We have here Solomon appearing in greater glory on his knees before the altar, than when feared on his ivory throne, and crowned with gold. Having confessed the people with his benediction, he lifts up his heart and hands to God in prayer, that this houle, so gloriously opened, might be for ever diffusing with God's pretence, grace, and merciful regard to those who there should pour out their supplications. 1. Solomon himself began the fervor, and shewed the people the way to the throne of grace, where, on their behalf, he is intercessor for the feasting a blessed intercourse between God and them. He did not think himself too great to how before his Lord, nor was at a loss how to address him; but before the altar, as depending on the blood shed there for the success of his petitions, he spread abroad his hands to heaven, and bent the supplant knee. Note, (1.) Let great men imitate to noble a pattern, nor think it unbecoming them to pray with their housholds; and if their hearts be right as Solomon's with God, though they possess not his wisdom or gifts, they shall not want that spirit of prayer and supplication which will help their infirmities, and reach them how and what to pray for as they ought. (2.) Every prayer which would find acceptance with God, must be preferred through the blood and intercession of Jesus. (3.) Everyone in prayer, whether in word or gesture, may provoke the censure of the careless or the lukewarm; but God will not deplete the hands lifted up to heaven. 2. The prayer of Solomon: [1.] He opens, with ascribing to God the glory due unto his name, acknowledges his transcendent greatness, and his faithfulness in his promises to those who walk before him in simplicity and truth. Note, (1.) To praise God for such mercies, is not only the tribute we owe him, but a comfortable encouragement to our own faith. (2.) They who desire to serve God from their hearts, will find his ears ever open to their prayers. [2.] He supplicates for himself and people the fulfilment of God's promises, with admiration and astonishment at the considerations of God, who, though the heaven, and the heaven of heaven cannot contain him, vouchsafes to visit this inful earth, and to dwell with worms of the dust, v. 27, he prays, that according to the promise made to David, his feet might never fail, or his throne be removed; that God would ever regard this temple, where he had so gloriously manifested his pretence; and that his prayers, and the prayers of the people there pretenced unto him, or offered with their faces turned thitherward, might ever meet an answer of peace. Note, (1.) The word of promise is the ground of prayer. (2.) God shall be considered to dwell on earth, not indeed in temples made with hands, but in the more glorious temple of the believer's heart. (3.) Every accepted prayer must be through him whom the temple be procured, even Jesus Christ, and which the eye of faith is turned to him, we may be assured God will hear and answer us. (4.) Forgiveness of sin is the constant prayer of the enlightened mind, and among the most invaluable blessings it seeks from God. [3.] He instances a variety of circumstances, in which he begs, that God on their humble application would regard them. (1.) In case of an oath in any contested matter, that he would appear for the vindication of the righteous, and the condemnation of the perjured. Note, God is an avenging God, and will not at his tribunal suffer falsehood and wrong to pass with impunity. (2.) In case of national calamities, occasioned by their sins, whether the sword of their enemies, drought, famine, pestilence, or any other plague, on their repentance and return to God, he believes they may be again restored to his favour, delivered from the evil, and inflicted and led in the way of peace. Note, (1.) Sin is the cause of every calamity. (2.) There is no hope of deliverance from suffering, without repentance for sin. (3.) They who through Jesus Christ return humbly to God, he will return to them in mercy. (4.) Thirteenth God teach and uphold us, our repentance would be God, and our relapse sudden. (3.) When a man convinced of the plague of his own heart, v. 38, his natural corruption, or believing sin, in shame and confusion of face, applies for pardon and healing; he begs the Lord, who knoweth the heart, would hear and forgive, and by such goodness engage the sin- ner to love and fear him for ever, v. 40. Note, (1.) Of all plagues, heart-plagues are the world. (2.) No man who truly knows his own heart but must go on, being burdened, and cry, O wretched man that I am. (3.) God trieth our heart, and seeth much more evil in us, than ever we beheld in ourselves. (4.) Nothing engages a sinner's soul towards God, so much as a sense of his pardoning grace. (4.) If a stranger, engaged by the same of Israel's God, joined in supplication before him, Solomon intrasters he may speed alike with the true Israelites themselves, that God may be glorified even among the most different nations, who should be thus convinced of his grace and power, and that none fought his face in vain. (5.) When they went to battle, and in prayer lifted up their hearts to God, and their eyes to his sanctuary, he intrasters they may succeed, and that God would crown them with victory. Note, They who put their life in their hand, have especially need to seek God's care and protection over them. (6.) In the time of their captivity, which their impulses might bring upon them, and when God in anger should sell them into their enemies hands, he intrasters they may not utterly be cast off; but on their penitentiary return, and their prayer towards his holy temple, that he would forgive them, incline their enemies to pity them, and restore them to their desolate heritage. Note, (1.) When our troubles drive us to our knees, they answer the end for which God sends them. (2.) God hath in his hands the hearts of all men, and can turn our bitterest enemies into friends. (3.) He concludes with a general regard in favour of the people, that whatever they should ask of God might be ground them; and pleads, as an argument, the peculiar and endeared relation in which they stood, as separated from all nations, to be a peculiar people, and for whom God had already shewn such wonders of providence and grace. Note, (1.) Our relation to God, as our covenant God, is a prevailing ground of prayer. (2.) Whatever we ask in the name of Jesus, believing, we are sure to receive. 54. And it was so, that when Solomon had made an end of praying all this prayer and supplication unto the LORD, he arose from before the altar of the LORD, from kneeling on his knees, with his hands spread up to heaven. 55. And he stood and blessed all the congregation of Israel, with a loud voice, saying, 56. Blessed be the LORD, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant. 57. The LORD our God be with us, as he was with our fathers: let him not leave us, nor forsake us: 58. That he may incline our hearts unto him, to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and his statutes, and his judgments, which he commanded our fathers. 59. And let these my words wherewith I have made supplication before the LORD, be nigh unto the LORD our God day and night, that he maintain the cause of his servant, and the cause of his people Israel at all times, as the matter shall require: 60. That all the people of the earth may know that the LORD is God, and that there is none else. 61. Let your heart therebe be perfect with the LORD our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his commandments, as at this day. As all the vessels for the court were of the heart brats, all the vessels within the temple were of purest gold. Note, Though all christians are alike consecrated to God, none are more excellent than others, and more highly distinguished. 