Works

1 KINGS XIII. all. And XIV. all.

A Double miracle wrought [Rehoboam. 4] [Jeroboam. 4] [Division. 4] at Bethel, the Altar rent, [World 3034] [Rehoboam. 5] [Jeroboam. 5] [Division. 5] and the Idol Shepherds arm [Rehoboam. 6] [Jeroboam. 6] [Division. 6] clean dried up, as Zech. 11. 17. [Rehoboam. 7] [Jeroboam. 7] [Division. 7] yet his eyes darkened that he will [Rehoboam. 8] [Jeroboam. 8] [Division. 8] see nothing. A false Prophet to [Rehoboam. 9] [Jeroboam. 9] [Division. 9] uphold the Idolatry, findeth a [Rehoboam. 10] [Jeroboam. 10] [Division. 10] trick to undo the true Prophet [Rehoboam. 11] [Jeroboam. 11] [Division. 11] that had spoken against it: [Rehoboam. 12] [Jeroboam. 12] [Division. 12] God giveth up the true Phrophet to a [Rehoboam. 13] [Jeroboam. 13] [Division. 13] Lion for disgracing his message: [Rehoboam. 14] [Jeroboam. 14] [Division. 14] And maketh the false Prophet [Rehoboam. 15] [Jeroboam. 15] [Division. 15] prophesy truly of the ruin of [Rehoboam. 16] [Jeroboam. 16] [Division. 16] those Idolaters. Jeroboam looseth [Rehoboam. 17] [Jeroboam. 17] [Division. 17] his best Son Ahijah, yet none of these strange and fearful occurrences avail with him to reduce or reverse him from his Idolatry, the time of the renting of the Altar at Bethel is uncertain: but it was not presently after the building of it, for there were now divers high places set up in Samaria, as well as in Bethel, 1 King. 13. 32. Nor is the time of Abijahs death determinable: If Shechem and Tirzah were not one and the same Town, it appeareth that Jeroboam had removed his Court when his son dieth, from where it was when he first erected his Idols. Compare 1 King. 12. 25. with Chap. 14. 17. and so it may argue that there was some space between.

There are continual and bitter wars between Rehoboam and Jeroboam all their time, though Shemaiah had parted them at the first offer of a battle after the division.

1 KING. XV. From beginning to ver. 9.

ABIJAH reigneth wickedly [World 3047] [Abijah. 1] [Jeroboam. 18] [Division. 18] three years, he fighteth [Abijah. 2] [Jeroboam. 10] [Division. 19] with Jeroboam, and slayeth 500000 men, the greatest slaughter that ever was at one field in any Story. Abijah is also called Abijam, and his Mother is called both Maachah and Michah, and his Grandfather by his Mothers side is called Absalom, and Uriel. Such changes of names are frequent in Scripture, and sometime so altered by the Holy Ghost, purposely to hint something to us concerning the Person, and sometimes so •… red by the people among whom such persons lived, they giving them some common name answerable to some qualification, or action that they saw in them, or in reference to their family, or some person of their family from which they descended. The Book of Chronicles layeth no wickedness to the charge of this King that we have in hand, and therefore sticketh not to join Jah the name of God to his name: but the Book of Kings, that chargeth him with the wickedness of his Fathers ways, doth him not that honor in his name, but hath changed Jah into Jam. His mother that was named Micah or Michaiah, when she cometh to be Queen may be conceived to have her name changed, and she is named after the first Mother of a renowned family in that Tribe from whence she descended, 1 Chron. 8. 29. She was of Gibeah, the City of Saul, and it is very probable of the kindred of Saul, and therefore her Father, who was properly called Absalom, is called Uriel, which hath very near affinity in signification with Ner, and Es • baal, men of the stock and family of Saul.

Although Abijah and Judah were very wicked, yet God in this quarrel owneth them for the Kingdom of David's sake, which he had settled, and for Religions sake, which was extant and in practice at Jerusalem, though much corruption mingled with it. Abijah recovereth Bethel of Jeroboam, 2 Chron. 13. 19. but destroyed not the Idolatry there, for which it may be God shortened his reign and days.

2 CHRON. XIII. all.

JEROBOAM warreth with [World 3047] [Abijah. 1] [Jeroboam. 18] [Division. 18] Abijah continually: he bringeth [Abijah. 2] [Jeroboam. 10] [Division. 19] 800000 men into the field to fight for Idolatry, but half so many of Judah slay 500000 of them.

1 KING. XV. From beginning to ver. 9.

ABIJAH reigneth wickedly [World 3047] [Abijah. 1] [Jeroboam. 18] [Division. 18] three years, he fighteth [Abijah. 2] [Jeroboam. 10] [Division. 19] with Jeroboam, and slayeth 500000 men, the greatest slaughter that ever was at one field in any Story. Abijah is also called Abijam, and his Mother is called both Maachah and Michah, and his Grandfather by his Mothers side is called Absalom, and Uriel. Such changes of names are frequent in Scripture, and sometime so altered by the Holy Ghost, purposely to hint something to us concerning the Person, and sometimes so •… red by the people among whom such persons lived, they giving them some common name answerable to some qualification, or action that they saw in them, or in reference to their family, or some person of their family from which they descended. The Book of Chronicles layeth no wickedness to the charge of this King that we have in hand, and therefore sticketh not to join Jah the name of God to his name: but the Book of Kings, that chargeth him with the wickedness of his Fathers ways, doth him not that honor in his name, but hath changed Jah into Jam. His mother that was named Micah or Michaiah, when she cometh to be Queen may be conceived to have her name changed, and she is named after the first Mother of a renowned family in that Tribe from whence she descended, 1 Chron. 8. 29. She was of Gibeah, the City of Saul, and it is very probable of the kindred of Saul, and therefore her Father, who was properly called Absalom, is called Uriel, which hath very near affinity in signification with Ner, and Es • baal, men of the stock and family of Saul.

Although Abijah and Judah were very wicked, yet God in this quarrel owneth them for the Kingdom of David's sake, which he had settled, and for Religions sake, which was extant and in practice at Jerusalem, though much corruption mingled with it. Abijah recovereth Bethel of Jeroboam, 2 Chron. 13. 19. but destroyed not the Idolatry there, for which it may be God shortened his reign and days.

2 CHRON. XIII. all.

JEROBOAM warreth with [World 3047] [Abijah. 1] [Jeroboam. 18] [Division. 18] Abijah continually: he bringeth [Abijah. 2] [Jeroboam. 10] [Division. 19] 800000 men into the field to fight for Idolatry, but half so many of Judah slay 500000 of them.

1 KING. XV. ver. 9. to ver. 16. 1 CHRON. XIV. ver. 1, 2.

[World 3049] [Abijah. 3] [Asa. 1] [Jeroboam. 20] [Division. 20] AS A reigneth in the twentieth of Jeroboam, and by this it is apparent that the three years of the reign of Abijah are counted only current.

[World 3050] [Asa. 2] AS A doth uprightly in the sight of the Lord, though he were educated and brought up by his Idolatrous grandmother [Jeroboam. 21] [Nadab. 1] [Division. 21] Maacah, and therefore she said to be his mother, 1 King. 15. ver. 10.

[World 3051] [Asa. 3] [Jeroboam. 22] [Nadab. 2] [Division. 22] BAASHA who began to reign this year, proved a desperate enemy to Asa; but seven years Asa was quiet from him; [Baasha. 1] for Baasha coming to the Kingdom by a Conspiracy against the King, must needs have some time and pains to settle and confirm himself in it: and so his employment at home about this business giveth Asa rest and respite a long time, The land was quiet in his days ten years, 2 Chron. 14. 1. that is, the three years of the beginning of his own Reign, before Baasha was King, and seven years of the Reign of Baasha.

1 KING. XV. verse 25. to 32.

JEROBOAM is rid of his [World 3049] [Abijah. 3] [Asa. 1] [Jeroboam. 20] [Division. 20] scourge Abijah: He liveth and dieth in his Idolatry, and so do all the Kings of Israel after him. And herein are they and the Kingdom of the ten Tribes like the Papacy, revolters from, and opposers of the true Religion.

NADAB reigneth in the [World 3050] [Asa. 2] second year of Asa, even while his Father Jeroboam is alive, [Jeroboam. 21] [Nadab. 1] [Division. 21] 1 King. 15. 25. for God smote Jeroboam with some sad diseases, that he could not rule the Kingdom, 2 Chron. 13. 20.

[World 3051] [Asa. 3] [Jeroboam. 22] [Nadab. 2] [Division. 22] BAASHA slayeth Nadab, and reigneth in the third of Asa, 1 King. 15. 28. [Baasha. 1] He destroyeth Jeroboams House: Jeroboam himself is alive this year, and if he escaped the sword of Baasha, yet died he not long before that Sword destroyed his family.

