NOw, &c.] This relation is here inserted out of the Books of the ings and the Chronicles, to seal up the truth of Gods former promises and threatnings, concerning the deliverance of his Church, (though he suffer it to be sometime in distresse) and the destruction of her enemies. Chap. 10. and 24. and 25. and 30. and 34. and 35.
it came to passe, &c.] 2 Kings 18:13. 2 Chronicles 32:1.
in the fourteenth yeer of king Hezekiah] After he had abandoned idolatry, and setled Gods worship: 2 King. 18. 4, 6. 2 Chron. 29. and 30. and 31. yet would God exercise his faith and patience; and chastise him also, for his distrust; 2 King. 18. 14-16. and his people for their neglect of him and contempt of his word. Chap. 22. 11-13.
all the defenced cities of Judah] Most of them; not all simply, Chap. 37. 4, 8. all, some few excepted; which might seem none to speak of, in comparison of the number of the rest: so Chap. 64. 6, 7. Jeremiah 6:28. and 9 2.