King James Version
2 Kings 15
38 verses with commentary
Azariah's Reign in Judah
In the twenty and seventh year of Jeroboam king of Israel began Azariah son of Amaziah king of Judah to reign.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>In the twenty and seventh year of Jeroboam king of Israel began Azariah son of Amaziah king of Judah to reign.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 15: Political chaos reveals spiritual bankruptcy. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. This passage occurs during the decline toward Isra...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
**XV.**
(1-7) **THE REIGN OF AZARIAH (Uzziah), KING OF JUDAH.** (Comp. 2 Chronicles 26)
(1) **In the twenty and seventh year of Jeroboam.**—An error of transcription for the *fifteenth year* (שץ 15, מ, 27). The error is clear from 2Kings 14:2; 2Kings 14:17; 2Kings 14:23. Amaziah reigned twenty-nine years (2Kings 14:2), fourteen concurrently with Joash, and fifteen with Jeroboam. It was, therefore,...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**20-24. when the meat offering was offered--**that is, at the time of the morning sacrifice, accompanied, doubtless, with solemn prayers; and these led, it may be, by Elisha on this occasion, as on a similar one by Elijah (1Ki 18:36).
**behold, there came water by the way of Edom--**Far from the Israelitish camp, in the eastern mountains of Edom, a great fall of rain, a kind of cloudburst, took...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 15
Chapter Outline
Wicked reign of Abijam, king of Judah.(1-8)
Good reign of Asa, king of Judah.(9-24)
The evil reigns of Nadab and Baasha in Israel.(25-34)
**Verses 1-8**
Abijam's heart was not perfect with the Lord his God; he wanted sincerity; he began well, but he fell off, and walked in all the sins of his father, following his bad example, though he had seen the...
Read full commentary →Sixteen years old was he when he began to reign, and he reigned two and fifty years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Jecholiah of Jerusalem.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Sixteen years old was he when he began to reign, and he reigned two and fifty years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Jecholiah of Jerusalem.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 15: Political chaos reveals spiritual bankruptcy. This passage occurs during the decline toward Israel's exile, demonstrating how persistent covenant unfaithfulness leads to...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**20-24. when the meat offering was offered--**that is, at the time of the morning sacrifice, accompanied, doubtless, with solemn prayers; and these led, it may be, by Elisha on this occasion, as on a similar one by Elijah (1Ki 18:36).
**behold, there came water by the way of Edom--**Far from the Israelitish camp, in the eastern mountains of Edom, a great fall of rain, a kind of cloudburst, took...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 15
Chapter Outline
Wicked reign of Abijam, king of Judah.(1-8)
Good reign of Asa, king of Judah.(9-24)
The evil reigns of Nadab and Baasha in Israel.(25-34)
**Verses 1-8**
Abijam's heart was not perfect with the Lord his God; he wanted sincerity; he began well, but he fell off, and walked in all the sins of his father, following his bad example, though he had seen the...
Read full commentary →And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Amaziah had done;
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Amaziah had done;</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 15: Political chaos reveals spiritual bankruptcy. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. This passage occurs during the decline tow...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **And he did that which was right.**—This statement is repeated word for word in Chronicles. Its exact meaning here, as in other instances, is that Azariah supported the legitimate worship, and lent his countenance to no foreign *cultus.* When the chronicler adds that he “sought God in the days of (the prophet) Zachariah,” and that “as long as he sought Jehovah, God made him to prosper,” he do...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**20-24. when the meat offering was offered--**that is, at the time of the morning sacrifice, accompanied, doubtless, with solemn prayers; and these led, it may be, by Elisha on this occasion, as on a similar one by Elijah (1Ki 18:36).
**behold, there came water by the way of Edom--**Far from the Israelitish camp, in the eastern mountains of Edom, a great fall of rain, a kind of cloudburst, took...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 15
Chapter Outline
Wicked reign of Abijam, king of Judah.(1-8)
Good reign of Asa, king of Judah.(9-24)
The evil reigns of Nadab and Baasha in Israel.(25-34)
**Verses 1-8**
Abijam's heart was not perfect with the Lord his God; he wanted sincerity; he began well, but he fell off, and walked in all the sins of his father, following his bad example, though he had seen the...
Read full commentary →Save that the high places were not removed: the people sacrificed and burnt incense still on the high places.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Save that the high places were not removed: the people sacrificed and burnt incense still on the high places.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 15: Political chaos reveals spiritual bankruptcy. This passage occurs during the decline toward Israel's exile, demonstrating how persistent covenant unfaithfulness leads to national disaster. <br><br>The narrat...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**20-24. when the meat offering was offered--**that is, at the time of the morning sacrifice, accompanied, doubtless, with solemn prayers; and these led, it may be, by Elisha on this occasion, as on a similar one by Elijah (1Ki 18:36).
