CONTENTS The history of the Shunammite, which was in part given before, is prosecuted yet further in this chapter. Her land is restored to her. Here is also a short relation concerning Hazael, the Syrian. This chapter also contains an account of Jehoram's wicked reign, and of Ahaziah his successor... [ Continue Reading ]
It should seem that this famine soon succeeded the siege of the enemy, which the foregoing chapter relates. A fruitful land the Lord makes barren for the wickedness of them that dwell therein. Psalms 107:34. That this famine was peculiar to Israel, seems evident from the prophet's commanding the Shu... [ Continue Reading ]
The history of this Shunammite, in having her land restored to her, is very interesting. But the spiritual improvement to be made of the passage is much more so. You and I, Reader, have left our settlement, lands, and property, for there is truly nothing valuable in the whole of them, when a leannes... [ Continue Reading ]
It is not very easy to ascertain at what time it was that Elisha paid this visit to Damascus. The Lord had commanded Elijah about 21 years before this period: See 1 Kings 19:15. (that is, supposing, this visit of Elisha was as is here introduced, after the two years of famine before related) to go t... [ Continue Reading ]
I hardly know a passage in history, even if simply considered as an history, more strikingly interesting to the feelings than this interview, as here related between Hazael and the prophet. Figure to yourself the astonishment of the ambassador of Damascus when the man of God prophesied to him of his... [ Continue Reading ]
I would have the Reader remark with me on the character here given of pious Jehoshaphat's son, how dreadful it must have been to such a father to have so degenerate a son. Grace is not hereditary. Jehoshaphat could not give it to Joram. And it is to be feared, by what we read in the history, short a... [ Continue Reading ]
I pray the Reader not hastily to pass over this sweet verse. Judah must not, cannot indeed, be destroyed for Jesus's sake. Our Lord sprang out of Judah. So that there is a blessing in it, and he that looketh on saith, destroy it not. Oh! precious, precious consideration! Isaiah 65:8.... [ Continue Reading ]
The revolt of Edom demands our particular notice, because it was a confirmation of the dying patriarch Isaac's prophecy to his son Esau, who was the origin of Edom. Isaac had told his favorite son Esau, that the time should come when he should break Jacob's yoke from off his neck. And here we see it... [ Continue Reading ]
Nothing further remarkable appears in the lives of these impious men but that they lived, transgressed, and died. Indeed, in the parallel history in the book of the Chronicles, we are told that this monarch died not much unlike the traitor Judas, for his bowels gushed out. And as he had lived most p... [ Continue Reading ]
I bring all these verses within one point of view, as they only relate to us the short, but wicked reign, of another of Judah's kings. And I only detain the Reader with a single observation upon this man's history, that it was in mercy not suffered to be lengthened out to any great period. It was bu... [ Continue Reading ]
REFLECTIONS READER! let us pause over our review of this chapter, for many are the gospel instructions we may take home to our own hearts under the Holy Ghost's gracious teachings. In the restoration of the Shunammite's land, let us recollect with holy joy that our Jesus hath effectually secured ou... [ Continue Reading ]