2 Chronicles

His God does instruct him to discretion. Riches are the gift of God (2 Chronicles 1:12). I will give you riches; peace is the gift of God (Psalms 147:14).

First, verse 9, he sets out her stateliness, strength and courage, by a similitude taken from horses: are (says he) horses stately and strong? For so in Job is the horse described (Job 39:19-20, etc.), and is not a company of them much more stately, especially a company of Egypt…

Alas the best we do is much beneath God. What low thoughts had Solomon of his stately temple (2 Chronicles 2:6): Who is able to build you a house, seeing the heaven of heavens is not able to contain him, who am I that I should build him a house? Thus should we see, that our best…

David says, “He that dwelleth in the heavens shall laugh at them,” (Psalm 2:4); and again, “Our God is in heaven: he hath done whatever he hath pleased,” (Psalm 115:3). When God is said to be in heaven, we must not suppose that he dwells only there; but, on the contrary, must ho…

And yet for a second means, When you are thus taught of God, then go on in your uprightness and cleanness of heart in your whole conversation, so shall you wade deep in the streams of grace (John 17:9). If therefore you see any uncleanness in your heart, abandon it, and resolve…

“Cependant que le service, qui avoit les ombres de la Loy, a duré;” — “so long as the service, which contained the shadows of the Law, lasted.” a veil was hung up before the earthly sanctuary, in order to keep the people not only from entering but from seeing it, (Exodus 26:33;…

4. It may be said to be of the wood of Lebanon, that is excellent and durable, for so the wood of Lebanon was, for which cause it was made use of in building of the Temple; and so all the materials of this Covenant, and its properties are excellent and durable, it's an everlasti…

Next it is said to be like Carmel; which may be understood, 1. as it relates to a fruitful place, mentioned with Sharon (Isaiah 35:2), the excellency of Carmel and Sharon. 2. It may be translated Scarlet or Crimson, as the same word is (2 Chronicles 3:14); thus it is a rich colo…

But that beautiful, glorious, costly structure of the temple, that succeeded the tabernacle, and was a fixed, and not a moveable thing, seems especially to represent the church in its glorified state in heaven. This temple was built according to the pattern shown by the Holy Gho…

But observe here more particularly, 1. That all the elect people of God are lying under iniquity even as others; this we spoke to the last day, and shall not repeat what was then said; it's with respect to iniquity in the elect that all the business of redemption is transacted,…

2. God does nothing in the election of Peter, more than of Judas; nor can grace and mercy have place in the choosing of the one, rather than the other; but as free will is foreseen to play the game ill, or well, so go the eternal decrees of election and reprobation, and there ca…

That place of my rest.] And yet the Lord had said of the Temple, in Psalm 132:8, Behold this is my rest, here will I dwell, for I have a delight therein. And in 2 Chronicles 6:41, Arise O Lord, and enter into your rest. Moreover, we have seen before, in Isaiah 11:10, that God's…

He tells them, that God does not need a strong light to perceive good actions: for those things, which appear to be buried in darkness, are open to his view. We have no reason, therefore, to suppose that what escapes the notice, and receives not the testimony of men, is lost: fo…

Interpreters are much divided about the sense of these words. First, Some observe that the Hebrew word Barach, does signify not only to bless, but to bow the knee; So it is used (2 Chronicles 6:13). Solomon at the dedicating of the Temple had made a brazen scaffold, and upon it…

But now David wholly subdued it, as we have an account in 2 Samuel 5. And now God proceeded to choose that city to place his name there, as appears by David's bringing up the ark thither soon after; and therefore this is mentioned afterwards as the first time God proceeded to ch…

And so the stability and certainty of the decree and oath is not to make the children of David secure, but watchful in their duty: But this is not a condition without which the Messiah should not reign, but without this he should not reign to their comfort and everlasting good.…

This was the glory and privilege of Israel, as the Psalmist declares (Psalm 147:19-20): "He shows his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel; he has not dealt so with any nation." The church then knew him; yet so as that they had an apprehension that he dwel…

And a father cannot but must needs make promise of favor to those that be his children, and therefore it cannot be that he should call God his father truly, which has not in his heart this assurance, that God will fulfill all his promises made to him. Promises made to prayer, as…

So when God lays sin to the charge of the sinner, in punishing it, he is said to lay a burden on the sinner, (2 Kings 9:25). And to remove this burden, is to pardon the sin. (2 Chronicles 7:14). If my people humble themselves, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their…

Otherwise the fury of the Lord will be so much the more provoked, and the fire of his anger will break forth into such a flame, as none shall be able to quench; otherwise the Lord will be so much the more enraged against you, and meet you like a roaring and devouring lion, or li…

Another thing, that the Jews in their ancient writings mention as being now withdrawn, was the fire from heaven on the altar. When Moses built the tabernacle and altar in the wilderness, and the first sacrifices were offered on it, fire came down from heaven, and consumed the bu…

Love is a sweet and gracious affection whereby we wish the good of another and promote his welfare as our own. Love is a sacred fire kindled in the heart by the Spirit, like that fire which came from heaven (2 Chronicles 7:1). I shall endeavor to preserve this fire in Christians…

When God shall see his faithful servants bring forth clusters of sweet fruits to him, they shall be a blessing to others; implying, that wherever God's servants are, because of his covenant with them, wherever they crave a blessing, and mourn for the want of it, God will provide…

When our union with Christ shall be perfect, then our joy shall be full; if the joy of faith be so great (1 Peter 1:8) then what will the joy of sight be: Joseph gave his brothers provision for the way, but the full sacks of corn were kept till they came at their father's house:…

It is not to be taken here for the whole countenance, but for a part thereof: Therefore it is distinguished from the eyes, and is described as being eminent (like a tower) beyond the rest of the face, and so it is to be applied to the nose properly, which arises with a height on…

The more particularly we pry into our estate, the more we are affected, and the more we shall see of the deceitfulness of our own hearts. "When every one shall know his own sore and grief" (2 Chronicles 8:29). 4. It will be of great advantage in the spiritual life, to declare of…

This kingdom exceeds in the perfection of it; other kingdoms are defective — they must trade abroad to supply their wants at home. King Solomon sent for gold to Ophir (2 Chronicles 8:18); but there is no defect in the kingdom of heaven. Revelation 21:7: he that overcomes shall i…

As Ethiopia lies in a southerly direction from Judea, I willingly concur with Josephus and other writers, who assert that she was the queen of Ethiopia. In sacred history she is called the queen of Sheba, (2 Chronicles 9:1.) We must not suppose this Sheba to be the country of Sa…

It is not to be taken here for the whole countenance, but for a part thereof: Therefore it is distinguished from the eyes, and is described as being eminent (like a tower) beyond the rest of the face, and so it is to be applied to the nose properly, which arises with a height on…

And the history of the scripture seems, in Solomon's reign, and some of the next succeeding reigns, to have been added to by the prophets Nathan and Ahijah, and Shemaiah and Iddo. It is probable that part of the history which we have in the first of Kings, was written by them, b…

Nor will Christ only defend his Church as he is King, but deliver it (2 Timothy 4:17), He delivered me out of the mouth of the lion; namely, Nero. (2 Chronicles 11:14) The Lord saved them by a great deliverance. Sometimes Christ is said to command deliverance (Psalm 44:4), somet…