**behold, there came water by the way of Edom--**Far from the Israelitish camp, in the eastern mountains of Edom, a great fall of rain, a kind of cloudburst, took...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 15
Chapter Outline
Wicked reign of Abijam, king of Judah.(1-8)
Good reign of Asa, king of Judah.(9-24)
The evil reigns of Nadab and Baasha in Israel.(25-34)
**Verses 1-8**
Abijam's heart was not perfect with the Lord his God; he wanted sincerity; he began well, but he fell off, and walked in all the sins of his father, following his bad example, though he had seen the...
Read full commentary →And the LORD smote the king, so that he was a leper unto the day of his death, and dwelt in a several house. And Jotham the king's son was over the house, judging the people of the land.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the LORD smote the king, so that he was a leper unto the day of his death, and dwelt in a several house. And Jotham the king's son was over the house, judging the people of the land.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 15: Political chaos reveals spiritual bankruptcy. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovere...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **And the Lord smote the king.**—The chronicler relates the reason—viz., because of his usurpation of priestly functions in the sanctuary. This happened towards the end of the reign. Jotham, the regent, was only twenty-five when Azariah died (2Kings 15:33).
**Smote.**—Or, *struck.* So *we* speak of a paralytic *stroke,* and the word *plague* literally means *stroke.*
**In a several house.**—Ra...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**20-24. when the meat offering was offered--**that is, at the time of the morning sacrifice, accompanied, doubtless, with solemn prayers; and these led, it may be, by Elisha on this occasion, as on a similar one by Elijah (1Ki 18:36).
**behold, there came water by the way of Edom--**Far from the Israelitish camp, in the eastern mountains of Edom, a great fall of rain, a kind of cloudburst, took...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 15
Chapter Outline
Wicked reign of Abijam, king of Judah.(1-8)
Good reign of Asa, king of Judah.(9-24)
The evil reigns of Nadab and Baasha in Israel.(25-34)
**Verses 1-8**
Abijam's heart was not perfect with the Lord his God; he wanted sincerity; he began well, but he fell off, and walked in all the sins of his father, following his bad example, though he had seen the...
Read full commentary →And the rest of the acts of Azariah, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the rest of the acts of Azariah, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 15: Political chaos reveals spiritual bankruptcy. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. This passage occurs during th...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **The rest of the acts of Azariah.**—Such as his wars with the Philistines and Arabs, his improvements in the organisation of the army and the defences of the capital, his fondness for husbandry and cattle-breeding, and his success in all these directions, as well as his intrusion into the Sanctuary to offer incense at the golden altar. (See 2 Chronicles 25 and the Notes there.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**25. Kir-haraseth--**(now Kerak)--Castle of Moab--then, probably, the only fortress in the land.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 15
Chapter Outline
Wicked reign of Abijam, king of Judah.(1-8)
Good reign of Asa, king of Judah.(9-24)
The evil reigns of Nadab and Baasha in Israel.(25-34)
**Verses 1-8**
Abijam's heart was not perfect with the Lord his God; he wanted sincerity; he began well, but he fell off, and walked in all the sins of his father, following his bad example, though he had seen the...
Read full commentary →So Azariah slept with his fathers; and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David: and Jotham his son reigned in his stead.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>So Azariah slept with his fathers; and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David: and Jotham his son reigned in his stead.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 15: Political chaos reveals spiritual bankruptcy. This passage occurs during the decline toward Israel's exile, demonstrating how persistent covenant unfaithfulness leads to national dis...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 15
Chapter Outline
Wicked reign of Abijam, king of Judah.(1-8)
Good reign of Asa, king of Judah.(9-24)
The evil reigns of Nadab and Baasha in Israel.(25-34)
**Verses 1-8**
Abijam's heart was not perfect with the Lord his God; he wanted sincerity; he began well, but he fell off, and walked in all the sins of his father, following his bad example, though he had seen the...
Read full commentary →Zechariah's Reign in Israel
In the thirty and eighth year of Azariah king of Judah did Zachariah the son of Jeroboam reign over Israel in Samaria six months.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>In the thirty and eighth year of Azariah king of Judah did Zachariah the son of Jeroboam reign over Israel in Samaria six months.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 15: Political chaos reveals spiritual bankruptcy. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. This passage occurs during the ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8-16) **THE REIGNS OF ZACHARIAH AND SHALLUM IN SAMARIA.**
(8) **In the thirty and eighth year of Azariah.**—This agrees with the assumption that Jeroboam reigned fifty-one years (2Kings 14:23).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**27. took his eldest son that should have reigned in his stead, and offered him for a burnt offering, &c.--**By this deed of horror, to which the allied army drove the king of Moab, a divine judgment came upon Israel; that is, the besiegers feared the anger of God, which they had incurred by giving occasion to the human sacrifice forbidden in the law (Le 18:21; 20:3), and hastily raised the s...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 15
Chapter Outline
Wicked reign of Abijam, king of Judah.(1-8)
Good reign of Asa, king of Judah.(9-24)
The evil reigns of Nadab and Baasha in Israel.(25-34)
**Verses 1-8**
Abijam's heart was not perfect with the Lord his God; he wanted sincerity; he began well, but he fell off, and walked in all the sins of his father, following his bad example, though he had seen the...
