Azariah — Two sons called by the same name, though doubtless distinguished by some additional title: which is not mentioned here, because it did not concern succeeding ages to know it. Of Israel — So he is called either, Because he was so by right: or Because he was king not only of Judah and Benjam... [ Continue Reading ]
Strengthened himself — He hardened his heart, as that word sometimes signifies. Princes — The chief of those Israelites, who out of love to God and the true religion, had forsaken their estates in the kingdom of Israel, and were now incorporated with the kingdom of Judah: because he thought these wo... [ Continue Reading ]
Libnah — Libnah seems to have set up for a free state. And the reason is here given, both why God permitted it, and why they did it, because Jehoram was become an idolater. While he adhered to God, they adhered to him; but when he cast God off, they cast him off. Whether this would justify them in t... [ Continue Reading ]
High places — Not to the Lord, but to Baals or false gods. And caused — Not only by his counsel and example, but by force, by threats, and penalties.... [ Continue Reading ]
From Elijah — By this it appears, that Jehoram came to the throne before Elijah's translation. It is true, we find Elisha attending Jehoshaphat; but that might be, while Elijah was yet on earth: for we read of Jehoram's coming to the crown, before we read of Elijah's translation, 1 Kings 22:50. We m... [ Continue Reading ]
People — Because the generality of them sinned, in complying with his wicked and idolatrous commands. Wives — Whose lives shall go for the lives of thy brethren, 2 Chronicles 21:4.... [ Continue Reading ]
Philistines — A people fully subdued and dispirited: but God now raises their spirits and courage to do his work. Ethiopians — A people in Arabia, so called, either for their likeness in complexion to the Ethiopians, or because the one of these people were a colony of the other.... [ Continue Reading ]
His wives — Whom also they slew, 2 Chronicles 22:1, except Ahaziah and Athaliah; who possibly were hidden in some secret place. Left him — Blood for blood. He had slain all his brethren; they slay all his sons, but one. And he had not escaped, had be not been of the house of David; which must not be... [ Continue Reading ]
Desired — This is an emphatical expression, because it is usual with men to desire the deaths of some persons, whom afterward they lament, and heartily wish they were alive again. But for this ungodly and unhappy prince, his people did not only in his life time wish his death, but afterwards did not... [ Continue Reading ]