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.
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