1 KING. XV. ver. 9. to ver. 16. 1 CHRON. XIV. ver. 1, 2.

[World 3049] [Abijah. 3] [Asa. 1] [Jeroboam. 20] [Division. 20] AS A reigneth in the twentieth of Jeroboam, and by this it is apparent that the three years of the reign of Abijah are counted only current.

[World 3050] [Asa. 2] AS A doth uprightly in the sight of the Lord, though he were educated and brought up by his Idolatrous grandmother [Jeroboam. 21] [Nadab. 1] [Division. 21] Maacah, and therefore she said to be his mother, 1 King. 15. ver. 10.

[World 3051] [Asa. 3] [Jeroboam. 22] [Nadab. 2] [Division. 22] BAASHA who began to reign this year, proved a desperate enemy to Asa; but seven years Asa was quiet from him; [Baasha. 1] for Baasha coming to the Kingdom by a Conspiracy against the King, must needs have some time and pains to settle and confirm himself in it: and so his employment at home about this business giveth Asa rest and respite a long time, The land was quiet in his days ten years, 2 Chron. 14. 1. that is, the three years of the beginning of his own Reign, before Baasha was King, and seven years of the Reign of Baasha.

1 KING. XV. verse 25. to 32.

JEROBOAM is rid of his [World 3049] [Abijah. 3] [Asa. 1] [Jeroboam. 20] [Division. 20] scourge Abijah: He liveth and dieth in his Idolatry, and so do all the Kings of Israel after him. And herein are they and the Kingdom of the ten Tribes like the Papacy, revolters from, and opposers of the true Religion.

NADAB reigneth in the [World 3050] [Asa. 2] second year of Asa, even while his Father Jeroboam is alive, [Jeroboam. 21] [Nadab. 1] [Division. 21] 1 King. 15. 25. for God smote Jeroboam with some sad diseases, that he could not rule the Kingdom, 2 Chron. 13. 20.

[World 3051] [Asa. 3] [Jeroboam. 22] [Nadab. 2] [Division. 22] BAASHA slayeth Nadab, and reigneth in the third of Asa, 1 King. 15. 28. [Baasha. 1] He destroyeth Jeroboams House: Jeroboam himself is alive this year, and if he escaped the sword of Baasha, yet died he not long before that Sword destroyed his family.

2 CHRON. XIV. verse. 3. to the end. And XV. all.

[Asa. 4] [Baasha. 2] [Division. 23] ASA in his years of peace [Asa. 5] [Baasha. 3] [Division. 24] reformeth, and buildeth, [Asa. 6] [Baasha. 4] [Division. 25] and fortifieth, and listeth an Army [Asa. 7] [Baasha. 5] [Division. 26] out of Judah and Benjamin, of five hundred thousand and eighty thousand men; and groweth [Asa. 8] [Baasha 6] [Division 27] strong and prospereth; for [Asa. 9] [Baasha 7] [Baasha 8] [Division 28] he and the people sought the [Asa. 10] [Baasha 9] [Division 29] [Division 30] Lord.

[World 3059] [Asa. 11] [Baasha 10] [Division 31] Asa and Baasha fall to wars after [Asa. 12] [Baasha 11] [Division 32] ten years quiet; and these [Asa. 13] wars continue while they two live together, 1 King. 15. 16, 32.

[World 3062] [Asa. 14] [Baasha 12] [Division 33] Asa destroyeth a million of Cushites.

[World 3063] [Asa. 15] [Baasha 13] [Division 34] At Pentecost this fifteenth of Asa, 2 Chron. 15. 10. he maketh a thorough Reformation upon the Council of Azariah a Prophet; and the people enter into a Covenant, and an Oath, to destroy those that would not leave their Idols to seek God. This Oath un-Queens the Kings Grandmother for her Idolatry past; she must die if she do the like again. In the Story of the Reformation wrought by Asa, it is said that 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 1 Kings 15. 12. He took away the Sodomites; or the men that prostituted themselves to Sodomy, and the women that kept brothel houses, against a plain and express Law, Deut. 23. 17. These Sodomites seem to have been some remnant of the Canaanites that were left in the Land, and that followed the Canaanitish filthiness; not any remnant of the City Sodom, but called Sodomites because they followed the abomination that City. In 2 King. 23. 7. there is mention of Sodomites houses that were by the House of the Lord. Probably houses of Jebusites that stood near to the Mount of the House of the Lord; for that Mount was purchased from Ornan the King of the Jebusites, King there when David conquered Jerusalem.

1 KING. XV. ver. 27, 28, 29, 30, 32, 33, 34.

[Asa. 4] [Baasha. 2] [Division. 23] BAASHA the son of Ahijah, [Asa. 5] [Baasha. 3] [Division. 24] performeth against the [Asa. 6] [Baasha. 4] [Division. 25] house of Jeroboam what the Prophet [Asa. 7] [Baasha. 5] [Division. 26] Ahijah had denounced against it; yet forsaketh he not [Asa. 8] [Baasha 6] [Division 27] that Idolatry of Jeroboam, for [Asa. 9] [Baasha 7] [Division 28] which he himself had been raised an [Asa. 10] [Baasha 8] [Division 29] instrument to destroy that [Asa. 10] [Baasha 9] [Division 30] House.

[World 3059] [Asa. 11] [Baasha 10] [Division 31] Baasha now settled in his Kingdom [Asa. 12] [Baasha 11] [Division 32] beginneth to bussle, and to disturb Asa, with inroads upon his Country.

[World 3062] [Asa. 14] [Baasha 12] [Division 33] He seeth the special assistance [World 3063] [Asa. 15] [Baasha 13] [Division 34] of God to Asa against the Cushites; yet will he still be an Enemy to him.

2 CHRON. XIV. verse. 3. to the end. And XV. all.

[Asa. 4] [Baasha. 2] [Division. 23] ASA in his years of peace [Asa. 5] [Baasha. 3] [Division. 24] reformeth, and buildeth, [Asa. 6] [Baasha. 4] [Division. 25] and fortifieth, and listeth an Army [Asa. 7] [Baasha. 5] [Division. 26] out of Judah and Benjamin, of five hundred thousand and eighty thousand men; and groweth [Asa. 8] [Baasha 6] [Division 27] strong and prospereth; for [Asa. 9] [Baasha 7] [Baasha 8] [Division 28] he and the people sought the [Asa. 10] [Baasha 9] [Division 29] [Division 30] Lord.

[World 3059] [Asa. 11] [Baasha 10] [Division 31] Asa and Baasha fall to wars after [Asa. 12] [Baasha 11] [Division 32] ten years quiet; and these [Asa. 13] wars continue while they two live together, 1 King. 15. 16, 32.

[World 3062] [Asa. 14] [Baasha 12] [Division 33] Asa destroyeth a million of Cushites.

[World 3063] [Asa. 15] [Baasha 13] [Division 34] At Pentecost this fifteenth of Asa, 2 Chron. 15. 10. he maketh a thorough Reformation upon the Council of Azariah a Prophet; and the people enter into a Covenant, and an Oath, to destroy those that would not leave their Idols to seek God. This Oath un-Queens the Kings Grandmother for her Idolatry past; she must die if she do the like again. In the Story of the Reformation wrought by Asa, it is said that 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 1 Kings 15. 12. He took away the Sodomites; or the men that prostituted themselves to Sodomy, and the women that kept brothel houses, against a plain and express Law, Deut. 23. 17. These Sodomites seem to have been some remnant of the Canaanites that were left in the Land, and that followed the Canaanitish filthiness; not any remnant of the City Sodom, but called Sodomites because they followed the abomination that City. In 2 King. 23. 7. there is mention of Sodomites houses that were by the House of the Lord. Probably houses of Jebusites that stood near to the Mount of the House of the Lord; for that Mount was purchased from Ornan the King of the Jebusites, King there when David conquered Jerusalem.

1 KING. XV. ver. 27, 28, 29, 30, 32, 33, 34.

[Asa. 4] [Baasha. 2] [Division. 23] BAASHA the son of Ahijah, [Asa. 5] [Baasha. 3] [Division. 24] performeth against the [Asa. 6] [Baasha. 4] [Division. 25] house of Jeroboam what the Prophet [Asa. 7] [Baasha. 5] [Division. 26] Ahijah had denounced against it; yet forsaketh he not [Asa. 8] [Baasha 6] [Division 27] that Idolatry of Jeroboam, for [Asa. 9] [Baasha 7] [Division 28] which he himself had been raised an [Asa. 10] [Baasha 8] [Division 29] instrument to destroy that [Asa. 10] [Baasha 9] [Division 30] House.

[World 3059] [Asa. 11] [Baasha 10] [Division 31] Baasha now settled in his Kingdom [Asa. 12] [Baasha 11] [Division 32] beginneth to bussle, and to disturb Asa, with inroads upon his Country.

