The History of the Old Testament Methodized

IN the 20th year of Jeroboam, Asa began to reign over Judah, and he reigned 41 years. He began his reign in the time of the first King of Israel, and continued to the reign of the eighth. In which time the Kingdom of Israel was in three several families, viz. Jeroboam 's, Baasha 's, and Omri 's. 'It is probable that he was very young when he came to the Crown; and that hereupon Maachah his Grandmother the wife of Rehoboam, (his mother possibly being dead) was made Queen Regent during his minority. But when he came to some ripeness of years he shown that his heart was upright before the Lord, and that he was an enemy to the Idolatry that was in the land, and desired to maintain the true worship of God; a thing the more to be wondered at, he having such a Father, and such a Grandmother. His Grandmother it seems had out of her zeal to Idolatry set up some new abominable Idol in a Grove. He though young took courage, and assuming the Government into his own hands deposed her from being Queen Regent, and destroyed her Idol, and burnt it by the Brook Kidron, and stamped it to powder out of indignation, and cast the dust thereof into the Brook. He did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, and reformed those things that were out of order in matters of Religion, and removed all the Idols that his Fathers had made; yet the high places where the people worshipped the true God of Israel were not removed (the people being very loath to be tied to one place for the offering of their Sacrifices ) but the high places that were dedicated to the worship of strange gods he took away. He took away also all the Sodomites out of the land which he could discover, [see Ch. 14.24.] but some it seems remained till his Son Jehoshaphat came to the Crown, and then he removed them, 1 King. 22.46.

During this time of peace which the Lord had given them he exhorted his subjects to assist him in fortifying several Cities in his Kingdom, and to make about them Walls, Towers, Gates and Bars, while yet the land was quiet before them. For (says he) we have sought the Lord, and he hath given us rest on every side, therefore let us make a good improvement of this mercy by preparing in time of peace for war, 2 Ch. 14.6, 7.

After this he brought into the Lord's house the things that his Father, after his famous victory over Jeroboam, had dedicated, adding something more of his own free gift, viz. silver and gold, and vessels for the services of the Temple.

For ten years he enjoyed peace, during which time Jeroboam died, and Nadab his Son succeeded him; Nadab two years after was slain by Baasha, who reigned in his stead. When those ten years were expired some enemy or other made war against him, but who it was is not expressed. And afterwards about the fourteenth year of his reign Zerah the Ethiopian with a vast Army of the Arabians (as it seems) and Philistines joining with him, invaded the Kingdom of Judah with an host (according to common fame) of a thousand thousand, and with a thousand and three hundred Chariots and Horsemen proportionable, Ch. 16.8. Asa met them with an Army of five hundred, and eight thousand levied out of Judah and Benjamin, all mighty men of valor. And at Mareshah a City in Judah they set their armies in battle-array to fight. Then Asa cried unto the Lord his God, and prayed, saying, It is nothing with thee to help whither with many or them that have no power. Help us, O Lord our God, for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go out against this great multitude. O Lord thou art our God, let not man prevail against thee. So the Lord smote the Ethiopians with such a dreadful fear that they fled before Asa, and the men of Judah, and so many of them were slain, and the rest routed that they could not rally or make head again. So the men of Judah pursued them to Gerar a City of the Philistines, and spoiled it and the Cities round about it, and carried away very much spoil from them; for a great terror from the Lord fell upon them, so that they durst not resist. And the men of Judah fell also upon the Tents of the Arabians who had joined with these Ethiopians, and took from them abundance of sheep and camels, and so laden with spoils marched back to Jerurusalem. Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon Azariah the Son of Oded, and he went out to meet Asa and his Army at their return, and lest they should be too much puffed up with this great victory, he said unto Asa and his Soldiers, You see by experience that the Lord is with you while ye be with him, and that while you walk in his ways he will not fail to bless you. If ye seek him he will be found of you, but if ye forsake him he will forsake you. You may see a clear instance of this in the Kingdom of Israel, who for above thirty years last past (namely since their revolt under Jeroboam) have lived without the public pure worship of God, not having his Priests to instruct them, nor regarding his Law to direct them; but if they would repent and return to God, undoubtedly he would be ready to receive them into his favor again. For in former times (viz. the times of the Judges) when the Israelites were in great trouble, and under sore oppressions, so that there was no peace to him that went out or came in, but great vexations were upon all the inhabitants of those Countries, and Nation was destroyed of Nation, and City of City, (God vexing them with sore adversity) yet even then when they did seek to the Lord and turned unto him, he had mercy upon them, and did afford them help and deliverance. And so if the ten Tribes that have thus forsaken the Lord would turn to him, he would surely have mercy upon them. But whatever they do, let me advise thee, O King, and thy subjects to go on courageously with the work of reformation begun by you, and assure yourselves that God will still be with you to bless you whilst you are for him.

When Asa heard these words, together with the Prophesy of Oded (the Father of this Azariah ) which it seems he declared unto him at this time, and added it to his own exhortation, Asa took courage and made a more diligent search throughout all his Kingdom, and put away the remaining Idols that were found among them, and that not only out of the land of Judah and Benjamin, but out of the Cities which either his Father Abijam, or he himself had taken about Mount Ephraim. See 2 Chron. 13.19. & 17.2. And he renewed and repaired the Altar of the Lord that Solomon had built in the Priests Court, which now by continual use was something decayed; and he summoned all Judah and Benjamin, and such of the ten Tribes as were within his Dominions, (for they fell to him out of Israel in abundance when they saw that the Lord so eminently blessed him) and on the third month in the fifteenth year of his reign (which was the 35th since the Kingdom of Judah and Israel were divided, 2 Chron. 15.19.) he and his people offered unto the Lord of the spoils they had gotten, seven hundred oxen, and seven thousand sheep, and entered into a Covenant to seek the Lord God of their Fathers with all their heart, and all their soul, and that whosoever should worship any false God's either publicly or privately should be put to death according to the Law, Deut. 17.2, &c. And they sware unto the Lord with a loud voice, and with shouting, and with Trumpets and Cornets sounding. And all Judah rejoiced at the Oath, for they had sworn with all their heart, and sought the Lord with their whole soul, and he was found of them, and heard their prayers, and granted their desires, accepted what they did, and prospered their endeavors, and he gave them rest round about. There had been no war betwixt Israel and Judah in Asa 's time till the 15th year of his reign . But now about the sixteenth year of Asa and 36th since the division of the Kingdoms, Baasha King of Israel perceiving how potent Asa began to be, and how fast the Israelites revolted to him, and how they had all entered into a Covenant to serve the Lord, he began to arm against them in the fourteenth year of his reign, and from this time there was war between Baasha and Asa all their days, 1 King. 15.16.

