2 Kings

What? because you have lost your goods, will you lose your souls too? 2 Kings 1:6: Thus says the Lord, Is it not because there is not a God in Israel that you send to inquire of Baal-zebub? so is it not because you think there is not a God in heaven, that you ask counsel of the…

Lively affections make golden services. It is fervency that makes obedience acceptable: Elijah was fervent in spirit, and his prayers opened and shut heaven; and again he prayed, and fire fell on his enemies (2 Kings 1:10). Elijah's prayer fetched fire from heaven, because being…

What! because you have lost your goods, will you lose your souls too? 2 Kings 1:6: Is it not because you think there is not a God in heaven, that you ask counsel of the Devil? If any be guilty, be humbled.

The arm of God's power can never be shrunk, he can create mercy for us, and therefore can help and not be beholden to the creature. Did we believe there is a God; we should so depend on his providence as not to use any indirect means; we would not run ourselves into sin to rid o…

Further, note the state of these believers, for their attire; it was of sheepskins, and goatskins. The like may be observed, in other famous Prophets, and servants of God: Elijah wore a garment of hair, and thereby was known, 2 Kings 1:8. And so did John Baptist, Matthew 3:4.

This was King Asa his practice, for which he is branded to all posterity, that being diseased in his feet, he sought unto Physicians, and not unto the Lord, 2 Chronicles 16:12; though otherwise, he had good things in him, as 1 Kings 15:14. And, many do far worse, who seek to wit…

3. How they came to sin the Angels being created pure, they had no lust within to incline them, being in heaven they had no object without, to draw and allure them, there was no evil [illegible], no tempter how could they sin? I answer 'tis probable that many of the Angels sinne…

This argument was alleged to one in [illegible], to which the man confessed, he thought they did not, but his reason was, because the Church had not then appointed them, to which the other replied, I will have as good an answer as this from a [illegible], to believe as the Churc…

It is certainly either a denying of God's sufficiency to help us, when we rather beg of every creature than ask of God, or a charging him with a want of providence, as though he had thrown off all care of worldly matters. (2 Kings 1:3) Is it not because there is not a God in Isr…

328 THE CORRUPTION OF MOSAIC THEOLOGY. [Book 5. seashore near Azotus. Since the Israelites were destitute of all divine oracles, King Ahaziah sent to him to inquire whether he would recover from his illness (2 Kings 1:2). Concerning the meaning of the addition "zebub," as with t…

V. In that temple they dedicated altars for offering sacrifices to him: 1 Kings 16:32, "He set up an altar for Baal in that house of Baal." That there were multiple altars in the same temple is shown by 2 Chronicles 23:17; and that there were images along with the altars, by 2 K…

It may be objected, the Apostles, Prophets, and others, had a gift to work miracles. Joshua commanded the sun to stand (Joshua 10:12): and Elijah commanded fire to come down from heaven (2 Kings 1). Answer: God never gave to any man power to work and effect a miracle, either med…

Beelzebub is a corrupted term, and would have been more correctly written Baalzebub. This was the name given to the chief of the false gods of the Philistines, who was worshipped by the inhabitants of Ekron, (2 Kings 1:2). Baalim was the name of the inferior deities, whom the Pa…

54. And when His disciples James and John saw it. The country itself had perhaps suggested to them the desire of thundering immediately against the ungodly; for it was there that Elijah had formerly destroyed, by a fire from heaven, the king’s soldiers who had been sent to appre…

Devils do his will herein, he sent evil angels among the Egyptians (Psalms 78:49). Fire consumes persecuting Ahaziah's companies (2 Kings 1:10, 11). The water drowns Pharaoh and his chariots (Exodus 14:28).

Some conceive it is called the fire of God, because sent from God: that is ascribed to God, which comes from God, as that (Genesis 19:24) where it is said, that the Lord did rain fire and brimstone upon Sodom out of Heaven from the Lord, or Jehovah did rain from Jehovah fire upo…

The captains which went to fetch Elijah, obeyed their king therein; but what got they thereby? Was the king able to save them from the fire which God sent down from heaven upon them (2 Kings 1:9, etc.)? The women reproved for offering incense to the Queen of heaven, did it not w…

31: Abijah reigned in his stead, [in non-Latin alphabet]. (2 Kings 1:17): Joram reigned in his stead, Septuagint [in non-Latin alphabet]. (1 Kings 15:28): Baasha slew him and reigned, [in non-Latin alphabet].

Sin's conception is fully expressed, and as full a prevention is annexed to it. In like manner he dealt with the Companies of Fifties and their Captains, who came to apprehend Elijah (2 Kings 1:10, 11); fire came down from Heaven and consumed them, when they were ready to have t…

Father forgive them, Luke 23:34. When the soldiers came to take him by force, one would have thought he should have called for fire from heaven, as the man of God did, 2 Kings 1:10. But behold, Grace was poured into his lips; see what a mild answer he gives, enough to have made…

This was the wisdom of the third captain which was sent to Elijah. Note the issue (2 Kings 1:13 etc.). 3 Make use of the least crosses, and begin speedily to humble yourself.

Of John the Baptist, who had his garments of camel's hair (Matthew 3:4). Of Elias, who is said to be a hairy man in respect of his attire, and to be girded (as John was) with a girdle of leather about his loins (2 Kings 1:8). For these rough garments, were the principal raiments…

Answer. To speak properly, God has no right hand or left, for being a Spirit, he is void of all bodily parts; but it is a borrowed speech, a metaphor taken from the manner of kings, who were used to advance their favorites next to their own persons, and set them at their right h…

The best way is, to put in practice their faith in God; by humbling themselves truly for their sins past, with unfeigned confession of them unto God, praying withal earnestly for the pardon of them; and for God's aid, assistance, and protection against their enemies. The power o…

And this kind of asseveration is common in the Hebrew (Genesis 2:17): [in non-Latin alphabet] In the day you eat thereof dying you shall die; you shall assuredly die; be certainly obnoxious to Death; it may be also that the double Death temporal and eternal is included therein.…

To their Priests and Levits, Cyprian does rightly liken our Pastors and Deacons, for however sundry things were done by the Priests and Levites, which were typical and Jewish onely; yet may we well parallell our Pastors with their Priests, in respect of a perpetuall Ecclesiastic…

Samuel, when he was judge of Israel, erected colleges of prophets and ruled them himself (1 Samuel 10). In the decayed estate of the ten tribes, Elijah and Elisha set up schools of the prophets in Bethel, Carmel, etc., and the young students were called the sons of the prophets…

The children of Bethel mock Elisha: first, for his person, calling him bald pate: secondly, for the favor of God showed upon Elijah his master, in saying, Ascend, bald pate: that is, ascend not to Bethel, but ascend to heaven as Elijah did. And this profane scorning he cursed in…

This ought to be a caveat to us, to take heed how we contemn or neglect the ministers of God, seeing whatever wrong is done them, Christ takes it as done to himself (Matthew 25:45; Acts 9:4). This lets us see the heinous sins of many that profess the Gospel, especially in this k…

3. By remarkable Deliverances and Mercies; So it was with Naaman the Syrian, 2 Kings 2. 15, 16, 17. Sudden changes from great Dangers and Distresses by unexpected Reliefs, deeply affect the Minds of Men, convincing them of the Power, Presence, and Goodness of God.

How may we say with the same Psalmist in any other distress, O my God my soul is cast down within me, therefore will I remember you from the Land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites from the Hill Mizar (Psalm 42:6). Where is the God of Elijah, divides anew the waters of Jordan (2 K…

So is [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], used by our Apostle (Romans 1:27), excellently expressed by Solomon (Proverbs 1:31): Sinners shall eat of the fruit of their own ways, and be filled with their own devises. Such rewards we have recorded: Numbers 15:30; 1 Samuel 6:6; 1 Kings 13:…

Afterwards we read of their being under Elijah. Elisha was one of his sons; but he desired to have a double portion of his spirit, as his successor, as his firstborn, as the eldest son was wont to have a double portion of the estate of his father; and therefore the sons of the p…

But besides, they are especially such as have been brought up superstitiously or prophanely; such as have been bred in superstitious Popish families, are many times bitter scorners and reproachers of those who are most forward in the ways of godliness. We read 2 Kings 2:23 when…

Let them discern how to seek the face of God, and how to bear the hand of God, and how to prize the word of God, by seeing how we do it ourselves. When Elisha would get for himself a double portion of the spirit in Elijah, he said in (2 Kings 2:10), If you see me, it shall be so…

Sometimes a man out of an ignorant custom or neglect holds forth more evil in his words, than he either conceives or attends in his own apprehension, this is usual among children conversing with naughty and lewd company, they speak the evil words they hear frequently with their…

And therefore [illegible] little ones that are growing up to years of understanding, you have the day before you, if you do not take and improve the first of your time, to repent and turn to God in, God will require it of you, believe it he will. You may read in 2 Kings 2:23-24…

And concerning Elijah, the same reverend author has this passage: It is evident, that he was taken up alive, but not that he continues alive. And again, because we read expressly, that he was taken up into heaven (2 Kings 2:11), it is certain, says he, that his body was not carr…

Now let any Papist show me one letter or syllable in all the Book of God, commanding the use of a creature for any such end. They affirm indeed, that Elisha wrought miracles by hallowed salt, for by it he cured the bitter waters (2 Kings 2:21). But the Prophet used not hallowed,…

Scorning is the sporting of a man's self, with another man's contempt and disgrace; it is not merely speaking disparagingly, but it is such an injury, as makes itself sport with the disgrace and misery of another. So the children scorned the Prophet, for in their eyes his baldne…

The function of a minister is to quicken such as are dead in sin: to raise up and restore such as are [reconstructed: fallen] back again; to comfort those that are troubled in conscience; to strengthen the weak; to encourage the fainthearted; to confound the obstinate; to stand…

(3) Because the virtue of Christ's sacrifice did no less extend itself to believers under the Old Testament than to believers under the New (Revelation 13:8). (4) From the example of Enoch, and of Moses and Elijah, which two before the passion of Christ were seen upon the mount…

(2) Because, the fathers under the Old Testament, believed and expected life eternal; as (Job 19:25-27); David (Psalm 17:15); Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, all of these waited for eternal life (Hebrews 11:9-10). (3) Because, some at that time were put into actual possession of it;…

God brings about strange events by the mere imaginations and conceits of men, which are contrary to common and natural observation, and the ordinary course of rational consequences. The army of the Moabites which had invaded Israel, thought the two kings of Judah and Israel had…

But we read not in any place that the Moabites were subject or tributaries to the Jews: neither is there so much as any probable conjecture of it. Whereas they allege the history of the Kings, they are mistaken: for it is there spoken to the king of Israel: Ahab and Samaria are…

What wilderness was this? It is conceived, that this was either the wilderness of Idumea, or Edom, spoken of (2 Kings 3:8), or else it was Arabia the Desert, which is by way of eminence called the wilderness. It came from the wilderness, that is, it came over that part which is…

Hope that makes not ashamed (Romans 5), as is said, dwells sweetly with the Spirit. 2. The violence of the passion of anger overclouds the soul, so that Elisha is not capable to receive prophetical influences, and to prophesie, he was so incensed against wicked Jehoram (2 Kings…

A fit of applause may by accident rub a cold heart and so heat and life may come, but it is not the proper cause of that heat. Hence God of his free grace will run his errands upon our corrupt nature by occasion; as the playing on a pipe removed anger from the prophet and made h…

If he does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house, nor bid him God speed. John the disciple of love persuades to such strangeness in such a case: so the Prophet tells Jehoram, that were it not for Jehoshaphat, he would not look towards him, nor see him (2 Ki…

This calm and sedate frame does very much qualify and dispose us for the reception and entertainment of divine visits, and sets bounds to the mountain (Exodus 19:12) on which God is to descend, that no interruption may break in, and charges the daughters of Jerusalem, by the roe…

2. In great distempers there may be some pause. Elisha would not prophesy when he was under a passion of anger; therefore he calls for a minstrel to sing a Psalm (2 Kings 3:13-15), and as he played upon an instrument, the Spirit of the Lord came upon him. He was under a passion,…

It was not the sound of Davids Harpe that could have this power, either over the evill spirit, or over the sinfull passions of Saul himselfe, if the sound of the Harpe had not been quickned and enlived, as it were by a spirituall song, and by the Spirit of God breathing therein.…

For when the Psalms of David, and of other holy men of God, were commended to the Church of Israel, and by them were ordinarily sung in the Temple and elsewhere, would you say it did hinder the free passage of the breathing of the lively gifts of God's Spirit, either in the mini…

Thus it argues; If I am under reproach, God can vindicate me; if I am in want, God can relieve me. You shall not see wind, nor rain; yet the valley shall be filled with water (2 Kings 3:17). Thus holy contentment keeps the heart from fainting; in the autumn when the fruit and le…

Q. 7. What are the chief attributes of his being? A. (a) Eternity, (b) infiniteness, (c) simplicity, or purity, (d) all-sufficiency, (e) perfectness, (f) immutability, (g) life, (h) will, and (i) understanding. (a) Deuteronomy 33:37; Psalm 93:2; Isaiah 57:15; Revelation 1:11. (b…

God's anger to his children lasts but a while (Psalm 103:9), but his mercy lasts forever. God's mercy is not like the widow's oil, which ran a while and then ceased (2 Kings 4:6): overflowing, ever-flowing. God's mercy as it is without bounds, so without bottom (Psalm 136): His…

Three things may cause boldness in prayer: we have a Father to pray to, and the Spirit to help us to pray, and an Advocate to present our prayers. God's children should in all their troubles run to their Heavenly Father as that sick child, (2 Kings 4:19). He said to his Father,…

The Shunamite Woman was kind to the prophet, she welcomed him to her house, and she received kindness from him another way. He restored her dead child to life (2 Kings 4:35). Such as are helpful to others, shall find mercy to help in time of need.

