2 Kings 14

6 shall not be put to death. As would have been done according to the general practice of the surrounding nations.

7 the valley of salt. See note on 2 Sam. viii. 13. Selah. Better known by its Greek name, Petra, which was then the metropolis of Edom or Mount Seir. “Selah,” which, like Petra, signifies a rock, became afterwards the capital of Arabia Petraea. The houses were mostly excavations in the rock; and hence the name of the city. It is called “the strong city” (Psa. cviii. 10). See also Jer. xlix. 16; Ezek. xxxv. 7; Obad. 3. Its very remarkable ruins are still to be seen in a valley near Mount Hor, called Wady Mousa, or the Valley of Moses. See Professor Hull’s Mount Seir, Sinai and Western Palestine (1889).

Joktheel. Which means, “subdued by God.” This name was retained as long as the place remained under the dominion of the kings of Judah.

8 saying. Come, etc. Amaziah’s challenge appears to have been prompted partly by revenge for the outrages committed by the Israelitish soldiers whom he had dismissed (see 2 Chron. xxv. 13), and partly by the elation consequent upon his victory over Edom; and he was given up to his pride and folly as a punishment for his idolatry: see 2 Chron. xxv. 14-20.

14 hostages. Probably as pledges of Amaziah’s good conduct, instead of retaining him prisoner. This is the only instance of hostages in Scripture, but the practice was in use among the Persians, Greeks, and Romans.

21. Azariah. Often called Uzziah (xv. 13, etc., and Chron.). The two names, though derived from different words, are nearly synonymous; Uzziah referring to the strength, and Azariah to the help of Jahveh.

22 built. “Rebuilt.” See 1 Kings ix. 26. 23 Jeroboam. The reign of Jeroboam II. was the longest, and outwardly the most prosperous, of any of the kings of Israel, for he regained possession of the land on the north and east (25), and made the Syrians tributary (28). Before its close, the prophets HOSEA and AMOS were sent to the people of Israel (see Hos. i. 1; Amos i. 1; vii. 10), reproving them for their sins, especially their idolatry, warning them against relying upon foreign help, and foretelling captivity under the Assyrians, if they persisted in their wickedness; yet inviting them to repentance by offers of mercy.

24 who made, etc. Rather, as R.V., “wherewith he made.” So xv. 9, etc.

25. Hamath. On the Orontes. It had belonged to Israel in the time of David and Solomon.

the Sea of the Plain. “Of the Arabah” (R.V.); the Dead Sea.

the Lord God of Israel. More literally, “the Eternal, the God of Israel,” as elsewhere.

Jonah. Evidently that prophet, the account of whose mission to Nineveh has come down to us. His errand to the Assyrians manifests the same Divine forbearance which is here shown towards the Israelites.

Gath-hepher. Near Nazareth, probably at the place now called El-Meshad.