And Baasha having gotten Ramah, which was one of the Cities of Benjamin from the King of Judah, fearing the greatness of Asa, and the revolt of the Israelites to him, he resolved to fortify it, and put a Garrison into it, that he might keep his own people from flying to him. Asa to divert him from building and fortifying of Ramah, takes out the silver and gold that were in the Treasures of the Temple, and the Kings house, and sent them to Benhadad King of Syria, to hire him to break his League with Baasha King of Israel. He represents to him that there was a League between Benhadad and him as there had been between their Fathers; he desired him therefore to break the League he had with the King of Israel, and to invade his Country that he might depart from him, for he was come down to his very borders. Doubtless for Asa to be so much afraid of the Israelites, and to rob the Temple, and therewith to hire an Infidel to break his Covenant with them, and to make war upon them, and that soon after God had given him so great a victory over that vast host of the Ethiopians, Lubims, Arabians, and Philistines, and had manifested so great a readiness to help him, was a great sin. Benhadad accordingly having received this present (not regarding his faith or league made with the Israelites ) forthwith invaded and took many of their Cities. Baasha upon this, left off fortifying Ramah, and went against Benhadad to defend his own Country . In the mean time Asa by Proclamation gathered together all that were able in Judah to go up to Ramah to demolish it; and the men of Judah and Benjamin went up thither and fetched away the timber and stones that Baasha had provided to build, and fortify it with, and Asa built therewith Geba and Mizpah , two Cities in the Tribe of Benjamin. Hanani the Seer (father of the Prophet Jehu, 1 King. 16.) came hereupon to Asa, and said to him, Thou hast done ill to distrust the Lord, and to rely on the King of Syria to deliver thee from Baasha. For hadst thou suffered Benhadad to continue firm to his league with Baasha, they both would have invaded thy land, and thou shouldst have overcome them both as thou didst the great Army of the Ethiopians; whereas now by making an agreement with Benhadad thou hast cut off that advantage from thyself, and so his host is escaped out of thy hands. Thou mayest remember how God gave thee victory over that vast Army of the Ethiopians, because thou didst rely on him. For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro through the whole earth to show himself strong in the behalf of those whose heart is perfect towards him. Herein therefore thou hast done foolishly, and from henceforth thou shalt have wars with Baasha, 1 King. 15.16.

Asa was very wroth with the Seer for this his plain and faithful dealing with him, and put him into prison, and dealt very harshly also with some of his subjects at the same time, who possibly shown their dislike of these his proceedings.

In the 39th year of his reign he was diseased in his feet (probably with the Gout ) and his disease proving exceeding painful he sought not so much to the Lord for help as to the Physicians.

He died in the forty first year of his reign, having reigned in the time of seven Kings of Israel, viz. in some part of Jeroboam 's, and all the time of Nadab, Baasha, Elah, Zimri, Omri, and in some part of Ahab 's; and they buried him in a Sepulcher which he had made for himself in the City of David, and they laid him in the Bed or Coffin, which was filled with all kinds of odors and sweet spices prepared by the Art of the Apothecaries, and they made a great burning for him, that is, they burnt sweet perfumes at his burial in very great abundance, and Jehoshaphat his Son reigned in his stead.

1 King. 15. from v. 9, to 25.

2 Chron. 14. wh. Ch.

2 Chron. 15. wh. Ch.

2 Chron. 16. whole Chapter.

JEhoshaphat began his reign in the fourth year of the reign of Ahab; he was thirty five years old when he began to reign, and reigned twenty five years in Jerusalem: He walked in the ways of Asa his Father, doing that which was right in the eyes of the Lord. And the Lord was with him because he walked in the first ways of David his Father, which were purer and more free from sin than were his latter days. He sought not to Baal as did Ahab, but sought to the Lord, and walked in his ways and commandments, and not after the doings of Israel. And the Lord established the Kingdom in his hand, and all Judah brought him presents; and he had riches and honor in abundance; and his heart was lifted up in the ways of the Lord; that is, he was very zealous and courageous in the cause of God, and went on with an high and magnanimous spirit, without any fear or discouragement. At his first coming to the Crown he placed forces in all the fenced Cities of Judah, and Garrison'd the Cities of Ephraim which his Father Asa had taken. See 2 Chron. 15.8. And strengthened himself against Israel.

The remnant of the Sodomites which remained in the days of his Father, he took out of the land. He took away also such high-places as were dedicated to the worship of strange gods, but those wherein the people served the true God of Israel he took not away, but the people offered and burnt incense still in them. See 1 King. 22.43. 'It is true, his Father had twice removed them, [2 Chron. 14.5. & 15.8, 16.] yet it seems some escaped, or else the people in his Fathers declining time (when he was diseased in his feet) renewed them. But those high-places wherein they served the true God of Israel, he took not quite away, but the people offered and burnt incense still in them, for they had not (at least not a great many of them) disposed their hearts to follow the Lord entirely, and his commandments and injunctions. See 2 Chron. 20.33. Some reformation indeed they had yielded unto, but yet their hearts hankered still after their old superstition. See 2 Chron. 15.17. And though Jehoshaphat did endeavor to reform what was amiss among them, yet from the high-places the people would not be reclaimed.