It is mercy to men's souls to tell them of their sins. And surely those are priests for the devil (2 Chronicles 11:15), who see men go on in sin and ready to drop into hell, yet never pull them back by a reproof; nay, perhaps flatter them in their sins. God never made ministers…

He that kills ox, or goat, or lamb to the Lord, in the camp, and brings it not to the door of the Tabernacle of the Congregation, to the Priest (verse 7), offers sacrifice to devils. 2 Chronicles 11:15, Jeroboam ordained him Priests for the high places, and for the devils, and f…

If he cannot have them with innocency and purity to his soul, he must let them go. All the good priests that were accustomed to minister before the Lord in the synagogue throughout the ten tribes, when they could not enjoy their places but must worship the calves — (though the c…

Truth is Insigne Honoris, an ensign of honor; it distinguishes us from the false church, as chastity distinguishes a virtuous woman from a harlot. In short, truth is Ecclesiae praesidium, the bulwark of a nation (2 Chronicles 11:17): it is said the Levites (who were the antesign…

The visible church of Christ from Solomon's reign, was mainly in the tribe of Judah. The tribe of Benjamin, that was annexed to them, was but a very small tribe, and the tribe of Judah exceedingly large; and as Judah took Benjamin under his covert when he went into Egypt to brin…

If we lose our coat to keep our conscience, others of God's children have been thus tried before us (Hebrews 10:3-4): You took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that you have in heaven a better, and an enduring substance. The Levites left their inheritan…

And yet all that complied with him therein, are charged for walking so willingly after the commandment (Hosea 5:11). We dare not offend God to please men; the good Levites are commended (2 Chronicles 11:14). So it was pride in Nebuchadnezzar to command all men to bow before his…

Princes have their homage and peculiar honor done to them; Satan is served upon the knee of his subjects, the wicked are said to worship the devil, Revelation 13:4. No Prince expects such worship as he, no lesse then religious worship will serve him, 2 Chronicles 11:15. Jeroboam…

(Deuteronomy 1:37) Also the Lord was angry with me for your sake: And the story shows, because Moses sanctified not the Lord at the waters of Meribah, God would not suffer him to set his foot in the holy land. (2 Chronicles 11:9) God was angry with Solomon. (Deuteronomy 1:20) Th…

But if you bestow them with an honest and a good heart, and willing to employ them any way to the glory of God, you might lay up for yourselves a sure foundation; not that a man that has lived all his days and done no good, and then at his death give all to a monastery, or such…

And Nathan and Gad seem to have written the rest of the two books of Samuel: and Nathan, with Ahijah and Iddo, wrote the history of Solomon, which is probably that which we have in the first book of Kings. The history of Israel seems to have been further carried on by Iddo and S…

And therefore come under this Kingdom; if you do not, you will be left under the power of a worse. God said (2 Chronicles 12:8), he would give them up to the king of Egypt; why? They shall be his servants, that they may know my service, and the service of the kingdoms of the cou…

It is a notable speech, that in (Proverbs 23:7): as a man thinks in his heart, so is he; as the man's heart is, so is the man; if the desire of the soul be towards God, why is he thinks in his heart, so is he; there is life in the whole man, if there be life in the heart. Rehobo…

By prayer we draw near to God, by faith we take hold of him. 2 Chronicles 13:14: The children of Judah cried to the Lord; and this was the crying of faith; verse 18. They prevailed because they relied on the Lord God of their fathers: Making supplication to God, and staying the…

This proceeds not from the lack of a holy bent and aim, but from the weakness and imperfection of grace. And in this case the soul may make the like complaint against its own corruptions that Abijah made against Jeroboam (2 Chronicles 13:6-7). Grace has a dominion, but lusts are…

Again, there is a covenant of marriage between God and his people (Jeremiah 3:14), so as the wife promises to be to her husband alone (Hosea 3:3-4), so the Church of God promises, that she will be for God alone, and God will be for us alone; and we embrace the seed of his word a…

So it was again in Abijah's time, when Jeroboam set the battle in array against him with eight hundred thousand chosen men; a mighty army indeed. We read of it, 2 Chronicles 13:3. Then God wrought deliverance to Judah, out of regard to the covenant of grace established with Davi…

Meekness is easiness of spirit; not a sinful easiness to be debauched, as Ephraim's that willingly walked after the commandment of the idolatrous princes (Hosea 5:11). Nor a simple easiness to be imposed upon and deceived, as Rehoboam's, who when he was forty years old is said t…

Psalm 146:4 — all their thoughts perish. Lastly, they are vain, that is, indeed, wicked and sinful; vanity in the text here, is yoked with wickedness: and vain men, and sons of Belial are all one (2 Chronicles 13:17). And such are our thoughts by nature.

Christ will make his enemies his footstool (Psalm 110:1). He can destroy them with ease (2 Chronicles 14:11): it is nothing for you, Lord, to help. He can do it with weak means, without means.

1. If God brings his people out of bondage, then let none despond in trouble; say not, I shall sink under this burden; as David, I shall one day perish by the hand of Saul. God can make this text good, personally and nationally, to bring his people out of the house of bondage: w…

The only difference is, that on the former occasion Christ satisfied five thousand men with five loaves and two fishes, while, on the present occasion, four thousand men are fed with seven loaves and a few small fishes; and that twelve baskets were then filled with fragments, wh…

Then God wrought deliverance to Judah, out of regard to the covenant of grace established with David, as is evident by verses 4 and 5; and the victory they obtained was because the Lord was on their side, as you may see, verse 12. So it was again in Asa's time, when Zerah the Et…

3. We must be quiet as the land is quiet from war. It was the observable felicity of Asa's reign, that in his days the land was quiet (2 Chronicles 14:1, 5). In the preceding reigns there was no peace to him that went out, or to him that came in, whether outward-bound or homewar…

In your lowest estate he is able to raise you up (Romans 11:23). And they also if they abide not still in unbelief shall be grafted in; for God is able to graft them in again: whatever difficulties oppose themselves against the thing promised, he can remove them, for nothing is…

The places in which it is used are all noted in the margin, that the reader may examine them for his own satisfaction. In the Septuagint version of the Old Testament, [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] occurs but three times: (2 Chronicles 14:15), where it is translated cattle; (Ezra 8…

But how often instead of entertaining angels into their houses, do some entertain devils? From where are all the mutinies and divisions in a kingdom? (2 Chronicles 15:5). In those days there was no peace to him that went out, nor to him that came in.