1. The vessels of the tabernacle, except the ark, mercy-seat, and cherubims, were either new made, or the old new cast, and unattitudes added to them. As the temple was larger it needed more light, and ten candlesticks are made, perhaps beside that grand one which consisted of the seven branches. Ten tables of gold also were placed in the holy place, beside the table of shew bread; and his supposed they stood opposite to the golden candlesticks, ranged on the other side of the house. The bowls, shuffers, and every vessel, were of pure gold, and the Vols. L. very hinges of the same precious materials. Note, When God's glory requires it, we cannot be too liberal. 2. The dedicated things of David were placed in the treasury of the temple, for its future repairs or exigencies; Solomon dared not, like many, farciting—only alternate to his own use what was designed for the service of the sanctuary. CHAP. VIII. The building and furniture of the temple were very glorious, but the dedication of it exceeds in glory. 1. The ark introduced into the temple, vers. 1-9. 2. The glory of God fills the body, vers. 10, 11. 3. Solomon's speech to the assembly of Israel, vers. 12-21. 4. His prayer to God, vers. 22-53. 5. His parting benefice-tion, vers. 54-61. 6. The sacrifices he offered, and the feast he held, vers. 62-60. 1. THEN 'Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the chief of the fathers of the children of Israel, unto king Solomon, in Jerusalem, that they might bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD, 'out of the city of David, which is a Zion. 2. And all the men of Israel assembled them, selves unto king Solomon, 'at the feast in the month Ethanim, which is the seventh month. 3. And all the elders of Israel came, and the priests took up the ark. 4. And they brought up the ark of the LORD, and the tabernacle of the congregation, and all the holy vessels that were in the tabernacle, 'even those did the priests and the Levites bring up. 5. And king Solomon, and all the congregation of Israel, that were assembled unto him, were with him before the ark, 'fscrising sheep and oxen, 'that could not be told nor numbered for multitude. 6. And the priests brought in the ark of the covenant of the LORD 'unto his place, into the oracle of the house to the most holy place, were under the wings of the cherubims. 7. For the cherubims spread forth their two wings over the place of the ark, and the cherubims covered the ark, and the slaves thereof above. 8. And they drew out the slaves, that the ends of the slaves were seen out in the holy place before the oracle, and they were not seen without: and there they are unto this day. 9. There was nothing in the ark save the two tables of stone, which Moses put there at Horeh, when the LORD made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of the land of Egypt. 10. And it came to pass when the priests were come out of the holy place, that the cloud filled the house of the LORD, 11. So that the priests could not stand to minister, because of the cloud: 'for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of the LORD. Having finished his prayer, he arose from his knees, and dismissed the people with a gracious benediction: magnifying God for the rest and peace they enjoyed, and the full accomplishment of all his promises, v. 56, earnestly willing his blessing might be ever with them, as with their fathers, v. 57, especially that his grace might incline their hearts to serve him, which could not fail to secure the continuance of his regard, v. 58, and that a continued answer to his prayer, v. 59, might be vouchsafed to them; to the end, that all the earth might, from these instances of his power and love to his people, be brought to acknowledge the glory of Israel's God, v. 60, and then concludes with a solemn charge to be faithful to the Lord, who would never fail them, if they forsook not him. Note, (1.) We ought to praise God for the rest we enjoy, spiritual or temporal; and especially for the eternal rest the word of promise hath secured to us. (2.) God's pretence with us is the greatest blessing we can enjoy in this world, and the earnest of our inheritance in a better. (3.) When his rich grace (sevenly) influences and inclines our hearts, then and only then shall we be enabled to run the way of God's commandments. (4.) Whilst Jesus our high-priest is our advocate, we cannot fail of the Divine benediction. (5.) Though our liberation is secured to us, not by any strength of our own, but by the unchangeable counsel and free grace of God; yet death not that, as many think, loosen the bond of obedience, but encourage to fidelity, from the confederacy of Divine love, and the confidence and support in every time of need. 62. ¶ And 1 Chap. IX. Before Christ 1003. • 3 Chron. vol. 1. • Mar. vi. 7. • Lev. xxiii. 34. • Phil. xvii. 1, 3, 8. 1, 1, 1, 1, 6. 62. ¶ And the king, and all Israel with him, 'offered sacrifice before the LORD. 63. And Solomon offered a sacrifice of peace-offerings, which he offered unto the LORD, 'two and twenty thousand oxen, and an hundred and twenty thousand sheep: to the king and all the children of Israel, dedicated the house of the LORD. 64. The same day did the king hallow the middle of the court that was before the house of the LORD: for there he offered burnt-offerings, and meat-offerings, and the fat of the peace-offerings: because the brazen altar that was before the LORD, was too little to receive the burnt-offerings, and meat-offerings, and the fat of the peace-offerings. 65. And at that time Solomon held 'a fealt, and all Israel with him, a great congregation, from the entring in of Hamath, unto the river of Egypt, before the LORD our God, seven days and seven day, even fourteen days. 66. On the eighth day he sent the people away: and they blessed the king, and went unto their tents joyful and glad of heart, for all the goodness that the LORD had done for David his servant, and for Israel his people. They who meet to pray before the Lord, shall rejoice in their labour. 1. Vail sacrifices are offered, on which the congregation, v. 65, sailed during fourteen days; and the brazen altar not being sufficient to consume what was devoted to the fire, the middle of the court was extraordinarily consecrated to the service. As the day of atonement must have intervened on the 10th day of the month, though it was a day to afflict their souls, it might be numbered among their joyous days. The tears of godly sorrow, are the fiercest fealt for the soul. 2. On the eighth day, when the fealt of tabernacles ended, after the former seven days of the fealt of dedication, the people returned happy in the service, blessing the king, praying for the continuance and increase of his prosperity and greatness; and thanking him for their noble entertainment, and God for all the great kindness shewn to David, in giving him such a son, and them such a monarch. Nate, (1.) When we return from God's ordinances, it becomes us to rejoice in the God of our salvation. (2.) A good king is the joy of his subjects. (3.) When we shall return to our eternal home, then shall our joy never end; and Jesus, our king, be the subject of our everlasting praises. CHAP. IX. In this chapter we have, 1. The answer which God in a vision grew to Solomon's prayer, ver. 1—9. 2. The interchanging of graceful kindness between Solomon and Hiram, ver. 10—14. 3. His user-men and buildings, ver. 15—24. 4. His devotion, ver. 25. 5. His trading navy, ver. 26—28. † Or had opposed in 3 Chron. vol. 1, 1, 11. • Chap. id. • Phil. 4, 17. • Lev. 1. • Dec. 11, 13. • Devel. 11, 12. Chap. vol. 10. • Phil. 10, 2. • 1 Sam. vii. 11, 6a. • 1 Sam. vii. 11. Phil. Isaac. 