In the third year of his reign finding (as we said before) that the people were in many places much addicted to Idolatry, and had set up the high-places which his Father Asa had pulled down, he sent some choice Priests and Levites as Visitors into several parts of his Kingdom to see whither they were rightly taught and instructed, and by their own personal teaching to confirm those that were well instructed, and to convince those that were corrupted or misled, and to show them how expressly the Law did forbid, and threaten all Idolatry whatsoever; and with them he sent some Princes and men of note to countenance and encourage them, and possibly to punish those who should oppose them, or be obstinate in their errors. Jehoshaphat thus setting himself to the work of Reformation, a great terror from the Lord fell upon all the Kingdoms round about him, so that they made no war, nor gave any disturbance to him. Also some Philistines (that were deadly enemies to the Jews ) brought presents to him, and tribute-silver; Asa having subdued a considerable part of them, as we may see 2 Chron. 14.14. And the Arabians brought him flocks, (their chief calling being to breed and feed cattle, and so brought such presents as they had) viz. seven thousand and seven hundred rams, and as many he-goats. These were all clean cattle, and so fit both for meat and sacrifice.

Jehoshaphat now waxed great exceedingly, great in riches, great in power, and great in honor and esteem, and he built Castles in Judah, and Cities of store, viz. to lay up his ammunition and provisions in. And he had much business in the Cities of Judah, that is, he took great care himself and employed others under him about such things as were of public concernment for the good of those Cities in particular, and the whole Kingdom in general; but his chief Commanders and Captains with some choice Companies of Soldiers he kept about his own person in Jerusalem. Moreover he had a great Militia ready to attend him upon any emergent occasion, and these were under the command of five able leaders successively. The Trained bands of Judah being first under the command of Adnah, and when Adnah was dead under the command of Jehohanan, and when he was dead, under Amaziah the Son of Zichri, who willingly offered himself to the Lord, viz. to fight the Lord's battles against the enemies of the land. So likewise the Trained bands of Benjamin were first under Eliada, and next after him, under Jehozabad, and their numbers were in the several times of these Generals sometimes more and sometimes less. This was his Militia, besides the Soldiers he had in Garrisons, and these in their courses, some at one time, and some at another came up to Jerusalem to wait upon the King.

About the eighth year of his reign he joined in affinity with Ahab, and married his eldest Son Jehoram to Athaliah, Ahab 's daughter. It may seem strange that so pious a King as Jehoshaphat was should ever be induced to marry his Son and heir of his Crown to the daughter of wicked and Idolatrous Ahab, and cursed Jezebel. But O how often, and how easily does interest of State and worldly policy make Religion truckle under it. And the Kingdom felt the sad effects of this match not long after.

About the 17th year of his reign, and the 22th of Ahab (making his Son Jehoram Viceroy in his absence) with a great train, and (as it seems) accompanied with some troops of Soldiers he went down to Samaria to visit Ahab. None of his Predecessors had ever done so before, and for Jehoshaphat a worshipper of the true God to go down to such an Idolater as Ahab was, may seem very strange. But being come to Samaria, Ahab entertained him and his followers very magnificently, and killed sheep and oxen in abundance to feast them. But had not the Lord been more merciful to Jehoshaphat than he was wise for himself, he had paid dear for his entertainment; for when he was there Ahab persuaded him to go up with him to fight against the Syrians, and to take in Ramoth-Gilead, where Jehoshaphat was in great danger, and Ahab was killed, as we may see more particularly in the life of Ahab.

When Jehoshaphat returned home, the Prophet Jehu the Son of Hanani (who reproved Asa, 1 Chron. 16.7.) met him, and said to him, Shouldst thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the Lord? was it for thee to join thyself in such a strict league of friendship with such an Idolatrous wretch, such an enemy to God and all goodness as Ahab was? Therefore is wrath coming upon thee from the Lord; that is, God is highly displeased with thee, and hath determined to pour out his displeasure upon thee. Nevertheless there are good things found in thee, in that thou hast taken away the groves out of the land, and hast prepared thine heart to seek the Lord, therefore the Lord will deal gently with thee, and even in judgment remember mercy.

Jehoshaphat being awakened with this reproof of the Prophet, he went out and visited his Kingdom from Beersheba the South border, to Mount Ephraim the North border thereof, and reduced those who he understood had revolted from the Lord unto Idolatry, false worship, or wickedness of life, and reformed what he found out of order among them. He also set up Judges in all the fenced Cities of Judah, and said to them, Take heed what you do; ye judge not for man, that is, merely in the name and by the authority of man, but for the Lord, (to whom ye must give account) and who is with you in the judgment, seeing all ye do, and is ready to protect you if you judge uprightly, and to punish you if you deal unjustly. Wherefore let the fear of the Lord be upon you; be afraid to do anything that may offend him. Take heed to your office and execute it justly, and as you ought to do. For there is no iniquity with the Lord our God, neither will he favor it, therefore let there be none in you. God is no respecter of persons, nor will be swayed with outward considerations, nor will be bribed to do anything that is unjust, and therefore see that you imitate him therein.

Jehoshaphat had also an especial care over his great City Jerusalem to keep it in good order. And therefore when he and those that attended him returned thither, he there set up the high Court or Council called the Sanhedrin, consisting of Levites, Priests, and the Elders of the people, to which all appeals were to be made from inferior Courts, and to which all causes of difficulty were to be referred. So that they were for the judgment of the Lord, that is, to judge in matters Ecclesiastical, concerning which God had determined in his word what should be done, and for controversies, that is, to judge in matters merely civil. And he charged them, saying, Thus shall ye do in the fear of the Lord faithfully and with an upright heart; whatever cause shall come before you of your brethren between blood and blood, that is, between blood shed willingly, and unwillingly and casually, or between Law and commandment, statute and judgment, that is, when each party shall pretend they have the Law on their side, and so one shall allege one Law, and another another, ye shall rightly interpret the Law to them, and warn them that they trespass not against the Lord by wresting the Law to what it never intended. If you do otherwise, wrath from the Lord will come upon you and your brethren. But if you rightly warn and direct the people, ye shall not trespass therein either against God or your brethren. And behold Amariah the chief Priest is over you in all matters of the Lord, that is, in all matters Ecclesiastical that concern Religion and the worship of God, and Zebadiah the Son of Ishmael (a chief ruler of the house of Judah ) is over you for all the Kings matters, that is, for all matters of State, or controversies, or pleas that concern the Crown, and the Levites shall be Officers for you, and ready to attend you, and to carry your orders and directions unto others, and to see them executed. Lastly, let me exhort you to do courageously, and assure yourselves, the Lord shall be with the good, (and such as are careful and conscientious in the doing of their duties) to assist and protect them, and to bless their persons and endeavors.