As the vessels of the sanctuary were consecrated and set apart from common to holy uses: So the soul who has chosen God to be his God, has dedicated and set himself apart for God, and will be no more for profane uses. 3. To make God to be a God to us, is to enter into a solemn c…

If the heart be sincere, God will see the faith, and wink at the failing. Asa had his [illegible], his blemishes, but his heart was right with God (2 Chronicles 15:17). God saw his sincerity, and pardoned his infirmity. Sincerity in a Christian is like chastity in a wife, which…

A king's crown is more adorned with the white lily of peace, than when it is beset with the red roses of a bloody war; but where shall we find an uninterrupted peace upon earth? Either home-bred divisions, or foreign invasions (2 Chronicles 15:5). There was no peace to him that…

And further, this must be remembered withal, that GOD will never forsake any of his servants before they first forsake him: and therefore they that can say truly and unfeignedly, that they desire to serve God, and to be his servants, and seek this blessing by prayer, they may st…

Promises made to prayer, as these and such like, are to be marked, as follow, 2 Chronicles 7:14. If my people among whom my name is called upon, do humble themselves, and pray, and seek my presence, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear in heaven, and be merciful to…

Objection: But you say, this is marvelous uncharitable, to say that they who have but reading fall short of faith in Christ, and of the fruits of faith that accompany salvation? Answer. Whether is it more uncharitableness to let such as live under such means know their danger, t…

In respect of this second estate, the Church may be in desolation. This was the condition of the Church in paradise upon the fall of our first parents, of the Israelites at Mount Horeb, when they worshipped the golden calf, and in the days of Elijah (Romans 11:3), and afterward…

When God plucks up this hedge, and breaks down this wall, all mischiefs break in upon us presently. (2 Chronicles 15:3-6) Now for a long season Israel had been without the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without law — and in those times there was no peace to him tha…

You have this benefit by your labor, that thereby you avoid loose and evil company, which would draw you into mischief. By diligence for God, the Christian also is secured from temptations; God is with them, while they are with him (2 Chronicles 15:2). Communion with God in the…

Yet he also had his imperfections; against the warning of the Lord he goes out with a wicked king, and dies in battle. So Asa (2 Chronicles 15:17): The high places were not taken away, (it was a failing in that holy king) yet it is said, the heart of Asa was perfect all his days…

There is in them integrity but not perfection, all parts of holiness though not degrees. As in the body every muscle and vein and artery has its use; thus all Israel is said to seek the Lord with their whole desire (2 Chronicles 15:15). And all Judah rejoiced at the oath, for th…

He might destroy us for our original sin, as we destroy serpents of a venomous nature before they have actually done any harm: though man has lost his goodness, God has not. Every one of us in person does actually break with God before he breaks with us (2 Chronicles 15:2): If y…

God complains of their iniquity, as a burden, as if they made a cart of God, and loaded him with sins as with sheaves (Amos 2:13). Again, when we suffer for God, he has promised to help and assist us with counsel and comfort, with succor and support; but when we sin, God leaves…

In religion the heart is all; we judge of men's hearts by their actions, but God judges of men's actions by their hearts. Amaziah did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, but not with a perfect heart (2 Chronicles 25:2); but of Asa it is said, his heart was perfect all…

And when do we know that it is not the old heart? Ans. 1 Propos. As physically, so also morally, the heart is the man, the good heart, the good man, the evil heart, the evil man, and God weighs men by the weight, not of the tongue, of the hands of the outward man, but by the wei…

13. The Lord would have Isaiah and the godly dead to laws and government, to vision and prophesying, when judge and prophet shall be taken away (Isaiah 3:2), and children shall be their princes, and babes shall rule over them (verse 4), and the vineyard broken, and the hedge spo…

Let a man do never so many good actions, and take the Summa totalis of it all, and wanting a perfect heart, it will all be evil in the sight of the Lord; and while a man so continues, he may know that the Lord has determined to destroy him. And let another man do many things ver…

Would they defraud in their dealings, use false weights, if they believed the power of God; that he could provide for them? 2. By their depending more upon second causes than upon God (2 Chronicles 16:12). In his disease he sought not to the Lord but to the physician.

(Acts 7:54): When they heard this they were cut to the heart, and gnashed on Stephen with their teeth. (2 Chronicles 16:10): Asa was wroth with the seer, and put him in a prison-house. Pride and guilt make men [reconstructed: fret] at the Word.

And, here we must be admonished, to beware of the bad practices of the world, in this case: the most men in their sickness, first seek to the Physicians; and if that fail them, they send for the Minister. This was King Asa his practice, for which he is branded to all posterity,…

2. Christ's omniscience is one of his chiefest excellencies, that qualifies him for the good and comfort of his people, and does exceedingly commend him to them above all others: it is a very present comfort to his people, especially in the time of trouble, that their beloved kn…

Without which no other work can be done; it is to be feared that very many have little knowledge of the main enemy, that they carry about them in their bosoms. This makes them ready to justify themselves, and to be impatient of reproof or admonition, not knowing that they are in…

Thus he speaks of both (Song of Solomon 2:14): My dove let me see your countenance, let me hear your voice, for sweet is your voice, and your countenance is comely. 2. His good providence and readiness to do them good, to supply their wants, and order their affairs for them, to…

The care of his providence is over all the creatures he has made; God has an inspection over them, to provide necessaries for them; much more over his people. His eyes run to and fro, to find them out in all the places of their dispersion; and he does exercise his power for thei…

Now, how will God manifest this delight? In his providence (2 Chronicles 16:9): The eyes of the Lord run to and fro, that he may show himself strong in the behalf of those whose hearts are upright with him. He looks up and down in the world to find out such persons to do them go…

Second, it makes us trust to secondary causes, which is to set the creature in the room of God. 2 Chronicles 16:12: Asa in his disease sought not to the Lord but to the physicians. He relied more on the physician than upon God.

1st Commandment: You shall have no other gods, etc. He breaks this commandment: who does not know the true God (Jeremiah 4:22); who denies God in his heart by denying his presence, justice, mercy, etc. (Psalm 14:1); who hates God and shows it by disobedience (Exodus 20:5; Romans…

It is a pity any good man should storm at a just rebuke of sin; that such a precious ointment as is proper to heal, should be considered to break his head: but yet flesh will be tender and touchy; even in good men. Asa was a good man, and yet he was wroth with the prophet who re…

For because he sought to the physicians, he is blamed — yet to seek to physicians is lawful, but the Spirit of God blames his seeking to the physicians. And says (2 Chronicles 16:12): He sought not the Lord in his sickness; and the reason is given [non-Latin text] because he was…

The sword of God, take it as it lies in the word, and it is like a sword in the scabbard, and the exposition is but the brandishing of it; but when application is made, that you are the man that has done this, not to endure this, is an argument of a carnal heart, though sometime…

Let but the heart be kept clean, that in his heart he does not close with any wickedness, and desires to be kept clean even from secret faults; then shall the words of his mouth, and the thoughts of his heart be acceptable in the sight of God; there will ever be life in such a m…

He indeed is rich in grace whose graces are not hindered by his riches. There are but few Jehoshaphats in the world, of whom it is said (2 Chronicles 17:5-6): 'He had silver and gold in abundance, and his heart was lifted up in the way of God's commands.' Will not this keep your…

In the Hebrew: his great ones; or, his bowmen (because they are many, or because the great ones did fight afar off) have besieged me. So (2 Chronicles 17:9), (1 Samuel 7:16): Samuel went in a circuit to Bethel, and Gilgal, and Mizpeh. And (Joshua 6:3): You shall besiege Jericho.

It argues that you are not seriously through with God, if you should break with him after some profession of his name; now your motion should be more earnest, more strong towards him. I speak this, because we are so apt to cast off our first faith (1 Timothy 5:12), and to lose o…

John Baptist to Herod (Matthew 14:4): It is not lawful for you to have her. Jehu to Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 17:2): Should you help the ungodly, and love them that hate the Lord? Therefore is wrath upon you from before the Lord.

