The sins — The worship of the calves: which all the kings of Israel kept up as a wall of partition between their subjects and those of Judah. So that altho' he had a little religion, yet he had not enough to over — rule this policy.... [ Continue Reading ]
A sheep — master — A man of great wealth (which in those times and places consisted much in cattle) which enabled and emboldened him to rebel against his sovereign.... [ Continue Reading ]
He said — He joins with him in this war; because the war was just in itself, and convenient for Jehoshaphat, both in the general, that revolters should be chastised: lest the examples should pass into his dominions, and the Edomites be encouraged to revolt from him, as they did from his son; and in... [ Continue Reading ]
King of Edom — That is, the vice — roy under Jehosaphat, 1 Kings 22:47, here called king: because that word is sometimes used for any prince or chief ruler. Seven days — Because they made a great army, which could move but slowly; and they fetched a greater compass than was usual, for some advantage... [ Continue Reading ]
Is there not, &c. — This he should have asked before, when they first undertook the expedition, as he did in a like case, 1 Kings 22:5, and for that neglect he now suffers; but better late than never: his affliction brings him to the remembrance of his former sin, and present duty. Poured water — Wh... [ Continue Reading ]
The word, &c. — He is a true prophet. Which Jehoshaphat might easily understand, because being a good man, many would be ready to inform him of. Went — To his tent; which was either in the camp, or not far from it: they did not send for him, but went to him, that by giving him this honour, they migh... [ Continue Reading ]
What have I, &c. — I desire to have no discourse with thee. Get thee — To the calves, which thou after thy father's example dost worship; and to the Baals which thy mother yet worshippeth by thy permission; let these idols whom thou worshippest in thy prosperity, now help thee in thy distress.... [ Continue Reading ]
Jehoshaphat — Whom I reverence and love for his piety. It is good being with those who have God's favour, and the love of his people. Wicked men often fare the better, for the friendship and society of good men.... [ Continue Reading ]
Minstrel — One that can sing and play upon a musical instrument. This he requires, that his mind which had been disturbed at the sight of wicked Jehoram, might be composed, and that he might be excited to more fervent prayer whereby he was prepared to receive the prophetic inspiration. Those that de... [ Continue Reading ]
Ye shall smite — And if this command seem severe, it must be considered, that the Moabites were a very wicked people, perfidious, cruel, implacable enemies to God's people upon all occasions, and now in a state of rebellion.... [ Continue Reading ]
The meal — offering — That is, the morning sacrifice: which doubtless was attended with the solemn prayers of God's people. At this time Elisha joined his prayers with the prayers of God's people, especially those at Jerusalem. And this time God chose to answer their prayers, and to work this miracl... [ Continue Reading ]
The border — Of their country, to defend the passage.... [ Continue Reading ]
Kir — haraseth — This was the royal city of the Moabites, into which the remnant of the Moabites were gathered, where also their king was with them. The stones — The walls and buildings of this city only were left; their whole country being destroyed. The slingers — Such as slung great stones agains... [ Continue Reading ]
To break thro' — That he might make an escape: which he chose to do on the king of Edom's quarter; because he thought his was the weakest side.... [ Continue Reading ]
His son — Or rather, his own son: whom he sacrificed; partly, to obtain the favour of his god, according to the manner of the Phoenicians and other people in publick calamities; and partly, to oblige the Israelites to quit the siege out of compassion; or, as despairing to conquer (at least without g... [ Continue Reading ]