About the 18th year of his reign, there being no King in Edom, [1 King. 22.47.] but only a Deputy set over them by the King of Judah, Jehoshaphat took that advantage to build for himself a Fleet at Ezion-Geber (which was in Edom's Territories) to go to Tarshish and Ophir to fetch Gold. Ahaziah the wicked Son of Ahab desired to go sharer with him in that Fleet, and that his servants might go along with Jehoshaphat’s servants, 1 King. 22.49. At first Jehoshaphat refused it, but afterwards (as it seems) upon Ahaziahs importunity consented to it. See 2 Chron. 20.35, 36. Thereupon the Prophet Eleazar came to him and reproved him for it, and foretold him that his ships should be broken, which accordingly so came to pass in the very Port of Ezion-Geber, 2 Chron. 20. from v. 25, to the end.

Sometime after the Moabites, and with them probably some of the Syrians, and especially of the Edomites that dwelt on mount Seir. See v. 10. gathered together to invade Judea. Possibly Jehoshaphat 's late aiding Ahab in his wars against Syria gave occasion to this invasion. Immediately Jehoshaphat was informed that a very formidable and great multitude was coming against him from the other side of the Dead Sea out of Syria , and that some of them were already come to Engedi a City on the West-side of that Sea. Jehoshaphat was hereat much startled, and being greatly afraid he set himself to seek help from the Lord, and proclaimed a Fast throughout all Judah, that they might all join in humbling thomselves before the Lord, and earnest supplication to him for mercy, and so their prayers might be the more prevalent and effectual. And Judah and Benjamin gathered themselves together out of the Cities and Towns that belonged to Jehoshaphat 's jurisdiction, and came to Jerusalem to the Temple to seek the Lord, and to beg help of him. And Jehoshaphat stood before this great Assembly (probably upon the Brazen Scaffold in the great Court where the people used to meet, which was before the Priests Court newly repaired and beautified) and prayed unto the Lord, saying, O Lord God of our Fathers, art not thou God in heaven? and rulest thou not over all the Kingdoms of the heathen? and in thy hand is there not power and might, so that none is able to withstand thee? Art not thou our God who didst drive out the inhabitants of this land before thy people Israel, and gavest it to the seed of Abraham thy friend forever ? And they dwell therein, and have built a Temple therein for the honor of thy name, and they humbly desired of thee when they consecrated it, [1 King. 8.30.] that if any evil came upon them at any time, as the sword, pestilence, or famine, or any other dreadful judgment, and they stood before this house (in which thy name is called upon) and cried unto thee in their affliction, that then thou wouldst please to hear and help them. And now behold, O Lord, the children of Moab and Ammon, and Mount Seir, (whom thou wouldst not permit Israel to invade, when they came out of the land of Egypt, but didst command them to turn from them, and not to destroy them) behold how they now reward us who are coming in this hostile manner to cast us out of the possession which thou hast given us? O our God wilt not thou judge them and punish them for this? As for ourselves we must needs acknowledge that we have no might or power comparatively to resist this vast body of people that cometh against us; we know not what to do, but our eyes are upon thee; on thee only we rest and depend, and from thee alone we humbly expect help.

Thus all Judah (for some from every place were there present) stood before the Lord with their wives and little ones. For in times of public humiliations they used to bring their little ones to the public assemblies [see Joel 2.16.] that their own bowels might be the more moved at the sight of their children (now in danger to be cruelly butchered by the enemy) and so their hearts might be stirred up to be more serious, and earnest in their supplications to God for help. Immediately the spirit of Prophesy fell upon Jehaziel a Levite of the Sons of Asaph (as he stood in midst of the Congregation) and he spake to the King and all the Congregation, Thus saith the Lord, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours but God's; God himself will fight for you, he will not so much as use you for instruments to vanquish this great host. To morrow go ye down against them, behold they come by the cliff of Ziz, and ye shall find them at the end of the valley, before the wilderness of Israel. Ye shall not need to fight in this battle. Compose yourselves quietly to expect the deliverance that God will give you: Stand ye still, fly upon your enemies, you shall see the salvation of the Lord will be with you, and he will deliver you, therefore fear not nor be dismayed.