And when do we know that it is not the old heart? Ans. 1 Propos. As physically, so also morally, the heart is the man, the good heart, the good man, the evil heart, the evil man, and God weighs men by the weight, not of the tongue, of the hands of the outward man, but by the wei…

Satan, by this temptation, oft draws the godly to sin; they presume upon their privileges, or graces, and so venture on occasions of sin. Jehoshaphat twisted into a league of amity with King Ahab, presuming his grace would be an antidote strong enough against the infection (2 Ch…

And 2 Thessalonians 2 (where the working of those very same spirits is set forth, verse 9) it is not only said that they were sent as from God to delude, but with 'strong delusions' — such as should have a strength put into them to prevail, so that men should believe them. So al…

Forbear, why should you be smitten?" So (2 Chronicles 18:23) he smote him on the cheek, and said, "When went the spirit of the Lord from me, to speak to you?" So the Pharisees hated Christ, because of his free reproofs (John 9:40): "Are we blind also?"

If any bring false doctrine, and a man bid him Godspeed, this man is partaker of his evil deeds (2 John 10-11). When men say, as Jehoshaphat did to Ahab, I am as you are, and my people as your people, and we will be with you in the war (2 Chronicles 18:3), when we thus give cons…

Kings have their robes; the robe is a garment with which kings are arrayed. The king of Israel and the king of Judah sat clothed in their robes (2 Chronicles 18:19); the robe was of scarlet, or velvet lined with ermine, sometimes of a purple color, sometimes of an azure brightne…

I have written to you not to keep company. Do not incorporate into the society of the wicked, or be too much familiar with them: the wicked are [illegible], God-haters; and (2 Chronicles 19:2) should you join with those who hate the Lord? A Christian is bound by virtue of his oa…

14. If we would not be overcome of Satan, let us put on Christian fortitude. An enemy we must expect, who is either shooting of darts, or laying of snares, therefore let us be armed with courage (2 Chronicles 19:11). Deal courageously, and the Lord shall be with the good.

The second is the league of amity, which is when men, people, or countries bind themselves to defend each other in all causes and to make the wars of the one the wars of the other — and this league may not be made with those that be enemies of God. Jehoshaphat, otherwise a good…

God's teaching is by effectual impression or inclining the heart. It is a sharp question that of the prophet (2 Chronicles 19:2). Should you hate the godly, and love those that hate the Lord?

This made David so well to rule the people of God (2 Samuel 23:3): and Joseph to deal so well with his brethren (Genesis 42:18): indeed, this is noted to be the cause of the righteous rule of Christ himself (Isaiah 11:2-3). Well did that good King Jehoshaphat know this, and ther…

3. That proceeding according to this rule, their declarations in court were the judgments of God's mouth. (2 Chronicles 19:6) He said to the judges, Take heed what you do: for you judge not for man, but for the Lord, who is with you in the judgment. If this sense did prevail, we…

3. Our love to God should put us upon loving his people, and making them our intimates; for religion influences all things, our relations, common employments, friendships and converses. It is a smart question that of the Prophet, (2 Chronicles 19:2) Should you help the ungodly,…

Ephesians 5:11: Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness. Jehoshaphat, though a good man, was blamed for this (2 Chronicles 19:2): Should you help the ungodly and love those who hate the Lord? The fault was not that he maintained civil peace with Ahab, but that h…

2nd Commandment: You shall make to yourself no graven image, etc. He breaks this commandment: who represents God in an image (Exodus 32:6-8); who worships God in or at images, as crucifixes and such like (2 Kings 18:4); who kneels down before an image; who is bodily present at M…

(Deuteronomy 1:20) The Lord was very angry with Aaron. (2 Chronicles 19:2) The prophet Jehu said to Jehoshaphat that good king, There is wrath upon you from the Lord. (Isaiah 60:10) For in my wrath I struck you, but in my favor, I have had mercy on you.

He can do it with weak means, without means. He can make the enemies destroy themselves; he set the Persians against the Greeks; and (2 Chronicles 20:23) the children of Ammon helped to destroy one another. Thus Christ is King in vanquishing the enemies of his church.

By contrary means, He made the Sea a wall to Israel, and the waters were a means to keep them from drowning: The fish's belly was a ship in which Jonah sailed safe to shore. God will never want ways of saving his people: Rather than fail the very enemies shall do his work (2 Chr…

The more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied: The Church is like that plant Gregory Nazianzen speaks of, [illegible], it lives by dying, and grows by cutting. 3. Strangely in that he makes the enemy do his work: When the people of Amon, and Moab, and Mount Seir came ag…

2. In their own consciences. The truth of the first is manifest, in that not only in this chapter, but often also in the Old Testament, God has made such honorable mention, and given such honorable titles unto many of these Elders: calling Abraham the friend of God, 2 Chronicles…

This, Paul confesses of himself and others: We (says he) received the sentence of death in ourselves, because we should not trust in ourselves, but in God: 2 Corinthians 1:9. So good King Jehoshaphat, when he was compassed of his enemies, He cried to the Lord, and said; Lord we…

Let us therefore in such cases, learn to practice our faith; and then especially to cast ourselves upon GOD. This, Jehoshaphat did most notably: for, being assaulted with the huge armies of the Moabites, Ammonites, etc. he prayed unto the Lord most fervently, saying; 2 Chronicle…

(1 Samuel 27:12) And Achish believed in David. (2 Chronicles 20:20) Believe in the prophets and prosper. Answer. The Hebrew phrase in which the servile letter Beth is used, must not be translated with a preposition that rules an accusative or ablative case, but with a dative cas…

And Ecclesiastes 8:12: 'Though a sinner does evil a hundred times and his days are prolonged, yet it shall be well with those that fear the Lord.' Could you but believe the promises, your hearts should be established (2 Chronicles 20:29). Could you but plead them with God, as Ja…

And so the proof of this fourth particular, will add further strength and confirmation to that we presented in the former. Now that his being our God (which is the substance of the Covenant of Grace) does engage him to provide glory for separate souls, that one instance of Abrah…

Ezra bases his prayer on this (Ezra 9:6): O my God, I am ashamed and blush. And Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 20:12): O our God, will you not judge them? In prayer consider what claim and interest you have to God, if you be a son, and he a Father: Bastards cannot pray; strangers wit…

A covenant of salt is to be fed with the same salt, as it were, to eat many a bushel of salt together — that is a covenant of friendship. "Did you not give the land to the seed of Abraham your friend for ever?" (2 Chronicles 20:7). There he fittingly expresses the nature of a co…

But when the creature, being conscious of his own insufficiency to help itself by any means it itself can use, has respect to the holy God that makes Israel holy, and is acknowledged of Israel to be holy — this is indeed to have God for our Savior, and so he is to all such as ar…

The eighth, and last point is, the practice of them that are justified, and that is to believe, or put their trust in Christ. Trust in the Lord (says the Prophet) and you shall be assured (2 Chronicles 20:20). And Solomon says, Roll your care on the Lord (Proverbs 16:3).