[World 3062] [Asa. 14] [Baasha 12] [Division 33] He seeth the special assistance [World 3063] [Asa. 15] [Baasha 13] [Division 34] of God to Asa against the Cushites; yet will he still be an Enemy to him.

1 KING. XV. ver. 16. to ver. 23.

[World 3065] [Asa. 16] [Baasha. 14] [Division. 35] ASA bringeth dedicate things [Asa. 17] [Baasha. 15] [Division. 36] into the Temple. This seventeenth year of Asaes reign is called the six and thirtieth year of his Kingdom, 2 Chron. 15. 19. And there was no war more unto the five and thirtieth year of Asaes Kingdom. And 2 Chron. 16. 1. In the six and thirtieth year of Asaes Kingdom, Baasha King of Israel came up: The Hebrew word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is not to be understood of the time of Asaes reign, but the Kingdom of Asa, distinct from the Kingdom of Israel: That it cannot be understood of the time of Asaes reign appears by this, because Baasha was dead many years before the six and thirtieth year of Asaes reign came: For if Baasha began to reign in the third year of Asa, and reigned but four and twenty years, as 1 King. 15. 33. asserteth, then was Baasha dead nine full years before the six and thirtieth year of Asa came, and therefore he could not then possibly come up against Judah, for he was rotten in his grave: But it is thus to be understood, that in the six and thirtieth year of Asaes Kingdom, that is, of the Kingdom of Judah since the revolt of the ten tribes, Baasha came up against that Kingdom and warred against it, the Kingdom that God would not have to be fought against. Now as Jeroboam had made the division, which had now continued six and thirty years, viz. 17 of Rehoboam, 3 of Abijah and 16 of Asa, so doth Baasha go about now to confirm that division, for he setteth on to build and Garrison Ramah, that he might stop all intercourse betwixt Israel and Judah, and therefore the Holy Ghost reckoneth the time of this act of Baasha by a computation from the first division. And he calls it the Kingdom of Asa, the rather also, because he had lately confirmed and established it to himself, as far as it was possible for him to do, namely, by a Reformation and a Covenant: But now doth Asa exceeding ill, for he relieth upon an arm of flesh, the King of Syria, he hireth him with dedicate things which himself had dedicated but a year or two before: he bringeth a foreign enemy in to the Land of Israel, and imprisoned the Prophet that reproved him for it. Here is the first Captivity of any Israelites, and Dan the place of the golden Calf falleth under the sword. Because Asa leaned upon the King of Syria, therefore was the King of Syria escaped out of his hand, 2 Chron. 16. 7. for the Syrian was in league with Baasha, and had Asa let him alone he had sided with Baasha, and Asa, if he had relied on God, had conquered Israel and the Syrian both, but now he had lost that victory over Syria, by seeking thereunto for help.

2 CHRON. XVI. ver. 1. to ver. 7.

[World 3065] [Asa. 16] [Baasha. 14] [Division. 35] BENHADAD son of Tabrimmon [Asa. 17] [Baasha. 15] [Division. 36] now King of Syria, Baasha cometh up against Judah, and beginneth to build and to fortify Ramah, which was a frontier upon the very skirt of Ephraim towards Benjamin and Judah.

1 KING. XV. ver. 16. to ver. 23.

[World 3065] [Asa. 16] [Baasha. 14] [Division. 35] ASA bringeth dedicate things [Asa. 17] [Baasha. 15] [Division. 36] into the Temple. This seventeenth year of Asaes reign is called the six and thirtieth year of his Kingdom, 2 Chron. 15. 19. And there was no war more unto the five and thirtieth year of Asaes Kingdom. And 2 Chron. 16. 1. In the six and thirtieth year of Asaes Kingdom, Baasha King of Israel came up: The Hebrew word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is not to be understood of the time of Asaes reign, but the Kingdom of Asa, distinct from the Kingdom of Israel: That it cannot be understood of the time of Asaes reign appears by this, because Baasha was dead many years before the six and thirtieth year of Asaes reign came: For if Baasha began to reign in the third year of Asa, and reigned but four and twenty years, as 1 King. 15. 33. asserteth, then was Baasha dead nine full years before the six and thirtieth year of Asa came, and therefore he could not then possibly come up against Judah, for he was rotten in his grave: But it is thus to be understood, that in the six and thirtieth year of Asaes Kingdom, that is, of the Kingdom of Judah since the revolt of the ten tribes, Baasha came up against that Kingdom and warred against it, the Kingdom that God would not have to be fought against. Now as Jeroboam had made the division, which had now continued six and thirty years, viz. 17 of Rehoboam, 3 of Abijah and 16 of Asa, so doth Baasha go about now to confirm that division, for he setteth on to build and Garrison Ramah, that he might stop all intercourse betwixt Israel and Judah, and therefore the Holy Ghost reckoneth the time of this act of Baasha by a computation from the first division. And he calls it the Kingdom of Asa, the rather also, because he had lately confirmed and established it to himself, as far as it was possible for him to do, namely, by a Reformation and a Covenant: But now doth Asa exceeding ill, for he relieth upon an arm of flesh, the King of Syria, he hireth him with dedicate things which himself had dedicated but a year or two before: he bringeth a foreign enemy in to the Land of Israel, and imprisoned the Prophet that reproved him for it. Here is the first Captivity of any Israelites, and Dan the place of the golden Calf falleth under the sword. Because Asa leaned upon the King of Syria, therefore was the King of Syria escaped out of his hand, 2 Chron. 16. 7. for the Syrian was in league with Baasha, and had Asa let him alone he had sided with Baasha, and Asa, if he had relied on God, had conquered Israel and the Syrian both, but now he had lost that victory over Syria, by seeking thereunto for help.

2 CHRON. XVI. ver. 1. to ver. 7.

[World 3065] [Asa. 16] [Baasha. 14] [Division. 35] BENHADAD son of Tabrimmon [Asa. 17] [Baasha. 15] [Division. 36] now King of Syria, Baasha cometh up against Judah, and beginneth to build and to fortify Ramah, which was a frontier upon the very skirt of Ephraim towards Benjamin and Judah.

2 CHRON. XVI. verse. 7. to verse. 11.

[Asa 18] [Baasha 16] [Division 37] ASA upon this reliance upon [Asa 19] [Baasha 17] [Division 38] Syria declineth excee-dingly [Asa 20] [Baasha 18] [Division 39] from his former goodness; [Asa 21] [Baasha 19] [Division 40] for he grows not only harsh to [Asa 22] [Baasha 20] [Division 41] the Prophet Hanani that reproved [Asa 23] [Baasha 21] [Division 42] him, but he also began to [Asa 24] [Baasha 22] [Division 43] use harshness, and to tyrannize [Asa 25] [Baasha 23] [Division 44] over his Subjects; and for this his alteration he is in continual [Baasha 24] wars and troubles.

[World 3074] [Asa 26] [Elah 1] [Division 45] Asa seeth an end of his great Enemy.

[World 3075] [Asa 27] [Elah 2] [Omri 1] [Division 46] Baasha, and the ruin of that family, as he had seen the ruin of the family of Jeroboam.

1 KINGS XVI. verse. 1. to verse. 23.

[Asa 18] [Baasha 16] [Division 37] AS Hanani the Seer reproved [Asa 19] [Baasha 17] [Division 38] Asa for his reliance [Asa 20] [Baasha 18] [Division 39] upon Syria, so Jehu the son of [Asa 21] [Baasha 19] [Division 40] Hanani reproveth Baasha for his [Asa 22] [Baasha 20] [Division 41] Idolatry, and threateneth destruction [Asa 23] [Baasha 21] [Division 42] to him and to his family, [Asa 24] [Baasha 22] [Division 43] and the same fate is denounced [Asa 25] [Baasha 23] [Division 44] to his house that had befallen the [Baasha 24] house of Jeroboam.

[World 3074] [Asa 26] [Elah 1] [Division 45] ELAH reigneth in the of Asa, 1 King. 16. 8.

[World 3075] [Asa 27] [Elah 2] [Omri 1] [Division 46] OMRI reigneth, having slaign Zimri, who had slain Elah. This is a year of great turbulency in the State of Israel. Elah a drunkard of Ephraim is slain by Zimri; and Baasha's house is utterly destroyed with him: Zimri reigneth at Tirzah, but Omri is made King in the Camp at Gibbethon. In that very place had Baasha gotten the Kingdom by the slaughter of Nadah five and twenty years ago, 1 King. 15. 27. a siege being there then as it is now. Omri besiegeth Zimri in Tirzah, and Zimri destroyeth himself and the Kings Palace together. Then there is another competition and war betwixt Omri and Tibni, which continueth till the thirty first year of Asa, 1 King. 16. 23. And then Tibni is overthrown, and Omri becometh sole and entire King. Howbeit in the account that the Scripture giveth of Omri's reign, saying, That he reigned twelve years. The beginning of these years is to be taken from the death of Zimri, which was in the seven and twentieth of Asa, 1 King. 16. 15. Therefore whereas it is said in verse. 23. That in the one and thirtieth year of Asa King of Judah, began Omri to reign over Israel twelve years; it is to be understood, that his whole reign from the death of Zimri was twelve years, which expired in the eight and thirtieth of Asa, ver. 29. but that the first year of his sole and single Government, was Asa's thirty first.