30. • 1 Kings rev. 10. • Phil. rev. 9. Jer. vii. 11. • Devel. 1, 1, 1, 1. • Devel. 37. • 1 Lons. ii. 11. • Devel. 1, 1, 1, 1. • Devel. 11, 1, 1, 1. • Jer. vol. 15. • Jer. 6, 12. 1. AND it came to pass when Solomon had finished the building of the house of the LORD, and the king's house, and all Solomon's desire which he was pleased to do. 2. That the LORD appeared to Solomon 'the second time,' as he had appeared unto him at Gibbon. 3. And the LORD said unto him, 'I have heard thy prayer and thy longf奖励 that thou had made before me: I have hallowed this house which thou hast built, to put my name there for ever, and 'mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually. 4. And if thou wilt walk before me as David thy father walked, 'in integrity of heart and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded thee, and wilt keep my statutes and my judgments: 5. Then I will establish the throne of thy kingdom upon Israel for ever: 'as I promised to David thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man upon the throne of Israel. 6. But if you shall at all turn from following me, you or your children, and will not keep my commandments, and my statutes, which I have set before you, but go and serve other gods, and worship them: 7. Then will I cut off Israel out of the land which I have given them; and this house which I have hallowed for my name, will I cast out of my sight, and 'Israel shall be a proverb, and a by-word among all people: 8. And at this house which is high, every one that passed by it shall be astonished, and 'shall his; and they shall say, 'Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and to this house? 9. And they shall answer, 'Because they foresee the LORD their God, who brought forth their fathers out of the land of Egypt, and have taken hold upon other gods, and have worshipped them, and served them: therefore hath the LORD brought upon them all this evil. We have here, 1. 'John anointed king, and commissioned to destroy the house of Ahab, vers. 1—10. 2. His communicating is to his captain, vers. 11—15. 3. His march to Jezreel, vers. 16—20. 4. 'Joram king of Israel sailed by him, vers. 20—26. 5. Ahaziah king of Judah wounded and died, vers. 27—29. 6. Jezreel's death, vers. 30—37. 1. AND Elisha the prophet called one of the children of the prophets, and said unto him, 'Girl up thy loins, and take this box of oil in thine hand, and go to Ramoth-gilead. 2. And when thou comest thither, look out there Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat, the son of Ninshu, and go in, and make him arise up from among his brethren, and carry him to an inner chamber. 3. Then take the box of oil, and pour it on his head, and say, Thus saith the LORD, I have anointed thee king over Israel: then open the door, and flee, and tarry not. 4. ¶ So the young man, even the young man the prophet, went to Ramoth-gilead. 5. And when he came, behold, the captains of the land were fleeing; and he said, I have an errand to thee, O captain. And Jeho said, Unto which of all us? And he said, To thee, O captain. 6. And he arose, and went into the house, and he poured the oil on his head, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I have anointed thee king over the people of the LORD, even over Israel. 7. And thou shalt smit the house of Ahab thy mother, that I may avenge the blood of my servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of the LORD, at the hand of Jezebel. 8. For the whole house of Ahab shall perish, and I will cut off from Ahab him that pitfeth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel. 9. And I will make the house of Ahab like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and like the house of Basha the son of Ahijah. 10. And the dogs shall eat Jezebel in the portion of Jezreel, and there shall be none to bury her. And he opened the door, and fled. Elisha, according to the command of Elisha, who had delegated to him this office, had before appointed Hazael to the throne of Syria, and now sends one to anoint Jehu to the throne of Israel. 1. He calls one of the young prophets to him, and giving him a box of oil, directly him to go to Ramoth-gilead, where Jehu probably commanded, and calling him aside into an inner chamber, for secrecy and security, left the other captains should discover the design, and it might endanger him, anoint him in God's name king of Israel, and give him the charge, v. 7—10. 5 M then II. RYNGS. Before Christ than the immediately. Nate, (1.) When we are employed in God's work, seal and diligence are necessary. (2.) We must not expose ourselves to needless danger; whilst in the way of duty we should be ever fearless. (3.) They who are sent of God, must be faithful in delivering their message as they have received it of the Lord, whether it be good or bad. 2. The commission is executed with all dispatch and fidelity. He comes to Ramesh-gilead, goes to the place where they were assembled, either at an entertainment, or in council; addresses himself to Jehu, and on repeating it, at his position, that his business was with him, Jehu takes the prophet afide. Hereupon he invites him with the regal power over God's people, and I therefore him to execute God's utter vengeance in the occupation of the house of Ahab, the measure of whole iniquities the kind of God's prophets had filled up. His business finished, he infatuely departed, to acquaint Elisha with what he had done. Nate, (1.) Though God's people are unfaithful, he does not utterly call them off, but still sometimes his constant relation to them. (2.) They who rule, must remember whence all power is derived, and he humble; and for what end it is given, that they may employ it to God's glory. (3.) Perfections of God's people are among the most heinous offenders: against all such his love is bent, and his arrows ready on the firing. (4.) They who persist in impenitence, will be roosted out at the fall. 11. ¶ Then Jehu came forth to the servants of his lord, and our said unto him, Is all well? wherefore came "this mad fellow to thee? And he said unto them, Ye know the man and his communication. 12. And they said, Is it false, tell us now. And he said, Thus and thus tjuke he to me, saying, Thus faith the LORD, I have anointed thee king over Israel. 13. Then they haffed, and took every man his garments, and put it under him on the top of the flairs, and blew with trumpets, saying, Jehu is king. 14. So Jehu the son of Jehoftaphat the son of Nimsha confused against Joram: (Now Joram had kept Ramesh-gilead, he and all Israel, because of Hazael king of Syria.) 15. But king Joram was returned to be healed in Jezreel, of the wounds which the Syrians had given him, when he fought with Hazael king of Syria.) And Jehu said, If it be your minds, then let none go forth our escape out of the city, to go to tell it in Jezreel. 9. 