And thus in desperate cases, we must use the best means and leave the success to God. Thus the Israelites when there was no other help, went into the sea, as into their deathbed, or grave, by faith staying themselves on the promise of God (Hebrews 11:29) (2 Chronicles 20:12). Th…

According to his direction, they only stood still, and sang praises to God, and God made their enemies do the work themselves, and set them to killing one another; and the children of Judah had nothing to do, but to gather the spoil, which was more than they could carry away. We…

(1.) We ought to come to him as renouncing our strength, and waiting for his grace as able to help us. That address Jehoshaphat made in a temporal case, is good also in a spiritual one (2 Chronicles 20:12): Lord, we have no might, our eyes are to you. There is a renouncing of th…

(Psalm 115:3) Our God is in the heavens, and does whatever he pleases. So, (2 Chronicles 20:6) Are you not God in Heaven? And do you not rule over all the kingdoms of the heathen?

Proverbs 16:3: Commit your works to the Lord and your thoughts shall be established. 2 Chronicles 20:20: Believe in the Lord your God, so shall you be established. 5. It keeps us from warping and turning aside to crooked paths: as long as we are persuaded that God will maintain…

We understand it usually of preparing the heart for prayer; to ask the mercy, but it is also meant of preparing the heart to receive the mercy. 2 Chronicles 20:35: The high places were not taken away, because the people had not yet prepared their heart to the God of their father…

And these things the Scripture pleads and argues, when Faith is required of us in the way of Obedience. Thus says the Lord, is that which is proposed to us as the Reason why we should believe what is spoken, to which often times other divine Names and Titles are added, signifyin…

4. Has not God often come in with assisting grace? When he has bid you mortify such a lust, and you have said as Jehoshaphat, 2 Chronicles 20.12. I have no might against this great army. Then God has come in with auxiliary forces, his grace has been sufficient.

The life a godly man lives in his prosperity, is a life of faith. For so the apostle says, and he speaks it universally, he speaks of all the life he lives, it is all a life of faith in this world; Since therefore a great part of a man's life is taken up with prosperous successe…

And the prophet makes this an argument of God's great power above all other gods, that he subdues iniquities, and blots out transgressions (Micah 7:18-19; Isaiah 43:25). Though we know not how this can be done, that such dead bones, souls that are even rotten in their sins, shou…

The worst civil wars are between a man and his conscience. 2. God will set the diseases of men's bodies against them (2 Chronicles 21:18). The Lord struck Jehoram in his bowels with an incurable disease.

Again, the name (Jew) opposed to Gentiles, signifies not only men of the tribe of Judah, but all circumcised persons of all tribes (Romans 2:28), and thus it is all one with an Israelite. And thus we see how to expound the place of Scripture (2 Chronicles 21:2), where Jehoshapha…

God's remembering his covenant that he had established with David, is given as the reason why God did thus, notwithstanding their wicked lives; as 1 Kings 15:4 speaking there of Abijam's wickedness, it is said, "Nevertheless, for David's sake did the Lord his God give him a lamp…

It is the character of a natural man to be unmerciful (Romans 1:31). A wicked man, like Jehoram, has his compassion fallen out (2 Chronicles 21:19). Therefore he is compared to an adamant (Zechariah 7:11), because his heart melts not in mercy.

Secondly, a man is said to live to himself, that lives according to his own will, and principles, and for his own ends, as in usual phrase of speech we say, such a man lives to himself, as regards no man's profit, or pleasure, or credit, but his own, he cares for no body, furthe…

2. They are priests. The priesthood under the law was honorable, the king's daughter was wife to Jehoiada the priest (2 Chronicles 22:11). In ancient times, the Egyptians chose their kings out of their priests; the saints are consecrated to be priests to offer up to God the euch…

Thus, the wife of Jehoiada, the high priest, is declared by the sacred historian to have belonged to the royal family, — “Jehoshabeath, the daughter of Jehoram, the wife of Jehoiada the priest,” (2 Chronicles 22:11.) It was, therefore, nothing wonderful or uncommon, if the mothe…

Now poor servants being under awe, and standing in fear, they are inclined to obey: Oh, take heed what you command your servants; for whatever sin they commit by your command, will be charged on you, as on them, if not more. 2. We may be the occasion of other men's sins by couns…

Drive a swine out of one dirty way, and he will presently into another, because it was not his disposition but his fear which turned him aside. Where there are many of a royal race, though hundreds be destroyed, yet if any one that can prove his descent do remain alive, the titl…

And this is the meaning of Jehoiada's words, "Behold, the king's son shall reign, as the Lord hath said of the sons of David," (2 Chronicles 23:3.) He considered it to be shameful and intolerable, that a woman, who was a stranger by blood, should violently seize the scepter, whi…

Of so much more glory was Christ accounted worthy, than Moses, Joshua, David, and Solomon, and all the great prophets, priests, and princes, judges, and saviors of the Old Testament put together. The ordinances of David are mentioned as of parallel validity with those of Moses,…

For though the title of the book informs us that he was the son of Barachiah, (Zechariah 1:1,) yet we nowhere read that he was slain; and it is a forced exposition to say, that he was slain during the period that intervened between the building of the altar and of the temple. Bu…

And this was Saul's folly, who against God's express prohibition suffered his people to take some of the spoil of the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15:21). The like may be said of Joash, who listened to his Princes to set up idols (2 Chronicles 24:7): and of Pilate, who to please the peo…

I will avenge the blood of Jezreel upon the house of Jehu. O let us look to our ends in obedience; it is possible the action may be right and not the heart (2 Chronicles 25:2). Amaziah did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, but not with a perfect heart.

Here is the misery of such as oppose God's royal scepter, he will set every thing in the world against them: If there be either justice in Heaven or fire in hell, sinners shall not be unpunished. Finally. If God be such an absolute monarch, and crowned with such glory and majest…

Jehu did the will of God in destroying the Baal worshippers, and God commended him for doing of it: but because he aimed more at settling himself in the kingdom, than the glory of God, therefore God looked upon it no better than murder, and said he would avenge the blood of Jezr…

Thus may he deal with you as to your natural children and relations. So what the man of God said to Amaziah in 2 Chronicles 25:9 may be applied here: Amaziah said, But what shall we do for the hundred talents? And the man of God answered, The Lord is able to give you much more t…

If I use this holy violence, and turn religious, then I shall lose such yearly profits which my sin has brought in. As Amaziah said, "What shall I do for the hundred talents?" (2 Chronicles 25:9). Is there any profit in sin?

This is a death spot, a hell spot, where ever it appears. From this very symptom the Prophet plainly predicted the approaching ruin of Amaziah (2 Chronicles 25:16). I know that God has determined to destroy you, because you have done this, and have not listened to my voice.

