Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
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2 Kings
Book: 2 Kings
Chapter: 17
Overview:
Reign of
Hoshea in
Israel, The Israelites carried captives
By
the Assyrians.
(1-6) Captivity of the Israelites.
(7-23) The
nations placed in the land of
Israel.
(24-41)
1-6 When the
Measure of
Sin is filled up, the
Lord will forbear
No longer. The inhabitants of
Samaria must have endured great
affliction. Some of the
Poor Israelites were left in the land.
Those who were carried captives to a great distance, were mostly
lost among the nations.
7-23 Though the
Destruction of the kingdom of the ten tribes
was but briefly related, it is in these verses largely commented
upon, and the reasons of it given. It was
Destruction from the
Almighty: the Assyrian was but the rod of his
Anger, Isa 10:5.
Those that bring
Sin into a country or family, bring a
Plague
into it, and will have to answer for all the mischief that
follows. And vast as the outward wickedness of the world is, the
secret sins, evil thoughts, desires, and purposes of mankind are
much greater. There are outward sins which are marked
By infamy;
but ingratitude, neglect, and
Enmity to
God, and the
Idolatry
and impiety which proceed therefrom, are far more malignant.
Without turning from every evil way, and keeping
God's statutes,
there can be
No true
Godliness; but this must
Spring from belief
of his
Testimony, as to wrath against all ungodliness and
unrighteousness, and his
Mercy in
Christ Jesus.
24-41 The terror of the Almighty will sometimes produce a
forced or feigned submission in unconverted men; like those
brought from different countries to inhabit
Israel. But such
will form unworthy thoughts of
God, will expect to please him
By
outward forms, and will vainly try to reconcile his service with
the
Love of the world and the indulgence of their lusts. May
that fear of the
Lord, which is the beginning of
Wisdom, possess
our hearts, and influence our conduct, that we may be ready for
every change. Worldly settlements are uncertain; we know not
whither we may be driven before we die, and we must soon leave
the world; but the righteous hath
Chosen that good part which
shall not be taken from him.