11—15. Jehu returned, no doubt, with concern upon his countenance, resolving to wait till a favourable opportunity offered, and this was quickly given him. 1. The captains enquire of him what message this mad fellow brought; so did these great men regard the holy prophets of God, whose lives of self-denial and deadness to the world, appeared to them real madness. Jehu believes it felt, and would put them off with an earlier answer, as if they might easily goeth what message such a kind of man brought, some religious reproof, or warning, no doubt. But they respected them was more in the matter than he spoke, as perhaps the confusion and thought in which he appeared, indicated. At last, when he saw them eager to know, he told them plainly, and refused immediately to try, trusting on the Divine promise, what effect it would produce. Nate, (1.) It is not the last time God's zealous servants have been called madmen. Thus Paul was branded, and even the blessed Jehu; let none of his followers therefore marvel, if a carnal world still thus judge of them. (2.) If worldly men expect from God's prophets reproof and religious conversation, let them not be disappointed by an endeavour to secure their regard at the expense of silence, or any failed compliance with them. 2. They no sooner hear, than with unanimous voice they salute him king, God so inclining their hearts; and in public, setting him on an eminent fear, with carpets to superbly spread under him, they blew with trumpets, and tender him their allegiance. Jehu resolves, with their advice, to prevent intelligence being carried to Joram, and influency to surprise him in Jezreel, unprepared to make any resistance. Nate, (1.) Wicked kings are on a tottering throne. A spark will easily kindle general discontent into a flame. (2.) A terrible destruction hangs over the fittest's head; and death, whenever it comes, will surprise him unprepared. 16. So Jehu rode in a chariot, and went to Jezreel, (for Joram lay there) and Ahaziah king of Judah was come down to see Joram. 17. And there stood a watchman on the tower in Jezreel, and he spied the company of Jehu as he came, and he said, I see a company. And Joram said, Take an horseman, and send to meet them, and let him say, Is it peace? 18. So there went one on horseback to meet him, and said, Thus faith the king, Is it peace? And Jehu said, What hast thou to do with peace? turn thee behind me. And the watchman told, saying, The messenger came to them, but he cometh not again. 19. Then he sent out a second on horseback, which came to them, and said, Thus faith the king, Is it peace? And Jehu answered, What hast thou to do with peace? turn thee behind me. 20. And the watchman told, saying, He came even unto them, and cometh not again: and the driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimsha; for he driveeth furiously. 21. And Joram said, Make ready. And his chariot was made ready. And Joram king of Israel, and Ahaziah king of Judah went out, each in his chariot, and they went out against Jehu, and met him in the portion of Naboth the Jezreelite. 22. And it came to pain when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, Is it peace, Jehu? And he answered, 'What peace, so long as the whoredoms of thy mother Jezebel, and her witchcrafts are so many? 23. And Joram turned his hands, and fled, and said to Ahaziah, There is treachery, O Ahaziah. 24. And Jehu § drew a bow with his full thought, and fimote Jeburam between his arms, and the arrow went out at his heart, and he funk down in his chariot. 25. Then said Jehu to Bidkar his captain, Take up, and cast him in the portion of the field of Naboth the Jezreelite: for remember how that when I and thou rode together after Ahab his father, the LORD laid this burden upon him. 26. Surely, I have seen yesterday the § blood of Naboth, and the blood of his sons, faith the LORD, and I will requite thee in this plat, faith the LORD. Now therefore take and cast him into the plat of ground according to the word of the LORD. 27. ¶ But when Ahaziah the king of Judah saw this, he fled by the way of the garden-house: and Jehu followed after him, and said, 'Senter him also in the chariot: And they did so, at the going up to Our, which is by Ibleam: and he fled to Megid-do, and died there. 28. And his servants carried him in a chariot to Jerusalem, and buried him in his sepulchre with his fathers in the city of David. 29. And in the eleventh year of Joram the son of Ahab, began Ahaziah to reign over Judah. 9. 16—20. As success depended upon the swiftness of their roar, we have them, chariots and horsemen, with eager haffes pressing toward Jezreel. 1. The watchman on the tower desires at a distance the approaching company, and Joram, desirous to know the cause, sends out repeated messengers, whom Jehu desirous. As he drew nearer, the watchman, by his furious driving, concludes it was Jehu, and the half from Ramesh-gilead. Nate, Is it too late to enquire, Is it peace? when the sword is unbreathed, and Jehu with his holy appears, coming in the clouds of heaven to judge. 2. Unable through impatience to wait, or rather through divine infatuation hurried to his ruin, Joram orders his chariot, and haffes to meet Jehu, and Ahaziah accompanies him; and where should they meet but in the very spot of Naboth's vineyard. Joram, unfulfarious of danger, seems only concerned to know, whether they came without over the Syrians in triumph, or in flight so compelled; till Jehu's ardent underloved him, and the charge of his mother's idolatry and whoredoms, which he encouraged and copied, hid him despair of peace, and expect the sword of an avenging God. Nate, (1.) Providence, in many instances, by strange events makes God's justice appear glorious in the eyes of men. (2.) Peace is full the finer's cry, when ruin is at his very heels. (3.) The whoredoms that now are the finer's pleasure, will shortly produce his everlasting pain. 3. Too late the treachery is discovered, and Joram attempts to escape; but the arrow from Jehu's bow stops his flight, and, as the executioner of the divine vengeance, Jehu commands his captain to throw his dead corpse in the vineyard of Naboth, according to the prophecy, 1 Kegs. xxi. 19. Nor must Ahaziah be spared: since he is found in each had company, he must fall with them. Nate, (1.) When judgment overtakes the fittest, it is then too late to fly. (2.) They who are found companions of fools, will be destroyed with them. 30. ¶ And when Jehu was come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it, and the painted her face, and tired her head, and looked out at a window. 31. And as Jehu entered in at the gate, she said, 'Had Zimri peace, who flew his matter? 32. And he lift up his face to the window, Indorsed By I don't know, and said, 'Who is on my side? who? And then looked out to him two or three eunuchs. 33. And he said, 'I know her down. So they threw her down; and four of her blood was sprinkled on the wall, and on the hordes: and he trode her under foot. 34. And when he was come in, he did eat and drink, and said, Go, see 'this curled woman,' and bury her: for 'she is a king's daughter. 35. And they went to bury her, but they found no more of her than the fluff, and the fere and the palms of her hands. 36. Wherefore they came again, and told him: and he said, 'This is the word of the LORD, which he spake by his servant Elijah the Tribute, saying, In the portion of Jezreel: shall shape the flesh of Jezebel: 37. And the carcals of Jezebel: shall be as dung upon the face of the field, in the portion of Jezebel, so that they shall not say, This is Jezebel.' Long had this hateful moniker of a woman, big with mischief, dispensed her hateful influence around, defying God, and tempted by long impunity to think the should ever reign as a queen, and for no sorrow. But vengeance, though slow, is lost. 1. Her pride and infolence endured to the fact. Unhumbled under the scourge now fallen upon her house, the mother fled nor changed her countenance. Decked with paint and jewels, the would still act the queen, and from her word to dress infall and threaten the conquering Jehu. Note, (1.) When God in just judgment gives up the honor to his hundred heart, then he rushes on ruin as the horse into the battle. (2.) A painted face is the devil's mark. Like Jezebel, whom fools inmate, their pride will have a fall. (3.) They who would act with scarf for God, will be often infested and threatened; but like Jehu, they will not be intimidated. 