Jehoshaphat hearing this joyful news bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all the people also fell down before the Lord and worshipped him, and the Levite-singers stood up to praise the Lord with an high and loud voice, accounting the victory already gotten because promised by one of the Lord's Prophets. And so they departed with great comfort for that time. The next morning they rose very early and marched forth into the Wilderness of Tekoa, betwixt which and Israel was the Cliff of Ziz, and as they marched forth Jehoshaphat said to them, Believe and trust in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established, and your minds settled; believe his Prophets particularly what Jahaziel yesterday prophesied unto you, and so shall ye prosper. And when he had consulted with the Commanders of the Army what was fit for them to do, he (as being by faith assured of the victory ) appointed some of the Levite-singers to go before the Army, and to sing the high praises of God, and to praise the Lord (in whom is the beauty and perfection of holiness ) and to do it according to that beautiful and holy order that was prescribed in the Temple, and especially to sing praise ye the Lord for his mercy endureth forever; which was the foot of several Psalms of Thanksgiving composed by David, and particularly of the 136 Psalm. It might seem a strange thing for an Army to march against a potent enemy in such a manner as this, but Jehoshaphat firmly relying on what God had promised, he found the success answering his faith; for when the Levites began to sing praises unto the Lord, and as it were to triumph before hand for the victory promised, the Lord set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, that is, sent a spirit of discord and dissention among them, so that the Ammonites and Moabites suspecting those of Mount Seir fell unexpectedly upon them like men that rise suddenly out of an ambush upon their enemies; and when they had destroyed them, they fell out among themselves, and destroyed one another. The Army of Jehoshaphat coming now to the Watch-tower of Ziz in the Wilderness, they looked towards the formidable army of their enemies, and they saw none but dead bodies on the ground; they saw none flying or escaping whom they needed to pursue or fall upon; and so that was accomplished which the Prophet foretold, v. 17. Ye shall not need to fight in the battle. When Jehoshaphat and his people came to the field where their enemies lay slaughtered, they found very rich spoils among the dead bodies, viz. rings on their fingers, chains about their necks, jewels in their ears, besides the wealth and riches they brought on their beasts, and in their carts and carriages, and their being so vast a number of the enemy slain, the Israelites could not carry away all in one day, but were three days in gathering the spoil, it was so much; so God not only freed them from their enemies, but greatly enriched them by them. On the fourth day they marched to the valley of Berachah, or blessing, and there solemnly praised the Lord for this great victory, and from thence that valley had this name given it. Then they all marched with great joy to Jerusalem, (Jehoshaphat marching in the front of them) for the Lord had made them rejoice over their enemies. And they came to Jerusalem playing on Psalteries and Harps, and with the sound of Trumpets, and so went to the house of the Lord to offer up there their more solemn praises and sacrifices of thanksgiving. And the fear of the Lord fell on all the Kingdoms round about, when they heard how the Lord had fought against the enemies of his people. So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet; for his God gave him rest round about. But notwithstanding this signal deliverance, and though Jehoshaphat had been reproved by the Lord for joining first with wicked Ahab, and then with Ahaziah his wicked Son in building and fitting out Ships to go to Tarshish, yet he fell again a third time into the like sin by assisting Jehoram the second Son of Ahab (who succeeded Ahaziah ) and going forth with him and the King of Edom against the Moabites. In which expedition he and the two other Kings were in great danger of perishing for want of water, had they not been supplied by the prayers of Elisha the Prophet, who had a great regard for Jehoshaphat, [2 King. 3.14.] and so they obtained a great victory over their enemies, 2 King. 3. from v. 4, to the end. Of this we may see more in the life of Jehoram King of Israel. This seems to have happened about the 22th year of Jehoshaphat, and then 'tis probable he set up his Son Jehoram again as his Viceroy, or took him into Copartnership with him in the Kingdom [2 King. 8.16.] as he had made him his Viceroy before when he went to visit Ahab. Jehoshaphat, 2 Chron. 21.2. is called King of Israel, that is, of the Israelites that lived in the Kingdom of Judah. He reigned 25 years, and they buried him with his Fathers in the City of David, and his Son Jehoram succeeded him, who reigned eight years, which together are 33 years. Yet in Chronological account there were not above 29 years in the reigns of them both, because Jehoshaphat did set up his Son Jehoram as partner with him in the Kingdom, whilst he himself was alive, [see 2 King. 8.16.] which was about the 22th year of his reign; so that the four last years of his reign, and the four first of his Son Jehoram 's were not eight but only four years, seeing both of them reigned together at the same time.

1 King. 22. from 41, to 51.

2 Chron. 17. whole Chapter.

2 Chron. 18. wh. Ch.

2 Chron. 19. wh. Ch.

2 Chron. 20. wh. Ch.

2 Chron. 21.1.

JEhoshaphat had designed his Son Jehoram to be King, and appointed him to govern the Kingdom in his absence in the 17th year of his reign, a little before he went with Ahab against Ramoth-Gilead (thence the beginning of the reign of Jehoram King of Israel is counted to be both in the 18th year of Jehoshaphat , and in the second year of Jehoram Son of Jehoshaphat ) but at his return resumed the Royal power wholly to himself, not communicating the same again to his Son until the fifth year of Jehoram King of Israel, which was the 22th of Jehoshaphat’s own reign, and then this King (being old) took Jehoram his Son as partner with him in the Government. The cause whereof in all probability was some discord or differences that brake out even then between him and his younger Brethren, which moved Jehoshaphat to give to his younger Sons great gifts of gold and silver, and jewels, and to commmit to their custody some strong fenced Cities in Judah, [2 Chron. 21.3.] the better to secure them against the power of their Elder Brother, and on the other side he put his Eldest Son into the possession of the Kingdom (whilst himself was living) for fear of tumults and commotions that might arise after his death.

Jehoram therefore being 32 years old succeeded his Father, and reigned eight years in Jerusalem, to wit, four years together with his Father, and four years by himself alone.

He walked in the Idolatrous ways of the Kings of Israel, as did the house of Ahab, whose daughter he had married, viz. Athaliah; and a virtuous daughter she was like to be that sprang from the cursed root of Ahab and Jezebel; she soon drew him to follow her Fathers courses, so great an influence have bad wives upon their husbands to draw them to evil. He did that which was very evil and provoking in the sight of the Lord, howbeit the Lord would not destroy the house of David, because of the Covenant he had made with him to give him always a light, that is, a royal glory in a successor, and to continue the Sovereignty in his race as long as that Kingdom should last. See 1 King. 11.36.

When he was settled in the Kingdom, he sought to make himself strong (as Jeroboam did, 2 Chron. 13.7.) that he might the better effect his mischievous intents and purposes; and accordingly getting his six younger brethren into his hands, he like a cruel Tyrant slew them, and many also of the great men of the land, who he thought favored them, and had a kindness for them.

He made great innovations in Religion, erecting those Idolatrous places in mountains which his Father and Grandfather had with so much zeal destroyed. He caused the inhabitants of Jerusalem to commit spiritual fornication in worshipping of Baal, and to embrace that Idolatry which himself had learned from the house of Ahab, and compelled the people of Judah thereunto by force, persecuting such as refused.