2 CHRON. XVI. verse. 7. to verse. 11.

[Asa 18] [Baasha 16] [Division 37] ASA upon this reliance upon [Asa 19] [Baasha 17] [Division 38] Syria declineth excee-dingly [Asa 20] [Baasha 18] [Division 39] from his former goodness; [Asa 21] [Baasha 19] [Division 40] for he grows not only harsh to [Asa 22] [Baasha 20] [Division 41] the Prophet Hanani that reproved [Asa 23] [Baasha 21] [Division 42] him, but he also began to [Asa 24] [Baasha 22] [Division 43] use harshness, and to tyrannize [Asa 25] [Baasha 23] [Division 44] over his Subjects; and for this his alteration he is in continual [Baasha 24] wars and troubles.

[World 3074] [Asa 26] [Elah 1] [Division 45] Asa seeth an end of his great Enemy.

[World 3075] [Asa 27] [Elah 2] [Omri 1] [Division 46] Baasha, and the ruin of that family, as he had seen the ruin of the family of Jeroboam.

1 KINGS XVI. verse. 1. to verse. 23.

[Asa 18] [Baasha 16] [Division 37] AS Hanani the Seer reproved [Asa 19] [Baasha 17] [Division 38] Asa for his reliance [Asa 20] [Baasha 18] [Division 39] upon Syria, so Jehu the son of [Asa 21] [Baasha 19] [Division 40] Hanani reproveth Baasha for his [Asa 22] [Baasha 20] [Division 41] Idolatry, and threateneth destruction [Asa 23] [Baasha 21] [Division 42] to him and to his family, [Asa 24] [Baasha 22] [Division 43] and the same fate is denounced [Asa 25] [Baasha 23] [Division 44] to his house that had befallen the [Baasha 24] house of Jeroboam.

[World 3074] [Asa 26] [Elah 1] [Division 45] ELAH reigneth in the of Asa, 1 King. 16. 8.

[World 3075] [Asa 27] [Elah 2] [Omri 1] [Division 46] OMRI reigneth, having slaign Zimri, who had slain Elah. This is a year of great turbulency in the State of Israel. Elah a drunkard of Ephraim is slain by Zimri; and Baasha's house is utterly destroyed with him: Zimri reigneth at Tirzah, but Omri is made King in the Camp at Gibbethon. In that very place had Baasha gotten the Kingdom by the slaughter of Nadah five and twenty years ago, 1 King. 15. 27. a siege being there then as it is now. Omri besiegeth Zimri in Tirzah, and Zimri destroyeth himself and the Kings Palace together. Then there is another competition and war betwixt Omri and Tibni, which continueth till the thirty first year of Asa, 1 King. 16. 23. And then Tibni is overthrown, and Omri becometh sole and entire King. Howbeit in the account that the Scripture giveth of Omri's reign, saying, That he reigned twelve years. The beginning of these years is to be taken from the death of Zimri, which was in the seven and twentieth of Asa, 1 King. 16. 15. Therefore whereas it is said in verse. 23. That in the one and thirtieth year of Asa King of Judah, began Omri to reign over Israel twelve years; it is to be understood, that his whole reign from the death of Zimri was twelve years, which expired in the eight and thirtieth of Asa, ver. 29. but that the first year of his sole and single Government, was Asa's thirty first.

2 CHRON. XVI. ver. 11, 12, 13, 14.

[World 3076] [Asa 28] [Omri 2] [Division 47] ASA seeth now a third change [Asa 29] [Omri 3] [Division 48] in the Kingdom of Israel; [Asa 30] [Omri 4] [Division 49] first the family of Jeroboam, then [Asa 31] [Omri 5] [Division 50] of Baasha, now of Omri. Thus [Asa 32] [Omri 6] [Division 51] speedily doth Idolatry root Families [Asa 33] [Omri 7] [Division 52] out, and thus little stability [Asa 34] [Omri 8] [Division 53] is there with those that forsake [Asa 35] [Omri 9] [Division 54] God. Athaliah, a spawn of [Asa 36] [Omri 10] [Division 55] this last family setteth hard in [Asa 37] [Omri 11] [Division 56] time to bring in the like ruin and confusion into the royal stock [Omri 12] of Judah, that is now in Israel, when she goeth about to destroy the Kings Seed.

[Ahab. 1] ASA falleth diseased of [Ahab. 2] the Gout and seeketh too much to [Asa 38] the Physicians, 2 Chron. 16. 12. [World 3086] [Asa 39] [Division 57] His name 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 signifieth a Physician [World 3087] [Ahab. 3] [Division 58] in the Chaldee Tongue.

[Asa 40] [Division 59] Asa still diseased in his feet.

1 KING. XXII. Vers. 41, 42, 43.

[World 3089] [Asa 41] [Ahab 1] [Ahab. 4] [Division 60] JEHOSHAPHAT reigneth upon his fathers death, in the fourth year of [Ahab 2] [Ahab. 5] [Division 61] Ahab, 2 King. 22. 41, 42, &c. and walketh uprightly before the Lord and prospereth.

1 KINGS XVI. verse. 23. to the end.

[World 3076] [Asa 28] [Omri 2] [Division 47] FROM this second of Omri [Asa 29] [Omri 3] [Division 48] 42 years are reckoned to [Asa 30] [Omri 4] [Division 49] Ahaziah, 2 Chron. 22. 2. of which [Asa 31] [Omri 5] [Division 50] when we come there.

[Asa 32] [Omri 6] [Division 51] In the one and thirtieth year of [Asa 33] [Omri 7] [Division 52] Asa Tibni is conquered, and [Asa 34] [Omri 8] [Division 53] Omri is sole King: He reigneth [Asa 35] [Omri 9] [Division 54] six years in Tirzah, and then removeth [Asa 36] [Omri 10] [Division 55] to Samaria, which he had [Asa 37] [Omri 11] [Division 56] built; for Zimri had fired the [Omri 12] Kings Palace at Tirza. Omri is more wicked then any that went before him; he maketh cursed Statutes, Mich. 6. 16.

[Ahab. 1] AHAB reigneth in the 38 [Ahab. 2] year of Asa, 1 King. 16. 29. and [Asa 38] doth more wickedly then his father [World 3086] [Asa 39] [Division 57] Omri had done: He bringeth [World 3087] [Ahab. 3] [Division 58] in the Sidonian Idol Baal into [Asa 40] [Division 59] request in Israel, and addeth that Idolatry to the Idolatry with the golden Calves: He had married a Sidonian woman Jezebel an Idolatress, a Murdress, [World 3089] [Asa 41] [Ahab 1] [Ahab. 4] [Division 60] a Witch, and an Whore; and it is no wonder if Ahab grew to a height of wickedness indeed, [Ahab 2] [Ahab. 5] [Division 61] when he had such a father as Omri to bring him up, and such a wife as Jezebel to lie in his bosom.

2 CHRON. XVI. ver. 11, 12, 13, 14.

[World 3076] [Asa 28] [Omri 2] [Division 47] ASA seeth now a third change [Asa 29] [Omri 3] [Division 48] in the Kingdom of Israel; [Asa 30] [Omri 4] [Division 49] first the family of Jeroboam, then [Asa 31] [Omri 5] [Division 50] of Baasha, now of Omri. Thus [Asa 32] [Omri 6] [Division 51] speedily doth Idolatry root Families [Asa 33] [Omri 7] [Division 52] out, and thus little stability [Asa 34] [Omri 8] [Division 53] is there with those that forsake [Asa 35] [Omri 9] [Division 54] God. Athaliah, a spawn of [Asa 36] [Omri 10] [Division 55] this last family setteth hard in [Asa 37] [Omri 11] [Division 56] time to bring in the like ruin and confusion into the royal stock [Omri 12] of Judah, that is now in Israel, when she goeth about to destroy the Kings Seed.

[Ahab. 1] ASA falleth diseased of [Ahab. 2] the Gout and seeketh too much to [Asa 38] the Physicians, 2 Chron. 16. 12. [World 3086] [Asa 39] [Division 57] His name 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 signifieth a Physician [World 3087] [Ahab. 3] [Division 58] in the Chaldee Tongue.

[Asa 40] [Division 59] Asa still diseased in his feet.