2. Jehu mocking her impotent rage, calls out hastily, if he is on my side? Who? and some eunuchs appearing at the summons, he bids them throw her down, which out of hatred of her pride, or fear of Jehu, they instantly complied with, and her blood beimeared the walls of the palace, and was sprinkled on Jehu's hordes, as he drove over her corps. Note, (1.) There is no flashing neuter between Christ and Belial. If we are on the Lord's side, we must appear for him. (2.) Wickedness and wretchedness are inseparable. Though for a time the same lifts his head high, it will be laid shortly low in the dust, and still lower in hell. 3. Having taken possession of the palace, and refreshed himself after his march, in respect for her royal descent, Jehu designs Jezebel a grave, forgetting the denunciation pronounced upon her, but God had fulfilled his own word. The dogs had devoured her carcals, and only a few scattered dogs, on or against; of which when Jehu was informed, he reflected on the word of Elijah, and admired its awful accomplishment. She that alive was so imperious, cruel, and arrogant, is devoured as a carion, and denied even a grave. Note, (1.) Whether we intend it or not, the word of the Lord will have its exact accomplishment. (2.) Not only the corpse, but the very memory of the wicked shall rot. (3.) Let Jezebel's fate be a warning against her sins. We have in this chapter, 1. Jehu's execution of his commission. (1.) Upon Ahab's sons, ver. 1—10. (2.) Upon all his heathred, ver. 11—12. 2. Upon Ahaziah's brethren, ver. 12—14. (4.) Upon Ahab's idols, and their veterans, ver. 15—28. 3. His sin is retaining the worship of the calves, ver. 29—31. 4. God's judgments upon him for it by Hamael, with which his reign concludes, ver. 32—36. 1. AND Ahab had seventy sons in Samaria: and Jehu wrote letters, and sent to Samaria, unto the rulers of Jezebel, to the elders, and to them that brought up Ahab's children, saying, 2. Now as soon as this letter comes to you, seeing your mafter's sons are with you, and there are with you chariots and hordes, a fenced city also, and armour: 3. 'Look even out the bed and merced of your mafter's sons and let him on his father's throne, and fight for your mafter's house. 4. But they were exceedingly afraid, and said, Behold, 'two kings stood not before him: how then shall we stand? 5. And he that was over the house, and he that was over the city, the elders also and the bringers up of the children sent to Jehu, saying, We are thy servants, and will do all that thou shalt hid us; we will not make any king: do thou that which is good in thine eyes. 6. Then he wrote a letter the second time to them, saying, If ye be mine, and if ye will hear him unto my voice, take ye be heals of the men your mafter's sons, and come to me to Jezebel by to-morrow this time: (now the king's sons being seventy perches, were with the great men of the city, which I brought them up). 7. And it came to pass when the letter came to them, that they took the king's sons, and 'few seventy perches, and put their heads in baskets, and lent them to Jezebel. 8. And there came a messenger, and told him, saying, They have brought the heads of the king's sons. And he said, Lay ye them in two heaps at the entering in of the gate, until the morning. 9. And it came to pass in the morning, that he went out, and stood, and said to all the people, Ye be righteous: behold, 'I conjured against my mafter, and flew him: but who flew all these? 10. Know now, that there shall fall unto the earth nothing of the word of the LORD, which the LORD spake concerning the house of Ahab: for the LORD hath done that which he spake by his servant Elijah. 11. So Jehu flew all that remained of the house of Ahab in Jezebel, and all his great men, and his 5 kinshelks, and his priefs, until he left him none remaining. 12. And he arose and departed, and came to Samaria. And as he was at the shearing-house in the way, 13. Jehu met with the brethren of Ahaziah king of Judah, and said, Who are ye? And they answered, We are the brethren of Ahaziah, and we go down to salute the children of the king, and the children of the queen. 14. And he said, Take them alive. And they took them alive, and flew them at the pit of the shearing-house, crew two and forty men; neither left he any of them. With fidelity Jehu proceeds in the execution of his commission. 1. He binds an officer to Samaria, where Ahab's sons and grandsons were educated under the great men of his court, and sails them, if they dare, let up the nobells of them to dispute the crown with him; not as advising the measure, but to intimidate them from the attempt. 2. Their coward hearts tainted; and, though they wanted nothing which could enable them to make a gallant resistance, amply submit, and plead the death of the two kings, as a reason for their pusillanimity, though the argument was most absurd, as they fell unarmed, and unable to refill. Note, (1.) God makes men cowards. (2.) When men want an excuse to cover their shame, any shadow of argument will pass. (3.) They who by their sins refill God, may reasonably argue, How shall we stand? 3. To prove their submission, he orders them immediately to execute all their mafter's sons, and send them by the morrow to Jezebel; and they, without hesitation at the perfidy and cruelty, instantly comply. They who had been Jezebel's wicked executioners upon Nabosh and his sons, now dye those very hands in the blood of her children. Note, They who debauch men a conscience, will find the effects of their wickedness often return upon their own heads. 4. Jehu in the morning appearing in the gate, where he had ordered the heads of the king's sons to be cast, acquits the people, and vindicates himself, by laying the load of guilt upon those perfidious murderers, who so hastily betrayed their stuff, and reminds the people of God's hand in all this, as a judgment denounced on Ahab, thereby to reconcile them to his government, from which facts a bloody beginning might else have alienated them. Note, (1.) It is common for men to lessen their own guilt, by comparison with others; and to hope well of themselves, merely because others are worse than they. (2.) God's judgments are righteous, though they who execute them act wickedly. 5. Jehu proceeded in his bloody work, and, without sparing, flew all Ahab's relations, domestic priests, and great men, who had served him, and probably, among them, the bare murderers of his children. He resolves not to do the work of the Lord deceitfully, or to keep back his sword from blood. See, alviii. 10. Note, They who have been instruments to wicked men in their sins, will shortly suffer with them. 6. Ahaziah's brethren, or rather his brother's sons, (See 2 Chron. xxii. 1.) share the fate of Ahab's house. Unadvised of what had passed, they are not going to pay their respects to Jezebel and Joram; and their avowed relation to them, and friendship for them, expose them to ruin. 15. And when he was departed hence, he lighted on 'Jehonadab the son of Rechab, coming to meet him; and he slanted him, and said to him, Is thine heart right, as my heart is with thine heart? And Jehonadab answered, Heb. David. 20. xxv. 6. Heb. Rishad. Answered, § It is. If it be, 'give me thy hand: and he gave him his hand, and he took him up to him into the chariot. 16. And he said, Come with me, and for my zeal for the LORD: So they made him ride in his chariot. 17. And when he came to Samaria, 'he flew all that remained unto Ahab in Samaria, till he had destroyed him, according to the saying of the LORD, which he spake to Elijah. 