A needful truth spoken in a heat may do more hurt than good, and offend rather than satisfy. The Prophet himself forbore even a message from God, when he saw Amaziah in a passion (2 Chronicles 25:16). Sometimes it may be advisable to get some one else to say that for us, which i…

Section 24. Thus God who himself began the writing of the Word with his own finger, Exodus 31:11; after he had spoken it Exodus 20; appointing or approving the writing of the rest that followed, Deuteronomy 31:12; Joshua 23:6; 1 Kings 2:3; 2 Kings 14:6; 2 Kings 17:13; 1 Chronicl…

5. A sound belief of God's providence; this has a great influence upon a free parting with our estates for our conscience sake (Hebrews 11:8): "By faith Abraham left his country, kindred, possessions, and blindly trusted himself with God's providence." This principle was made us…

(Hebrews 11:7) But surely it argues a proud spirit, when men cannot endure friendly counsel, and will not have their private sores touched, but they grow fierce and outrageous, especially when they excel others in rank and power. As when the prophet reproved Amaziah (2 Chronicle…

Oh then, who would not be in love with obedience! while we please God, we pleasure ourselves. We are ready to say as Amaziah (2 Chronicles 25:9): but what shall we do for the hundred talents? You see, brethren, you are no losers by obedience; who did ever kindle a fire on God's…

In religion the heart is all; we judge of men's hearts by their actions, but God judges of men's actions by their hearts. Amaziah did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, but not with a perfect heart (2 Chronicles 25:2); but of Asa it is said, his heart was perfect all…

Better lose your liberty and keep your peace, than lose your peace and keep your liberty: Is it loss of Estate? Do you say as Amaziah, 2 Chronicles 25:9. What shall we do for the hundred Talents? I would answer with the Prophet, The Lord can give you much more than this: He has…

Rehoboam did evil in the sight of the Lord, because he prepared not his heart to seek God (2 Chronicles 12:14); the endeavor of his heart was not that way. Amaziah did that which was good in the sight of the Lord, but not with a perfect heart, and therefore the Lord determined t…

Not our obedience, but Christ's merits, procure acceptance; we must in every part of worship tender up Christ to God in the arms of our faith. Unless we serve God thus, in hope and confidence of Christ's merits, we do rather provoke God than please him: as when King Uzziah would…

We must carry the lamb Christ in the arms of our faith, and so we prevail in prayer. When Uzziah would offer incense without a priest, God was angry and struck him with leprosy (2 Chronicles 26:16). When we do not pray in Christ's name, in the hope of his mediation, we offer up…

Albeit the case may so fall out, that those of another Church, professing the same religion with us, may be reproved, and censured: indeed one Church may admonish another; for they being members one of another, are to procure the good one of another, as Paul teaches by the simil…

Was not this to usurp upon the priests' office? Was it not this for which King Uzziah was reprehended and told by the priests, "It does not belong to you, to burn incense to the Lord, but to the priests, the sons of Aaron;" and was he not smitten with leprosy for doing of it (2…

God has appointed a sovereign prince to be Custos utriusque Tabulae, a guardian of both tables of his law; and has put the sword into his hands, not only to be an avenger in cases of injury done by man to man, but to be an avenger in case of the violation of those laws which imm…

"Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, first and last, behold they are written in the book of Jehu the son of Hanani, who is mentioned in the book of the kings of Israel," as we find him to be 1 Kings 16:1, 7. And then it was further continued by the prophet Isaiah: 2 Chronic…

It is best with us many times when we are weakest (2 Corinthians 12:10): When I am weak, then am I strong. Worst when strongest (2 Chronicles 26:16): When he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his own destruction. Lot chose Sodom, a fair and pleasant situation, but you know…

When you speak of two Lords, one of them is always Christ. It was a proud distemper in Uzziah, that he himself went into the Temple of the Lord, to burn incense upon the altar of incense (2 Chronicles 26:16). Why?

There is some good in the godly, therefore the wicked afflict them; there is some evil in them, therefore God afflicts them. God's own children have their [illegible], their blemishes (2 Chronicles 28:10). Are there not with you, even with you, sins against the Lord?

Quest. What is antecedent to, or goes before this choice? Resp. 1. Before this choosing God for our God, there must be knowledge: We must know God before we can choose him; before one choose the person he will marry, he must first have some knowledge and cognizance of the person…

When God's name which should be hallowed is profaned among a people, it is just with God to write that dismal epitaph upon a nation's tomb, The glory is departed. And that I may speak to the consciences of all, and deal impartially, it were well if only the profane party were gu…

This is to sin against conviction. 2 Chronicles 28:22: In his distress did he trespass yet more: this is that King Ahaz. This does enhance and make the sin greater than other sins: for sinning against an enlightened conscience,

They held fast deceit, though they were afflicted, that aggravated their sinfulness. Now (I say) as it makes sin out of measure sinful, to hold it fast when God afflicts; so it makes grace out of measure gracious, puts a wonderful splendor and glory upon it, if we hold fast our…

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith, henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord shall give to me, he saw it before him, and was able to tell others of it. So David (2 Chronicles 28:9). And you Solomon my so…

3. Sin brings a man low in affliction; that is the meaning of the Text, They were brought low for their iniquity. Adam's sin brought him low; it banished him out of Paradise, 2 Chronicles 28:18. In those days, God cut Israel short.

No, their eyes were upon Egypt for succor, not upon heaven: 'Well, Pharaoh and his aids are left still, all hope is not gone' (Jeremiah 37:9). See the like in Ahaz in a sore plunge and distress; he courts the king of Assyria for help (2 Chronicles 28:29); that project failing, w…

The dissuasion is laid down in these words: Be not deceived. The like phrase of speech we have in sundry other places, as in that advertisement which Hezekiah gives the Levites (2 Chronicles 29:11). Now my sons be not deceived.

You see the man was all in his possessives, my bread, and my water, and my flesh, he never thought that God had any share or interest in his estate, that God gave it, therefore he would not give to a servant of God. You shall see on the other hand, how David's munificence and th…

Others are commended, that they did remove them. And among the most renowned acts of Hezekiah's piety, it is mentioned to his immortal honor, that he commanded the priests and Levites to sanctify themselves, and cleanse the Temple, and restore the true worship of God, after many…

It was used in the church of Israel by God's appointment: this is manifest by the title of many of the psalms, in which they are inscribed to the chief musician, that is to the man that was appointed to be the leader of divine songs in the temple, in the public worship of Israel…

Again if parents forbid their children the doing of any necessary duty commanded of God, the child ought to do it notwithstanding the parents' prohibition. We may well think that Ahaz who set himself so violently to deface the holy things of God, to profane his ordinances, and t…

Not only he that was a wandering partridge, and flitted up and down; but David that was settled in a throne, he that was so powerful and victorious a prince. But you will say, possibly David might speak this when he was chased like a flea upon the mountains, when he was hunted t…

The baker watches when the oven is hot, and then puts in the bread. At another time it went on roundly, for God had prepared the people (2 Chronicles 29:36). When we are in a posture, mercy will not be long a coming.