A Letter (whilst he was going on in these abominable ways ) comes to him from Elijah, who before his translation saw by the spirit of Prophesy what great wickedness this Jehoram would commit, and what punishments the Lord would inflict upon him for it. This Letter was written by Elijah , whilst he lived upon the earth; neither need that seem strange seeing Isaiah wrote before hand concerning Cyrus, Isa. 45.1. and the Prophet that was sent to Jeroboam prophesied of Josiah many years before he was born, 1 King. 13.2. Elijah having written it, committed it either to Elisha, or some other of the Prophets, and by them it was now sent to Jehoram, whose insolent cruelty was such, that he would hardly endure the reproof of a living Prophet. In that Letter Elijah speaks thus to him, Thus saith the Lord God of David thy Father, because thou hast not walked in the ways of Jehoshaphat thy Father, nor the ways of Asa thy Grandfather, but hast walked in the ways of the Kings of Israel, and hast made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to go a whoring and commit spiritual fornication, like the house of Ahab, and hast also slain thy brethren of thy Fathers house, which were better than thyself; behold with a great plague will the Lord smite thee, and will punish thee in thy people, and thy children and thy wives, and all thy goods, and thou shalt have great sickness by a disease of thy bowels, (who hast had no bowels towards thy own brethren) and thou shalt day by day without intermission be tormented with it till thy bowels fall out.

This was the threatening of Elijah the Prophet against him, and we shall now see how it was fulfilled.

1. The Edomites who from David's time had ever been in subjection to the Kingdom of Judah, see 2 Sam. 8.14. and had been Tributaries thereunto, and had been governed by a Viceroy set over them by them, [1 King. 22.47.] now fell off and revolted from him, and made a King over themselves: Jehoram to reduce them went over to Zair a City in Idumea, and took with him all the Chariots and Horsemen, and Soldiers he could provide, and he arose by night that he might come upon them suddenly and unexpectedly, but the Edomites were so numerous and so well prepared that they compassed his army round about. However his Soldiers so manfully stood to it, that they put the Edomites to flight, and slew many of them, and thereupon the Captains of the Edomites Chariots, and many of their Soldiers fled to their own houses. But though Joram overthrew them at this time, yet they retiring into places of advantage, persisted resolutely in their revolt, and so he was forced to return again into his own land without conquering of them. And thus according to the Prophesy of Isaac, Gen. 27.40. [By thy sword thou shalt live, and serve thy Brother; and it shall come to pass when thou shalt have the dominion, that thou shalt break his yoke from off thy neck.] They forever after shook off his yoke.

2. Whilst he was endeavoring to reduce the Edomites, Libnah a great City within Judah, (one of the Royal Cities of Canaan, Josh. 10.29, 30. and given to the Priests, Josh. 21.13.) now rebelled against him, possibly because he had made such innovations in Religion, and forced the people to Idolatry, and had forsaken the Lord God of his Fathers. The revolt of this City was a matter of great moment, it being a Frontier City, and one of those which the King of Assyria set upon when he came with his huge host to have taken Jerusalem, 2 Chron. 32.9. It is much indeed that one City alone should venture upon such an attempt, but perhaps the Kings absence whilst he was in Edom, and the discontent of the people, yea perhaps some correspondence they might have with the Philistines, (who soon after invaded the land) gave them hope of some abettors, and how they sped in the conclusion the Scripture nowhere expresses.

3ly, God stirred up against him the spirit of the Philistines and Arabians (who bordered upon the Ethiopians, and had been Tributaries to the Kings of Judah ) and they ran through the land so far as to come up to Jerusalem, and plundered and carried away all the substance they found in the Kings house, and carried away all his sons , but the youngest called Ahaziah , (whom it seems they could not find) and all his wives they could lay their hands on, but it seems they unhappily mist Athaliah, who remained to usurp the Crown, and to be a scourge to the Nation afterwards.

4ly, After all this the Lord smote him in his bowels with an incurable disease; his malady was very tormenting, and after two years continuance (a long time for a man to lie under such a sharp disease) his torment was so great that at last it forced out his very guts and bowels from him, and so he died under the heavy hand of God. The great sins he had committed against God, the great wrongs he had done to his subjects, and the great judgments he had brought upon the land turned the hearts of his people from him, so that they shown him little respect when he was dead, making no burning for him like the burning made for his Father. See 2 Chron. 16.14. And so he departed without being desired or lamented. Howbeit they buried him in the City of David, but obscurely, not in the Sepulchers of his Ancestors (the Kings of Judah ) and without the lamentations and solemnities that had been used at the Funerals of other Kings. He reigned eight years, four in his Fathers life time, and four after; which though a short reign in its self, yet seemed undoubtedly long to the poor people that were so ill treated by him. All the time of this Kings reign, another King of the same name reigned in Israel, to wit, Joram the Son of Ahab his wives brother.

2 King. 8. v. from 16, to 25.

2 Chron. 21. wh. Ch.

AHAZIAH called Jehoahaz, 2 Chron. 21.17. and Azariah, 2 Chron. 22.6. was the sixth that reigned in Judah; he was the youngest Son of Jehoram, for all his Elder Brothers were either slain or carried away by the Philistines and Arabians as we shown before. It seems he was made King by the Inhabitants of Jerusalem, viz. the Sanhedrin, or great Council there, the rest giving their consent. He reigned only one year and did evil in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the ways of the house of Ahab, for his mother was his counselor to do wickedly; and as some think he married a wife also of the house of Ahab, and therefore is said to be a Son-in-law of it, and the house of Ahab were his counsellors after his Fathers death to his destruction. 'It is said 2 Chron. 22.2. that he was forty two years old when he began to reign, but 2 King. 8.25. 'tis said he was twenty two years old when he began to reign, and 2 King. 9.29. 'tis said he began to reign in the eleventh year of Joram King of Israel. But 2 King. 8.25. 'tis said he began to reign in the twelfth year of Joram. Here seem to be two contradictions, for the reconciling of which we must know that probably the beginning of his reign did fall in with the latter end of the eleventh, and the beginning of the twelfth year of Joram King of Israel. And whereas 'tis said in the Chronicles that he was forty two years old when he began to reign, (though his Father Jehoram was but forty years old when he died, as we may see 2 Chron. 21.5.) and in the Kings that he was twenty two years old when he began to reign, we must thus understand it, that he began to reign in the two and f •• rtieth year of the continuance of the Crown in the house of Omri, and his race (from which he was descended by his mother Athaliah ) but in the 22th year of his own age. For Omri reigned as sole King six years, 1 King. 16.23. Ahab twenty two years, 1 King. 16.29. Ahaziah his Son, two years, 1 King. 22.51. Jehoram twelve years, 2 King. 3.1. Thus Omri 's stock continued forty two years, in this sense Ahaziah was a Son of forty two years , if we reckon from the beginning of Omri 's reign.