18. ¶ And Jehu gathered all the people together, and said unto them, "Ahab served Baal a little," for Jehu shall serve him much. 19. Now therefore call unto me all the prophets of Baal, all his servants, and all his priests, let none be wanting: for I have a great sacrifice to do to Baal, whosoever shall be wanting, he shall not live. But Jehu did it in nobility, to the intent that he might destroy the worshippers of Baal. 20. And Jehu said, ¶ Proclaim a solemn assembly for Baal. And they proclaimed it. 21. And Jehu sent through all Israel, and all the worshippers of Baal came, so that there was not a man left that came out: and they came into the house of Baal, and the house of Baal was full from one end to another. 22. And he said unto him that was over the valley, Being forth vestments for all the worshippers of Baal. And he brought them forth vestments. 23. And Jehu went and Jeho made the son of Rechah, into the house of Baal, and said unto the worshippers of Baal, Search, and look that there be here with you none of the servants of the LORD, but the worshippers of Baal only. 24. And when they went in to offer sacrifices and burnt-officings, Jehu appointed fourfoure men without, and said, If any of the men whom I have brought into your hands, escape, he that forfeit him go, 'his life shall be for the life of him. 25. And it came to pass as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt-officings, that Jehu said to the guard, and to the captains, Go to, and Day them, 'let none come forth. And they smote them with the edge of the sword, and the guard and the captains cast them out, and went to the city of the house of Baal. 26. And they brought forth the images out of the house of Baal, and burnt them. 27. And they brake down the image of Baal, and brake down the house of Baal, and made it a draught house unto this day. 28. Thus Jehu destroyed Baal out of Israel. Jehu with indefatigable diligence pursues his blow; and as he drives to Samaria, 1. He meets Jeho and the son of Rechah, a man of eminent piety, coming to congratulate him on his sacrifice, and to encourage him to perfect what he had begun. Jehu with all respect salutes him, and enquires if Jeho and his cause, as he reverenced and respected him. On receiving the warmest assurances of his good welfare, Jehu invites him into his chariot, that he may be convinced of his zeal in the Lord's cause; and by the guidance of so good a man, no doubt to gain the greater reputation to himself. Note, (1.) It is a question we need often put to ourselves and each other, Is time been right? upright and sincere in God's service. All profession of zeal without that, is but hypocrisy and design. (2.) Where good men's countenance to their cause is needful, great men will excise them; but their kisses are usually deceitful. (3.) Whenever there appears an outward fair profession of zeal for God, a good man cannot but charitably with success, and countenance the work. Hearts must be left to God's searching. (4.) They who heath of their zeal, give cause to suspect their sincerity. (5.) Many will appear to serve God, as long as their own interest is advanced thereby, whose zeal quickly cools when they can no longer serve themselves. 2. Having destroyed at Samaria all Ahab's friends and family, as he had done at Jezezel, he contrives how at a stroke to cut off the worshippers of Baal from the land. The design was good, but the lie which paved the way was evil; professing an uncommon zeal for the worship of Baal, which during Joram's reign, who had removed the image of Baal, might have been less public and solemn, he concoches all the priests and zealous worshippers of Baal to Samaria, to partake of a great sacrifice for interests to their God, threatening death to the man who should be found wanting. This collected a vast concourse, the gates of Baal's temple are open, the house thronged, and all the worshippers dressed for the solemn service; and now pretending zeal for the purity of the sacrifice, least any servants of Jeho and should have mingled with them, he orders hold hearts to be made. All things being ready, guards are placed at the avenues, that not a man may escape: every soul is malfaced in the temple, the building laid in ruins, the images burnt, and the worship of Baal for the time utterly exterminated. Note, (1.) The wisdom of the serpent may be lawfully used in the cause of God, provided none of the person of the serpent may give the mouth. (2.) The executioners of God's vengeance, more terrible than Jehu's guards, will shortly without mercy, execute their commission on every servant of iniquity. (3.) God's cause, though long oppressed, will rise victorious at the last; and when Jehu shall have cast the wicked into hell, then shall he reign over his faints gloriously. 29. ¶ Howbeit, from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin, Jehu departed not from after them, to wit, 'the golden calves that were in Beth-ah, and that were in Dan. 30. And the LORD said unto Jehu, 'Because thou hast done well in executing that which is right in mine eyes, and hast done unto the house of Ahab according to all that was in mine heart, thy children of the fourth generation shall be on the throne of Israel. 31. But Jehu took no head to walk in the law of the LORD God of Israel with all his heart; for he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam, which made Israel to sin. 32. ¶ In those days the LORD began to cut Israel short: and Hazael became them in all the courts of Israel. 33. From Jordan, ¶ eastward, all the land of Gilead, the Gables, and the Reubenites, and the Manafifters, from Aroer (which is by the river Arroan) even Gilead and Bethan. 34. Now the rest of the Acts of Jehu, and all that he did, and all his might, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel? 35. And Jehu slept with his fathers, and they buried him in Samaria, and Jeho has his son resigned in his stead. 36. And the § time that Jehu resigned over Israel in Samaria, was twenty and eight years. ¶ And I do not know that the word of the word is to be a word of the word. I do not know that the word is to be a word of the word. I do not know that the word is to be a word of the word. I do not know that the word is to be a word of the word. I do not know that the word is to be a word of the word. I do not know that the word is to be a word of the word. I do not know that the word is to be a word of the word. What a pity that such promising appearances should drop short! Many come to be almsy, who are not altogether cherishants. 1. God declares his approbation of Jehu's conduct in general. Though his heart was far from right, and the methods he took unjustifiable, yet the execution of God's judgments upon the idolaters was agreeable to God's will, and therefore a present reward is given him. The throne is assured in his godfermy, to the fourth generation. Note, If a hypocrite's services have a temporal reward, how much more may the faithful expect, the eternal and never-fading crown of glory. 2. Jehu is end answered not his beginnings. He was, with all his zeal, prestigious in temper; took no head to walk in God's ways or worship; carefully about pleasing him, when he was sick kind on the throne: and though he had put away the worship of Baal, he still stuck to the calves of Jeroboam, for the same political reasons as his predecessors. Note, (1.) They who are real converts, put away (in without return); not merely leaving those sins they grew tired of, or which hurtful them, but those that are most gainful and demagogy necessary. If a hoof of the calves be allowed left behind, we may not hope to please a jealous God. (2.) Negligence in the concerns of God's service is fatally ruinous. (3.) A man may be the instrument of much good to other men's souls, and yet after all lose his own. 3. The punishment of his unfaithful conduct, which it is to be feared his people imitated, God soon made him feel in the loss of all that part of his kingdom beyond Jordan, where the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manalith lay. They eagerly sought their settlement first, and now they are the first to suffer, malfaced no doubt; See chap. viii. 12. and led captive by Hazael, king of Syria. Note, They who chuse for themselves, without confiding God, will usually smart for it. 4. Jehu's reign concludes after twenty-eight years; a longer space than most of his predecessors enjoyed, yet the events of it are buried for the most part in oblivion. Nothing farther good and gracious appeared in him to deserve mention, and all he did beside may better be buried with him. They are only truly great, and their memory to be had in honour, whose goodness marks them for examples to succeeding generations. Lord, what is man! Is this Solomon the wise? Is this Jedediah, the beloved of the Lord? Is this the man of prayer, the builder of God's temple? How art thou fallen, Son of the Morning! 