Chapter Note Matthew Henry Commentary (Complete)
S E C O N D K I N G S
CHAP. XXV.
Ever since David's time Jerusalem had been a celebrated place, beautiful for situation and the joy of the whole earth: while the book of psalms lasts that name will sound great. In the New Testament we read much of it, when it was, as here, ripening again for its ruin. In the close of the Bible we read of a new Jerusalem. Every thing therefore that concerns Jerusalem is worthy our regard. In this chapter we have, I. The utter destruction of Jerusalem by the Chaldeans, the city besieged and taken 2 Kings 25:1 - 4 ), the houses burnt 2 Kings 25:8 ; 2 Kings 25:9 ), and wall broken down 2 Kings 25:10 ), and the inhabitants carried away into captivity, 2 Kings 25:11 ; 2 Kings 25:12 . The glory of Jerusalem was, 1. That it was the royal city, where were set "the thrones of the house of David;" but that glory has now departed, for the prince is made a most miserable prisoner, the seed royal is destroyed 2 Kings 25:5 - 7 ), and the principal officers are put to death, 2 Kings 25:18 - 21 . 2. That it was the holy city, where was the testimony of Israel; but that glory has departed, for Solomon's temple is burnt to the ground 2 Kings 25:9 ) and the sacred vessels that remained are carried away to Babylon, 2 Kings 25:13 - 17 . Thus has Jerusalem become as a widow, Lamentations 1:1 . Ichabod--Where is the glory? II. The distraction and dispersion of the remnant that was left in Judah under Gedaliah, 2 Kings 25:22 - 26 . III. The countenance which, after thirty-seven years' imprisonment, was given to Jehoiachin the captive king of Judah, 2 Kings 25:27 - 30 .
Book Note Matthew Henry Commentary (Complete)
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 1 Kings 22:51 - 53 , 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, 2 Kings 1:1 - 22 Kings 1:1 - 2 II. Elisha working many miracles, both for prince and people, Israelites and foreigners, 2 Kings 3:1 - 72 Kings 3:1 - 7 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, 2 Kings 8:1 - 102 Kings 8:1 - 10 IV. The reign of several of the kings, both of Judah and Israel, 2 Kings 11:1 - 162 Kings 11:1 - 16 V. The captivity of the ten tribes, 2 Kings 17:1 - 412 Kings 17:1 - 41 VI. The good and glorious reign of Hezekiah, 2 Kings 18:1 - 202 Kings 18:1 - 20 VII. Manassah's wicked reign, and Josiah's good one, 2 Kings 21:1 - 232 Kings 21:1 - 23 VIII. The destruction of Jerusalem by the king of Babylon, 2 Kings 24:1 - 252 Kings 24:1 - 25 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.
