And they delivered the king's commissions unto the king's lieutenants, and to the governors on this side the river: and they furthered the people, and the house of God.
Ver. 36. And they furthered the people] Heb. They gave them a lift, lent them a helping hand; not out of love to the work, but for fear of the king, and in pursuance of his commands and commissions. Thus the devil and his imps sometimes do God's will, though with an ill will, Psalms 109:31. They continue this day according to thine ordinances; for all are thy servants. How much better were it to work from a right principle, not by constraint, but willingly; not for fear of wrath, but of a ready mind, 1 Peter 5:2; to love to be God's servants, taking hold of his covenant, Isaiah 56:6, and saying to him, as the people did to Joshua, Joshua 1:16, or as the rulers and elders to Jehu, 2 Kings 10:5, "We are thy servants, and will do all that thou shalt bid us."