2 Kings 11

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XI.—Mad ambition to reign steels the heart against the most natural affections: and men would be devils incarnate, were it not for the restraining grace of God. Even women would do every thing horrid to secure their unlawful power, or wreak their malice against God and his favourites. What terrible bloodshed and ruin to a family, does the introduction of one wicked woman produce! [Comp. 2 Chron. xxi. 4. and xxii. 1. 2 Kings x. 14. and xi. 1.] But, however sinners triumph in their wickedness, their judgment lingers not; and believers shall be plucked as brands out of the burning. The promise of God shall be fulfilled, let Satan and his agents do their worst; and all the activity of sinners shall but hasten their own ruin. God shall hunt out the remains of accurred families, till they be utterly destroyed: and neither wicked calumnies nor loud cries shall avail them. But what a blessing is one great man to a church or nation, when he is active, prudent, and pious! They, who first give themselves to the Lord, may comfortably hope for his blessing upon their undertakings: and civil establishments are best founded in a due care of true religion. That kingdom will be truly happy where God’s word is made the rule of the monarch’s government, and of the people’s obedience: and, when religion comes in fashion, every man will appear zealous; and religion, liberty, and order, will support one another