Second Kings
AN
EXPOSITION,
W I T H P R A C T I C A L O B S E
R V A T I O N S,
OF THE SECOND BOOK OF
K I N G S.
This second book of the Kings (which the
LXX., numbering from Samuel, called the fourth) is a
continuation of the former book; and, some think, might better have
been made to begin with the fifty-first verse of the foregoing
chapter, where the reign of Ahaziah begins. The former
book had an illustrious beginning, in the glories of the kingdom of
Israel, when it was entire; this has a melancholy conclusion, in
the desolations of the kingdoms of Israel first, and then of Judah,
after they had been long broken into two: for a kingdom divided
against itself cometh to destruction. But, as Elijah's mighty works
were very much the glory of the former book, towards the latter end
of it, so were Elisha's the glory of this, towards the beginning of
it. These prophets out-shone their princes; and therefore, as far
as they go, the history shall be accounted for in them. Here is, I.
Elijah fetching fire from heaven and ascending in fire to heaven,
ch. i. and ii.
II. Elisha working many miracles, both for prince and people,
Israelites and foreigners, ch. iii.-vii. III. Hazael and Jehu
anointed, the former for the correction of Israel, the latter for
the destruction of the house of Ahab and the worship of Baal,
ch. viii.-x.
IV. The reign of several of the kings, both of Judah and Israel,
ch. xi.-xvi.
V. The captivity of the ten tribes, ch. xvii. VI. The good and glorious
reign of Hezekiah, ch.
xviii.-xx. VII. Manassah's wicked reign, and Josiah's
good one, ch.
xxi-xxiii. VIII. The destruction of Jerusalem by the
king of Babylon, ch.
xxiv. and xxv. This history, in the several passages of
it, confirms that observation of Solomon, That righteousness
exalts a nation, but sin is the reproach of any people.