2 Kings 20
DOYLYVer. 1. Manasseh was twelve years old] As Manasseh was only a minor of twelve years old when he came to the throne, it was probably his misfortune to fall into the hands of guardians and ministers who were ill affected to his father’s reformation, and took care to breed him up in the worst principles, as to religion and government. Dean Prideaux.
2 Kings 20:3
- For he built up again the high places] How dreadful are the outrages of this wicked son of Hezekiah! What havock does he make in the church of God! as if he had been born to ruin religion; as if his only happiness had been to tear in one day that holy web which his faof the LORD, of which the LORD said, d In Jerusalem will I put my name.
2 Kings 20:4
- — in the house of the Lord,] In the very sanctuary itself; for the two courts of the Lord’s house are mentioned in the next verse.
2 Kings 20:9
- — to do more evil than did the nations] Thus under Manasseh the wickedness of the Israelites grew to such a height, that it exceeded all that had been done by the Canaanites, whom God expelled to make room for these very Israelites. Bp. Patrick.
2 Kings 20:10
- — by his servants the prophets,] The prophets who are supposed to have been living in this king’s reign, are Hosea, Joel, Nahum, Habbakuk, and some say Obadiah; and, who was the greatest of all, Isaiah. Stackhouse. It is an ancient tradition among the Jews, that the last of these Prophets suffered martyrdom under this prince, by being cruelly sawn asunder: and, whereas St. Paul in his Epistle to the Hebrews, chap. xi. 37, reckons among the torments undergone by the Prophets of old times, that of being sawn asunder, it has been generally thought that he alludes to the death of Isaiah. Dean Prideaux. Before CHRIST about 600. a 2 Ss. 7. 12. e 1 Kings 8. 29. & 9. 2. chap. 23. 27.
2 Kings 20:11
- — ten degrees backward.] Ten measures of some size; hours or half hours, or, as some have thought, quarters of an hour. Bp. Patrick. We cannot be certain what portion of time is meant by these degrees; for the division of the day into hours seems not to have been so ancient. Lowth. It is as impossible to explain this miracle on any known principles of astronomy and natural philosophy, as the standing still of the sun and moon in Joshua’s time. Dr. Hales. See notes on Josh. x. 12.
— in the dial of Ahas.] Probably a dial in Jerusalem, then well known, which was called by the name of Ahas. Bp. Hall. It has been the subject of much debate of what nature this sundial of Ahas was, and how far the knowledge of astronomy then subsisting could have led to the construction of a regular sundial. The word in Hebrew signifies properly steps or stairs; and many have supposed that it was a kind of ascent to the gate of the palace, marked at proper distances with figures, shewing the division of the day, rather than a regular piece of dial work. Unio. Hist.
2 Kings 20:12
- — sent letters and a present.] This message seems to have been sent principally for two reasons: first, to enquire about the miracle of the sun’s shadow going backward on the dial; for the Chaldeans, being above all other nations given to the study of astronomy, were naturally very curious in their inquiries into such matters: and, second, to enter into an alliance with him against Sennacherib, whose growing power was feared with good reason by the Babylonians, as well as the Jews. It appears to have been for the purpose of making him set the greater value on his alliance, that Hezekiah shewed those ambassadors all the riches of his house, his treasury, armour, and stores for war. Dean Prideaux.
— had heard that Hezekiah had been sick.] And most probably of the manner of his recovery, and of the miracle wrought for the confirmation of it. Bp. Wilson.
2 Kings 20:15
- — there is nothing among my treasures.] This he
phet unto king Hezekiah, and said unto him, What said these men? and from whence came they unto thee? And Hezekiah said, They are come from a far country, even from Babylon.
2 Kings 20:17
- Behold the days come, &c.] As Hezekiah, by this display of his wealth, shewed much vanity and pride of mind, God sends him this rebuking message, and at the same time a prophecy of what the Babylonians would afterwards do to his family, in order to the humbling of that pride with which he was then elated. Dean Prideaux.
2 Kings 20:18
- — they shall be eunuchs &c.] They shall wait upon the king of Babylon as his servants. This was partly fulfilled in the instance of Daniel and his companions, Dan. i. 1. Bp. Patrick.
2 Kings 20:19
- — Good is the word of the Lord] Hezekiah received this prediction with great humility and religious composure of mind; acknowledging the justice of the Divine judgment on so sinful a nation, and owning he had reason to be thankful that it was not inflicted in his own time, and that he was favoured with the privilege of living and dying in peace. Pyle. His acknowledges that he had well deserved a speedy judgment on himself, in his own person, although God in His mercy had not proceeded thus far against him, but, notwithstanding his offence, had promised him peace during his whole life, and a continuance of His wonted grace. This rod was smart, yet good Hezekiah kisses it. His own conscience struck him no less than the mouth of the Prophet: meekly therefore does he yield to the Divine correction. He says to the Prophet, “Good is the word of the Lord which thou hast spoken.” Thou hast
Before CHRIST 713. d Chap. 24. 13. 8. 23. 13. Jer. 27. 18. Manasseh’s wicked reign and great idolatry. Before CHRIST 712. there not be peace and truth, &c. about 710. thou hast spoken. And he said, || Is it not good, if peace and truth be in my days?