What is it but thievery to take money and goods from others, and not restore them again? The Prophet Elisha bade the widow sell her oil, and pay her debts, and then live upon the rest (2 Kings 4:7). (9.) & last. The last sort of thief is the receiver of stolen goods.

A contrite and a broken heart, O God, you will not despise: Saint Austin caused this sentence to be written over his bed when he was sick. When the widow brought empty vessels to Elisha, the oil was poured into them (2 Kings 4:6). Bring God the broken vessel of a contrite heart,…

It is a phrase of the Hebrew language, whereby men devoted or addicted to any person or thing, are called his, or its children. Thus those that addicted themselves to prophetical studies, are called the sons of the Prophets (2 Kings 4:38). Thus the friends and associates of the…

They are either public, private (Nehemiah 8:5, 13). Public, is to join with the Church from the beginning to the ending, in the hearing of the word preached, in praying, and administering of the Sacraments (Ezekiel 46:1, 2, 3, 10; Nehemiah 9; Ezra 3; Acts 15:20, 21 and 17:2 and…

Which shows how miserable they are which want this benefit: it allows also this duty of seeking. 2 Kings 4:22. And he said, therefore will you go to him (meaning the Prophet) to day? It is neither new Moon nor Sabbath day.

When we are intent upon any business, how little a noise diverts us? It may be this was the reason why that hospitable gentlewoman in (2 Kings 4:10) would have a chamber built for her welcome guest the prophet Elisha, indeed built upon the wall; for she might judge him to be a c…

The widow of Zarephath for entertaining the Prophet Elijah, was miraculously sustained in the dearth: the meal in her barrel did not waste, and the oil in her cruse did not diminish (1 Kings 17:16). And so the Shunammite for the like kindness showed to the Prophet Elisha, being…

If God plant, and fence, and water you by Providence, sure he looks you should bring forth fruit. Isaiah 5. 1, 2, 3, 4. O that in return for all the benefits of Providence, you would say to God, as grateful Elisha said to the Shunamite, behold you hast been careful for us with a…

1. How clear is it to every mans observation, that the kindnesses and benefits any have done to the Lords people, have been rewarded with full measure into their bosoms? The Egyptian Midwives ressed to obey Pharaoh's inhumane command, and saved the Male Children of Israel: for t…

God has a time for his purposes, God has his day: Man has a time for his purposes, and so has Satan: any day will not serve his turn, he picks and chooses. There was a day, it intimates a day extraordinary, and there is an express addition in the original, which puts an emphasis…

And upon this account likewise were Sabbath day's journeys permitted to the Jews, which though they were not actions of piety in themselves, yet were they actions tending towards piety, that those who were remote from the places of worship, might assemble themselves together to…

Let us examine our grace, whether it be of the right kind. One went into the field to gather herbs, and he gathered wild gourds, and then death was in the pot (2 Kings 4:40). So many think they have grace, the right herb; but it proves a wild gourd, and brings death and damnatio…

"And they bowed themselves to the ground before him." After this Elisha was their master or teacher; he had the care and instruction of them; as you may see, 2 Kings 4:38. "And Elisha came again to Gilgal, and there was a dearth in the land, and the sons of the prophets were sit…

5. By maintaining holy and religious exercises in the family. Though this duty especially appertains to the husband, yet the wife must put her husband in mind thereof, if he forget it; and stir him up, if he be backward: Thus did the good Shunammite (2 Kings 4:9-10). No man's pe…

The Scripture accounts a husband's silence, when he knows a thing and may, but does not forbid it, to be a consent: as in the case of a wife's vow (Numbers 30:8). For anything we read to the contrary, the Shunammite had no other consent to prepare a chamber for the Prophet, and…

4. To bring up children while they are young, with the like. These therefore ought he with a general consent to refer to her discretion: with limitation only of these two cautions (1 Timothy 5:14; Proverbs 31:21-22; verse 15; Genesis 16:6; 1 Timothy 5:10; Titus 2:4; 2 Kings 4:19…

That is, none to decide and arbitrate the difference; for the refuge to authority should be our last remedy. And it must be too when the party wronging is able to make satisfaction; otherwise it is rigor and inhumanity (2 Kings 4:1). As when the creditors came to take the sons o…

Those which in their natural state and condition were children of wrath, and slaves to sin and Satan; when they come, and are willing to welcome and receive Christ into their hearts; in a sense of their misery, are willing to make out after God and Christ; they have an allowance…

But let your houses have no such inmates, no such Ishmaels in them. It is recorded of Elisha, in (2 Kings 4:33), he would not have a servant with him, which he could not pray withal. If any profane, graceless despisers of prayer would impose themselves upon us, let us then say t…

And [reconstructed: then] you shall [reconstructed: see] the work really done, and your heart bowed, and loosened from those base distempers — you never touch Jesus Christ until you find it so. Therefore as the widow, whose child was dead, when Elisha sent his servant, she was n…

The God of Preaching and Praying? It is not in the minister, or the means to do good to my soul, but Lord speak you the word, and it shall work upon my soul, as he said (2 Kings 4:29-30). As the Lord lives, [illegible] will not leave you till you go with me; do you so, when the…

You that show mercy shall find mercy; you that pour in the oil of compassion to others, God will pour in the golden oil of salvation to you (Matthew 7:2). The Shunammite woman showed mercy to the prophet, and she received kindness from him in return (2 Kings 4); she welcomed him…

He begets all the compassion in the world; in prayer we should look upon God under this notion, a Father of mercy, sitting upon a throne of grace; we should run to this heavenly Father in all conditions. 1. In our sins; as that sick child (2 Kings 4:19), he said to his father, m…

I answer: there were two times when God allowed the dead to be raised up again — either at the planting of his Church, or at the restoring and establishing of it when it was razed to the foundation. Thus at the restoring of religion in Elijah and Elisha's times, the son of the S…

As bitter as any loss: for the most bitter and grievous loss that any man meets with in his family, is the loss of his only son, of his firstborn; this sets all the family a mourning; and that not only together, when they see one another, but it makes them go aside into corners,…

Thus we read that the Shunammite went ordinarily upon the Sabbath and new Moon to the Prophet, to hear him. For when she demanded leave of her husband to go to the Prophet, he asks her: Why will you go, seeing it is neither new Moon, nor Sabbath day (2 Kings 4:23)? Of the same s…

But such as are in covenant have their mercies sweetened with God's love, and they swim to them in the blood of Christ. As Naaman said to Gehazi (2 Kings 5:23), Take two talents, so says God to such as are in covenant, Take two talents; take health, and take Christ with it; take…

Use 1. If so, then how sad is it to be the child of an idolater? It had been sad to have been one of Gehazi's children, who had leprosy entailed upon them (2 Kings 5:27). The leprosy of Naaman shall cleave to you, and to your seed forever.

This is that which we call original sin; (Psalms 51:5). In sin did my mother conceive me. Adam's leprosy cleaves to us, as Naaman's leprosy did cleave to Gehazi (2 Kings 5:27). This original concupiscence is called,

(1.) If he smiles upon them in prosperity it is love: they have the world not only with God's leave, but with his love. God says to every child of his, as Naaman to Gehazi (2 Kings 5:23), Be content take two talents: so says God to his child, I am your Father, take two talents.…

He is Pater Familias, the father of the family. Therefore Naaman's servants called their master father (2 Kings 5:13). And the centurion calls his servant son (Matthew 8:6).

If Christ had commanded us some great matter, would not we have done it? (2 Kings 5:13) If the Prophet had bid you do some great thing, would you not have done it? If Christ had enjoined us to have given him a thousand of rams, or to have parted with the fruit of our bodies, wou…

He who is to play upon a lute must strike upon every string or he spoils all the music: God's commandments may be compared to a ten-stringed lute, we must obey God's will in every command, strike upon every string, or we can make no good melody in religion: the badger has one fo…

3. He opposes not complexion-sins; such as the bias of his heart carries him more strongly to; as lust, or avarice. He says of his constitution-sin as Naaman (2 Kings 5:18). In this thing the Lord pardon your servant.

In Abraham's family, his bond-men and servants were circumcised, and made members of the Church of GOD. And in Moses' days Jethro Moses' father in Law, a Priest of Midian, obtained this at Gods hands, to be joined unto Gods Church: and so was Ruth the Moabite, Ruth 1.16: and Naa…

He thought he would have taken another course with him more suited to his apprehensions, as a means for his recovery. Hereon he turns away in a rage, which if he had not by good advice been recalled from, he had lived and died under the plague of his leprosy (2 Kings 5:10, 11, 1…

The Lord puts away the wicked like dross (Psalm 119:119). The greatest man in the world wanting holiness, is res nihili, like Naaman, who was captain of the king's host, and a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper (2 Kings 5:1). A wicked man may be higher than others in nobili…

The flight of the Israelites shall be the occasion of some Egyptians' conversion. A poor slave in Naaman's family was an occasion both of the cure of his body and of that of his soul (2 Kings 5:2, 3, 17). So much for the first reason, drawn from an enumeration of things.

Job would not despise the cause of his handmaid (Job 31:13). Naaman a great man, respected the counsel of his servants (2 Kings 5:13). Fourthly, all believers must be one heart and mind (1 Corinthians 1:10).

4. When we reprove a man directly (as at the length Nathan did David, You are the man (2 Samuel 12:7)), we must so carry ourselves, as that the party may see himself rather reproved by God, than by us: and not to proceed bluntly to work, to rebuke and censure at the very first:…

When there was a great famine for three years and a half, there were many widows in Israel, whose want of food Elijah was not commanded to relieve, but he was sent to a woman, who belonged to a foreign nation, Zidon, (1 Kings 17:9.) In like manner, Elisha healed no lepers among…

And those Enemies of God we read of Psalm 66:3, who through the Greatness of God's Power, submit themselves to him, or, as it is in the Hebrew, lie unto him, that is, yield a counterfeit Reverence and Submission: So of a gracious Gratitude, as in the Children of Israel, who sang…

This is represented in what we are told of Naaman's Cure of his Leprosy, by his washing in Jordan, by the Direction of the Prophet; which was undoubtedly a Type of the renewing of the Soul, by washing in the Laver of Regeneration. We are told, 2 Kings 5:14, That he went down, an…

Thus you find in Acts 8. 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, &c. the Eunuch at that very instant when he was reading the Prophet Esay, has an Interpreter, one among a thousand, that joins his Chariot, just as his mind was by a fit occasion prepared to receive the first light of the knowledge of…

It was a question only to draw a confession from Cain of what he had done. There is a like question of Elisha to his servant Gehazi when he had run after Naaman and had gotten a reward from him (2 Kings 5:25): Elisha says to him, from where do you come, or where have you been? H…

Therefore Solomon built his dwelling for pleasure there in the forest of Lebanon, as some conceive, though others think it was built at Jerusalem, and gets the name of the forest of Lebanon for the pleasantness thereof. As for Amana, we read not of it, except it be that which is…

Hence we read that common and successive name of the kings of the Philistines, Ahimelech, which signifies the King my Father. Secondly; the master of a private family is likewise a father, and that not only with respect to his children, but to his very servants: and therefore, (…

Indeed, even superiors are to receive reproofs from their inferiors with meekness, as they would any other token of kindness and goodwill. Naaman when he turned away from the prophet in a rage, yet hearkened to the reproof which his own servants gave him, and was overruled by th…

My Mother, says Solomon to Bathsheba (1 Kings 2:20). I find also the title of Sir or Lord, used: a title of honor (1 Samuel 24:12; 2 Kings 5:13; Judges 18:19; 2 Kings 6:21; 1 Corinthians 4:15; 1 Timothy 5:1; Genesis 22:7; Genesis 27:18; Matthew 21:30; Genesis 31:35). 2. By using…

1. When servants watch their times to go where they please, and their master not know it: as when their masters are seriously employed, or abroad, or in bed. Thus that wicked servant Gehazi watched his time to run after Naaman, thinking that his master should not know it (2 King…

First spiritual comfort for their soul, that so they may the better bear their infirmity: then such things as may for the present give them ease and refreshing, and also, if it please God to add his blessing, work a recovery. The care of the Centurion for his sick servant is in…

3. Such a course, though it may quiet the conscience and the mind, the rational concluding part of the soul, yet it does not sweeten the heart with rest and gracious contention. The answer it receives is much like that Elisha gave Naaman, Go in peace (2 Kings 5:19); it quieted h…

Wherever you are, God is with you. As the prophet said to Gehazi, Went not my heart with you? (2 Kings 5:26) — meaning his prophetical spirit. The Lord's Spirit goes along with us wherever we go, he observes what we do.

