2 Kings 14:24-29

The most remarkable events here recorded are concerning the Lord's preserving mercy to Israel, who though giving them up to their enemies, and about to suffer them when the time arrived to go into Babylon, yet would still preserve them a name. Destroy it not, said he that looked on, for there is still a blessing in it. Jesus, the promised seed, is in it. Oh! precious truth! Isaiah 65:8. And the ministry of the prophet Jonah is worth regarding in this place, for he exercised his ministry about this time. Though the book of his prophecy which the Holy Ghost hath caused to be preserved in the church contains the account of his commission to Nineveh only, yet we find from this chapter Jonah ministered also to Israel. See Jonah Chap. 1 to the end. But I beg the Reader, in the perusal of this chapter, to mark the expression concerning Israel's misery. The Lord saw the affliction of Israel that it was very great. Yes! their affliction was very great. But observe, there is not a word said that their sorrow for sin, or their repentance for seeking pardon, was proportioned. Alas! alas! punishment, however extreme, or sorrow, however aggravated, will leave the heart just where it found it, as hardened as ever, unless the Lord gives repentance to Israel and remission of sins. Oh! precious Jesus! thou, that art exalted as a prince, and a Saviour, bestow, Lord, those ascension-gifts upon my soul. Grant me that true godly sorrow which worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of, and keep from me that sorrow of the world which worketh death. 2 Corinthians 7:10.