1 KING. XXII. Vers. 41, 42, 43.

[World 3089] [Asa 41] [Ahab 1] [Ahab. 4] [Division 60] JEHOSHAPHAT reigneth upon his fathers death, in the fourth year of [Ahab 2] [Ahab. 5] [Division 61] Ahab, 2 King. 22. 41, 42, &c. and walketh uprightly before the Lord and prospereth.

1 KINGS XVI. verse. 23. to the end.

[World 3076] [Asa 28] [Omri 2] [Division 47] FROM this second of Omri [Asa 29] [Omri 3] [Division 48] 42 years are reckoned to [Asa 30] [Omri 4] [Division 49] Ahaziah, 2 Chron. 22. 2. of which [Asa 31] [Omri 5] [Division 50] when we come there.

[Asa 32] [Omri 6] [Division 51] In the one and thirtieth year of [Asa 33] [Omri 7] [Division 52] Asa Tibni is conquered, and [Asa 34] [Omri 8] [Division 53] Omri is sole King: He reigneth [Asa 35] [Omri 9] [Division 54] six years in Tirzah, and then removeth [Asa 36] [Omri 10] [Division 55] to Samaria, which he had [Asa 37] [Omri 11] [Division 56] built; for Zimri had fired the [Omri 12] Kings Palace at Tirza. Omri is more wicked then any that went before him; he maketh cursed Statutes, Mich. 6. 16.

[Ahab. 1] AHAB reigneth in the 38 [Ahab. 2] year of Asa, 1 King. 16. 29. and [Asa 38] doth more wickedly then his father [World 3086] [Asa 39] [Division 57] Omri had done: He bringeth [World 3087] [Ahab. 3] [Division 58] in the Sidonian Idol Baal into [Asa 40] [Division 59] request in Israel, and addeth that Idolatry to the Idolatry with the golden Calves: He had married a Sidonian woman Jezebel an Idolatress, a Murdress, [World 3089] [Asa 41] [Ahab 1] [Ahab. 4] [Division 60] a Witch, and an Whore; and it is no wonder if Ahab grew to a height of wickedness indeed, [Ahab 2] [Ahab. 5] [Division 61] when he had such a father as Omri to bring him up, and such a wife as Jezebel to lie in his bosom.

2 CHRON. XVII. all.

[World 3091] [Ahab 3] [Ahab. 6] [Division 62] JEHOSHAPHAT in [Ahab 4] [Ahab. 7] [Division 63] the third year sendeth [Ahab 5] [Ahab. 8] [Division 64] Priests, Princes, and Levites [Ahab 6] [Ahab. 9] [Division 65] to teach the Law. He hath [Ahab 7] [Ahab. 10] [Division 66] great tribute from the Philistines, [Ahab 8] [Ahab. 11] [Division 67] and Arabians, hath [Ahab 9] [Ahab. 12] [Division 68] eleven hundred thousand and [Ahab 10] [Ahab. 13] [Division 69] sixty thousand fighting men, [Ahab 11] [Ahab. 14] [Division 70] and is a terror to all that were round about him. But hath already made affinity with Ahab, and married his [Ahab 12] [Ahab 15] [Division 71] Son JORAM to Athaliah [Ahab 13] [Ahab 16] [Division 72] Ahab's Daughter, see [Ahab 14] [Ahab 17] [Division 73] 2 Kings 8. 18. and 11. 1. [Ahab 15] [Ahab 18] [Division 74] for Ahazia Son to Joram [Ahab 16] [Ahab 19] [Division 75] and Athaliah was born in the eighth year of Jehosaphats reign. See 2 Kings 8. 26. 1 King. 22. ver. 44. to 50.

[World 3105] [Ahab 17] [Ahab 20] [Ahaziah. 1] [Division 76] 1. JORAM the son of Jehoshaphat reigneth: Observe these Texts, 1 King. 2 • . 51. Ahaziah the Son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria in the seventeenth year of Jehoshaphat King of Judah, and reigneth two years. And 2 King. 1. 17. And Ahaziah died according to the word of the Lord which Elijah had spoken, and Jehoram reigned in his stead, in the second year of Jehoram son of Jehoshaphat King of Judah. And 2 King. 3. 1. Now Jehoram the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria, the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat King of Judah. By these Scriptures it is most plain, that both Joram the son of Jehoshaphat, and Ahaziah the son of Ahab began to reign in the seventeenth of Jehoshaphat, I shall not need to make the collection, it is so conspicuous in the Text: for who seeth not in them, that Jehoshaphat’s eighteenth, when Joram the son of Ahab beginneth to reign, is called, The second year of Joram the son of Jehoshaphat: Now Jehoshaphat’s reign was not yet expired by eight or nine years, for this was in his seventeenth year, and he reigned five and twenty, 1 King. 22. 42. Nor was Ahab's reign expired by two or three years, for this was in his twentieth year, and he reigned two and twenty, 1 King. 16. 29. But the reason that both their sons came into their thrones thus in their life time, and both in this same year, was because the fathers Jehoshaphat and Ahab, were both engaged in the war against the Syrians about Ramoth Gilead, and while they were providing for it and carrying it on, they made their sons Viceroys, and set them to reign in their stead, while they were absent or employed about that expedition: we shall have occasion to observe the like of Joram the son of Jehoshaphat again afterward.

1 KING. XVI. ver. 30. to the end.

[World 3091] [Ahab 3] [Ahab. 6] [Division 62] AHAB doth abominably, [Ahab 4] [Ahab. 7] [Division 63] buildeth a Chapel and [Ahab 5] [Ahab. 8] [Division 64] an Altar to Baal in Samaria. In [Ahab 6] [Ahab. 9] [Division 65] his days Hiel a man of the family [Ahab 7] [Ahab. 10] [Division 66] of Rahab, living now in Bethel, [Ahab 8] [Ahab. 11] [Division 67] seeing Canaanitish Idolatry, [Ahab 9] [Ahab. 12] [Division 68] and Canaanitish manners come [Ahab 10] [Ahab. 13] [Division 69] on so fast, he is emboldened to set [Ahab 11] [Ahab. 14] [Division 70] on to build Jericho again, to make it a Canaanitish City, but his eldest Son is slain in laying the foundation, and his youngest son in setting up the Gates, according to the curse of Joshua denounced upon such an undertaking, above five hundred and thirty years before, 1 King. 17, 18, 19. In the degenerate and most wicked times of Ahab appeared the glorious piety and Prophetick spirit of Elias, a seasonable reformer when times were come to the very worst: He was of Jabesh Gilead, he shutteth up Heaven that there is no rain for three years and six months, till Baalites be destroyed, and then there is rain enough: He is fed by birds of prey; he feedeth the Sareptane widow, and becometh the first Prophet of the Gentiles: He raiseth her dead Child, destroyeth hundreds of false Prophets, bringeth fire from Heaven, and rain ere long after it: Fasteth forty days and forty nights, seeth the Lord where Moses had seen him, accuseth Israel to him. Is appointed to anoint Hazael King of Syria, who should plague Israel for their Idolatry, and to anoint Jehu King of Israel, who should destroy the house of incorrigible Ahab, and to anoint Elisha a Prophet in his stead, to go on with the reformation that he had begun. John the Baptist was a second Elias, a man in a hairy garment, and leather girdle, 2 King. 1. 8. Matth. 3. 4. of a powerful and operative Ministry, and a great reformer in corrupt times.

1 KING. XX, XXI, & XXII. verse. 51, 52, 53.

[Ahab 12] [Ahab 15] [Division 71] AHAB two years together [Ahab 13] [Ahab 16] [Division 72] hath two great Victories [Ahab 14] [Ahab 17] [Division 73] over the Syrians, but letting [Ahab 15] [Ahab 18] [Division 74] Benhadad go he undoeth himself: [Ahab 16] [Ahab 19] [Division 75] compare the case of Saul about Agag King of Amalek, 1 Sam. 15. Ahab murdereth Naboth for his Vineyard.

[World 3105] [Ahab 17] [Ahab 20] [Ahaziah. 1] [Division 76] AHAZIAH the Son of Ahab reigneth.