Has God bidden me keep my heart with all keeping, and shall I let it run at large without any restraint and regard? It is my debt, and I must pay it, or I shall answer it at my peril in the great day of accounts; it is not only commended but commanded (2 Kings 5:13): If the Prop…

We must keep all, Conatu, licet non eventu, it is our labor, though not our success. Those that dispense with any commandment voluntarily and willingly, have never yet learned the way of true obedience to God (2 Kings 5:17-18): In this thing the Lord pardon your servant, that wh…

'Tis said of the adulterous woman (Proverbs 30:20) she eats (that is, her stolen bread in secret, Proverbs 9:17) and wipes her mouth (which argues 'twas foul and filthy) and says, I have done no wickedness — she will sin to avoid the scandal of her sin. When Gehazi had taken a r…

God might have said, you shall lie in Hell so many thousand years to feel the smart of your sin; and if he had bid you do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more when he says, wash and be clean — that I may allude to that of Naaman's servant to him (2 Kings 5…

His servants seasonably and wisely checked the carelessness of his own safety and recovery; Had the Prophet commanded you some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more when he says, wash and be clean (2 Kings 5:12-13)? The greatest labor should have been undertaken…

Uncharitableness is a leaven that sours the whole lump (1 Corinthians 5:8). It sours your good qualities; Naaman was an honorable man, a mighty man in valor — but he was a leper (2 Kings 5:1); that 'but' was like a dead fly in the ointment — it spoiled all the rest. So it may be…

you must know that there are strange passages in GODS prouidence, he is able to bring things to passe, though you know not how it should be. See his prouidence 2 Kings 5. The Woman there, the Shunamite, she beleeued the word that the Prophet had said, that there should bee seaue…

But now there is a time for every purpose, as these places testify. And to give some examples: Gehazi took a gift from Naaman (2 Kings 5). Elisha said to him, "Is this a time to take gifts?"

Let them be spared in this one thing, and in all other they will be exact enough. This is the Composition that Naaman would have made in the Matters of Religion, 2 Kings 5:18. And it is that which many trust to.

And in Psalm 54, After the Ziphites came. (2 Kings 5:18, interpreted) 7. For a lawless liberty to deal with our own things as we please, that in the parable, May I not do with my own as I please.

Demas: Yes, my name is Demas; I am the son of Abraham. Christian: I know you; Gehazi was your great-grandfather, and Judas your father, and you have trod in their steps; it is but a devilish prank that you use: your father was hanged for a traitor, and you deserve no better rewa…

None may better take the comfort of these things than believers; for they have the best right to them, they hold all in Capite; and they have the dew of a blessing distilled. Take two talents, said Naaman to Gehazi, 2 Kings 5:23. So says God to a believer, take two talents, take…

Secondly, another act that faith puts forth, is, that faith does believe the truth of all that grace God there offers, when it has searched it out, then it believes the truth and goodness, of all the holy will and grace of God therein offered, though it does not immediately take…

But against this doctrine sundry things are alleged. The first is, the example of Naaman (2 Kings 5:18-19), who said to the Prophet, when I bow myself in the house of Rimmon, the Lord be merciful to me in this thing. To whom Elisha answered, go in peace.

The same was the practice of Job, who says of himself, that he did not contemn the judgment of his servant, or of his maid, when they did contend with him (Job 31:13). Naaman the Syrian, thought it no disgrace, to be advised and ordered by the counsel of his servants (2 Kings 5:…

Never was any prince so well guarded as a believer. The angels, 1. are a numerous guard, (2 Kings 6:17). The mountain was full of horses of fire round about Elisha.

2. Because God only can help. We may look to second causes, and cry as the woman did (2 Kings 6:26), Help my lord, O king. And he said, if the Lord does not help you, from where shall I help you?

As if they had said, if we die we will lay our death to your charge — here was enough to have made Moses call for fire from heaven upon them, but he passes by this injury, and to show he forgave them, he becomes an intercessor for them, verse 4, and set the rock flowing for them…

This effect must be understood of two worthy Prophets, Elijah and Elisha: for Elijah, we may read, that when he had slain Baal's Priests (1 Kings 19.1.) Jezebel the Queen threatened to kill him; which he hearing, fled into the wilderness, and thence was led to Mount Horeb, and t…

Why was it such a privilege? Truly, our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ: so that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and saints, make up but one society, or family, where God will dwell, to comfort and solace them: the good angels their guard, to prote…

When the king of Syria sent his horses and chariots to take Elisha the Lord's prophet, because he revealed his counsel to the king of Israel: his servant saw them round about Dothan where he was, and he cried, Alas, master, what shall we do? Then Elisha answered, Fear not: for t…

Surely I should have had more care of the Ark of God, now God has built me such a stately Palace: But they in Haggai, We dwell in ceiled houses, therefore the time to build the Lord's house is not come; so they might live in pomp and ease they little cared how matters went with…

Query 3. Can you deny that there are some signs appearing in your soul, even while God suspends his answer, that argue your prayers are not rejected by him? First, though no answer comes, yet you are still resolved to wait — you dare not say as that profane wretch did, 2 Kings 6…

Sometimes it rises from an apprehension that God in the way of his providence deals unjustly with us. A good Prophet utters such a sinful speech in his passion (2 Kings 6:33). Behold, this evil is of the Lord — what should I wait for the Lord any longer?

The Lord sending a message by the Prophet, would have a representative body of all Judah to be gathered together for receiving it, as Tremellius notes. So (2 Kings 6:32) Elisha sat in his house, and the Elders sat with him. We read (2 Chronicles 19:8) that with the Priests were…

From this confidence, springs trust or hope, which is to wait and look for the help, which in confidence we assure ourselves of from the Lord (Psalm 33:18, 19, 20, 21). Yes, although means be wanting, we give glory to God (Romans 4:10; 2 Kings 6:16). From hence cometh it, that w…

Sometimes one Angel serves many persons (Psalm 34:7), The angel of the Lord encamps round about them that fear him, and delivers them. And sometimes many Angels are about one person (2 Kings 6:17), And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots round about Elisha. And…

God can rain Manna out of heaven; but when the soil will bear corn, we must till it. When Elisha was in a little village, not able to defend him from the Syrians, he had chariots and horsemen of fire to defend him (2 Kings 6:17); but when he was in Samaria, a strong walled town,…

It is our part therefore to wait as David did, who says of himself (Psalm 69:3): I am weary of my crying, my eyes fail me while I wait for my God. For if we give over our patient expecting, and faint in our minds, seeking to anticipate this due time, this period which God has pr…

He that has God on his side, has also all things, that are seen and that are not seen. The mountain is full of fiery chariots for Elisha's defence, when outwardly there was no appearance (2 Kings 6:17). All things wait their Master's beck, to do him service, as for the destructi…

So one of these was to renew the Promise to Abraham; another to deliver Lot; and the third to destroy Sodom. But besides that this is a rule of their own making, and evidently false, as may be seen (Genesis 32:1, 2; 2 Kings 6:17), so in the story its self, it is manifest that th…

Sensible feeling of joy is withheld, and they have not patience to stay for the full recompense of reward. Hypocrites are all for present pay; and if they have not that suddenly which they desire, they bid adieu to religion; and say, as that wicked king (2 Kings 6:33), why shoul…

It is there said of Huldah the prophetess, that "she dwelt in Jerusalem, in the college." They had houses built, where they used to dwell together; and therefore those at Jericho being multiplied, and finding their house too little for them, desired leave of their master and tea…

So was Daniel who mourns and confesses and fasts three full weeks (Daniel 4; Daniel 10:2, 3), and ascribes righteousness to God. The more submission there is in Job, there is the more spiritual frame of a gracious spirit in him (Job 1:21, 22; 2 Samuel 16:10), and they who fret m…

My Mother, says Solomon to Bathsheba (1 Kings 2:20). I find also the title of Sir or Lord, used: a title of honor (1 Samuel 24:12; 2 Kings 5:13; Judges 18:19; 2 Kings 6:21; 1 Corinthians 4:15; 1 Timothy 5:1; Genesis 22:7; Genesis 27:18; Matthew 21:30; Genesis 31:35). 2. By using…

So the captains of the Syrians, when the Prophet had blinded them, and led them from Dothan to Samaria, what says the King of Israel? He is ready to kill them presently: No (2 Kings 6:22): Set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master. He w…

[reconstructed: Earthly kings], when they have authority and power, it is limited. (2 Kings 6:27) When the woman came to the king of Israel; Help my Lord, O King. And he said, If the Lord does not help [illegible], shall I help you?

He that walks in darkness knows not where he goes. Oh it is a sad judgment to wander in a maze of confusions, and to be like those that thought to go to Dothan, and found themselves in Samaria (2 Kings 6:20). Well then, the use is, have we this temper of God's people?

First, to entertain crosses with anger. (2 Kings 6:33) This evil is from the Lord, why should I wait any longer upon the Lord? Words of desperate distrust and murmuring.

Secondly, the eye of sense being shut, we are not discouraged with contrary appearances, nor with fears and troubles, and the trials of the present life, because hope sees sunshine behind the back of the storm. We have a notable emblem of the eye of faith, and the eye of sense,…

But men in love with their lusts, make a woeful use of this consideration, hardening themselves in their conceit, that there shall never be a change, and so sin more securely. See the like in other things: (1 Corinthians 7:29), (1 Corinthians 15:32), (Jude 24), (Romans 6:2), (2…

Men are busy in this world (like a company of Ants) creeping up and down from one Mole-hill to another, but are not so wise, for the Ants know, but poor blind men know not where they go, whether forward or backward, from home, or to home, they are in a maze, and bewildered; they…

The second extreme is hellish provocations, which we are to watch against in this work. When the sinner has set himself as he conceives [illegible] God's way, and about his work, and yet finds no success in what he does, our self-seeking hearts are apt to [illegible] with the Lo…

Roughness hardens men's hearts; meekness causes them to relent. 2 Kings 6:22-23: When the king of Israel feasted the captives he had taken in war, they were more conquered by his meekness than by his sword; the bands of Syria came no more into the land of Israel. Sixth, consider…

David would not offer burnt offerings without cost (1 Chronicles 21:24). A hungry man will give anything for food, as fell out in the siege of Samaria (2 Kings 6:25). That man never hungered after Christ who thinks much of parting with a little silver for the pearl of great pric…

I am the Lord your God, which teaches you to profit. God's children have that anointing which teaches them all things necessary to salvation; they see those mysteries which are veiled over to carnal eyes; as Elisha saw those horses and chariots of fire, which his servant did not…

As he said of that Axe which fell in the water. 2 Kings 6:5, Alas master, for it was borrowed. All a Man's Gifts, his pregnancy of Parts, ripeness of Wit, are borrowed from Heaven, and what wise Man would be proud of a Jewel that is lent?

But when his eyes are opened to see it, then he turns back. And when they are thus turning back — like Gehazi in 2 Kings 6:15-17, who, seeing an army coming against him and his master Elisha, cried out, 'What shall we do?' — Elisha answered: 'Do not be afraid, for those who are…

Now he smites others at such a time as they are most unfit for it, and that at the root, so that he causes them to wither — they are losers by it. As appears by that wicked king Jehoram (2 Kings 6:33): 'This evil is of the Lord — and what should I wait on the Lord any longer?' A…

So when the Servant of Elisha saw the place where they were, compassed with an Host, both Horses and Chariots that came to take them, he cryed out for fear, Alas my Master how shall we do? But upon the prayer of the Prophet, the Lord opening the eyes of the young man, to see the…

He can tell the Words we speak in our bedchamber,. 2 Kings 6:12. He is described with seven eyes to show his omniscience.

Methinks I see justice with a sword in its hand ready to strike, and mercy steps in for the sinner, Lord have patience with him a while longer: Methinks I hear the Angels say to God as the King of Israel once said to the Prophet Elisha, 2 Kings 6.22. Shall I smite them? shall I…

He that believes shall not make haste; he shall not be confounded with shame (so the Septuagint translates it, and Paul after them, Romans 9:33), as those who flee from the enemy out of hastiness, procured by base fear, which is a shame. I dare not say that the Septuagint reads…

The Sodomites who so fiercely assaulted Lot's house, being stricken with blindness could do no hurt (Genesis 19:9-11). Elisha himself alone led an army of his enemies (being made blind) wherever he wished (2 Kings 6:19). We to spirits are as blind men: we can neither see them, n…

Yet by nature we are all too prone to it: for we are ready to prescribe a time to God, and to say, So long will I continue to depend upon him, and pray to him; if by that time he hears not, he will never hear. This is the cause that oft we fail of the fruits of our prayers, and…

How apt are we to be discouraged with seeming impossibilities: how do our hearts die within us when things go cross to our sense and reason. We are apt to say as that prince (2 Kings 7:1-2), If the Lord would make windows in heaven, might this thing be? It was a time of famine,…

When they offered incense or sacrifice acceptable to God, they were not to offer it with common fire — ordinary fire kindled by themselves from sparks struck from stones — but it was to be fire from heaven, taken from the altar (Leviticus 9:24). This was kept continually burning…

Therefore she said, 'If I perish, I perish.' And so the lepers reasoned in a desperate case (2 Kings 7:3-4): 'If we go into the city we are sure to die, for the famine is there; if we sit still, we also die. Come, let us fall into the hands of the Assyrians — if they save us ali…

The army of the Moabites which had invaded Israel, thought the two kings of Judah and Israel had turned their swords against one another, because the rising sun had colored those unexpected waters, and made them look red, which they took for the blood of their enemies, and so di…

From hence cometh it, that we fear not in greatest dangers (2 Kings 6:16; Psalm 3:7; Psalm 27:3); that in the time of affliction, we are patient (Proverbs 20:22; Hebrews 10:33); without all murmuring to hold our peace (Psalm 39:10); receiving them as from a father (Job 1:21; Psa…

And it is said (Numbers 11:33), when those people had gotten quails: That while the flesh was yet between their teeth, before it was chewed; the wrath of the Lord was kindled against the people, and the Lord struck them with a very great plague. And that nobleman who saw plenty…

We shall be kept to the possession of that salvation we once believed and hoped for; if we could quite lose it again, then must there be something stronger then the power of God, but we know that cannot be; for God only has power to consume all things from the earth in a moment,…

Sin will prove a mischievous thing at last. As the Lepers said (2 Kings 7:9), We do not well, if we tarry till the morning light some mischief will come upon us. It is in vain to hope otherwise.