Read full commentary →And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, as his fathers had done: he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, as his fathers had done: he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 15: Political chaos reveals spiritual bankruptcy. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over hist...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **As his fathers**—*i.e.,* the dynasty of Jehu, of which he was the last member. Like all his predecessors, he upheld the illicit worship established by Jeroboam I.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-24**
Asa did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. That is right indeed which is so in God's eyes. Asa's times were times of reformation. He removed that which was evil; there reformation begins, and a great deal he found to do. When Asa found idolatry in the court, he rooted it out thence. Reformation must begin at home. Asa honours and respects his mother; he loves her well, but...
Read full commentary →And Shallum the son of Jabesh conspired against him, and smote him before the people, and slew him, and reigned in his stead.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Shallum the son of Jabesh conspired against him, and smote him before the people, and slew him, and reigned in his stead.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 15: Political chaos reveals spiritual bankruptcy. This passage occurs during the decline toward Israel's exile, demonstrating how persistent covenant unfaithfulness leads to national disaster. <b...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) **Son of Jabesh.**—*Not* man of Jabesh Gilead, as Hitzig explains. The father’s name is always given in the case of usurpers.
**Before the people.**—Rather, *before people*—*i.e.,* in public. So all the versions except the LXX. The open assassination of the king is noted, in contrast with the secrecy with which former conspiracies had been concerted. It is a symptom of the rapidly-increasing ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 4
2Ki 4:1-7. Elisha Augments the Widow's Oil.
**1. there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets--**They were allowed to marry as well as the priests and Levites. Her husband, not enjoying the lucrative profits of business, had nothing but a professional income, which, in that irreligious age, would be precarious and very scanty, so that he was not in a condition...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-24**
Asa did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. That is right indeed which is so in God's eyes. Asa's times were times of reformation. He removed that which was evil; there reformation begins, and a great deal he found to do. When Asa found idolatry in the court, he rooted it out thence. Reformation must begin at home. Asa honours and respects his mother; he loves her well, but...
Read full commentary →And the rest of the acts of Zachariah, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the rest of the acts of Zachariah, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 15: Political chaos reveals spiritual bankruptcy. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. This passage occurs during the decline towa...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2-4. a pot--**or cruet of oil. This comprising her whole stock of domestic utensils, he directs her to borrow empty vessels not a few; then, secluding herself with her children, [the widow] was to pour oil from her cruse into the borrowed vessels, and, selling the oil, discharge the debt, and then maintain herself and family with the remainder.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-24**
Asa did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. That is right indeed which is so in God's eyes. Asa's times were times of reformation. He removed that which was evil; there reformation begins, and a great deal he found to do. When Asa found idolatry in the court, he rooted it out thence. Reformation must begin at home. Asa honours and respects his mother; he loves her well, but...
Read full commentary →This was the word of the LORD which he spake unto Jehu, saying, Thy sons shall sit on the throne of Israel unto the fourth generation. And so it came to pass.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>This was the word of the LORD which he spake unto Jehu, saying, Thy sons shall sit on the throne of Israel unto the fourth generation. And so it came to pass.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 15: Political chaos reveals spiritual bankruptcy. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) **This was the word of the Lord.**—Thenius considers this remark as added by the Judæan editor to the short abstract of Zachariah’s reign.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2-4. a pot--**or cruet of oil. This comprising her whole stock of domestic utensils, he directs her to borrow empty vessels not a few; then, secluding herself with her children, [the widow] was to pour oil from her cruse into the borrowed vessels, and, selling the oil, discharge the debt, and then maintain herself and family with the remainder.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-24**
Asa did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. That is right indeed which is so in God's eyes. Asa's times were times of reformation. He removed that which was evil; there reformation begins, and a great deal he found to do. When Asa found idolatry in the court, he rooted it out thence. Reformation must begin at home. Asa honours and respects his mother; he loves her well, but...
Read full commentary →Shallum's Reign in Israel
Shallum the son of Jabesh began to reign in the nine and thirtieth year of Uzziah king of Judah; and he reigned a full month in Samaria. Uzziah: Gr. Ozias a full: Heb. a month of days
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Shallum the son of Jabesh began to reign in the nine and thirtieth year of Uzziah king of Judah; and he reigned a full month in Samaria.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 15: Political chaos reveals spiritual bankruptcy. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. This passage occurs duri...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **A full month.**—Literally, as margin. Thenius says Shallum cannot have reigned a *full* month, as Zechariah 11:8 obviously refers to the three kings Zachrriah, Shallum, and Menahem.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2-4. a pot--**or cruet of oil. This comprising her whole stock of domestic utensils, he directs her to borrow empty vessels not a few; then, secluding herself with her children, [the widow] was to pour oil from her cruse into the borrowed vessels, and, selling the oil, discharge the debt, and then maintain herself and family with the remainder.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-24**
Asa did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. That is right indeed which is so in God's eyes. Asa's times were times of reformation. He removed that which was evil; there reformation begins, and a great deal he found to do. When Asa found idolatry in the court, he rooted it out thence. Reformation must begin at home. Asa honours and respects his mother; he loves her well, but...