1. The cause of Solomon's sad departure from God is here mentioned. The love of women stole away his heart; infuriate lust led him to multiply his wives and concubines; and when the women of Israel no longer pleased his vitiated taste, or piquily refused to minister to his guilty pleasures, he fought for others, left scrupulous, from the forbidden nations around him, v. 2. On these his heart doasted; and as he grew old, grew fender still, and could refuse them nothing. Nate, (1.) No passion so dangerous to the soul, as the love of women. (2.) Every indulgence given to lewd desire, only makes those desires more infuriate. 2. The sad effects produced by his inordinate affections. His heart was drawn aside to idolatry; to which David in his most lamented days never inclined. His wives taking advantage of his fondness and age, seduced him first to grant them the worship of their own gods, and then engaged him to join with them in the abominable service. To such a pitch of impiety it grew at lust, that the high place of Chemofh confronted the very temple of God, v. 8. Nate, (1.) They who give way to one wilful sin, never know when or where they shall stop. (2.) The indulgence of fleshly lusts makes the heart brutally, and stupifies the conscience. (3.) Outward prosperity is a dangerous state: they who fare sumptuously every day, often find their table a fours, and pampered appetite their ruin: (4.) The greatest attainments, without continued watchfulness and joy, may be quickly lost; and, like Solomon, the highest in profession of godliness, become the foulest in their falls. (5.) Solomon's fin should be our warning: a bufy devil, and a body of flesh will never cease tempting. Let us enter turn into an argument to embolden us, what is left on record as an admonition, to deter us from the like fins. 9. ¶ And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because the heart was turned from the LORD God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice. 10. And had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods: but he kept not that which the LORD commanded. 11. Wherefore the LORD said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant and my statutes which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant. 12. Notwithstanding, in thy days I will not do it, for David thy father's sake: but I will rend it out of the hand of thy son. 13. Howbeit, I will not rend away all the kingdom: but will give one tribe to thy son, for David my servant's sake, and for Jerusalem's sake, which I have chosen. Juftly provoked at such safe ingratitude and wilful disobedience, after such repeated instances of his kindness, God sends a terrible message to awaken him from his shameful backfinding. Since he had revolted from God, the kingdom shall revolt from him, that is, from his potterity in the next reign; and though for the sake of the promise made to David, he would leave him one tribe, that is Judah, with which Benjamin, a adjacent, was reckoned: the other ten tribes should be given to his servant. In mercy God deferred the execution of his footnote till his son's reign, but left him to honour the reproaching desolations, when all the glory he hoped to transmit to his potterity, would he so eclipsed. God had given him fair warning before; he hath now only his own wickedness to blame. What effect this message had, we are not told; yet have reason to hope it was, like Nathan's, the means of bringing him to repentance; and that the book of Ecclesiastes contains his repentance, and acknowledgment of his sin and folly. Note. (1.) When God's people sin against him, they may expect severe rebukes. (2.) Every sin receives peculiar aggravations from the light and mercies against which it is committed. (3.) Though God does not disinherit his chosen, they will tarnish greatly the luffice of their crown by their backfinding. (4.) It is for Jesus' sake, and the covenant established in him, that we are not utterly confirmed: if any man sin, we have yet an advocate with the Father. 14. ¶ And the LORD stirred up an adversary unto Solomon, Hadad the Edomite; he was of the king's seed in Edom. 15. For it came to pass when David was in Edom, and Joab the captain of the hoft was gone up to bury the slain, after he had smitten every male in Edom: 16. (For six months did Joab remain there with all Israel, until he had cut off every male in Edom) 17. That Hadad fled, he and certain Edomites of his father's servants with him, to go into Egypt; Hadad being yet a little child. 18. And they arose out of Midian, and came to Paran, and they took men with them out of Paran, and they came to Egypt, unto Pharaoh king of Egypt, which gave him an house, and appointed him † victuals, and gave him land. 19. And Hadad found great favour in the sight of Pharaoh, so that he gave him to wife the sister of his own wife, the sister of Tahpenes the queen. 20. And the sister of Tahpenes bare him Genubath his son, whom Tahpenes weaned in Pharaoh's house: and Genubath was in Pharaoh's household, among the sons of Pharaoh. 21. And when Hadad heard in Egypt that David dept with his fathers, and that Joab the captain of the hoft was dead, Hadad said to Pharaoh, Let me depart, that I may go to mine own country. 22. Then Pharaoh said unto him, But what hath thou lacked with me, that behold, thou festerest to go to mine own country? And he answered, Nothing: Howbeit let me go in any wife. 23. ¶ And God stirred him up another adversary, Rezaon, the son of Eliadah, which fled from his lord Hadadezer king of Zobah. 24. And he gathered men unto him, and became captain over a hand, when David flew them of Zobah: and they went to Damascus, and dwelt there- in, and reigned in Damascus. 25. And he was an adversary to Israel all the days of Solomon, beside the mischief that Hadad did: and he abhorred Israel, and reigned over Syria. Solomon went on, increasing his wealth and magnificence. 1. The great sources from whence he drew his immense revenues, were the tribute of the conquered countries, the customs paid by the merchants, the pretexts which were continually made to him by the neighbouring potentates, who consulted him; but especially his vast traffic by land and sea. Every three years his ships, in comfort with Hiram, returned from Tharthith, supposed to be some part of the East Indies, from the commodities they imported, gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks or parrots. His trade to Egypt also was most advantageous: probably by his alliance with Pharaoh, he obtained the sole purchase of the staple commodities of the country, horses, chariots, and linen cloths, at a fixed price, which he again sold at a vast profit to the nations around him, v. 29. The clear produce of all which in one year amounted to six hundred and sixty-six talents, near three million of money, an immense sum in those days. Nate, Traffic is the great source of wealth: the empire of the sea enriches a nation more than the mines of Peru or Golconda. 