The reason why this fountain is no more repaired to, why Jesus Christ is so greatly neglected by the children of men, is not because they have no need of him, but because they do not rightly resent their need. Were you in the case of those poor lepers that sat in the gate of Sam…

Venture all your everlasting concerns upon the Lord Jesus. Remember how it was with the leprous men whom we read of (2 Kings 7:4). They said one to another, why sit we here until we die, if we sit still here we die; and therefore come, let us fall to the host of the Syrians, if…

It is the want of faith that keeps good things from us; Christ could not do many things among them, because of their unbelief (Mark 6:5). Unbelief kept Moses and Aaron out of the promised land (Numbers 20:12), and the prince from tasting of the plenty (2 Kings 7, last verse). Al…

Be not so desperate as to stand so aloof off from the grace of Christ, make not such desperate conclusions as these be; you find such inclinations to the world, but is not he that made the world, greater than the world? Indeed if you still go on in that course, because you think…

It was used to Sarah (Genesis 18:14), to the Virgin Mary (Luke 1:37), to Jeremiah (Jeremiah 32:27), and to the Disciples of Christ (Mark 10:27). And it is the rather to be thought of, because we are very prone by nature to make doubt thereof: for although in our judgments we are…

When God's prophet told of this wonderful work that God would do the very next day, he could not believe it; he said, though the Lord should make windows in heaven, might such a thing be? And he saw it with his eyes, but was not to eat of it; he was trodden down in the gate (2 K…

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…

They measured God by their own reason, and charged God with that impotency which they found in themselves. This was the sin of that noble man who attended upon the king of Israel in the great famine at Samaria; when the prophet foretold a marvelous plenty which should suddenly c…

Answ. 1. He teaches us to see into our own hearts. Take the most Mercurial wits, the greatest politicians, that understand the mysteries of state, yet they know not the mysteries of their own hearts, they cannot believe there is that evil in them as is (2 Kings 8:13): Is your se…

4. Original sin, though it lies latent in the soul, and is as a spring which runs under ground, yet often it breaks forth unexpectedly. Christian, you cannot believe that evil which is in your heart, and which will break forth suddenly if God leaves you (2 Kings 8:13, 15). Is yo…

Little do persons think, many times, what they shall be, and the reason is, they know not what they are at present. Hazael seemed at present to abhor the thoughts of doing such a great wickedness, as the prophet foretold that he would do (2 Kings 8:12, 13): Is your servant a dog…

They will surely show themselves, as much as any other sins, which do stir, and work in the heart or life. Hazael will show himself to be a dog, though at present he himself cannot think it (2 Kings 8:13). 3. When the Commandment comes, there is as it were a great alarm given to…

1. To know himself: Take the most mercurial wit, the subtle politician, who is able to dive into the arcana Imperii, the mysteries of state, yet he is acutely obtuse, ignorant of his own heart: There are those meanders and sophisms, those intrinsic pollutions, that he cannot fin…

If you will know what company there is in hell, that Catalogue will inform you, Fearful, and Unbelievers, &c. (Revelation 21:8). If you look to temporal judgements, that Nobleman was trodden to death for distrusting God's power (2 Kings 8:2), and could only see the plenty, but n…

There are, says he, [⟨in non-Latin alphabet⟩], three worlds; [⟨in non-Latin alphabet⟩], the upper world which is the world of angels and spirits; [⟨in non-Latin alphabet⟩], the world of the heavens and stars; and [⟨in non-Latin alphabet⟩], this world below. But in the first resp…

No song so musical as that which is set to the highest strain of lamentation. I remember the Prophet Elisha's passion, when he foresaw evils that should be acted; he looked upon Hazael, says the text (2 Kings 8:11), and wept; and Hazael said, Why does my Lord weep? He replied, B…

This, as it is in itself a vile vice, so is it a cause of many other vices, as of presumption, rebellion, and even of adultery itself many times: and it is also a main hindrance of all duty. It commonly rises either from self-conceit (whereby wives overween their own gifts, thin…

As to actual sins, there is a difference; but as to original sin, it is the same in all. All the sins that ever have been, or shall be committed in the world, they are virtually in our natures, they are but original sin acted and drawn out this way, and that way, as all numbers…

In hiding the disease; the heart hides sin as Rachel hid her father's idols (Genesis 31:34). Hazael did not think he was as sick as he was; he could not imagine that so much wickedness lay lurking in him (2 Kings 8:13): is your servant a dog that he should do this great thing? A…

The better the heart is, the more suspicious; Satan has a party within us — the heart is not true to itself, therefore it needs excubation and caution. Little did Hazael think what was in his heart (2 Kings 8:13). Had one come to Noah and said: Noah, you will be drunk shortly, h…

Not here to insist on that [illegible] of Herod's infanticide (Matthew 2:16, 17). We need not so much wonder at Hazaech's cruelty against the Children of Israel in slaying their young men with the sword, and dashing their children, [illegible] ripping up their women with child (…

Theodoret. God acts the noon-day sun meridionaliter in every heart: the man himself is without, and God within (Jeremiah 17:9). Man searches not his own heart and reins, for there are plottings and inclinations to evil in the heart, which the heart knows not (2 Kings 8:12-13). P…

(1 Kings 15:28): Baasha slew him and reigned, [in non-Latin alphabet]. (2 Kings 8:15): He slew him, and Hazael reigned, [in non-Latin alphabet]. (2 Kings 15:10): Shallum slew him, and reigned in his stead, [in non-Latin alphabet].

Objection: But this Covenant is made to, and with David, that Solomon, and one of David's line, shall sit upon David's Throne, until the Messiah, the true beloved shall be born (2 Samuel 7:12-13). Answer: It is true, and although these of David's line sinned, yet by virtue of th…

'For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he is offended' (Matthew 13:21). But should one have told them in the days of their first profession, that all their zeal and labor in religion would have ended in this, it is likely they would have rep…

We little think what a strange alteration an exalted estate will make upon our spirits. When the prophet would abate the vain confidence of Hazael who could not believe that ever he should be turned into such a savage beast as the prophet had foretold: he only tells him, 'The Lo…

Sin is the Achan that troubles us; the Trojan Horse. 2 Kings 9:22. When Joram saw Jehu, he said, is it peace Jehu? And he answered what peace, so long as the whoredoms of your mother Jezebel and her witchcrafts are so many?

The other witness being troubled in conscience, confessed his perjury, and continued so long weeping that he wept himself blind. Jezebel, who suborned two false witnesses against Naboth, she was thrown down out of a window, and the dogs licked her blood (2 Kings 9:33). O tremble…

He alters the state of things, and changes governors and governments for the sake of his people. For these causes God sent Elisha to crown Jehu king (2 Kings 9:6-7): I have anointed you king over the people of the Lord, etc., that I may avenge the blood of my servants the prophe…

But now, Wherein does the false Prophets seem to be enveighed against? I find some (and I confess not without som probability) understand all these of the true Prophets, and then the sense will run thus; You accounted the Prophets of the Lord, who declared the mind of the Lord f…

The same word [in non-Latin alphabet] is given to God, when he takes vengeance on his enemies, (Numbers 31:2; Isaiah 1:24). I will be avenged of my enemies. (2 Kings 9:7). That I may avenge the blood of my servants the prophets. So is the word [in non-Latin alphabet] — vengeance…

There be three properties or qualities of life. First, wherever there is life, there is some warmth (2 Kings 9:34). When the Prophet had lain upon the child, and had done so seven times, at length the breath of the child began to wax warm, a sign that life was a restoring, and t…

Let no man deceive you with vain words: for such things come the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Again, hence I gather, that in the prime of the Church in the Apostles' days, when the Church of the New Testament was but in founding, the ministry was in contempt:…

Yet I must say, (3dly,) That so it is come to pass, that many of those who have been really made Partakers of this gracious Work of the Holy Spirit, have been looked on in the World, which knows them not, as mad, Enthusiastick and Fanatical. So the Captains of the Host esteemed…

Henry the Second of France in a great rage against a Protestant Counsellor, committed him to the hands of one of his Nobles to be imprisoned, and that with these words, that he would see him burned with his own eyes: but mark the righteous Providence of God, within a ew days aft…

And truly luch fooles all the Saints are branded for, by the wise world. You know the man and his communication, said Jehu to his companions, asking what that mad fellow came for, who was no other than a Prophet, 2 Kings 9:11. Now this requires courage to despise the shame, whic…

Am I not swayed and moved by self-interest and carnal respects in the ways of religion — the accommodation of some worldly interest, or the getting of a name and reputation for godliness? If so, how apparently do the same symptoms of hypocrisy appear upon my soul which did upon…

If a man sin against God his preserver, who shall then preserve him? If he sin against the God of grace and peace, where shall he find grace? (2 Kings 9:22). You have sinned against the God of grace, and what have you now to do with grace?

Here comes to be justly reproved, the strange practice and behavior of some in these days, who being not contented with that form and fashion, which God has sorted to them, do devise artificial forms and favors, to set upon their bodies and faces, by painting and coloring; there…

For they do not look upon the Word as their Rule, seeing (as they dream) they have a Light within them, beyond that more sure Word of Prophecy, which the Apostle Peter prefers to a voice from Heaven. Indeed, they have so little veneration for the Scriptures, that they will not s…

If ever the creature be truly enstated in peace, God must speak it to the soul; [illegible] all the world should declare amity with the creature, yet if [illegible] do not set his seal to it, it is but a blank, and signifies nothing. 2. Sin has cut the creature off from the righ…

An hard vision. See also (2 Kings 9:25; Jeremiah 23:33) and elsewhere. Hence

Sincerity makes our duties acceptable, like musk among linen, that perfumes it. As Jehu said to Jehonadab (2 Kings 10:15). Is your heart right with me? And he said it is: if it be (says he) give me your hand; and he took him up into the chariot.

Jeroboam thought to have established the kingdom by idolatrous worship, but it brought ruin upon him and all his posterity (1 Kings 14:10). Ahab's idolatry wronged his posterity, they lost the kingdom and were all beheaded (2 Kings 10:7). They took the king's sons, and slew seve…

2. Branch. It reproves those who do not God's Will in a right acceptable manner. (1.) They do not God's will entirely; all God's will; they will obey God in some things, but not in others; as if a servant should do some of your work you set him about, but not the rest: Jehu dest…

In other cases it denotes a substitution. So Jehu tells his guard, that if any one of them let any of Baal's priests escape ([〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], 2 Kings 10:24), his life should go in the stead of the life that he had suffered to escape. And this answereth to [〈 in non-L…

Fifthly, if it be for the getting, or increasing of any good learning, and lawful knowledge, especially divine knowledge for matter of religion. Thus the Queen of Sheba went out of the inmost parts of Africa, to Jerusalem in Asia, to see and hear Solomon: 2 Kings 10. and for tha…

2. The sincerity of our profession much depends upon the care and conscience we have in keeping our hearts; for it is most certain that a man is but a hypocrite in his profession, however meticulous he be in the externals of religion, if he is heedless and careless of the frame…

The surplice with all the rest of that Popish wardrobe of superstitious garments, hoods, tippets, rochets, &c., for there is the same reason of them all, they are all Popish idols, and ancient ways of superstition. For if you look into the story of Jehu, you will find that the p…

It was a polluted thing, and therefore he would not use it, but repairs the altar of the Lord that was broken down (1 Kings 18:3[illegible]). Jehu likewise, though a bad man, yet thus far he wrought with God: he destroyed the images and the house of Baal, and for the more contem…

Here is an argument that a Prelate ought not to command anything without the counsel of the Elders. Secondly, but it cannot be proved, that these Elders in the places objected, were judges or magistrates: no, the contrary appears from other places, which we have before alleged f…

Men desires to add more and more to the states of their Progenitors, and so your Children they will add a little to the estates that you leave them; and so men account it their ambition to raise their families. My Brethren, we should have a holy ambition by practice of religion…

They built temples or sacred houses for him: 1 Kings 16:32, "Ahab built a house of Baal in Samaria." Mention of these houses occurs everywhere; and they were at length demolished by Jehu with all their theatrical apparatus and superstitious furnishings, and made into latrines (2…

He speaks of the first and principal part of the life of a Christian man, the life of his justification that springs from pardon of sin; let a man forsake those sins and lusts that he has been most carried captive with; let a wicked man forgo his thoughts and ways, both his secr…

And the Prophet plainly mentions their external profession of piety, when they shall make it appear to all, that they have renounced idols, and all idolatry. For seeing images are instruments of idolatry and superstition; therefore those who are truly converted to God, must need…

So of spiritual Joy, as in the stony-ground Hearers, Matthew 13:20, and particularly many of John the Baptist's Hearers, John 5:35. So of Zeal, as in Jehu, 2 Kings 10:16, and in Paul before his Conversion, Galatians 1:14, Philippians 3:6, and the unbelieving Jews, Acts 22:3, Rom…

No, beloved, you do not answer your duty to God in expressing diligence in that which is materially good, unless you do it in a right manner, and to a right end. You have an instance in Jehu (2 Kings 10). He was a marvelously industrious man in many good matters concerning the w…

So that to die [⟨in non-Latin alphabet⟩], for another, is to die in his stead, the death he should have died, that he might live; or in general to be substituted in the room and place of another. So when Jehu commanded his officers to slay the priests and worshippers of Baal, he…

2. That love to Christ, and zeal for him, holds believers stirring, and makes them send forth a sweet and savory smell. This smell is preferred to all spices, not to one or two, but to all: spices were either used as gifts, because they were precious and costly; so the Queen of…

Brethren, did our hearts stand where our faces do, this would be a day of blushing, we should be ashamed to look one upon another; remember God hath a key for the heart. When we come to these solemn duties, God asks that question as Jehu did Jehonadab, 2 Kings 10. 15. he saluted…

Before they pretended to worship the true God by these images, the calves of Jeroboam; but now Ahab introduced gross idolatry, and the direct worship of false gods in the room of the true God; and soon after the worship of Baal was introduced into the kingdom of Judah, namely in…

You know not the wild-fire of revenge and the spirit of anger that leads you, says Christ to the Disciples, even to the mild beloved disciple John (Luke 9:54). Come (says Jehu) and see my zeal for the Lord — liar, come see my zeal for Jehu, and for Jehu his new Kingdom; but ther…

The literal burning leaves no work upon the heart, nor any impression of heavenly experiences. Jehu his heat against Ahab and Baal left no impression of God on him to hate the golden calves, or the way of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin: he did cleave to that w…

Thus does the Lord extend the reward of righteous parents to their children to show his great good liking, and high approbation of righteousness. Read for this purpose, (1 Kings 11:34; 2 Kings 10:30). 1. Objection. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself.

