And all the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, Because the king [is] near of kin to us: wherefore then be ye angry for this matter? have we eaten at all of the king's [cost]? or hath he given us any gift?
Ver. 42. Have we eaten at all of the king's cost?] Have we, as parasites, used our tongues to purvey for our teeth? have we sought ourselves in this service? were we hired or waged to do that we did?