Read full commentary →For Menahem the son of Gadi went up from Tirzah, and came to Samaria, and smote Shallum the son of Jabesh in Samaria, and slew him, and reigned in his stead.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For Menahem the son of Gadi went up from Tirzah, and came to Samaria, and smote Shallum the son of Jabesh in Samaria, and slew him, and reigned in his stead.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 15: Political chaos reveals spiritual bankruptcy. This passage occurs during the decline toward Israel's exile, demonstrating how persistent covenant unfaithfulnes...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **For.**—*And.*
**Menahem.**—Tiglath Pileser II. records in his annals that in his eighth regnal year (*i.e.,* B.C. 738) he took tribute of “Raçunnu (Rezin) the Damascene, and Menihimmè Samerinâ’a”—*i.e.,* Menahem the Samaritan.
**Gadi.**—Or, *a Gadite.*
**Went up** **from Tirzah.**—Menahem was Zachariah’s general, who at the time was quartered with the troops at Tirzah, near Samaria (1Kings ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-24**
Asa did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. That is right indeed which is so in God's eyes. Asa's times were times of reformation. He removed that which was evil; there reformation begins, and a great deal he found to do. When Asa found idolatry in the court, he rooted it out thence. Reformation must begin at home. Asa honours and respects his mother; he loves her well, but...
Read full commentary →And the rest of the acts of Shallum, and his conspiracy which he made, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the rest of the acts of Shallum, and his conspiracy which he made, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 15: Political chaos reveals spiritual bankruptcy. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. This passag...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6. the oil stayed--**that is, ceased to multiply; the benevolent object for which the miracle had been wrought having been accomplished.
2Ki 4:8-17. Promises a Son to the Shunammite.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-24**
Asa did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. That is right indeed which is so in God's eyes. Asa's times were times of reformation. He removed that which was evil; there reformation begins, and a great deal he found to do. When Asa found idolatry in the court, he rooted it out thence. Reformation must begin at home. Asa honours and respects his mother; he loves her well, but...
Read full commentary →Then Menahem smote Tiphsah, and all that were therein, and the coasts thereof from Tirzah: because they opened not to him, therefore he smote it; and all the women therein that were with child he ripped up.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Then Menahem smote Tiphsah, and all that were therein, and the coasts thereof from Tirzah: because they opened not to him, therefore he smote it; and all the women therein that were with child he ripped up.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 15: Political chaos reveals spiritual bankruptcy. This passage occurs during the decline toward Israel's exile, de...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **Then.**—After slaying Shallum, and seizing the supreme power.
**Tiphsah.**—The name means *ford,* and elsewhere denotes the well-known Thapsacus on the Euphrates (1Kings 4:24). Here, however, an *Israelite* city in the neighbourhood of Tirzah is obviously intended. The course of events was apparently this: after slaying Shallum, Menahem returned to Tirzah, and set out thence at the head of ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-24**
Asa did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. That is right indeed which is so in God's eyes. Asa's times were times of reformation. He removed that which was evil; there reformation begins, and a great deal he found to do. When Asa found idolatry in the court, he rooted it out thence. Reformation must begin at home. Asa honours and respects his mother; he loves her well, but...
Read full commentary →Menahem's Reign in Israel
In the nine and thirtieth year of Azariah king of Judah began Menahem the son of Gadi to reign over Israel, and reigned ten years in Samaria.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>In the nine and thirtieth year of Azariah king of Judah began Menahem the son of Gadi to reign over Israel, and reigned ten years in Samaria.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 15: Political chaos reveals spiritual bankruptcy. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. This passage occurs...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17-22) **THE REIGN OF MENAHEM. HIS TRIBUTE TO PUL, KING OF ASSYRIA.**
(17) **Reigned ten years.**—And some months over. (Comp. 2Kings 15:23.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8. Elisha passed to Shunem--**now Sulam, in the plain of Esdraelon, at the southwestern base of Little Hermon. The prophet, in his journey, was often entertained here by one of its pious and opulent inhabitants.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-24**
Asa did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. That is right indeed which is so in God's eyes. Asa's times were times of reformation. He removed that which was evil; there reformation begins, and a great deal he found to do. When Asa found idolatry in the court, he rooted it out thence. Reformation must begin at home. Asa honours and respects his mother; he loves her well, but...
Read full commentary →And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD: he departed not all his days from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD: he departed not all his days from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 15: Political chaos reveals spiritual bankruptcy. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical event...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18) **He** **did that which was evil.**—Ewald says that at the outset Menahem appeared to be guided by better principles, referring to Zechariah 11:4-8.