Cast salt into the spring. As Jehu said to Jonadab, so does God say to us (2 Kings 10:15), Is your heart right as my heart is with your heart? We should answer, it is.

Pharaoh thought to go wisely to work (Exodus 1:10), but that wisdom costs dear, when it tends to suppress God's interest. Ahab, when God threatened to cut off his posterity, begets seventy sons, bestowed them in fenced cities (2 Kings 10:1), but those seventy sons were slain. He…

A hypocrite does [illegible] and choose among the commandments of God; some of them he will obey, but others of them he would be dispensed with, though he lives transgressing of them. Jehu went far, and made a glorious profession, but see 2 Kings 10:31. So [illegible] Mark 6:19–…

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…

Then they that cared not for his words and counsels, crave his prayers, Oh pray for us (say they) for we have sinned, and to all our other sins have added this, in asking for a King. Samuel to prevent the deadly symptom of desperate discouragement, which would drive them from th…

Jacob took away the strange gods from his household and all that were with him, and God manifests his approbation of it, the terror of God was upon the cities round about Jacob, and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob. Yes, God gives such testimony to Princes and Magistr…

God threatened Ahab to root out his house: yet he promised himself the establishment of his house. And thereupon so followed the work of generation that he left seventy sons behind him (2 Kings 10:1). 5. Our hearts deceive us in promising a settled and immovable continuance of o…

He would not do away with the worship of the calves, as well as with Baal's, and why? Because he thought that would be dangerous for his kingdom, if the Israelites were let go to the temple at Jerusalem to worship (2 Kings 10:29). Therefore Jeroboam's policy still prevailed with…

4. All their religious actions are sins, as coming to church, praying (Proverbs 15:8-9, 28:9), fasting and mourning — roar and cry out of yourself till doomsday, they are sins (Isaiah 58). 5. All their most zealous actions are sins, as Jehu who killed all Baal's priests; because…

Or do I go in the round of duties, taking no heed to my heart in them? If so, compare this symptom of your hypocrisy with that in 2 Kings 10:31 and Ezekiel 33:31-32. Question 2.

What is external conformity, but an artificial imitation of that which only lives in the souls of good men? Thus was Jehu deceived; he did many acts of external obedience to God's command, but Jehu took no heed to walk in the way of the Lord God of Israel with his heart (2 Kings…

Thirdly, when self-ends and designs are accommodated and promoted by these things. This was the case of Jehu (2 Kings 10:16): 'Come, see my zeal' — for what? For a base self-interest, not for God.

Eli was a good man, and yet the threatening of God took hold on him, and his house; and David though a godly man, yet the sword never departed from his house; so that the threatenings belong to God's people, and we must so account them; else we shall read the word in vain, when…

The second objection. Jehu openly professed the worship of Baal, and yet he dissembled, meaning nothing less (2 Kings 10:18). And the Lord commends him, for his diligent execution of that, which was right in his eyes (vers. 30).

But I proceed to a second answer. If by tares I should suppose only to be meant idolaters, heretics, and false worshippers (which is a gloss contrary to the text, as I have demonstrated) yet their argument will not conclude the forbearing or sparing of such, except only in such…

To conclude therefore this point, though other judicial or forensical laws concerning the punishments of sins against the moral law, may, yes, must be allowed of in Christian republics and kingdoms; provided always, they be not contrary or contradictory to God's own judicial law…

Like as our Church-Covenants are with them that now are, and that hereafter shall become members of the same Church. When Jehoiada made a Covenant between the King and the people (2 Kings 11:17), that Covenant was but a branch of the Lord's Covenant with them all, both King and…

And this ariseth from a double respect: the commoditie they receive, and the dutie they owe to the common state wherein they are: that as they have of their children, servants, guests, not onelie bodilie service and friendship, but that which is of conscience, and commeth from t…

As to the command given by David — for which some persons quote the authority of Jewish Commentators — that should the line from Solomon fail, the royal power would pass to the descendants of Nathan, I leave it undetermined; holding this only for certain, that the succession to…

This is the blood God will chiefly make inquisition for. Athaliah shed the blood of the king's children (2 Kings 11:1). The saints are the children of the Most High, and such as shed their blood shall pay dearly for it.

So that Kings as Kings serve God in doing that for his service which none but Kings can do. This is also proved from 2 Kings 11:12 compared with 2 Chronicles 23:11, where to King Jehoash in his solemn inauguration as soon as the Crown is put upon him, the Book of the Testimony w…

Septuagint: [in non-Latin alphabet]. (2 Kings 11:43): Rehoboam reigned in his stead, [in non-Latin alphabet], Chaldee Paraphrase, pro eo. 31: Abijah reigned in his stead, [in non-Latin alphabet].

In the other (Romans 1:4), he is declared to be the Son of God with power — by the resurrection from the dead. He who took not upon him to be High Priest while God called him, and neither took upon him to be King, while God called him, and said (Psalm 2:6), "I have Anointed him…

Education does much cultivate and refine nature: Education is a good wall to plant the vine of grace against, but it is not grace. King Joash was good, as long as his uncle Jehoiada lived, but when Jehoiada died, all Joash's religion was buried in his uncle's grave (2 Kings 12:2…

As by Aquila (Exodus 4:12; Psalm 119:33; Proverbs 4:4; Isaiah 27:11) as Drustus observes. And it is so by the LXX (Judges 13:8; 2 Kings 12:2; chap. 17:27). Our Apostle uses it for to make manifest, that is, bring to light (1 Corinthians 4:5; 2 Timothy 1:10).

Sixthly, many men may change their lives because they come into better company — perhaps their company is better than in times past, and this may work in them a change in their lives. As we read of Joash, all the while he was in Jehojada's company, he was a well-ordered man in h…

What bud of righteousness was there in Rahab the harlot, before faith (Joshua 2:1)? In Manasseh, when Jerusalem was dipped and in a manner drowned in the blood of the Prophets (2 Kings 12:17)? In the thief, who among his last gasps began to think of repentance (Luke 22:16)?

Fourthly, a graceless heart may be restrained from sin by the force of education and principles of morality instilled into it that way. Thus Jehoash was restrained from evil (2 Kings 12:2): 'And Jehoash did that which was right in the sight of the Lord all the days in which Jeho…

We have (2) the examples of Hezekiah (2 Kings 18:4), of Josiah (2 Kings 23), of Asa, who decreed that whoever would not seek the Lord God of Israel (according to the law of God; Deuteronomy 13:9) should be put to death, whether small or great, whether man, or woman (2 Chronicles…

2. Consideration: How it will trouble you if you should perish, to think you came short of Heaven for want of a little more pains. The Prophet Elisha bid the King of Israel smite the ground six times, and he smote but three times and stayed (2 Kings 13:19), and he lost many vict…

For, the welfare and prosperity, the certainty and security of it and her, is not in our policy, might, munition, ships, not in the strength of our navy, nor in the power of our armor, nor in the chivalry of our people, nor in the wisdom of our Council (though for all these we a…

4. There are some so vile, that they will scarce come within the circuit of our Christian respect; such as are the open enemies of Christ, and hold things destructive to the foundation of religion (2 John 10). "If any one bring not this doctrine, bid him not God-speed": Vile wre…

It refers according to Interpreters to one of these two times: Either to some special time when they prevailed against their Enemies, or to the time when they made their League with the Assyrians. The time when they prevailed against their Enemies, and so it's thought to refer e…

Here we see, what is the charge of the ministers of the word, namely, to sustain and to uphold the Church, by doctrine, prayer, counsel, good life. Elisha is called of Joash, The chariots and horsemen of Israel (2 Kings 13:4). And the Church of God upon earth, is called the Pill…

I gave Christ's poor good words; I did bid them be warmed, but I should have clothed and fed them, and for want of a little more violence I have lost the Kingdom. The prophet bade the King of Israel smite upon the ground, (2 Kings 13:18). And he struck three times, and [reconstr…

2. Job, David, and Jeremiah, sadly complaining and challenging God as an enemy, as fiery, and a God burning with hot displeasure, and as lying waters; and that says, that hardly could they but be under a disposition and fretting impatience. Elsha is so jumbled, that the soul is…

3. The Lord's sovereignty decreed not things only, but the connexion of things, as between Bread and Wine used according to the Lord's Institution, and the broken Body and shed blood of Christ: they suit not together of their own nature and essentially; therefore by the interven…

2. No natural necessity, such as that of the Sun to give light, the fire to cast out heat. Nor 3. No brutish necessity void of a discoursing faculty, such as that of the swallow building her nest, the bee making honey; but we must say there was some eminent, holy and spotless ne…

And if these things be seen, as real and certain, they cannot but raise esteem; there is so much in Gods people here, as not only does convince a gracious heart, but sometimes will convince one that has but natural principles of their excellency. Some men and women, that do some…

We are straightned here in our spirits, in our desires; if we could enlarge our desires in a spiritual way, it would hereafter adde much to our glory; our desires are not only straighter then that we shall have, but the straightness of our desires here hinders much the capacity…

When God moves, move you; when he stirs, stir you; many a man neglects [reconstructed: the] stirrings of the Spirit of God, and never has the like again, and then on his death bed cries for his old terrors. Oh therefore when the Truth meets you and stirs you, keep [reconstructed…

This tells us how sore a judgment of God it is upon a degenerate people, when he takes such away from them. Well might that King let fall such a doleful lamentation as he did, over the bed of a dying Prophet (2 Kings 13:14): My Father! my Father! the chariots of Israel, and the…

Faith is a healing grace. We read that when the Israelites were burying a man and cast him for haste into the grave of Elisha, as soon as he was down and touched the dead body of the prophet, he revived and stood upon his feet (2 Kings 13:21). So if a person is dead in sin, yet…

Now the people and Levites, and house of David were never so multiplied in the Jews, after the deliverance from Babylon, and therefore must be extended to the New Testament. And if God establish David's seed forever (Psalm 89:4) and the seed of his people shall possess the gates…

Secondly, though they had them, yet they have no calling to use them to this end: for in all the word of God, there is neither commandment to warrant the use, nor promise to assure any man of a blessing upon the use of them. Albeit they would seem to have some warrant, and there…

This is the diamond in the ring of glory. And if it were such a misery for Absalom that he might not see the king's face (2 Kings 14:22), what will it be for the wicked to be shut out from beholding God's pleasant face! Privatio divinae Visionis omnium suppliciorum summum.

Abraham was to command his Children (Genesis 18:29). Asa commanded Judah to worship God, and the thing was right in the eyes of the Lord (2 Kings 14:23, 24). So see 2 Kings 15:23, and Ezra 10:8; so 2 Kings 34:32, 33; and that promise, Isaiah 43:23.

