And it was [so] from that day forward
Or "upwards" F24, of old, formerly; and so may refer
either to what was done at the war with Midian, ( Numbers
31:27 ) ; or in the times of Abraham, ( Genesis
14:23 Genesis
14:24 ) ; and so Jarchi observes, it is not said,
"henceforward", but "upwards", it being a statute and custom in
the days of Abraham; the same he notes on ( Genesis
14:24 ) ; where he, David, learnt this from thence; though
Josephus
F25 is express for it, that this law obtained from the time of David; and such was his authority, though as yet not king, but a wise and just commander:
that he made
it a statute and an ordinance for Israel unto this
day;
it appeared so reasonable and equitable, that it was always
regarded and attended to.
F24 (hlemw) "et supra", Pagninus, Montanus; "et jam olim",
Tigurine version.
F25 Antiqu. l. 6. c, 14. sect. 6.