Oh then labor after, and pray for a thorough work of conversion, beg of God that he would make a saving change in your souls, that you may be altogether Christians, all other changes below this saving change, this heart-change, make us but almost Christians. 11. A man may be ver…

God made Eve out of Adam's rib, to be a helper (as the father speaks;) but the Devil made an arrow of this rib, and shot Adam to the heart: so does discontent take the rib of God's mercy and ungratefully shoot at him; estate, liberty shall be employed against God. Thus it is oft…

This heart-temple must be kept pure and holy; no filth must lie here; sweep the dust out of the temple. The vessels of the temple were cleansed (2 Chronicles 29:15); thus the memory, affections, conscience — these temple-vessels must be cleansed (2 Corinthians 7:1). Christ whipp…

How did David bless God that he gave the people hearts to offer so cheerfully to the building of the Temple? Who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort, 2 Chronicles 29:14? Their willingness was more than their offering; so shou…

When a child of God looks over his best duties, he sees so much sin cleaving to them, that he is even confounded: Lord, he says, there is more sulphur than incense in my prayers; but for your comfort, if God be your Father, he will crown those duties which you yourselves censure…

(1.) We must solemnly prepare ourselves before we come: We must not rush upon the ordinance rudely and irreverently, but come in due order. There was a great deal of preparation to the Passover; (2 Chronicles 30:18-19) and the Sacrament comes in the room of it. Quest. Wherein do…

It is not to be lippenning to the man's good hopes, to his good prayers, or to his good meaning, but to Christ's satisfaction, and God's promise; by faith, when rightly exercised, the sinner holls and hides himself in Christ, till (to speak so) a bit of the man cannot be seen; a…

So that the Holy Ghost therein intimates such an abstaining as was preparatory to solemn duties, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer, extraordinary duties call for extraordinary preparations. These outward preparations were so necessary, that when the people faile…

I answer: 1. It is your duty to engage and consent to give up yourselves to God's service whatever comes of it (2 Chronicles 30:8): Yield yourselves to the Lord. In the Hebrew it is strike hands with him in his holy covenant (Romans 12:1): I beseech you present yourselves, etc.

Many think God watches occasions to destroy them, or at least to molest and trouble them; no, he passes by many weaknesses, or else what would become of the best of his children, pardons many sins, where the heart is sincere. 2 Chronicles 30:18-19. The good Lord pardon every one…

1 1 John 2. 27. The anointing teaches you all things; that is, all things essential to salvation. A godly man has the good knowledge of the Lord, 2 Chronicles 30. 22. he has sound wisdom, Proverbs 3. 21.

The first act of faith is that whereby a man having been formerly reduced to extremities and impossibilities within himself, looks upon God as omnipotent, and so able to save; as merciful, and in Christ reconcilable, and so likely to save if he is sought to. Hereupon grows a sec…

And the allowance of Tenths, stands not in force in this and other Commonwealths by the judicial law of God, but by positive laws of countries. For if it did, then ministers should not meddle with their Tenths, either for the gathering, or for the disposing of them, but they sho…

They are good for ourselves, that we may serve God more cheerfully. The Lord would have the Levites and priests have their portion, that they might be encouraged in the law of the Lord (2 Chronicles 31:4). Now these things are good to encourage us, and support us in our work.

These kind of ingeminations do not always signify every family, but sometimes sundry and many families, sometimes universality, and sometimes multitude, as Hebrew grammarians say; as to show you some instances, (Genesis 14:10) the valley was full of slime pits, in the original i…

Secondly, God tempts his servants by withdrawing his graces from them, and by forsaking them in part; and this kind of temptation is as grievous as the former: herewith was good King Hezekiah tempted; for as we may read, God left him to a sin of vain glory, and the end was to tr…

(Deuteronomy 8:2) God afflicts the children of Israel, to try them whether they would keep his commandments. (2 Chronicles 32:31) He tries Hezekiah to see what was in his heart. The devil's end in tempting, is only to bring the party to destruction.

Indeed they may be diminished and covered as coals under ashes, and as the sap in the root of the tree in the winter season, not appearing at all in the branches; and the feeling of them may be lost: but they cannot either finally or totally be abolished. It is true that God doe…

Thus Hezekiah the king, and the prophet Isaiah the son of Amos prayed against Sennacherib, and cried to heaven. 2 Chronicles 32:10. Where we may see what a marvelous desire they had to obtain their request. So also Romans 8:16. The spirit makes request with groans so great that…

This is the thing that provokes so many sad complaints, and costs so many deep groans and bitter tears. It was the pride of Hezekiah's heart that made him lie in the dust mourning before the Lord (2 Chronicles 32:26). It was the fear of hypocrisy invading the heart that made Dav…

They could not catch Christ in any sin, and so though they shamed him, he was not shamed, nor could he hide his face for confusion. 2. Shame is a breaking of the hope and confidence of these who look for great things, as 2 Chronicles 32:21: The Lord sent an Angel which cut off a…

He threatened the Assyrians already whom he knew the Jews hated for good cause because of their continual wars: that he might get him a companion then, and a fellow helper in his intended wars, he insinuates himself cunningly into the friendship of this good King: whose heart, a…

Abraham did not know what faith he had; (I mean what power and vigor was in his faith) until God drew it out by that great trial and temptation; when God says he knew it, he made Abraham know it (Genesis 22:12). So he tried Hezekiah, to discover his pride: God left him that he m…

As we may try a servant whom we have just cause to suspect, by laying something in the way, that his filching humor may be discovered, without any breach of justice; so the wicked, that harden their hearts against God, God may give them their hearts' desire, and worldly happines…

The sins of magistrates draw down judgments on their people, all smart for their miscarriages. [reconstructed: Hezekiah's] pride cost Israel dear — (2 Chronicles 32:25). Wrath was upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem: It did not stay upon his person: As a great oak cannot fall…

And by this means we are made sensible of the mutability of our own nature. God left Hezekiah, to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart (2 Chronicles 32:31). God has so dispensed grace, that he will be going and coming as to actual influence; therefore sometimes…

Grace is as necessary to prevent sin, as to perform duty. God's suspension was no excuse to Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 32:31). Nevertheless, in the business of the Ambassadors of the Princes of Babylon, who sent to him to inquire of the wonder that was done in the land, God left him…

And partly, because this is a means to make us sensible of the mutability of our nature; for when all depends upon God, his coming and going, it will make us see what poor creatures we are of ourselves; when he comes we are able to do something; when he goes what poor creatures…

Then it may press you to live praises, and show forth the praises of him in your conduct (1 Peter 2:7). Hezekiah had been sick, God recovered him, he penned a Psalm of Thanksgiving (Isaiah 38:9); yet it's said, he rendered not according to what he received, etc. (2 Chronicles 32…

There needs something to humble the creature after these experiences. Desertion is either felt, or not felt; not felt, and then it is more dangerous, and usually ends in some notable fall — as Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 32:31): God left him, and he was not sensible, and then he runs…

But this Jacob was so forgetful of, and did so long neglect and omit to pay his vow, which he made at Bethel, that God minds him of it (Genesis 35:1), and for the omission whereof, it is supposed that the afflictions mentioned in the former chapter did befall him. The other inst…

And David himself could say, that he had not wickedly (after the manner of the wicked, Jude 15.) departed from God (Psalm 18:21). 3 God may sometime have a good man to this saddest of trials, to know all that is in his heart, as he left the good King Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 32:31…

It was to try his faith and obedience. Thus he tempted Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 32:31). God left him to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart.

WE shall wave the Compellation, and begin with the Exhortation: Be strong, that is, be of good courage, so commonly used in Scripture-phrase; 2 Chronicles 32:7. Be strong and couragious.

