2 Chronicles 32

heathen.] A most prodigious and unhappy change is this, from the height of piety in the father’s time, to the worst and most degrading impiety. Bp. Patrick.

2 Chronicles 32:11

11. Wherefore the LORD brought upon them] These remarkable circumstances in the life of Manasseh were not mentioned in the book of Kings. In what year of his reign his captivity took place, and what were the circumstances and duration of it, is not related. Thus much we find here recorded, that his adversity opened his eyes to his miscarriages and impieties, and in the bitterness of his soul he sent up so many deep sighs and earnest prayers to heaven, that he at length obtained his pardon, and a happy deliverance out of captivity. After this, (see ver. 12, &c.) from the greatest sinner he became the greatest penitent; and from the bloodiest tyrant, one of the best of monarchs; so that, after his return, he bestowed his whole time and application in repairing the damages which his impiety had caused, Before CHRIST 806. d Deut. 12. 11.

2 Chronicles 32:17

17. He wrote also letters] One of these is detailed at 2 Kings xix. 9—14.

2 Chronicles 32:21

21. — the Lord sent an angel.] See note at 2 Kings xix. 35.

2 Chronicles 32:25

25. But Hezekiah rendered not again &c.] Hezekiah, though relieved from his dangerous sickness in a very extraordinary manner, and with miraculous evidences of the hand of God in his behalf, was not so humble, or so grateful for the Divine mercies as he ought to have been; but imprudently boasted of his wealth, and prided himself in the compliments of the king of Babylon. Being however made sensible of the evil consequences of his folly by a severe reproof from the Prophet, he repented heartily of it, and died in peace.

VOL. I.

2 Chronicles 32:30

30. — stopped the upper watercourse of Gihon.] The sacred writer perhaps speaks here of the same circumstance which had been mentioned at ver. 4; which, being a work of great labour and art, he thinks fit again to notice among Hezekiah’s memorable works. It is not known whether Gihon was a hill, or a fountain, the head of a stream. Some think it was the name, not only of a fountain, but also of an adjoining hill; the situation of

2 Chronicles 32:31

31. Howbeit in the business &c.] Which is mentioned at large, 2 Kings xx. 12; Is. xxxix. 1. — God left him, to try him, &c.] God left him wholly to the inclinations of his own heart, that he might have a trial of its corruption when left to itself, that so he might be led to entertain a humble opinion of his own piety, and to behave himself in a lowly and thankful manner towards God, for all the good he was enabled to do. Dr. Wells. In this circumstance of his life was the most remarkable instance of Hezekiah’s miscarriage; a case which tried his heart to the bottom, and may well serve to shew us how apt the greatest men are to be dazzled by temporal grandeur, without the utmost care and watchfulness over themselves. Pyle. — to try him.] That is, to shew him to himself, that he might see his own weakness, and be more humbled. Bp. Wilson. and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served them.