In 2 Kings 18 you shall find the great Reformation that Hezekiah made in the worship of God in Judah and Jerusalem. And then for his suffering that you have in 2 Chronicles 28:6 and 2 Kings 14:13. In 2 Chronicles 28:6 it is said, that Pekah the son of Remaliah slew in Judah an h…

By it is meant, all their pomp, riches, strength, prosperity, but especially by Glory here is meant, their numerous progeny in which they did so much glory, Ephraim (the ten Tribes) did prosper very much and were a very great multitude more than Judah. This Scripture has referen…

Or that time in 1 Kings 14:13: And Jehoash King of Israel, took Amaziah King of Judah, and came to Jerusalem, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem; and took all the Gold and Silver, and all the vessels that were found in the house of the Lord, and in the treasures of the Kings h…

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…

Job lived before the giving of the Law, and Melchizedek, and they had the call of God to preach to them to whom they preached. Second, it shall be denied that Jonah had sinned, if he had not preached to Nineveh, except God had expressly commanded him to preach to Nineveh, otherw…

We have (2) the examples of Hezekiah (2 Kings 18:4), of Josiah (2 Kings 23), of Asa, who decreed that whoever would not seek the Lord God of Israel (according to the law of God; Deuteronomy 13:9) should be put to death, whether small or great, whether man, or woman (2 Chronicles…

Asa commanded Judah to worship God, and the thing was right in the eyes of the Lord (2 Kings 14:23, 24). So see 2 Kings 15:23, and Ezra 10:8; so 2 Kings 34:32, 33; and that promise, Isaiah 43:23. I know I touch the sore of this age, and that this is a truth much prejudiced, ther…

But thirdly, When was this fulfilled? If we would know the meaning of the Prophet we must refer to the history of the kings, and in (2 Kings 15:19) there you may find when this prophecy was fulfilled. Phul the King of Assyria came against the land, and Menahem gave Phul a thousa…

And indeed such are our Wars and Victories at this day, we must not rejoice in our Conquests as other people, not so rejoice as if French or Spaniards came among us, or as if we were in a foreign Nation, for our Conquests weakens our own Nation, it is the destruction of our Bret…

We shall easily discern hereafter by the context how proper and natural this exposition is. (2 Kings 15:29; 17:6) But why does the Prophet say that this destruction which will lay all things waste shall yet notwithstanding be more gentle and supportable?

The people that walked in darkness shall see a great light” (Isaiah 9:1, 2) The Israelites had been twice visited by a heavy calamity: first, when four tribes, or thereby, were carried away into banishment, by Tiglath-Pileser, (2 Kings 15:29;) and, secondly, when Shalmaneser com…

After this God began to cut Israel short, by finally destroying and sending into captivity that part of the land that was beyond Jordan, as you may see in 2 Kings 10:32 et cetera. And then after this Tiglath-Pileser subdued and captivated all the northern parts of the land; 2 Ki…

A person may have bodily diseases yet God may love him. Asa was diseased in his feet and had the gout, yet was a favorite with God (2 Kings 15:23). God's hand may go out against a person, yet his heart may be toward him.

(2 Kings 8:15): He slew him, and Hazael reigned, [in non-Latin alphabet]. (2 Kings 15:10): Shallum slew him, and reigned in his stead, [in non-Latin alphabet]. Verse 14: Menahem slew him, and reigned, [in non-Latin alphabet].

We have (2) the examples of Hezekiah (2 Kings 18:4), of Josiah (2 Kings 23), of Asa, who decreed that whoever would not seek the Lord God of Israel (according to the law of God; Deuteronomy 13:9) should be put to death, whether small or great, whether man, or woman (2 Chronicles…

But thus to introduce another book, besides the Book of God, into his Church, is a dishonor, and an affront to the Scripture. If it be a sin for men to set their posts by his posts, their thresholds by his thresholds, as (Ezekiel 43:8) and their altars by his altars (2 Kings 16:…

Jeroboam made Priests of his own, after the manner of the Nations of other Lands, but therefore he casts out the Priests of the Lord the Sons of Aaron, and the Levites, to make way for his own (2 Chronicles 13:9). Ahaz gives order that the Priests should offer their Sacrifices u…

Two things are chiefly celebrated concerning it: the worship, and the place appointed for it. The worship was "the passing of offspring through fire" (Leviticus 18:21; Deuteronomy 18:10; 2 Kings 16:3, 21:10). There were two kinds of it — burning alive, and purifications by fire.

It is also credible, that this sign or witness of the prophecy was known among the people, for he should not have been joined in commission with his father, unless he had sustained some authority in his person. The place is specified for certainty of the history: and it may well…

He calls them faithful; that is to say, true and fitting: and yet notwithstanding one of them was a cursed and wicked apostate, who to flatter the King, built an altar like to that at Damascus; and openly consented to a horrible impiety and abomination. I know there are others w…

Verse 12. Aram before, and the Philistines behind, and they shall devour Israel with open mouth: yet for all this his wrath is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still. The Prophet shows what this change shall be, and what shall come to pass after the death of Rezin,…

2. There is but one omnipotent power. If there be two omnipotents, then we must always suppose a contest between these two; that which one would do, the other power being equal would oppose, and so all things would be brought into a confusion. If a ship should have two pilots of…

Nor can the Amorites or Canaanites plead herein any hard measure. For, the same God, dealt afterward in the same justice with his own people, giving the kingdom of Judah to the Chaldeans, and Israel to the Assyrians: and the cause is laid down most memorably in the story; When t…

Jeroboam devised worship at Dan and Bethel, though he pretended by it to worship the true God, and advance the worship of Jehovah; yet he worshipped nothing but the Devils, and Calves that he made (2 Chronicles 11:15). And it became a sin to Jeroboam and his house, to destroy it…

Thus do many, as, 1. Such as live in any particular known sin, though it be secret: thus do many (2 Kings 17:9). There is secret drunkenness, and secret uncleanness, and secret neglects of duties, and closet work: now when persons live in secret sins, they do really though not m…

This seems a plain granting of the Synod's saying, and of their proof of it. Whereas the Synod said, That the parents in question are keepers of the covenant, because they are not forsakers, and rejecters of the God, and covenant of their fathers; and alleged for this (Deuterono…

Abijah therefore justly reproves the ten tribes for it, you have made you priests after the manner of the nations of other lands (2 Chronicles 23:9). And therefore the Lord was very angry with Israel and removed them out of his sight, because they went after the heathen that wer…

Now for the understanding of this, we must consider to what this refers, what King of Israel this was, and when this was fulfilled. For that if you read 2 Kings 17, it has reference to the story there; and this King of Israel that is here spoken of, is Hoshea that was the last K…

When did they say so? The times that this refers to, seems to be those that we reade of in 2 Kings 17. If you read that Chapter, you shall find the times that this has reference to; then they might well say, We have no King; because we feared not the Lord: What then should a Kin…

Samaria was their chief City; as London is to England, so Samaria was the chief City to the ten Tribes: And Samaria shall fear. Samaria was a very strong City: And when the Assyrians came and carried away the ten Tribes captive, they took all the Country round about before they…

Some think it has reference to the Covenant that the People did make with Jeroboam at the first, and so with his Successors; that is thus, The People came to him and took their Oaths, and entred into solemn League, that they would stand by him in the breach that he made from the…

— or thereabouts, before the Babylonian captivity — transplanted to Samaria and to the other cities formerly inhabited by the ten tribes whom he had led away captive. That they were descended from Babel, Cuthah, Avah, Hamath, and Sepharvaim, sacred Scripture shows at 2 Kings 17:…

I. God most frequently complains through the prophets that His people wickedly worshipped the gods of all the nations everywhere, setting Him aside. It is evident, moreover, that this must be understood of the nations known to them; and the Holy Spirit Himself thus explains His…

That Tyrian Saturn was himself the Sun, the learned Vossius demonstrates at length. IX. Nor were Adrammelech and Anammelech different from this Molech — to whom the inhabitants of Sepharvaim burned their sons in fire (2 Kings 17:31). Adrammelech is the Hebrew for "magnificent ki…

In which part, by a usual manner of the Law, a part being put for the whole, as in the 6th, 7th, and 9th commandments, and that one of the foulest, look to note the filthiness of the rest, we are forbidden generally to acknowledge, love, delight in, desire, make or use, being ma…

This is one of the external acts, whereby the idolater shows the esteem of his heart, so (Jeremiah 2:27), saying to a stock, you are my Father; and to a stone, you have brought me forth. So under serving sacrifice is comprehended (2 Kings 17:35). You shall not fear other gods, n…

We need not stand to debate much about the verb 'To gather,' because it signifies nothing else but that the slaughter shall be like a harvest, which being once ended, others are permitted to glean the ears which lie scattered. For after that the ten tribes had been led captives,…

13. Where is the King of Hamath, and the King of Arpad, and the King of the Cities of Sepharvaim, Henah, and Ivah? Mention is made of Gozan, in (2 Kings 17:6). And from there we may gather that it was a city of the Medes, although others affirm that it was situated in another co…

For after Ahaz had called the Assyrians to help him, Rezin was slain by them (2 Kings 16:9). Pekah king of Israel died soon after, that is to wit, in the twelfth year of king Ahaz: and Hoshea the son of Ela reigned in his stead (2 Kings 17:1). Before the children then which shou…

Where he says "before, and behind," it answers to the common manner of speech, so as we need not seek a new or strange exposition. Let us learn by this example what it is to put confidence in the power of men, and in confederacies with princes, and especially when we grow secure…

So of godly Sorrow for Sin, as in Pharaoh, Saul, and Ahab, and the Children of Israel in the Wilderness; Exodus 9:27, 1 Samuel 24:16, 17, and 26:21, 1 Kings 21:27, Numbers 14:39, 40. And of the Fear of God, as in the Samaritans, who feared the Lord, and served their own Gods at…

The Church of Israel was continually prone to these Abominations; so that scarcely a Generation passed, or very few, wherein the Body of the People did not more or less defile themselves with them. To wean and recover them from this Sin was the Principal End of the Preaching of…

And sometimes in an extraordinary way it breaks forth for their supply. So you find in 2 Kings 17. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14. the Cruse and Barrel sail not. Mr. Samuel Clarke, in the Life of that painful and humble servant of Christ Mr. John Fox, records a memorable Instance of Prov…

Bears rend the children that mocked Elisha (2 Kings 2:24). Lions destroy the strange nations in Samaria (2 Kings 17:25). Frogs, lice, boils, hail, rain, thunder, lightning, destroy the land of Egypt (Exodus 8, 9, 10).

Secondly, That we must have the Lord Jehovah for our God: Which forbids idolatry. Thirdly, That we must have the only true God the Lord Jehovah alone for our God: And this forbids Polytheism, or the worshipping of many gods; and Samaritanism, or the worshipping of false gods tog…

But God does make account, that that soul is not at all for him, that is not altogether for him, and not for another. Those nations feared not the Lord that joined their serving idols, with fearing the true God (2 Kings 17:33-34). There can no more be two chief delights in one h…

"I will not rend away all the kingdom: but will give one tribe to thy son, for David my servant's sake, and for Jerusalem's sake, which I have chosen," and so verses 32, 36. So when the ten tribes were carried captive, it is said, there was none left but the tribe of Judah only:…

And now I have done my endeavor to give your former Mercies and Promises a Resurrection in your Consciences; Oh that you would sit down and pause s[•] while upon these things, and then reflect upon the past Mercies of your lives, and on what has past between God and your Souls,…

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…

Now this obedience is no obedience, for as he that does not love God above all, does not love God at all; so he that does not obey all the commands universally, cannot be said to obey any command truly. It is said of those in Samaria, that they feared the Lord, and served their…

The heart will apologize for sin, masking over bad transactions with golden pretences. The heart will tell a man he may keep his sin and keep his religion too (2 Kings 17:33): they feared the Lord and served their own gods. The heart will secretly suggest that as long as a man g…

2. THESIS. The Scriptures of the Old and New Testament in many places set forth and command to ask for, follow after, walk in that one good way, to strive and contend earnestly for that one faith, to hold fast the truth, to serve God only; and on the contrary reproves, prohibits…

There are lesser sorceries which, they say, are too frequent in our Land. As it was said in 2 Kings 17:9, The Children of Israel did secretly those things that were not right against the Lord their God. So it is to be feared, the Children of New-England have secretly done many t…

By Apostasy, Heresy, or Schism? I answer if you will give me leave, she fell by Idolatry, and corruption of manners, against both which the Prophets were protestants (2 Kings 17:13) — [illegible] — God protested against them by his Prophets. Again the same Church reformed in the…

This does not at all follow. In fact, that very brazen serpent which God himself commanded to be set up, when Israel did look upon it with too much reverence, and began to burn incense to it, Hezekiah defaced that image, and called it Nehushtan, and God commended him for doing s…

Again, the bronze serpent was a type or image of Christ crucified (John 3:14), appointed by God himself. Yet when the people burned incense to it, Hezekiah broke it in pieces and is therefore commended (2 Kings 18:4). And when the devil bade our Savior Christ but to bow down the…

The First Sermon witnessing in General against all the Idols, and Inventions of men in the Worship of God. 2 Kings 18:4, 5, 6, 7. Ver. 4. He removed the high places, and brake the images, & cut down the groves, and brake in pieces the brazen serpent that Moses had made; for to t…

THE SECOND SERMON Witnessing more particularly against the Ceremonies of the Church of ENGLAND. The Text, 2 Kings 18:4. And he removed the high places, and broke the images, and cut down the groves, and broke in pieces the brazen serpent, that Moses had made, for to those days,…

That is, Judah shall take pains and go through many difficulties in the ways of my worship, and shall suffer much while Ephraim lives delicately for a long time, yet Judah suffered more difficulty, Judah suffered much more difficulty and hardship than the ten tribes did. And I t…

First, Who is meant by the King of Princes. We are here to understand the King of Assyria, because he was a great King whose nobles were princes, and we find this both by Scripture and likewise by human story; in (2 Kings 18:24) How then will you turn away the face of one captai…

I suppose, he knows, that at least until the Captivity, when most of the Scripture was written, the Hebrew, and not the Syriack, was the vulgar language of that people. It's true indeed, that some of the noble and chief men that had the transaction of affairs with Neighbour-Nati…