**All his days.**—In the Hebrew these words occur at the *end* of the verse. They are not found in any other instance of the common formula which the verse repeats (comp. 1Kings 15:26; 1Kings 15:34; 1Kings 16:26; 1Kings 22:53; 2Kings 3:1; 2Kings ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-24**
Asa did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. That is right indeed which is so in God's eyes. Asa's times were times of reformation. He removed that which was evil; there reformation begins, and a great deal he found to do. When Asa found idolatry in the court, he rooted it out thence. Reformation must begin at home. Asa honours and respects his mother; he loves her well, but...
Read full commentary →And Pul the king of Assyria came against the land: and Menahem gave Pul a thousand talents of silver, that his hand might be with him to confirm the kingdom in his hand.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Pul the king of Assyria came against the land: and Menahem gave Pul a thousand talents of silver, that his hand might be with him to confirm the kingdom in his hand.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 15: Political chaos reveals spiritual bankruptcy. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate k...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(19) **And.**—As it stands, the verse begins abruptly. But the reading of the LXX. restores the connection: *In his days* Pul the king of Assyria,” &c. (Comp, 2Kings 15:29.)
**Pul.**—This name has been read in the cuneiform (*Pu-u-lu, i.e., Pûlu,* an officer of Sargon’s). For the identity of Pul, king of Assyria, with Tiglath Pileser II., see Note on 1Chronicles 5:26, and Schrader’s *Die Keil-insc...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10. Let us make a little chamber--**not build, but prepare it. She meant a room in the oleah, the porch, or gateway (2Sa 18:33; 1Ki 17:19), attached to the front of the house, leading into the court and inner apartments. The front of the house, excepting the door, is a dead wall, and hence this room is called a chamber in the wall. It is usually appropriated to the use of strangers, or lodgers f...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-24**
Asa did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. That is right indeed which is so in God's eyes. Asa's times were times of reformation. He removed that which was evil; there reformation begins, and a great deal he found to do. When Asa found idolatry in the court, he rooted it out thence. Reformation must begin at home. Asa honours and respects his mother; he loves her well, but...
Read full commentary →And Menahem exacted the money of Israel, even of all the mighty men of wealth, of each man fifty shekels of silver, to give to the king of Assyria. So the king of Assyria turned back, and stayed not there in the land. exacted: Heb. caused to come forth
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Menahem exacted the money of Israel, even of all the mighty men of wealth, of each man fifty shekels of silver, to give to the king of Assyria. So the king of Assyria turned back, and stayed not there in the land.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 15: Political chaos reveals spiritual bankruptcy. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all hu...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(20) **Exacted.**—Literally, *caused to go out;* a word already used in the sense of *to lay out, expend* money (2Kings 12:12). Probably, therefore, *laid *(*vayyissā*)*, i.e.,* imposed, should be read here (Genesis 31:17).
**Of.**—Heb., *upon.*
**The mighty men of wealth.**—A later use of the Hebrew phrase, which, in older parlance, means “the heroes of the host” (Judges 6:12; 1Samuel 9:1).
**Fif...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-24**
Asa did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. That is right indeed which is so in God's eyes. Asa's times were times of reformation. He removed that which was evil; there reformation begins, and a great deal he found to do. When Asa found idolatry in the court, he rooted it out thence. Reformation must begin at home. Asa honours and respects his mother; he loves her well, but...
Read full commentary →And the rest of the acts of Menahem, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?
View commentary (2 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the rest of the acts of Menahem, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 15: Political chaos reveals spiritual bankruptcy. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. This passage occurs during t...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-24**
Asa did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. That is right indeed which is so in God's eyes. Asa's times were times of reformation. He removed that which was evil; there reformation begins, and a great deal he found to do. When Asa found idolatry in the court, he rooted it out thence. Reformation must begin at home. Asa honours and respects his mother; he loves her well, but...
Read full commentary →And Menahem slept with his fathers; and Pekahiah his son reigned in his stead.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Menahem slept with his fathers; and Pekahiah his son reigned in his stead.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 15: Political chaos reveals spiritual bankruptcy. This passage occurs during the decline toward Israel's exile, demonstrating how persistent covenant unfaithfulness leads to national disaster. <br><br>The narrative demonstrates God's justice ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-16. what is to be done for thee?--**Wishing to testify his gratitude for the hospitable attentions of this family, he announced to her the birth of a son "about this time next year." The interest and importance of such an intelligence can only be estimated by considering that Oriental women, and Jewish in particular, connect ideas of disgrace with barrenness, and cherish a more ardent desire ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-24**
Asa did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. That is right indeed which is so in God's eyes. Asa's times were times of reformation. He removed that which was evil; there reformation begins, and a great deal he found to do. When Asa found idolatry in the court, he rooted it out thence. Reformation must begin at home. Asa honours and respects his mother; he loves her well, but...