2. He spent liberally what he received so abundantly. For he made two hundred large shields of gold, and three hundred of a lesser size, for state, to be carried before him: he received a most magnificent throne of ivory, overlaid, or rather indial, with gold, supported by golden lions, and ascended by his steps, on each of which a lion was placed, of pure gold; here he received ambassadors, and fat in judgment. All his service for his table was place of gold, and his forces were increased proportionately to his grandeur: he maintained a standing army of fourteen hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen; and far from oppressing his subjects to maintain such state and dignity, by the trade he introduced among them, silver is figuratively laid to be as plenty as linens, and cedars as sycamore-trees. Thus did Solomon exceed all kings in riches and wisdom, and his people shared his glory, happy and prosperous under his fate and gentle government. Nate, (1.) Whatever God giveth, it is designed that we should richly enjoy it. (2.) Solomon, on this throne of ivory, was typical of his greater Son, seated on the great white throne of Judgment, and pronouncing sentence on the eternal state of men and angels: See Rev. xx. ii. (3.) That king is truly glorious, who makes his subjects affluent and happy under his wise administration. (4.) If we shall be found citizens of the new Jerusalem, and our lot he can among the subjects of Jesus, then the very streets of our city shall be pure gold, and the walls the richest jewels; so much will our eternal consolations and blessedness exceed all earthly joy and felicity. CHAP. XI. This chapter begins with as melancholy a but as almself any we find in all the Bible: Hitherto we have read nothing of Solomon but what was great and good; but his fun for under a cloud. 1. By multiplying strange waves, he turned after strange gods, ver. 4—8. 2. God's anger signified to him thereupon, ver. 9—13. 3. Enemies foreign and densific raised up against him, ver. 14—40. 4. His death and burial, ver. 41—43. 1. BUT king Solomon 'loved' many strange women (together with the daughter of Pharaoh) women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidomans, and Hittites: 2. Of the nations concerning which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, 'Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you, for surely' they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love. 3. And he had seven hundred wives, princefies, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart. 4. For it came to pass when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father. 5. For Solomon went after Abhoreth the goddefe of the Zidomans, and after 'Milदान the abomination of the Ammonites. 6. And Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, as did David his father. 7. Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemofh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that is before Jerusalem: and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon. 8. And likewise did he for all his strange wives, which burnt incense, and sacrificed unto their gods. Jehu with indefatigable diligence pursues his blow; and as he drives to Samaria, 1. He meets Jeho and the son of Rechah, a man of eminent piety, coming to congratulate him on his sacrifice, and to encourage him to perfect what he had begun. Jehu with all respect salutes him, and enquires if Jeho and his cause, as he reverenced and respected him. On receiving the warmest assurances of his good welfare, Jehu invites him into his chariot, that he may be convinced of his zeal in the Lord's cause; and by the guidance of so good a man, no doubt to gain the greater reputation to himself. Note, (1.) It is a question we need often put to ourselves and each other, Is time been right? upright and sincere in God's service. All profession of zeal without that, is but hypocrisy and design. (2.) Where good men's countenance to their cause is needful, great men will excise them; but their kisses are usually deceitful. (3.) Whenever there appears an outward fair profession of zeal for God, a good man cannot but charitably with success, and countenance the work. Hearts must be left to God's searching. (4.) They who heath of their zeal, give cause to suspect their sincerity. (5.) Many will appear to serve God, as long as their own interest is advanced thereby, whose zeal quickly cools when they can no longer serve themselves. 2. Having destroyed at Samaria all Ahab's friends and family, as he had done at Jezezel, he contrives how at a stroke to cut off the worshippers of Baal from the land. The design was good, but the lie which paved the way was evil; professing an uncommon zeal for the worship of Baal, which during Joram's reign, who had removed the image of Baal, might have been less public and solemn, he concoches all the priests and zealous worshippers of Baal to Samaria, to partake of a great sacrifice for interests to their God, threatening death to the man who should be found wanting. This collected a vast concourse, the gates of Baal's temple are open, the house thronged, and all the worshippers dressed for the solemn service; and now pretending zeal for the purity of the sacrifice, least any servants of Jeho and should have mingled with them, he orders hold hearts to be made. All things being ready, guards are placed at the avenues, that not a man may escape: every soul is malfaced in the temple, the building laid in ruins, the images burnt, and the worship of Baal for the time utterly exterminated. Note, (1.) The wisdom of the serpent may be lawfully used in the cause of God, provided none of the person of the serpent may give the mouth. (2.) The executioners of God's vengeance, more terrible than Jehu's guards, will shortly without mercy, execute their commission on every servant of iniquity. (3.) God's cause, though long oppressed, will rise victorious at the last; and when Jehu shall have cast the wicked into hell, then shall he reign over his faints gloriously. 29. ¶ Howbeit, from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin, Jehu departed not from after them, to wit, 'the golden calves that were in Beth-ah, and that were in Dan. 30. And the LORD said unto Jehu, 'Because thou hast done well in executing that which is right in mine eyes, and hast done unto the house of Ahab according to all that was in mine heart, thy children of the fourth generation shall be on the throne of Israel. 31. But Jehu took no head to walk in the law of the LORD God of Israel with all his heart; for he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam, which made Israel to sin. 32. ¶ In those days the LORD began to ‡ cut Israel short: and Hazael became them in all the courts of Israel. 33. From Jordan, ¶ eastward, all the land of Gilead, the Gables, and the Reubenites, and the Manafifters, from Aroer (which is by the river Arroan) even Gilead and Bethan. 34. Now the rest of the Acts of Jehu, and all that he did, and all his might, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel? 35. And Jehu slept with his fathers, and they buried him in Samaria, and Jeho has his son resigned in his stead. 36. And the § time that Jehu resigned over Israel in Samaria, was twenty and eight years. ¶ And I do not know that the word of the word is to be a word of the word. I do not know that the word is to be a word of the word. I do not know that the word is to be a word of the word. I do not know that the word is to be a word of the word. I do not know that the word is to be a word of the word. I do not know that the word is to be a word of the word. I do not know that the word is to be a word of the word.