He went up with his Uncle Jehoram King of Israel to war against Hazael King of Syria for the recovery of Ramoth-Gilead, which was withheld from the Crown of Israel by the Syrians. Ahab had with his own and the joint forces of Jehoshaphat endeavored to recover it, but failed of his purpose, and was there slain by Benhadad, whose life he had imprudently spared, 1 King. 20.34. But Jehoram his Son, with the joint forces of Judah actually recovered it from Hazael, but was there himself wounded. Having therefore won the Town, [2 King. 9.14.] and leaving the chief of his Army there with his Commanders (of whom Jehu was chief) to keep it, (lest Hazael should come with new forces to recover it) he withdrew himself to Jezreel to be cured of his wounds. Jehu being left at Ramoth-Gilead was there anointed (by the direction and command of Elisha ) to be King of Israel, who thereupon soon slew both Jehoram and Ahaziah. For Ahaziah going to Jezreel to visit Jehoram, and they understanding that Jehu marched furiously towards them, they both went out to meet him; but Jehu killing Jehoram, Ahaziah fled towards Jezreel, yet durst not enter the City, but in the suburbs (where their Garden-houses were) he turned aside into some by-way hoping by that means to escape, but Jehu and his Captains at last overtook him, and smote him at a place by Ibleam, and he flying further (after he was wounded) to Megiddo (a City not far off which belongs to the Kingdom of Samaria) Jehu and his men following him close, at last by making diligent search in the City, there they found him out, and brought him to Jehu, who presently caused him to be put to death.

Thus the destruction of Ahaziah was of God, and his going to join with Joram King of Israel was the occasion of it. Had he stayed at Jerusalem Jehu would not have meddled with him. When he was dead Jehu and his Commanders permitted his servants to carry him in a Chariot, and to bury him at Jerusalem in the Sepulchers of his Fathers. For they said, he is a Son, that is, a Grandson of Jehoshaphat who sought the Lord with all his heart. Thus we see that the piety, sincerity and integrity of Jehoshaphat was reverenced and highly esteemed even by those that had not their own hearts possessed therewith, God delighting to honor them that honor him. Shortly after this Jehu going to Samaria met by the way forty two young Princes of the blood of Ahaziah, (viz. the Sons of his Brethren ) who came thither probably to attend and wait upon their King, and Uncle, being several of them possibly Officers of his Court. It seems they knew nothing of the late revolution in Israel, nor of the death of Jehoram, Jezebel, or Ahaziah, or that Jehu reigned. Jehu asks them who they were? It seems they knew him not, but supposing him to be some great Officer of Jehoram 's, told him they were kinsmen to Ahaziah King of Judah, and coming to attend him there, they thought themselves obliged (being so near the Court) to go and pay their respects to King Jehoram 's Sons, and the Sons of Queen Jezebel, and thither they were now going. Jehu being at this time in his full career of executing the judgment of God upon the house of Ahab, and perceiving these young men to be of that cursed stock (being descended from Athaliah Ahab 's daughter ) he looked upon it as within his commission to put them to death, and accordingly bidding those about him to lay hold on them, he commanded them all (with sufficient severity) to be immediately slain in the place.

2 King. 8. from 25, to the end.

2 King. 9. v. 16. and from 21, to 30.

2 King. 10.13, 14.

2 Chron. 22. from v. 1, to 10.

THE house of Ahaziah was so miserably weakened by the late destruction of so many of the branches of it, and none of his children being of years sufficient to maintain their right to the Kingdom against such as should go about to usurp it, Athaliah mother of Ahaziah (who probably was left by him to govern the Kingdom in his absence when he went to help Joram King of Israel in his wars) hearing that her Son was dead, and that many others of the Royal family were slain by Jehu, taking this advantage, forthwith she laid hold on the Princes of the blood, and those of the Royal family that remained in Judah and slew them, although some of them (as 'tis like) her own Grandchildren; so cruel and bloody are the minds of Idolaters. But by the wonderful Providence of God it happened that Joash an infant-son of Ahaziah escaped her hands; for Jehoshaba the wife of Jehoiada the High Priest got him away, and hid him with his nurse in a private Chamber belonging to the Temple. Athaliah did these strange and unnatural things that she might quietly possess the Royal Throne, and set up the worship of Baal again in the Kingdom. And some conjecture that she had Sons by some other man besides Jehoram whom she desired to promote to the Crown, perhaps some of those who brake up the house of God and bestowed the dedicated things thereof upon Baal, as we read 2 Chron. 24.7. For the Sons of Athaliah that wicked woman had broken up the house of God, and all the dedicated things thereof did they bestow upon Baalim. Athaliah having thus usurped the Crown, she reigned about six years.