2 CHRON. XVII. all.

[World 3091] [Ahab 3] [Ahab. 6] [Division 62] JEHOSHAPHAT in [Ahab 4] [Ahab. 7] [Division 63] the third year sendeth [Ahab 5] [Ahab. 8] [Division 64] Priests, Princes, and Levites [Ahab 6] [Ahab. 9] [Division 65] to teach the Law. He hath [Ahab 7] [Ahab. 10] [Division 66] great tribute from the Philistines, [Ahab 8] [Ahab. 11] [Division 67] and Arabians, hath [Ahab 9] [Ahab. 12] [Division 68] eleven hundred thousand and [Ahab 10] [Ahab. 13] [Division 69] sixty thousand fighting men, [Ahab 11] [Ahab. 14] [Division 70] and is a terror to all that were round about him. But hath already made affinity with Ahab, and married his [Ahab 12] [Ahab 15] [Division 71] Son JORAM to Athaliah [Ahab 13] [Ahab 16] [Division 72] Ahab's Daughter, see [Ahab 14] [Ahab 17] [Division 73] 2 Kings 8. 18. and 11. 1. [Ahab 15] [Ahab 18] [Division 74] for Ahazia Son to Joram [Ahab 16] [Ahab 19] [Division 75] and Athaliah was born in the eighth year of Jehosaphats reign. See 2 Kings 8. 26. 1 King. 22. ver. 44. to 50.

[World 3105] [Ahab 17] [Ahab 20] [Ahaziah. 1] [Division 76] 1. JORAM the son of Jehoshaphat reigneth: Observe these Texts, 1 King. 2 • . 51. Ahaziah the Son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria in the seventeenth year of Jehoshaphat King of Judah, and reigneth two years. And 2 King. 1. 17. And Ahaziah died according to the word of the Lord which Elijah had spoken, and Jehoram reigned in his stead, in the second year of Jehoram son of Jehoshaphat King of Judah. And 2 King. 3. 1. Now Jehoram the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria, the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat King of Judah. By these Scriptures it is most plain, that both Joram the son of Jehoshaphat, and Ahaziah the son of Ahab began to reign in the seventeenth of Jehoshaphat, I shall not need to make the collection, it is so conspicuous in the Text: for who seeth not in them, that Jehoshaphat’s eighteenth, when Joram the son of Ahab beginneth to reign, is called, The second year of Joram the son of Jehoshaphat: Now Jehoshaphat’s reign was not yet expired by eight or nine years, for this was in his seventeenth year, and he reigned five and twenty, 1 King. 22. 42. Nor was Ahab's reign expired by two or three years, for this was in his twentieth year, and he reigned two and twenty, 1 King. 16. 29. But the reason that both their sons came into their thrones thus in their life time, and both in this same year, was because the fathers Jehoshaphat and Ahab, were both engaged in the war against the Syrians about Ramoth Gilead, and while they were providing for it and carrying it on, they made their sons Viceroys, and set them to reign in their stead, while they were absent or employed about that expedition: we shall have occasion to observe the like of Joram the son of Jehoshaphat again afterward.

1 KING. XVI. ver. 30. to the end.

[World 3091] [Ahab 3] [Ahab. 6] [Division 62] AHAB doth abominably, [Ahab 4] [Ahab. 7] [Division 63] buildeth a Chapel and [Ahab 5] [Ahab. 8] [Division 64] an Altar to Baal in Samaria. In [Ahab 6] [Ahab. 9] [Division 65] his days Hiel a man of the family [Ahab 7] [Ahab. 10] [Division 66] of Rahab, living now in Bethel, [Ahab 8] [Ahab. 11] [Division 67] seeing Canaanitish Idolatry, [Ahab 9] [Ahab. 12] [Division 68] and Canaanitish manners come [Ahab 10] [Ahab. 13] [Division 69] on so fast, he is emboldened to set [Ahab 11] [Ahab. 14] [Division 70] on to build Jericho again, to make it a Canaanitish City, but his eldest Son is slain in laying the foundation, and his youngest son in setting up the Gates, according to the curse of Joshua denounced upon such an undertaking, above five hundred and thirty years before, 1 King. 17, 18, 19. In the degenerate and most wicked times of Ahab appeared the glorious piety and Prophetick spirit of Elias, a seasonable reformer when times were come to the very worst: He was of Jabesh Gilead, he shutteth up Heaven that there is no rain for three years and six months, till Baalites be destroyed, and then there is rain enough: He is fed by birds of prey; he feedeth the Sareptane widow, and becometh the first Prophet of the Gentiles: He raiseth her dead Child, destroyeth hundreds of false Prophets, bringeth fire from Heaven, and rain ere long after it: Fasteth forty days and forty nights, seeth the Lord where Moses had seen him, accuseth Israel to him. Is appointed to anoint Hazael King of Syria, who should plague Israel for their Idolatry, and to anoint Jehu King of Israel, who should destroy the house of incorrigible Ahab, and to anoint Elisha a Prophet in his stead, to go on with the reformation that he had begun. John the Baptist was a second Elias, a man in a hairy garment, and leather girdle, 2 King. 1. 8. Matth. 3. 4. of a powerful and operative Ministry, and a great reformer in corrupt times.

1 KING. XX, XXI, & XXII. verse. 51, 52, 53.

[Ahab 12] [Ahab 15] [Division 71] AHAB two years together [Ahab 13] [Ahab 16] [Division 72] hath two great Victories [Ahab 14] [Ahab 17] [Division 73] over the Syrians, but letting [Ahab 15] [Ahab 18] [Division 74] Benhadad go he undoeth himself: [Ahab 16] [Ahab 19] [Division 75] compare the case of Saul about Agag King of Amalek, 1 Sam. 15. Ahab murdereth Naboth for his Vineyard.

[World 3105] [Ahab 17] [Ahab 20] [Ahaziah. 1] [Division 76] AHAZIAH the Son of Ahab reigneth.

1 KING. XXII. to Verse 50. and 2 CHRON. XVIII. all.

[World 3106] [Ahab 18] [Ahab. 21] [Ahaziah. 2] [Jehoram. 1] [Division. 77] JEHOSHAPHAT and Ahab are now together in the expedition against the Syrians about Ramoth Gilead: this was one of the Cities of refuge, Josh. 20. 8. and that consideration [World 3107] [Ahab 19] [Ahab. 22] [Jehoram. 2] [Division. 78] might engage Jehoshaphat in this business the rather, because that was a concernment of his Kingdom as well as of the Kingdom of Israel.

2 KING. I. all.

[World 3106] [Ahab 18] [Ahab. 21] [Ahaziah. 2] [Jehoram. 1] [Division. 77] AHAZIAH falling through a grate as he was walking on his leads, catcheth his death, and Jehoram his Brother succeedeth him twelve year, 2 Kings 3. 1.

[World 3107] [Ahab 19] [Ahab. 22] [Jehoram. 2] [Division. 78] AHAB slain at Ramoth Gilead: and now as Saul sparing the Amalekites was slain by an Amalakite, so Ahab sparing the Syrians is slain by them. Perdere quos vult Deus, dementat; otherwise might Ahab have taken cautions enough for meddling in this war: he had not only the warning of Micaiah the son of Imlah, when he is setting forward, 1 King. 22. 28. nor only the guilt of Naboth's blood and his own Idolatry, nor only the terrible threatenings of Elijah denounced against him, but he might read how heinously he had sinned in sparing Benhadad and the Syrians [and accordingly might expect vengeance by the Syrians, as the Prophet had told him] by what the Lord had demonstrated about that matter: He had called the Syrian King the man of his curse. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 1 King. 20. 42. he had therefore given Ahab two great victories over him, he had not only cast down the wall of Aphek, Jerecho like to make the City undefensible of the Syrians that were fled thither, but had slain 27000 with the fall of it; he had slain a man with a Lion, as 1 King. 13. 24. which refused to forward, and to help to set on an admonition to him, yet seeing all these things he would not see; for as he had sold himself to sin, so had the Lord sold him to destruction. It is somewhat observable that this murderer of Naboth, and sparer of Benhadad, is slain at a City of refuge, by Benhadad's Army, and by a shot made at random. Compare Deut. 19. 4. His son Ahaziah dies before him by a fatal fall, inquires at the Devil when he is sick, as Saul at a Witch, loseth one hundred men by fire from Heaven, and dieth childless: Here begins vengeance on Ahab's house. Compare Jeroboams twenty two years, and his son Nadabs two years, and their reigning together, with Ahab's twenty two, and Ahaziahs two: These last times of Ahab the Text gives us account to reckon thus: Three years he is about the business of Ramoth, viz. his 20, 21, 22. three years before he is without war with Syria, 1 King. 22. 1. viz. his 19, 18, 17. In this space of time he murders Naboth: the year before them, viz. his 16. He hath great victory over Syria, slayeth 100000 men, and taketh Benhadad. And the year before that he hath another victory over them, viz. in his fifteenth.

1 KING. XXII. to Verse 50. and 2 CHRON. XVIII. all.

[World 3106] [Ahab 18] [Ahab. 21] [Ahaziah. 2] [Jehoram. 1] [Division. 77] JEHOSHAPHAT and Ahab are now together in the expedition against the Syrians about Ramoth Gilead: this was one of the Cities of refuge, Josh. 20. 8. and that consideration [World 3107] [Ahab 19] [Ahab. 22] [Jehoram. 2] [Division. 78] might engage Jehoshaphat in this business the rather, because that was a concernment of his Kingdom as well as of the Kingdom of Israel.

