenant confirmed by sacrifice. See note on Num 18:19.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
13:5 Ought ye not to know that the LORD God of Israel gave the kingdom over Israel to {e} David for ever, [even] to him and to his sons by a covenant of salt?
(e) Therefore whoever usurps it or takes it from that stock transgresses the ordinance of the Lord. Thus like a hypocrite he alleges the word of God for his advantage.