Read full commentary →Pekahiah's Reign in Israel
In the fiftieth year of Azariah king of Judah Pekahiah the son of Menahem began to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned two years.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>In the fiftieth year of Azariah king of Judah Pekahiah the son of Menahem began to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned two years.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 15: Political chaos reveals spiritual bankruptcy. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. This passage occurs durin...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(23-26) **THE REIGN OF PEKAHIAH**
(Heb., *Pĕkahyāh*)*.
(*23*)* **In the fiftieth year.**—The forty-ninth, if verse seventeen were exact.
(25) **But** **. . .** **a captain of his.**—*And* . . . *his adjutant* (or *knight,* 2Kings 7:2).
**The palace of the king’s house.**—The same expression occurred in 1Kings 16:18. The word armôn, rendered “palace,” is usually explained as meaning citadel or keep...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-16. what is to be done for thee?--**Wishing to testify his gratitude for the hospitable attentions of this family, he announced to her the birth of a son "about this time next year." The interest and importance of such an intelligence can only be estimated by considering that Oriental women, and Jewish in particular, connect ideas of disgrace with barrenness, and cherish a more ardent desire ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-24**
Asa did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. That is right indeed which is so in God's eyes. Asa's times were times of reformation. He removed that which was evil; there reformation begins, and a great deal he found to do. When Asa found idolatry in the court, he rooted it out thence. Reformation must begin at home. Asa honours and respects his mother; he loves her well, but...
Read full commentary →And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD: he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD: he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 15: Political chaos reveals spiritual bankruptcy. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. This passa...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-16. what is to be done for thee?--**Wishing to testify his gratitude for the hospitable attentions of this family, he announced to her the birth of a son "about this time next year." The interest and importance of such an intelligence can only be estimated by considering that Oriental women, and Jewish in particular, connect ideas of disgrace with barrenness, and cherish a more ardent desire ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-24**
Asa did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. That is right indeed which is so in God's eyes. Asa's times were times of reformation. He removed that which was evil; there reformation begins, and a great deal he found to do. When Asa found idolatry in the court, he rooted it out thence. Reformation must begin at home. Asa honours and respects his mother; he loves her well, but...
Read full commentary →But Pekah the son of Remaliah, a captain of his, conspired against him, and smote him in Samaria, in the palace of the king's house, with Argob and Arieh, and with him fifty men of the Gileadites : and he killed him, and reigned in his room.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But Pekah the son of Remaliah, a captain of his, conspired against him, and smote him in Samaria, in the palace of the king's house, with Argob and Arieh, and with him fifty men of the Gileadites: and he killed him, and reigned in his room.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 15: Political chaos reveals spiritual bankruptcy. The reference to kingship remi...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-16. what is to be done for thee?--**Wishing to testify his gratitude for the hospitable attentions of this family, he announced to her the birth of a son "about this time next year." The interest and importance of such an intelligence can only be estimated by considering that Oriental women, and Jewish in particular, connect ideas of disgrace with barrenness, and cherish a more ardent desire ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 25-34**
During the single reign of Asa in Judah, the government of Israel was in six or seven different hands. Observe the ruin of the family of Jeroboam; no word of God shall fall to the ground. Divine threatenings are not designed merely to terrify. Ungodly men execute the just judgments of God upon each other. But in the midst of dreadful sins and this apparent confusion, the Lord ...
Read full commentary →And the rest of the acts of Pekahiah, and all that he did, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the rest of the acts of Pekahiah, and all that he did, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 15: Political chaos reveals spiritual bankruptcy. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. This passage occurs dur...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 25-34**
During the single reign of Asa in Judah, the government of Israel was in six or seven different hands. Observe the ruin of the family of Jeroboam; no word of God shall fall to the ground. Divine threatenings are not designed merely to terrify. Ungodly men execute the just judgments of God upon each other. But in the midst of dreadful sins and this apparent confusion, the Lord ...
Read full commentary →Pekah's Reign in Israel
In the two and fiftieth year of Azariah king of Judah Pekah the son of Remaliah began to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned twenty years.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>In the two and fiftieth year of Azariah king of Judah Pekah the son of Remaliah began to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned twenty years.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 15: Political chaos reveals spiritual bankruptcy. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. This passage occ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(27-31) **THE REIGN OF PEKAH, SON OF REMALIAH, IN SAMARIA.**
(27) **Reigned twenty years.**—This does not agree with the duration assigned to the reign of Jotham (2Kings 15:33), and the year assigned as the beginning of Hoshea’s reign (2Kings 17:1). For, according to 2Kings 15:32, Pekah had reigned about two years when Jotham succeeded in Judah, and Jotham reigned sixteen years; and, according to ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 25-34**
During the single reign of Asa in Judah, the government of Israel was in six or seven different hands. Observe the ruin of the family of Jeroboam; no word of God shall fall to the ground. Divine threatenings are not designed merely to terrify. Ungodly men execute the just judgments of God upon each other. But in the midst of dreadful sins and this apparent confusion, the Lord ...