2 KING. I. all.

[World 3106] [Ahab 18] [Ahab. 21] [Ahaziah. 2] [Jehoram. 1] [Division. 77] AHAZIAH falling through a grate as he was walking on his leads, catcheth his death, and Jehoram his Brother succeedeth him twelve year, 2 Kings 3. 1.

[World 3107] [Ahab 19] [Ahab. 22] [Jehoram. 2] [Division. 78] AHAB slain at Ramoth Gilead: and now as Saul sparing the Amalekites was slain by an Amalakite, so Ahab sparing the Syrians is slain by them. Perdere quos vult Deus, dementat; otherwise might Ahab have taken cautions enough for meddling in this war: he had not only the warning of Micaiah the son of Imlah, when he is setting forward, 1 King. 22. 28. nor only the guilt of Naboth's blood and his own Idolatry, nor only the terrible threatenings of Elijah denounced against him, but he might read how heinously he had sinned in sparing Benhadad and the Syrians [and accordingly might expect vengeance by the Syrians, as the Prophet had told him] by what the Lord had demonstrated about that matter: He had called the Syrian King the man of his curse. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 1 King. 20. 42. he had therefore given Ahab two great victories over him, he had not only cast down the wall of Aphek, Jerecho like to make the City undefensible of the Syrians that were fled thither, but had slain 27000 with the fall of it; he had slain a man with a Lion, as 1 King. 13. 24. which refused to forward, and to help to set on an admonition to him, yet seeing all these things he would not see; for as he had sold himself to sin, so had the Lord sold him to destruction. It is somewhat observable that this murderer of Naboth, and sparer of Benhadad, is slain at a City of refuge, by Benhadad's Army, and by a shot made at random. Compare Deut. 19. 4. His son Ahaziah dies before him by a fatal fall, inquires at the Devil when he is sick, as Saul at a Witch, loseth one hundred men by fire from Heaven, and dieth childless: Here begins vengeance on Ahab's house. Compare Jeroboams twenty two years, and his son Nadabs two years, and their reigning together, with Ahab's twenty two, and Ahaziahs two: These last times of Ahab the Text gives us account to reckon thus: Three years he is about the business of Ramoth, viz. his 20, 21, 22. three years before he is without war with Syria, 1 King. 22. 1. viz. his 19, 18, 17. In this space of time he murders Naboth: the year before them, viz. his 16. He hath great victory over Syria, slayeth 100000 men, and taketh Benhadad. And the year before that he hath another victory over them, viz. in his fifteenth.

2 CHRON. XIX, XX.

[Jehoshaphat. 20] [Jehoram. 3] [Division. 79] JEHOSHAPHAT reformeth his Kingdom and setteth up Judges throughout the Land.

[World 3109] [Jehoshaphat. 21] [Jehoram. 4] [Division. 80] Jehoshaphat hath a miraculous victory against Moab, Ammon 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and the inhabitants of Mount Seir that lay upon Animon borders, for the rest of Edom rebelled not yet. See 2 King. 8. 20. These people are elsewhere called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Maonites, Judge. 10. 12. or Mehunims, 2 Chron. 26. 7. and so should they be expressed in 1 Chron. 4. 41. And these written by name came in the days of Hezckiah King of Judah, and smote their Tents, and the Maonites that were found there: The LXX renders it well there, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 : And they are called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 here, and 2 Chron. 26. 8. either by inversion of the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 into 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , which kind of thing is very common in Scripture [as Heres and Serah, Josh. 24. 30. compared with Judge. 2. 9. Beta, and Tibath. Compare 2 Sam. 8. 8. with 1 Chron. 18. 8. Eliam and Ammiel, 2 Sam. 11. 3. compared with 1 Chron. 3. 5. and abundance more that might be alleged] or because of their mixture with the Ammonites in their habitation, as Midianites, and Ishmaelites are all one, Gen. 37. And observe how roundly the Text comes off with this inversion, and how clearly it argues this cohabitation, 2 Chron. 26. 7, 8. And God helped Uzziah against the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Mahunims, and the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Ammonites gave gifts to Uzziah. This company that came against Jehoshaphat, is said to come from beyond the Sea from Syria, ver. 2. now this Sea was the dead Sea, as it appeareth by the words immediately following, and behold, they be in Hazazan-Tamar which is Engedi, which lay upon the Southern point of the dead Sea: Now neither that place, nor these men's Country were in Syria, but that in Canaan, and their Country in Arabia; and therefore when it said they came from Syria, it is to be understood they came in the King of Syrias quarrel, and upon his war, which he now raised upon Jehoshaphat, to be avenged on him for taking part with Ahab at Ramoth Gilead.

2 KING. III. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

[Jehoshaphat. 20] [Jehoram. 3] [Division. 79] JEHORAM destroyed Baal out of Samaria, but continueth Jeroboams golden Calves. Moab rebelleth, and so he loseth [World 3109] [Jehoshaphat. 21] [Jehoram. 4] [Division. 80] a great Tribute. It is like that Ahab conquered Moab when he conquered Benhadad and the two and thirty Kings with him, and that the King of Moab was one of those Kings.

2 CHRON. XIX, XX.

[Jehoshaphat. 20] [Jehoram. 3] [Division. 79] JEHOSHAPHAT reformeth his Kingdom and setteth up Judges throughout the Land.

[World 3109] [Jehoshaphat. 21] [Jehoram. 4] [Division. 80] Jehoshaphat hath a miraculous victory against Moab, Ammon 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and the inhabitants of Mount Seir that lay upon Animon borders, for the rest of Edom rebelled not yet. See 2 King. 8. 20. These people are elsewhere called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Maonites, Judge. 10. 12. or Mehunims, 2 Chron. 26. 7. and so should they be expressed in 1 Chron. 4. 41. And these written by name came in the days of Hezckiah King of Judah, and smote their Tents, and the Maonites that were found there: The LXX renders it well there, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 : And they are called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 here, and 2 Chron. 26. 8. either by inversion of the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 into 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , which kind of thing is very common in Scripture [as Heres and Serah, Josh. 24. 30. compared with Judge. 2. 9. Beta, and Tibath. Compare 2 Sam. 8. 8. with 1 Chron. 18. 8. Eliam and Ammiel, 2 Sam. 11. 3. compared with 1 Chron. 3. 5. and abundance more that might be alleged] or because of their mixture with the Ammonites in their habitation, as Midianites, and Ishmaelites are all one, Gen. 37. And observe how roundly the Text comes off with this inversion, and how clearly it argues this cohabitation, 2 Chron. 26. 7, 8. And God helped Uzziah against the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Mahunims, and the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Ammonites gave gifts to Uzziah. This company that came against Jehoshaphat, is said to come from beyond the Sea from Syria, ver. 2. now this Sea was the dead Sea, as it appeareth by the words immediately following, and behold, they be in Hazazan-Tamar which is Engedi, which lay upon the Southern point of the dead Sea: Now neither that place, nor these men's Country were in Syria, but that in Canaan, and their Country in Arabia; and therefore when it said they came from Syria, it is to be understood they came in the King of Syrias quarrel, and upon his war, which he now raised upon Jehoshaphat, to be avenged on him for taking part with Ahab at Ramoth Gilead.

2 KING. III. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

[Jehoshaphat. 20] [Jehoram. 3] [Division. 79] JEHORAM destroyed Baal out of Samaria, but continueth Jeroboams golden Calves. Moab rebelleth, and so he loseth [World 3109] [Jehoshaphat. 21] [Jehoram. 4] [Division. 80] a great Tribute. It is like that Ahab conquered Moab when he conquered Benhadad and the two and thirty Kings with him, and that the King of Moab was one of those Kings.

2 CHRON. XXI. ver. 1, 2, 3, 4.

[World 3110] [Jehoshaphat. 22] [Jehoram 1] [Jehoram. 5] [Division. 81] JEHORAM, or Joram the Son of Jehoshaphat made Viceroy again, for so it is plain, 2 King. 8. 16. In the fifth year of Joram son of Ahab King of Israel, Jehoshaphat being then King of Judah, Jehoram the Son of Jehoshaphat King of Judah began his reign, and reigned eight years in Jerusalem. Now this was upon Jehoshaphat’s going with Joram King of Israel to war against Moab, 2 King. 3. 7. 9. For as Jehoshaphat when he went with Ahab to Ramoth Gilead, made Joram then King in his stead till he came again, as was observed before; so doth he now when he goeth with Joram, Ahab's son against Moab: but Jehoshaphat doth never sit in the throne again, for observe 1. that whereas it is said, Joram reigned eight years in Jerusalem, they are reckoned from this beginning, as it appeareth by 2 King. 8. 25. where they are ended in the twelfth of Joram the son of Ahab.