Now by the contrary is commanded, to acknowledge, love, desire, delight in, and outwardly practise all those parts of his worship, which he in his word has commanded (Deuteronomy 12:32; John 4:22; 2 Kings 17:26). In the second in like manner, is forbidden by one sort, to acknowl…

We are likewise to consider in what case the state of Israel was: for the ten Tribes had been led away captive: and it seemed that the kingdom of Judah was utterly wasted, in regard the whole country was almost conquered, Jerusalem excepted, which was besieged by Rabsache. Tarta…

These things fell out then a long time after the Prophet's death: and the holy history witnesses the same: as also that the princes determined to flee when this calamity happened: but neither their flight to Jerusalem, nor their running away from it did them any good at all, bec…

The people that walked in darkness shall see a great light” (Isaiah 9:1, 2) The Israelites had been twice visited by a heavy calamity: first, when four tribes, or thereby, were carried away into banishment, by Tiglath-Pileser, (2 Kings 15:29;) and, secondly, when Shalmaneser com…

Who can but see the Scriptures fulfilled in, and expounded by such Providences? See Isaiah 54. 15, 16, 17. and 8. 8, 9, 10. expounded by 2 Kings 18:17 & seq. See you at any time a rub of Providence diverting the course of good men from falling into evil, or wicked men from commi…

The Lord our God made a covenant with us in Horeb. And therefore in the greater transgressions of the Law, the people were said to forsake, to break, to profane, to transgress the covenant of God (Leviticus 26:15; Deuteronomy 3:20; Chap. 17:2; Hosea 6:7; Joshua 7:11; 2 Kings 18:…

Neither is it true, that Ahaz served the King of Assyria under tribute; and it may seem rather that Hezekiah did so for a season, seeing it is expresly said, that he rebelled against him, and served him no more (2 Chronicles 18:7). Yes, plainly he did so, and paid him by way of…

There was no king like to Solomon, but he restrains it to this, who was beloved of his God, none to whom God did so much communicate himself as to Solomon, none like to Solomon in wisdom and knowledge, in those revelations and intimate communions that God had with him, he was as…

That it is Hezekiah who is principally intended in these lofty allegorical expressions, that was then rising up from the broken rod of Judah, is evident. He is termed a cockatrice, and a fiery flying serpent, not from his own nature, which was tender, meek, and gentle, wherein t…

The several false religions of the heathen with their various superstitions and idolatries, though they gave very little opposition one to another, but agreed together well enough, yet having no foundation in truth they all withered away, and dwindled to nothing, and after the m…

Hence were these inventions among the old Romans, by spells and enchantments to entice away a deity from any city they besieged, (they being as expert at the getting of a devil, as Tobias's Raphael, or the present Romanists at his fumigation) by which means they shrived into the…

This was his plea; but I suppose it was not before God as a Judge, but before God as a witness, he called God to witness that he had walked before him with a perfect heart. He was slandered by Rabshakeh: They thought when he broke down the altars of Baal, and cut down their grov…

2. That they may be carried through their cares, and fears, and snares, and may know what reward to expect from the absolute sovereign, who is the great patron of human societies. It is trust and dependence upon God that makes good magistrates (2 Kings 18:5): He trusted in the L…

So it is in the entrance of [reconstructed: this] great work of preparation for Christ and our effectual bringing home to him, never see sin aright, the soul cannot be affected with it in a right manner, never truly see the need of a Savior, never seek after him or come to him;…

(5.) To believe is to cleave to God, from a root that signifies to adhere as things glued together with pitch or glue (Psalm 63:8; Joshua 23:8; Deuteronomy 11:22), so we become one Spirit with the Lord (2 Corinthians 3). (6.) It is a word of near adherence [⟨ in non-Latin alphab…

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…

Now he frequently obviates the power of exerting sin actually, by cutting short and taking away the lives of them that have conceived it. Thus he dealt with the Army of Sennacherib, when according as he had purposed, so he threatened that the Lord should not deliver Jerusalem ou…

Moses likewise took punishment with the sword, upon those, who did worship the golden calf; (Exodus 32:26, 27, 28). We have (2) the examples of Hezekiah (2 Kings 18:4), of Josiah (2 Kings 23), of Asa, who decreed that whoever would not seek the Lord God of Israel (according to t…

Is it the duty of the Civil Magistrate to take order that all blasphemies and heresies be suppressed, all the ordinances of God duly settled, administered, and observed, all abuses in worship and discipline reformed, and all idolaters, gainsayers, and other obstinate dissenters…

All the people fell on their faces, and said, The Lord he is the God! The Lord he is the God! Indeed, we acknowledge God to be the only God (2 Kings 19:15). O Lord God of Israel, which dwells between the Cherubims, you are the God, even you alone.

He is jealous for his spouse, therefore will be avenged on them who go to wrong her (Isaiah 42:13). The Lord shall stir up jealousy like a man of war; he shall roar, he shall prevail against his enemies. What is done to the saints, God takes as done to himself (2 Kings 19:22), a…

2. A strong guard. One angel in a night slew a hundred and eighty-five thousand, (2 Kings 19:32). If one angel slew so many, what would an army of angels have done?

An angel destroyed the firstborn of Egypt in one night. In the host of Sennacherib one angel slew in one night a hundred fourscore and five thousand men (2 Kings 19:35). Of like power is the devil himself to shake the earth, and to destroy us all, but that God of his goodness li…

What is done to the righteous, is done to God himself. When the king's favorite is struck at, the king himself is struck at (2 Kings 19:22). I know your rage against me: The rage of Sennacherib was against the person of Hezekiah, but (there being a league between God and his peo…

And (Psalm 5:2) Listen to my voice, my King, and my God. (2 Kings 19:19) Now therefore, O Lord our God, I ask you to save us out of his hand. Ezra bases his prayer on this (Ezra 9:6): O my God, I am ashamed and blush.

This is [reconstructed: the estate] of them all, so far as we are without Christ, we are without life; no Christ, no life. It is with the sons of men in this kind (that I may so speak) as it was with the soldiers (2 Kings 19:35), they were all dead corpses: truly, that is the ca…

Let not God speak to us lest we die. Elijah wrapped his face in a mantle, when God appeared to him (2 Kings 19:13). When Christ appeared to Paul from Heaven, he trembled and was astonished, and was three days without sight, as you may see (Acts 9:9); there was a special reason,…

Angels defend us against enemies (Psalm 34:7), The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. (2 Kings 19:35) The Angel of the Lord went out, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians an hundred fourscore and five thousand. An Angel opened the…

We must resort to the history for the better understanding of this: for when Sennacherib came with violence against Judah, God arrested him by the way, and sent him to fight with others; so as he was constrained to turn back his forces. And thus the Egyptians and the Ethiopians…

“Lors que le Roy Sennacherib fut contreint de lever le siege de de-rant, et s'enfuir honteusement.” — “When King Sennacherib was compelled to raise the siege, and to fly disgracefully.” (2 Kings 19:36) Certainly, it is evident from the context, that the prophet looks much farthe…

And for this end and purpose it is, that the Holy Ghost has affixed those notes of attention to the narratives of the works of Providence in Scripture: all which do invite and call men to a due and deep observation of them. So in that great and celebrated work of Providence, in…

Can I ever be in more need of an almighty help, than when I was struggling to get into the world? There is more of the power of God put forth in bringing a poor infant into the world, than in bringing him out of any trouble or strait he can fall into, in his travels through the…

1 Samuel 17:26, 36. 2 Kings 19:4, 16. Daniel 6:26.

The spirit of Enthusiasts persuades men of peace and comfort without and beside the promises of the Gospel. The words of the book of the Law melt the heart of godly Josiah (2 Kings 19:22), and the Lord looks to him that trembles at his word to dwell with him (Isaiah 66:2). The E…

If we pray heartily that God's name may be hallowed, as we should do every day, we should grieve heartily that his name is dishonored, as we see it is every day. And our resentments of the reproach cast upon God and religion, we should make a humble and pious remonstrance of bef…

This is truly a worthy example, in which as in a mirror we may observe what is fitting for us. Likewise we read that Hezekiah became a suppliant with these words to obtain grace and mercy from God, 2 Kings 19:16: 'Incline your ear, O Lord, and hear; open your eyes, O Lord, and s…

Objection: But this Covenant is made to, and with David, that Solomon, and one of David's line, shall sit upon David's Throne, until the Messiah, the true beloved shall be born (2 Samuel 7:12-13). Answer: It is true, and although these of David's line sinned, yet by virtue of th…

Did not Saint James exhort to this, when he says, Is any sick among you? Let him call for the Elders of the Church, and let them pray for him (Philippians, verse 22; 2 Kings 19:4; Esther 4:16; Daniel 2:18; Genesis 20:7; Job 42:8; James 5:14). §. 145. Of motives to desire others'…

Does the Almighty Power, unsearchable wisdom and infinite goodness of God so far manifest themselves in his providence, that it extends itself, even to the first fall, and all other sins of angels, and men; and that not by a bare permission, but such as has joined with it, a mos…

God says David, bid Shemei [illegible]. [illegible] 3. Because prayer to God has been the means of turning aside judgment, yes even then when instruments have done their worst, the people of God in their distress, have but acquainted God with it, and sought him in the case, and…

Thus she uses means for her temporal safety: and so have other of God's children done in like case. When King Hezekiah (2 Kings 20:6) was sick, he was certified by the Prophet from God, that he should live fifteen years longer; yet he neglected not the means whereby he should be…

Or thus: Of weak were restored to health. This must be understood of Hezekiah, a worthy king of Judah, who (as we may read, 2 Kings 20.) being sore sick, even unto death, was restored to health, and obtained of GOD the lengthening of his days, for the space of fifteen years. Whi…

It is uprightness of heart that will comfort you upon a deathbed. 2 Kings 20:2-3: 'Then he turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, saying: Remember now, O Lord, how I have walked before you in truth and with a perfect heart.' I am really of his mind who said: 'Might…

The mouths of lions are muzzled, when the safety of his beloved Daniel is concerned (Daniel 6:22). And the shadow goes back upon the dial for Hezekiah's sake (2 Kings 20:11). When God would at any time deliver his people, he can muster up lightnings and thunders for their assist…

Hezekiah obtained 15 years' lease of his house of clay from Jehovah his Landlord; and how? (2 Kings 20:2) He turned his face to the wall, and prayed. Jonah broke the prison of hell by prayer.

I put it among infirmities, he allows him his trial of sense, but with some rebuke. To this head may be referred that of Hezekiah, who when he was sick of a mortal disease, and the Lord had extraordinarily promised him on his mourning, that he should be recovered again, he asks…

We never read that the light of the sun was augmented, unless it were when it stayed itself in the days of Joshua, that he might have leisure to pursue his enemies (Joshua 10:13). Also in the days of Hezekiah, at whose request the dial went back ten degrees (2 Kings 20:11). But…

Some expound this verse as if this had been given Hezekiah for a sign; and therefore they refer it to the former sentence: but it is more likely that the order of the thing is here changed; which often falls out among the Hebrews, so as that which should be said in the beginning…

This is our rejoicing, the testimony of our conscience, that in all sincerity and godly simplicity, we have had our conversation in this world. So Hezekiah (2 Kings 20:3): Remember now, O Lord, how I have walked before you in truth, and with a perfect heart. A day of judgment wi…

But the diligent life of a Christian makes the clods of the valley, his grave sweet to him (2 Corinthians 1:12). Remember now, O Lord, how I have walked before you, etc. (2 Kings 20:3). Think Christian, how sweet it will be for you when you come to die; to say then as your Redee…

It is given as a special reason, why the King of Babylon sent Ambassadors, and a present to Hezekiah, after he had been sick, to testify his respect to him, and to honor him, because he had heard, how that miracle of the Suns going back was for him, as a sign of his recovery; Th…

O, let me not stick my Death-bed full of Thorns, against I come to lie down upon it. O that I may turn to the Wall, in that hour, as Hezekiah did, 2 Kings 20. 2, 3. and say, Remember now, O Lord, I have walked before you in truth, and with a perfect heart,&c. THE POEM.

No man can make his election sure a priori, nor can any man make it surer than it is in se; therefore it is only capable of being made sure to us a posteriori, arguing from the work of sanctification in us, to God's eternal choice of us. And as the saints in all ages have taken…

For it is above the power of natural generation, that the substance of one creature should be really turned into the substance of another, as the substance of a rod into the substance of a serpent. Of the like kind, were the standing of the sun in the firmament without moving in…

Whatever graces you want, get yourselves furnished therewith, meditate duly upon the promises God has made to that end, so shall you keep your hearts alive and all your performances. Use 4: It is of great consolation to all such Christians, whose performances are very small, and…

There are several things that seem to me to argue, that when the Sun of Righteousness, the Sun of the new heavens and new earth, comes to rise, and comes forth as the bridegroom of his church, rejoicing as a strong man to run his race, having his going forth from the end of Heav…

Q. 6. Is this holiness or obedience in us perfect? Yes, (a) in respect of all the parts of it, but (b) not in respect of the degrees wherein God requires it. (a) 2 Kings 20:3; Job 1:1; Matthew 5:48; Luke 1:6; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Ephesians 4:24; Titus 2:12. (b) Isaiah 64:6; Psalm…

Q. 6. Is this holiness or obedience in us perfect? A. Yes, (a) in respect of all the parts of it, but (b) not in respect of the degrees wherein God requires it. (a) 2 Kings 20. 3. John 1. 1. Matthew 5:48. Luke 1. 6. 2 Corinthians 7:1. Ephesians 4. 24. Titus 2:12. (b) Isaiah 64.…

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…

For which cause it is said, that his hands built Jerusalem (Psalm 47:2). Now as touching that which Isaiah here threatens against the Idumeans, the holy Spirit pronounces the like elsewhere, against the house of Ahab: meaning that it should be razed even with the ground (2 Kings…

Thus then, to be set as a seal on his heart, does imply, 1. Exceeding great nearness to Christ, even to have a special room and seat in his heart. 2. It imports, a settledness in that condition, that she may be set there, as the Lord says of Jerusalem, (2 Kings 21:4) there I hav…

They have forgotten Christ's caveat (Luke 3:14): Do violence to no man. Ahab violently took away Naboth's vineyard (2 Kings 21:11). Hell is taken by this violence (Proverbs 4:17): Who drink the wine of violence.