Read full commentary →And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD: he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD: he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 15: Political chaos reveals spiritual bankruptcy. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. This passa...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**19. My head, my head!--**The cries of the boy, the part affected, and the season of the year, make it probable that he had been overtaken by a stroke of the sun. Pain, stupor, and inflammatory fever are the symptoms of the disease, which is often fatal.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 25-34**
During the single reign of Asa in Judah, the government of Israel was in six or seven different hands. Observe the ruin of the family of Jeroboam; no word of God shall fall to the ground. Divine threatenings are not designed merely to terrify. Ungodly men execute the just judgments of God upon each other. But in the midst of dreadful sins and this apparent confusion, the Lord ...
Read full commentary →In the days of Pekah king of Israel came Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, and took Ijon, and Abelbethmaachah, and Janoah, and Kedesh, and Hazor, and Gilead, and Galilee, all the land of Naphtali, and carried them captive to Assyria.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>In the days of Pekah king of Israel came Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria, and took Ijon, and Abel-beth-maachah, and Janoah, and Kedesh, and Hazor, and Gilead, and Galilee, all the land of Naphtali, and carried them captive to Assyria.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 15: Political chaos reveals spiritual bankruptcy. The reference to kingship reminds re...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 25-34**
During the single reign of Asa in Judah, the government of Israel was in six or seven different hands. Observe the ruin of the family of Jeroboam; no word of God shall fall to the ground. Divine threatenings are not designed merely to terrify. Ungodly men execute the just judgments of God upon each other. But in the midst of dreadful sins and this apparent confusion, the Lord ...
Read full commentary →And Hoshea the son of Elah made a conspiracy against Pekah the son of Remaliah, and smote him, and slew him, and reigned in his stead, in the twentieth year of Jotham the son of Uzziah.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Hoshea the son of Elah made a conspiracy against Pekah the son of Remaliah, and smote him, and slew him, and reigned in his stead, in the twentieth year of Jotham the son of Uzziah.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 15: Political chaos reveals spiritual bankruptcy. This passage occurs during the decline toward Israel's exile, demonstrating how persi...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 25-34**
During the single reign of Asa in Judah, the government of Israel was in six or seven different hands. Observe the ruin of the family of Jeroboam; no word of God shall fall to the ground. Divine threatenings are not designed merely to terrify. Ungodly men execute the just judgments of God upon each other. But in the midst of dreadful sins and this apparent confusion, the Lord ...
Read full commentary →And the rest of the acts of Pekah, and all that he did, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the rest of the acts of Pekah, and all that he did, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 15: Political chaos reveals spiritual bankruptcy. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. This passage occurs during...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**22. she called unto her husband--**Her heroic concealment of the death from her husband is not the least interesting feature of the story.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 25-34**
During the single reign of Asa in Judah, the government of Israel was in six or seven different hands. Observe the ruin of the family of Jeroboam; no word of God shall fall to the ground. Divine threatenings are not designed merely to terrify. Ungodly men execute the just judgments of God upon each other. But in the midst of dreadful sins and this apparent confusion, the Lord ...
Read full commentary →Jotham's Reign in Judah
In the second year of Pekah the son of Remaliah king of Israel began Jotham the son of Uzziah king of Judah to reign.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>In the second year of Pekah the son of Remaliah king of Israel began Jotham the son of Uzziah king of Judah to reign.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 15: Political chaos reveals spiritual bankruptcy. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. This passage occurs during the decline towa...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(32-38) **THE REIGN OF JOTHAM IN JERUSALEM.**
(Comp. 2 Chronicles 27)
(32) **In the second year of Pekah.**—Who came to the throne in the last year of Uzziah (Azariah, 2Kings 15:27).
(34) **According to all that his father Uzziah had done.**—The chronicler qualifies this general statement by adding that Jotham did not, like his father, invade the Holy Place. (Comp. 2Chronicles 27:2, with 2Chronicl...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 25-34**
During the single reign of Asa in Judah, the government of Israel was in six or seven different hands. Observe the ruin of the family of Jeroboam; no word of God shall fall to the ground. Divine threatenings are not designed merely to terrify. Ungodly men execute the just judgments of God upon each other. But in the midst of dreadful sins and this apparent confusion, the Lord ...
Read full commentary →Five and twenty years old was he when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Jerusha, the daughter of Zadok.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Five and twenty years old was he when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Jerusha, the daughter of Zadok.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 15: Political chaos reveals spiritual bankruptcy. This passage occurs during the decline toward Israel's exile, demonstrating how persistent covenant unfaithfulnes...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**24. Drive, and go forward--**It is usual for women to ride on asses, accompanied by a servant, who walks behind and drives the beast with his stick, goading the animal at the speed required by his mistress. The Shunammite had to ride a journey of five or six hours to the top of Carmel.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 25-34**
During the single reign of Asa in Judah, the government of Israel was in six or seven different hands. Observe the ruin of the family of Jeroboam; no word of God shall fall to the ground. Divine threatenings are not designed merely to terrify. Ungodly men execute the just judgments of God upon each other. But in the midst of dreadful sins and this apparent confusion, the Lord ...