Our sufficiency is of God, yea, after many years trading, this holy man sees nothing he has got, Philippians 3:13. I count not my self to have apprehended: he is still pressing forward; ask him how he lives, he'll tell you who keeps house for him; I live, yet not I, Galatians 2:…

Cartwright says it is a metaphor from men who, being oppressed with a burden, transfer it off themselves upon one who is mightier and stronger: it is excellent when the heart rolls all its cares upon the Lord, and disburdens itself upon him. (8.) There is a word that notes to le…

The Lord has by free promise, laid holy bonds on himself, to give predeterminating grace to his own children to persevere to the end, and to prevent apostasy and heinous sins inconsistent with saving faith (1 Corinthians 1:8; Jude 24; Jeremiah 32:39-41; Isaiah 54:10; Isaiah 59:2…

But then were they given up to the most fearful evils. Thus God left Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 32:25, 31). This then is one reason why the counsel and foreknowledge of God concerning our sins does not extenuate our sins; nor ought to extenuate our sorrow.

The wound is not so broad as the plaster of Christ's blood. The sea covers great rocks: the sea of God's compassion can drown your great sins; therefore be not discouraged, go to God, resolve to cast yourself upon his fatherly compassion; God may be entreated of you, as he was o…

As God makes use of all the seasons of the year for harvest, so all his various providences are to bring on the harvest of obedience. 1. Afflictions are to make us do God's will; (2 Chronicles 33:12) When Manasseh was in affliction, he besought the Lord, and humbled himself grea…

This appears, by vouchsafing mercy to Rahab a notable harlot: and as he dealeth with Rahab here, so hath he showed like mercy to other notorious sinners. King Manasseh had sold himself to Idolatry and witchcraft, and had shed innocent blood exceeding much, and caused Judah to si…

Who would not be willing to have a bone out of joint, so he might have a sight of God? King Manasseh was bound in Chains, this was sad to see a Crown of Gold changed into Fetters; but it wrought for his good, for, When he was in affliction he besought the Lord, and humbled himse…

גיא (Ge) is the Hebrew word for a valley. Now, “the valley of Hinnom” was infamous for the detestable superstition which was committed in it, because there they sacrificed their children to idols, (2 Chronicles 33:6.) The consequence was, that holy men, in order to excite strong…

Abraham was upon his seventy-fifth year when God called him (Genesis 12:5, compared with Joshua 24:2). Manasseh was converted near upon his death, about sixty years of age (2 Chronicles 33:19). But in the case of old age, the matter is so difficult, and so unusual, that there ar…

We think God is going to destroy us, but he only lays us a-whitening: some birds will not hatch but in time of thunder. Christians are commonly best in affliction; God will make his children at last bless him for sufferings; the eyes that sin shuts, affliction opens; when Manass…

Second, we should endeavor to have our sorrow rise up to the same height and proportion as our sin. Manasseh was a great sinner and a great mourner (2 Chronicles 33:12): he humbled himself greatly. Manasseh made the streets run with blood, and he made the prison in Babylon run w…

And the scriptures were written not by such as were men of God only, but by such as were holy men of God. Peter denied Christ knowingly against his own conscience, and that with cursing and banning, and yet came to repentance afterward, as appears by the testimony of Christ: I h…

Example of Manasseh: and when he was in tribulation he prayed to the Lord his God and humbled himself greatly. And David says: It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I might learn your statutes (Genesis 42:21; Hosea 5:15; Lamentations 3:20; 2 Chronicles 33:12; Psalm…

Of the thief: he said to Jesus, Lord, remember me when you come to your kingdom. Then Jesus said to him, truly I say to you, today shall you be with me in paradise (2 Samuel 12:12; 2 Chronicles 33:12; Luke 18:13; Luke 23:42-43). Having such notable promises made to repentance, n…

Let him speak to men that know him not so much as the donkey his owner, such as rebelled more and more when he chastised them, such whose hands were full of blood; yet let but such as these come and wash themselves, cease to do evil, and learn to do well, and then all these scar…

It argues both a wanton palate, and surfeited stomach, to feed on salads and kickshaws rather than wholesome food. 3. If you would have the preaching of the Word effectual, come to it with a tenderness upon your heart (2 Chronicles 34:19). Because your heart was tender.

The charge given to masters in the fourth commandment concerning servants, (you nor your male servant, nor your female servant) proves as much. Josiah is commended for causing his people to stand to the covenant of God (Exodus 20:10; 2 Chronicles 34:32). On this ground if a mast…

It requires 1. The general grace of a soft heart, which must be asked of God, (2 Chronicles 34:27) Because your heart was tender, and you did humble yourself, when you heard the words of the Lord against this place. There was an high peace and calm at that time, but a tender hea…

First sign: tenderness of heart. 2 Chronicles 34:27: Because your heart was tender. A child-like heart is a tender heart; he who before had a flinty heart has now a fleshy heart.

Answer. If you have in you a child-like heart, which is, 1. A tender heart (2 Chronicles 34:27). Because your heart was tender.

Hence by way of excellency he calls it the Covenant, the Covenant of the Lord (Jeremiah 2[illegible]:9; Deuteronomy 4:23; Joshua 23:11); My Covenant, says the Lord (Genesis 17:7, 9, 10; Exodus 19:5; Psalm 50:16); His Covenant (Psalm 105:8); He remembered his Covenant forever (Ps…

Take example by that grief, and apply it to the Lord Jesus Christ; turn the stream of it into that channel; Did God never afflict you in that kind? Then be the more thankful; and especially for you that are in authority, as ever you desire to die lamented, and much desired, then…

Now this should the more prevail with us, because many of God's people have failed after some eminent service performed for God. Josiah after he had prepared the temple, fell into that rash attempt against Pharaoh Necho which cost him his life (2 Chronicles 35:20): After all thi…

And (Jeremiah 9:20): Teach your daughters wailing, and every one her neighbor lamentation; (you see it was an art taught among them,) for death is come up into our windows, etc. In (2 Chronicles 35:25) we have a record to the same effect, concerning the lamentation for Josiah: A…

If he shall commit a sin upon that confidence of his own righteousness. Josiah's breach with God was after the preparing of the Temple (2 Chronicles 35:20); even God's children take the more carnal liberty because of their duties. 2nd Use is Trial.

Now therefore for that, that was a mourning which was caused by the greatest loss that could befall any Commonwealth, it was for the death of good Josiah, a better prince than whom the earth never bore, whose loss therefore was the more grievous, because in his loss the wise hea…

He that despises you, despises me, says our Savior (Luke 10:16). And God will not leave this sin unpunished, indeed he speaks of it as almost an unpardonable crime (2 Chronicles 36:16): They mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until th…

But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears that they should not hear: indeed they made their heart like an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law, and the words which the Lord of Hosts had sent in his spirit by the former prophets: th…

5. The ministers of Christ, the preachers of this religion, are with a distinguishing enmity everywhere spoken against. Under the Old Testament God's messengers and his prophets were generally mocked and misused, and it was Jerusalem's measure-filling sin (2 Chronicles 36:16). I…

And is it not worse to see multitudes of sick souls lying and bleeding, with their spiritual physicians removed from them? This is a wrath-provoking sin (2 Chronicles 36:16): they abused his prophets until the wrath of the Lord arose against his people, until there was no remedy…