He spoke, and it was done, he commanded, and it stood fast; [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] For he himself spoke, and it was: the Lord's word gives being to things, by the contrary; men's deeds are nothing but words; so the lives, being, and actions of the Kings of Israel and Judah,…

Thus in the fifth commandment, obedient children are promised by God long life, as a reward for honoring their Parents. Now when he takes them away in their best age, as he did Josiah, 2 Kings 22:10, he gives them eternal life, which is not only proportionable, but far exceeding…

1. Their knowledge and cunning is great, they have much natural and experimental knowledge, so as they can discern hidden causes, and virtues which scape the flight of mans reason and understanding; they know how to apply active to passive things, can guess notably at future eve…

Reason 2. 2 Kings 22:20: Huldah the prophetess tells Josiah that he must be gathered to his fathers and put in his grave in peace, that his eyes may not see all the evil which God would bring on that place. Therefore the saints departed do not see the state of the Church on eart…

When the heart is soft and tender, it is also humble and contrite, and ready to tremble at the word of God. So it is said of Josiah, that his heart was tender, and he humbled himself before the Lord, when he heard his word (2 Kings 22:18, 19). This may be wanting in some in a gr…

To their Priests and Levits, Cyprian does rightly liken our Pastors and Deacons, for however sundry things were done by the Priests and Levites, which were typical and Jewish onely; yet may we well parallell our Pastors with their Priests, in respect of a perpetuall Ecclesiastic…

But what is a tender heart, but a heart which is easily impressed with what ought to affect it? God commends Josiah, because his heart was tender; and it is evident by those things which are mentioned as expressions and evidences of this tenderness of heart, that by his heart be…

"And Elisha came again to Gilgal, and there was a dearth in the land, and the sons of the prophets were sitting before him: and he said unto his servant, Set on the great pot, and seethe pottage for the sons of the prophets." In Elijah's and Elisha's time, there were several pla…

Some there are, that one night's waking under the terrors of the law would make an end of them, if invisible Gospel strength were not furnished to them; and here there must be a mixture of law-influences, and of Gospel impressions of Christ upon the spirit. It speaks much grace…

So men keep strong forts, and imaginations against God besieging them by the preached Gospel (2 Corinthians 10:5, 6), and will not have their thoughts led captives to the obedience of Christ. Whereas softness and tenderness in Josiah (2 Kings 22:19, 20) brings stooping and self-…

The Enthusiasts boldly mock the word as an instrument of carnal and fleshly regeneration, and seek a new birth from a spirit alone separated from the word. Deep humiliation is wrought by the word (2 Kings 22:14); the pride of Satan reigns in the spirits of Enthusiasts, who despi…

Deuteronomy 17:18: the Law of God is to be for the direction of the King and of the Priests, and Levites. The Book of the Law of the Lord given by Moses (2 Chronicles 34:15, 19, 30, 31, compared with 2 Kings 22:8, 11; 23:2, 3) was that by which Josiah made his reformation both i…

No such way to infect the whole town, as to poison the Cistern at which they draw their water; who shall perswade Ahab that he may go to Ramoth-Gilead and fall? Satan can tell, I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of his Prophets, 2 Kings 22:21. How shall the profane be hardene…

Third, Christ commends this (Jeremiah 31:18): I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself. 2 Kings 22:19. Because your heart was tender — and you have wept before me, I have also heard you, says the Lord. Luke 7:44. She has washed my feet with tears.

Eli was a good man, and yet the threatening of God took hold on him, and his house; and David though a godly man, yet the sword never departed from his house; so that the threatenings belong to God's people, and we must so account them; else we shall read the word in vain, when…

(6) Because, true repentance, is a renewing of the image of God lost, at least greatly defaced, by the committing of sin, which in sanctification is not perfected, but only begun, and does daily increase through the virtue of Christ's death, and resurrection (Ephesians 4:19-24).…

Thirdly, image-worship is against the practice of the saints of old. Josiah that renowned king, destroyed the groves and images (2 Kings 23:24). Constantine abrogated the images set up in temples.

Thus to do, is but to offer the sacrifice of Cain, and that makes the most professors go away with their service unaccepted as Cain's was: for God will have all or none, he is worthy to have no partner: he must be served with all the heart, with soul and body, so that a man must…

By which expressions we are to understand, that there were but very few, for there was one or two, for he is paralleled with David, ver. 3. And the same expression is afterwards used concerning Josiah (2 Kings 23:25). So that these three, David, Hezekiah, Josiah, were the three…

How shall we prove it lawful to apply the seal of God's Covenant to Infants? Or to admit women to eat of the holy things; for the Scriptures of the New Testament do speak little in these cases; only the Scriptures of the Old Testament do give direction, and light about them (Lev…

But I rather think there is a third, that signifies to be Black from burning; because those things that are burnt, they are made black. When the flame first takes hold upon a thing it makes it black: and so Chemarims are as much as black ones, or indeed Black Coats; they were wo…

XXI. Also the term meaning "new gods:": Judges 5:8, "The people chose new gods" — mushrooms of the earth, which but the day before yesterday did not at all ex- XXII. Furthermore, from the nature and desert of idolatry, idols are frequently called "abominations:": 2 Kings 23:24,…

There were also artificial groves, that is, fabricated images and likenesses of natural ones, which they brought into their sacred temples and used in some manner in religious worship. Such was the grove that King Josiah removed from the house of God and burned (2 Kings 23:6). W…

For since that place was rendered horrible and abominable — first by the burning alive of miserable infants; then by the total destruction of the Assyrian army under Sennacherib; and finally by Josiah's casting in of dead bones, which brought upon it the greatest pollution — it…

Of the actions of the body orderly and reverently used, are bowing of our bodies (Isaiah 45:23). Reverent attention declared sometimes by rising up (Genesis 49:33; 1 Chronicles 28:2; Numbers 23:22; 2 Kings 23:2; 2 Chronicles 34:31; Nehemiah 8:6). Also lifting up of the hands and…

We shall first open the words a little, and then speak to some doctrines from them, reserving the uses to the close of all. 1. Where it is said, He was oppressed, the word signifies to exact; and we find it three ways applied in Scripture: 1. To the exacting of tribute, as (2 Ki…

By Topheth, no doubt he means hell: not as though we should imagine there were some place where the wicked are shut up after their death as in a prison, there to suffer the torments which they have deserved: but he thereby signifies their miserable condition and extreme torments…

Thou hast avouched the Lord this day to be thy God, and to walk in his ways, and to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and to hearken unto his voice. They ought to profess a willingness of heart to embrace religion with all its difficulties, and to walk…

Here was a high, an unparalleled act of confidence. Yet afterward it was said concerning Josiah (2 Kings 23:25): That like to him was there no king before him, that turned to the Lord with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might. Here it is said after Hezeki…

This was a famous and very particular prophecy of a person named near two hundred years before he was born, and those things punctually foretold of him which he should afterwards perform. The like we have (1 Kings 13:2), where the prophet declaims against the idolatrous altar an…

When and after what Manner particularly the Israelites ordinarily performed this explicit Covenanting, I do not know that we can be certain. But as it was first done on Occasion of God's first Promulgating his Law or Covenant at Mount Sinai, and was done again on Occasion of a R…

So the Church affirms; our fathers have sinned, and are not; and we have born their iniquities (Lamentations 5:11). And so it was: for in the Babylonish captivity God punished the sins of their fore-fathers, especially those committed in the days of Manasses (2 Kings 23:26, 27).…

David had many failings, and some that left an indelible brand upon him in the matter of Uriah, yet because of his sincerity, and habitual purpose, God says, He has kept all my commandments. So in Josiah (2 Kings 23:25): Like to him there was no king before him, that turned to t…

There is a Covenant made to keep all the Testimonies and Statutes of God, and the people are made to stand to it. From (2 Kings 23:8, 9) compared with (2 Chronicles 14:3, 5), (2 Chronicles 15:17), (2 Chronicles 33:17), it is evident there were in Judah two sorts of high places,…

In the new Testament also, though the punishing by death according to Moses' law of apostates be approved of, as in pages 52, 53 of this book I have shown, and several judicial laws for the substance ratified pages 56, 57, yet the formalities, accessories, with all particulariti…

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…

So the church affirms: "Our fathers sinned, and are no more; and we bear their iniquities" (Lamentations 5:7). And so it was — for in the Babylonian captivity God punished the sins of their forefathers, especially those committed in the days of Manasseh (2 Kings 23:26–27). As af…

So the servants of God do heartily desire and endeavor to obey God in all his commandments, as it is said of King Josiah, that he turned to God with all his heart, with all his soul, with all his might, according to all the laws of Moses, etc. Yet because they are clogged with t…

Indeed all sin in many things: but all sin not after the same manner. The righteous when they sin, are drawn into sin either through their own weakness, or through the violence of some temptation: they take not liberty wittingly and willingly to nourish any sin, or omit any duty…

Moses likewise took punishment with the sword, upon those, who did worship the golden calf; (Exodus 32:26, 27, 28). We have (2) the examples of Hezekiah (2 Kings 18:4), of Josiah (2 Kings 23), of Asa, who decreed that whoever would not seek the Lord God of Israel (according to t…

(6) Because, though the Israelites worshipped the true God, by an image (for Aaron built an altar, and made proclamation, and said, tomorrow is a feast to the Lord) yet are they accused of the sin of idolatry, and for that cause severely punished (Exodus 32:21, 27, 35). (7) Beca…

Is it the duty of the Civil Magistrate to take order that all blasphemies and heresies be suppressed, all the ordinances of God duly settled, administered, and observed, all abuses in worship and discipline reformed, and all idolaters, gainsayers, and other obstinate dissenters…

For they do not look upon the Word as their Rule, seeing (as they dream) they have a Light within them, beyond that more sure Word of Prophecy, which the Apostle Peter prefers to a voice from Heaven. Indeed, they have so little veneration for the Scriptures, that they will not s…

By what reasons are they confuted? (1) Because, under the Old Testament, Councils, and Synods were appointed and called by godly Kings (1 Kings 8:1; 2 Kings 23:1; 2 Chronicles 29:4). (2) Because, it is the duty of the civil magistrate being born within the church, to take care t…

To conclude therefore this point, though other judicial or forensical laws concerning the punishments of sins against the moral law, may, yes, must be allowed of in Christian republics and kingdoms; provided always, they be not contrary or contradictory to God's own judicial law…

He carried a curse along with him. 5. It is a wrath-procuring sin (2 Kings 24:4). (1.) It procures temporal judgments.

Though as to personal forgiveness, the Lord will pardon every repenting Sinner, yet not always as to National Forgiveness, so as to avert and turn away his righteous judgments. For Manasseh did repent and reform, Josiah comes and makes a thorough Reformation, but yet ruin and de…

These things fell out then a long time after the Prophet's death: and the holy history witnesses the same: as also that the princes determined to flee when this calamity happened: but neither their flight to Jerusalem, nor their running away from it did them any good at all, bec…

"Indocti;" — "quelques gens n'entendans pas le propos," — "some people not understanding the design." persons ventured to strike out the repetition of it as superfluous; which, he tells us, ought not to have been done, because Jehoiakim, the father of king Jehoiakim, had the nam…

(Micah 7:9) I will bear the indignation of the Lord because I have sinned. (2 Kings 24:20) For through the anger of the Lord it came to pass in Jerusalem and Judah, until he had cast them out from his presence, that Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon. It is not of wei…

Jerusalem was the most famous metropolis of the world: There was the temple (Psalm 122:4). Where the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord. Yet for their high places and images, their city was besieged and taken by the Chaldean forces (2 Kings 25:4). When images were set up in Co…

In our Courts we know what abundance of sin was there, now the Owls shall keep Court there instead of these Courtiers that lived so bravely there formerly. Oh my Brethren! sin is a leprosy that infects the doors of our houses: there's a notable story in 2 Kings 25:9. It said of…

They called on the name of Baal, saying, O Baal hear us, 1 Kings 18, 26, 27, 28. Many of these were slain by Elijah, and the whole Race of them afterwards extirpated by Jehu, 2 Kings 25, 26, 27, 28. This put an End to his Diety, for it is said, he destroyed Baal out of Israel; f…

In this sense is it used in that frequent expression, if I have found grace in your sight: that is, if I be freely and favorably accepted before you. So he gives grace, (that is, favor) to the humble (James 4:6; Genesis 39:21; chapter 41:37; Acts 7:10; 1 Samuel 2:26; 2 Kings 25:…

Thus God many ways manifesting his indignation against the Jews, they had just cause even with fasting to humble themselves all those times: and because they felt the smart of every one of those strokes all the time of the captivity, they continued (as there was just cause) thei…