2. That Jehoshaphat is called The King of Israel, 2 Chron. 21. 2. for his affinity and society which Ahab and Joram the Kings of Israel had undone him; and when he would not take warning upon his first miscarriage in that kind, 2 Chron. 19. 2. he is sorely punished upon a second, for he loseth his sons, and he loseth his Kingdom; and therefore is he fitly called The King of Israel, for he hath taken more care of that Kingdom then his own, and lost his own by it.

3. That Joram slew his brethren, and the Princes of Judah, presently after his father had left him in the Throne, and was gone away for Moab. This is to be collected from these particulars: 1. It is said, 2 Chron. 21. 12, 13, &c. There came a writing from Elijah the Prophet unto Jehoram, saying, Thus saith the Lord, Because thou hast not walked in the ways of Jehoshaphat, &c. but hast slain thy brethren of thy fathers house, Behold with a great stroke will the Lord smite thy people, &c. Now it is ridiculous to hold as the Jews do, that Elijah sent this letter out of Heaven after he was wrapped up thither: But it is without all doubt that he wrote it whilst he was here on earth, before he was taken up.

Now before Jehoshaphat the King of Judah, and Joram the King of Israel, and the King of Edom come to the Battle against Moab, Elijah is taken up, and Elisha is with them: for so it is plain, 2 King. 3. 11. And Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a Prophet of the Lord? And one of the King of Israel's servants answered and said, Here is Elisha the son of Shaphat, which poured water on the hands of Elijah. Therefore the passage of the whole Story is to be cast into this order, Moab rebelling against the King of Israel, Jehoram the then King desireth Jehoshaphat’s assistance to help to subdue them: Jehoshaphat consents, raises his forces, sets his son Joram in the throne to rule the Kingdom at home, and so sets forth upon that expedition. Joram when his father was now out of the Land, riseth up against his Brethren and the nobles of Judah, and slayeth them, and resolveth to keep the Kingdom. Elijah being yet alive heareth of this, and though he had nothing yet to do with any of the Kings of Judah, yet seeing here Jezebel's spirit in this act of Joram, he writes him a terrible letter, leaves it to be conveyed to him, and ere long is conveyed himself in a whirlwind to Heaven: Elisha after his Masters departure returns through divided Jordan to Jericho, to Bethel, to Carmel, to Samaria, and from thence goes down to the Camp in Moab: so that the Story of Elijah's rapture lieth in its proper place, in 2 King. 2. only the beginning of the third Chapter, that mentioneth the beginning of Jorams reign, which was before Elijah's translation, is a repetition of what was said before in its proper place. Chap. 1. 17. that the full Story of this Joram may be taken up together.

Elisha when he would prophecy, he requireth some Music to play, and some songs of praises to be sung, and then the Spirit of the Lord cometh upon him, he foretelleth of a great deliverance, and bringeth water miraculously into ditches, as Elijah had done fire. Moab is now become a wash-pot, full of strange water, and these waters do seem to Moab to be nothing but blood: The King of Moab besieged in Kirharaseth, with seven hundred men would break thorough the King of Edom's squadron, but cannot: Howbeit he taketh the Prince of Edom, the Kings eldest son, prisoner, brings him into Kirharaseth again, and there offers him up on the wall for a burnt offering, &c. So burns the bones of this young King of Edom into lime, Amos 2. 1. And there was great indignation against Israel, both from Edom and other Nations about it: for Edom revolted and rebelled against Israel, 2 King. 8. 20. And the Philistines and Tyrians caught up Israelites as they could lay hold upon them, and delivered them up to Edom: 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 a peaceable Captivity, Amos 1. 6. 9. not taken by war, but by sleight and deceit: or a perfect Captivity, not to be recovered again.

2 KING. II. & III. ver. 6. to end.

[World 3110] [Jehoshaphat. 22] [Jehoram 1] [Jehoram. 5] [Division. 81] ELIAS wrapped up into Heaven, Joram the King of Israel goeth against Moab, &c. Elisha multiplieth the widows Oil, promiseth the Shunamite a Son, &c.

2 CHRON. XXI. ver. 1, 2, 3, 4.

[World 3110] [Jehoshaphat. 22] [Jehoram 1] [Jehoram. 5] [Division. 81] JEHORAM, or Joram the Son of Jehoshaphat made Viceroy again, for so it is plain, 2 King. 8. 16. In the fifth year of Joram son of Ahab King of Israel, Jehoshaphat being then King of Judah, Jehoram the Son of Jehoshaphat King of Judah began his reign, and reigned eight years in Jerusalem. Now this was upon Jehoshaphat’s going with Joram King of Israel to war against Moab, 2 King. 3. 7. 9. For as Jehoshaphat when he went with Ahab to Ramoth Gilead, made Joram then King in his stead till he came again, as was observed before; so doth he now when he goeth with Joram, Ahab's son against Moab: but Jehoshaphat doth never sit in the throne again, for observe 1. that whereas it is said, Joram reigned eight years in Jerusalem, they are reckoned from this beginning, as it appeareth by 2 King. 8. 25. where they are ended in the twelfth of Joram the son of Ahab.

2. That Jehoshaphat is called The King of Israel, 2 Chron. 21. 2. for his affinity and society which Ahab and Joram the Kings of Israel had undone him; and when he would not take warning upon his first miscarriage in that kind, 2 Chron. 19. 2. he is sorely punished upon a second, for he loseth his sons, and he loseth his Kingdom; and therefore is he fitly called The King of Israel, for he hath taken more care of that Kingdom then his own, and lost his own by it.

3. That Joram slew his brethren, and the Princes of Judah, presently after his father had left him in the Throne, and was gone away for Moab. This is to be collected from these particulars: 1. It is said, 2 Chron. 21. 12, 13, &c. There came a writing from Elijah the Prophet unto Jehoram, saying, Thus saith the Lord, Because thou hast not walked in the ways of Jehoshaphat, &c. but hast slain thy brethren of thy fathers house, Behold with a great stroke will the Lord smite thy people, &c. Now it is ridiculous to hold as the Jews do, that Elijah sent this letter out of Heaven after he was wrapped up thither: But it is without all doubt that he wrote it whilst he was here on earth, before he was taken up.

Now before Jehoshaphat the King of Judah, and Joram the King of Israel, and the King of Edom come to the Battle against Moab, Elijah is taken up, and Elisha is with them: for so it is plain, 2 King. 3. 11. And Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a Prophet of the Lord? And one of the King of Israel's servants answered and said, Here is Elisha the son of Shaphat, which poured water on the hands of Elijah. Therefore the passage of the whole Story is to be cast into this order, Moab rebelling against the King of Israel, Jehoram the then King desireth Jehoshaphat’s assistance to help to subdue them: Jehoshaphat consents, raises his forces, sets his son Joram in the throne to rule the Kingdom at home, and so sets forth upon that expedition. Joram when his father was now out of the Land, riseth up against his Brethren and the nobles of Judah, and slayeth them, and resolveth to keep the Kingdom. Elijah being yet alive heareth of this, and though he had nothing yet to do with any of the Kings of Judah, yet seeing here Jezebel's spirit in this act of Joram, he writes him a terrible letter, leaves it to be conveyed to him, and ere long is conveyed himself in a whirlwind to Heaven: Elisha after his Masters departure returns through divided Jordan to Jericho, to Bethel, to Carmel, to Samaria, and from thence goes down to the Camp in Moab: so that the Story of Elijah's rapture lieth in its proper place, in 2 King. 2. only the beginning of the third Chapter, that mentioneth the beginning of Jorams reign, which was before Elijah's translation, is a repetition of what was said before in its proper place. Chap. 1. 17. that the full Story of this Joram may be taken up together.

Elisha when he would prophecy, he requireth some Music to play, and some songs of praises to be sung, and then the Spirit of the Lord cometh upon him, he foretelleth of a great deliverance, and bringeth water miraculously into ditches, as Elijah had done fire. Moab is now become a wash-pot, full of strange water, and these waters do seem to Moab to be nothing but blood: The King of Moab besieged in Kirharaseth, with seven hundred men would break thorough the King of Edom's squadron, but cannot: Howbeit he taketh the Prince of Edom, the Kings eldest son, prisoner, brings him into Kirharaseth again, and there offers him up on the wall for a burnt offering, &c. So burns the bones of this young King of Edom into lime, Amos 2. 1. And there was great indignation against Israel, both from Edom and other Nations about it: for Edom revolted and rebelled against Israel, 2 King. 8. 20. And the Philistines and Tyrians caught up Israelites as they could lay hold upon them, and delivered them up to Edom: 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 a peaceable Captivity, Amos 1. 6. 9. not taken by war, but by sleight and deceit: or a perfect Captivity, not to be recovered again.