Matthew Poole and continuators on Nehemiah 13:10

10 And I perceived that the portions of the Levites had not been given them : for the Levites and the singers that did the work, were fled every one to his field .

Which might be either 1. From this corrupt High-Priest Eliashib, who took their portions, as he did the sacred Chambers, to his own use, or employed them for the entertainment of Tobiah, and his other great allies. Or 2. From the People, who either out of Covetousness reserved them to themselves contrary to their own solemn Agreement and Covenant▪ ch. 10. 37. or were so offended at Eliashib's horrid and manifest abuse of sacred things, that they abhorred the Offering and Service of God, as others did upon a like occasion, 1 Sam. 2. 17. and therefore neglected to bring in their Tithes, &c. which they knew would be perverted to bad uses.

To his possession in the Country, being forced to do so for a livelyhood.

Marginal references: Ma[illegible: 1+ letters]. 3. [illegible: 1+ letters].; Num. 35. 2.