Read full commentary →And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD: he did according to all that his father Uzziah had done.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD: he did according to all that his father Uzziah had done.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 15: Political chaos reveals spiritual bankruptcy. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. This passage occurs during the decli...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 25-34**
During the single reign of Asa in Judah, the government of Israel was in six or seven different hands. Observe the ruin of the family of Jeroboam; no word of God shall fall to the ground. Divine threatenings are not designed merely to terrify. Ungodly men execute the just judgments of God upon each other. But in the midst of dreadful sins and this apparent confusion, the Lord ...
Read full commentary →Howbeit the high places were not removed: the people sacrificed and burned incense still in the high places. He built the higher gate of the house of the LORD.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Howbeit the high places were not removed: the people sacrificed and burned incense still in the high places. He built the higher gate of the house of the LORD.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 15: Political chaos reveals spiritual bankruptcy. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**26-28. And she answered, It is well--**Her answer was purposely brief and vague to Gehazi, for she reserved a full disclosure of her loss for the ear of the prophet himself. She had met Gehazi at the foot of the hill, and she stopped not in her ascent till she had disburdened her heavy-laden spirit at Elisha's feet. The violent paroxysm of grief into which she fell on approaching him, appeared t...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 15
Chapter Outline
Wicked reign of Abijam, king of Judah.(1-8)
Good reign of Asa, king of Judah.(9-24)
The evil reigns of Nadab and Baasha in Israel.(25-34)
**Verses 1-8**
Abijam's heart was not perfect with the Lord his God; he wanted sincerity; he began well, but he fell off, and walked in all the sins of his father, following his bad example, though he had seen the...
Read full commentary →Now the rest of the acts of Jotham, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Now the rest of the acts of Jotham, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 15: Political chaos reveals spiritual bankruptcy. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. This passage occurs during the...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**26-28. And she answered, It is well--**Her answer was purposely brief and vague to Gehazi, for she reserved a full disclosure of her loss for the ear of the prophet himself. She had met Gehazi at the foot of the hill, and she stopped not in her ascent till she had disburdened her heavy-laden spirit at Elisha's feet. The violent paroxysm of grief into which she fell on approaching him, appeared t...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 15
Chapter Outline
Wicked reign of Abijam, king of Judah.(1-8)
Good reign of Asa, king of Judah.(9-24)
The evil reigns of Nadab and Baasha in Israel.(25-34)
**Verses 1-8**
Abijam's heart was not perfect with the Lord his God; he wanted sincerity; he began well, but he fell off, and walked in all the sins of his father, following his bad example, though he had seen the...
Read full commentary →In those days the LORD began to send against Judah Rezin the king of Syria, and Pekah the son of Remaliah.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>In those days the LORD began to send against Judah Rezin the king of Syria, and Pekah the son of Remaliah.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 15: Political chaos reveals spiritual bankruptcy. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. The reference to kingship reminds readers th...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**26-28. And she answered, It is well--**Her answer was purposely brief and vague to Gehazi, for she reserved a full disclosure of her loss for the ear of the prophet himself. She had met Gehazi at the foot of the hill, and she stopped not in her ascent till she had disburdened her heavy-laden spirit at Elisha's feet. The violent paroxysm of grief into which she fell on approaching him, appeared t...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 15
Chapter Outline
Wicked reign of Abijam, king of Judah.(1-8)
Good reign of Asa, king of Judah.(9-24)
The evil reigns of Nadab and Baasha in Israel.(25-34)
**Verses 1-8**
Abijam's heart was not perfect with the Lord his God; he wanted sincerity; he began well, but he fell off, and walked in all the sins of his father, following his bad example, though he had seen the...
Read full commentary →And Jotham slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father: and Ahaz his son reigned in his stead.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Jotham slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father: and Ahaz his son reigned in his stead.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 15: Political chaos reveals spiritual bankruptcy. This passage occurs during the decline toward Israel's exile, demonstrating how persistent covenant unfaithfulness leads to national...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**29-31. take my staff ... and lay ... upon the face of the child--**The staff was probably an official rod of a certain form and size. Necromancers used to send their staff with orders to the messengers to let it come in contact with nothing by the way that might dissipate or destroy the virtue imparted to it. Some have thought that Elisha himself entertained similar ideas, and was under an impre...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 15
Chapter Outline
Wicked reign of Abijam, king of Judah.(1-8)
Good reign of Asa, king of Judah.(9-24)
The evil reigns of Nadab and Baasha in Israel.(25-34)
**Verses 1-8**
Abijam's heart was not perfect with the Lord his God; he wanted sincerity; he began well, but he fell off, and walked in all the sins of his father, following his bad example, though he had seen the...
Read full commentary →