2 Kings 21

Chap. XXI. Ver. 1—26. The wicked reigns of Manasseh and his son Amon.—It may be worth remarking, that, while the kings of Israel were, for several generations, almost uniformly bad, those of Judah were very frequently reversed. Thus wicked Ahaz was succeeded by good Hezekiah, good Hezekiah by wicked Manasseh and his son Amon. These by the excellent Josiah, and he again by the foolish Jehoiachin, who was carried captive into Babylon. Manasseh, the prince now before us, was born three years after his father’s life had been extended; and as we read of no other son of Hezekiah, it is highly probable that he was a darling child, and indulged to a great excess: now children excessively indulged are uniformly spoiled, and seldom come to any good.

He must,

Notes on the verses

Chap. XXI. Ver. 7. A graven image of the grove.—That is, no doubt, the image of Astarte, or the Asiatic Venus; but we have before ventured to suggest, that this image was worshipped in a grove; see note on (1 Kings 15:13). Pr. Clarke, however, who herein follows the learned Se:den, contends, that the word Asherah generally means an image only, thinking that there could be no grove of trees in the eye of the Lord. But of this we are not certain, as there is an express precept to forbid it, (Deuteronomy 16:21); and Moses, in another place, clearly distinguishes groves from graven images, (Deuteronomy 12:3). It is not impossible, therefore, considering the character of these idolaters, that a grove, as well as images was planted there in direct opposition to the divine command: and it appears that this image of Astarte was seldom or never to be seen, but in a grove.

Ver. 10. By his prophets.—Those who lived about this period were Joel, Nahum, Habakkuk, and Isaiah.

Ver. 13. The line of Samaria, &c.—This metaphor is taken from the custom of using a line in measuring land, and in dividing portions of it among several persons. Samaria was taken, pillaged, and ruined, and its inhabitants carried into captivity; Jerusalem shall have the same measure.—Bagster.—Wiping and turning it.—See Margin. The meaning is, that Judah shall be completely emptied, both of its treasures and inhabitants.

Ver. 17. In the book of the Chronicles—(2 Chronicles 33)What we have said relative to his repentance is taken from that chapter, ver. 12—19.