Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
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2 Kings
Book: 2 Kings
Chapter: 16
Overview:
Ahaz,
King of
Judah, His wicked reign.
(1-9) Ahaz takes a
pattern from an
Idol's
Altar.
(10-16) Ahaz spoils the
Temple.
(17-20)
1-9 Few and evil were the days of
Ahaz. Those whose hearts
condemn them, will go any where in a
Day of distress, rather
than to
God. The
Sin was its own
Punishment. It is common for
those who bring themselves into straits
By one
Sin, to try to
help themselves out
By another.
10-16 God's
Altar had hitherto been kept in its place, and in
use; but
Ahaz Put another in the room of it. The natural regard
of the mind of
Man to some sort of religion, is not easily
extinguished; but except it be regulated
By the
Word, and
By the
Spirit of
God, it produces absurd superstitions, or detestable
idolatries. Or, at best, it quiets the sinner's
Conscience with
unmeaning ceremonies. Infidels have often been remarkable for
believing ridiculous falsehoods.
17-20 Ahaz Put contempt upon the
Sabbath, and thus opened a
wide inlet to all manner of
Sin. This he did for the
King of
Assyria. When those who have had a ready
Passage to the
House of
the
Lord, turn it another way to please their neighbours, they
are going down-
Hill apace to ruin.