2 Chron. 22.10, 11, 12.

1 King. 11. from 1, to 4.

AThaliah having usurped the Crown and reigned about six years (during which time she had much promoted the worship of Baal in Judah ) at length Jehoiada the High Priest began to think of settling this young Joash in the Throne, to whom it did belong not only by natural right (being the former Kings Son ) but by virtue of the promise made by God to David and his posterity, 2 Sam. 7.13, 16. Having therefore imparted this secret to five Captains of the land in whose fidelity he had most confidence, and he and they having made a Covenant to do their utmost to depose Athaliah the Usurper, and to set up Joash and to pull down Idolatry, and establish the true Religion, afterwards by their means he drew in others of the principal men of the Kingdom (both Levites and others ) procuring them to meet at Jerusalem in order to the carrying on of the design. And accordingly they being met together in some Chamber of the Temple, and having taken an Oath of secrecy and fidelity, he shown them the Kings Son. Then they resolved how the business should be managed the next Sabbath-day in every particular. The Levites were by an order long since established among them by David divided in twenty four Companies, which did in their courses (each company a week ) perform the service of the Temple, the rest abiding in their private dwellings in the several Cities of Judah, and so every Sabbath-day they that served the week before went out, and another company came in to serve in their rooms. In each company there were a great many of these Levites besides Porters and Singers. Now because Jehoiada and his Associates were not able to bring together secretly so many trusty and serviceable hands of the Country as would be sufficient to manage this great business, therefore he resolved to arm the Levites for the work, having secretly laid in the Chambers of the Temple some arms and weapons for the purpose. And that the Levites whom he intended to employ in this business might be the stronger, he took in the new company (that were to come in on the Sabbath-day) and did not dismiss the old (that should have gone out) but retained them still, and so by that means without any noise, he made up such a number as he thought would be able to deal with the Queens ordinary Guards if need should be. All these Levites therefore he disposes under the command of several Captains (either such as were principal men among the Levites, or others whom he had sworn his associates in this design) in this manner. Those that were to enter into the service of the Temple that Sabbath-day, he divided into three Companies. One Company whereof he assigned to watch at the Gate of the outer Court, viz. the North-gate that led to the Kings Palace, where Athaliah now was. Another company he assigned to the East Gate that led into the City. A third company to the South-gate. Those Levites that should have gone out from the service of the Temple he divided into two companies, and appointed them to be a Guard in the Temple unto the Kings person, the one on his right hand, and the other on his left. Then he gave to the Captains for themselves and their men, King David 's Spears and Shields, viz. such weapons as were there reserved as Trophies and monuments of David 's victories, which weapons of war were some of those things dedicated by David, and brought into the Temple by Solomon, 1 King. 7.51. Thus this Guard of Levites stood every man with his weapon in his hand, and Jehoiada charged them to look to it that their watches were not disordered by the breaking in of anybody, and that if any offered to break through their ranks by force, they should slay them. Things being thus ordered, he brought forth the Kings Son to them, and set him on the Brazen Scaffold, and Jehoiadah and his Sons anointed him, and put the Crown upon his head, and gave into his hands the Testimony, that is, the Book wherein the Law of God was written, and wherein was testified what God required of his people, and what they might expect from him in case of obedience. These things being done, all there present made a great acclamation, and cried out, God save the King. Then Jehoiada made a Covenant between the Lord and the King, and the people, viz. that the King should serve the Lord, and maintain his pure worship, and root out Idolatry, and that the people should join with him therein, and should fear and serve the Lord, and him only, and every way carry themselves as became his peopeople. Then he made a Covenant between the King and the people, viz. that the King should govern them righteously, and that they should yield due obedience unto him.

Athaliah being at the Palace (which was near the Temple) and hearing these great loud acclamations of the peopeople, and of such as in the great Court stood about the King, she with a few of her servants that were about her, rusht into the Temple through the Guards, and when she came to the great Court she saw the King standing by the Pillar on the Brazen Scaffold with the Crown on his head, and the Trumpeters about him blowing, and all the people there present wonderfully rejoicing; upon this, she rent her clothes, and cried out, Treason, Treason. Jehoiada immediately commanded the Officers and Commanders to lay hold on her, and to have her out of the ranges, and and to kill any man that offered to rescue her, and to carry her out of the Temple, and to slay her, which accordingly they did in the way that horses came into the Kings Palace. Thus as she was like her mother in sin, so she was not much unlike her in her death. See 2 King. 9.33.

Jehoiada then appointed Officers for the watch of the Lord's house, to prevent any danger that might happen upon this sudden change, and the rites of Coronation being finished, and the aforesaid Covenants made, and Athaliah slain, Jehoiada and the Rulers and Officers brought the King down to his Royal Palace and set him upon his Throne, and no disturbance followed thereupon, but the City was quiet, and the people rejoiced. Joash was seven years old when he was Crowned, and reigned forty years. Jehoiada now bestirs himself to rectify things that had been disordered in Athaliah 's reign, and first he restores the true worship of God, and takes care to have the services of the Temple duly performed. Then the people went into the house of Baal, and brake it down with its Altars and Images (which by the encouragement of Athaliah had been set up) and they slew Mattan the Priest of Baal even before the Altars, to manifest their greater detestation of that Idolatry, and possibly in imitation of Jehu, who had with so much zeal suppressed that Idolatry in Israel.

Joash when he was grown up took two wives whom Jehoiada chose for him, and he did that which was right in the eyes of the Lord all the days of Jehoiada, who ceased not to instruct him in the ways of the Lord. But the high places (wherein they worshipped the true God ) were not taken away. For the people having been so long used to offer Sacrifices and burn incense on them, it seems Jehoiada durst not advise the King to proceed to a reformation of this evil.

The Temple at this time was fallen into great decay, either by the negligence of former Kings, or through the wickness of Athaliah, whose Sons had broken up the house of God, and had bestowed the dedicate things thereof upon Baalim, 2 Chron. 14.7. Joash therefore now takes order for the repair of it. And indeed it was fit he should be very careful to uphold the Temple that had been the nursery of his infancy, and the best means under God of securing his life, and upholding his just title to the Crown. In order therefore hereunto he enjoined the Priests carefully to gather all the money of the dedicated things, that is, all the money dedicated to the service and repair of the Temple: Particularly, 1. The money of everyone that passeth the account, that is, the half shekel that they were to pay when they were numbered from twenty years old and upwards, [Exod. 30.12, 13.] which is therefore called the collection of Moses the servant of the Lord, and of the Congregation of Israel, for the Tabernacle of witness laid upon the people when the Tabernacle was building. So in a like case 'twas thought reasonable that a like course should be taken for the Temple. 2ly, The money that everyone is set at, that is, the money which any man shall by the Priest be appointed to pay for his redemption, when he hath vowed himself to God according to the Law, Levite. 27.2. 3ly, All the money that cometh into any man's heart to bring into the house of the Lord, that is, which any man shall voluntarily give for the repair of the Temple. This threefold collection Joash appointed the Priests to gather from year to year in the several Cities where they dwelt, and were well known among the people; and with this money he orders them to repair the breaches of the Temple as there was need, and to expedite it with all convenient speed. But it seems the Priests were negligent herein; when therefore in the twenty third year of his reign he saw that nothing considerable was done, he supposed that either the Priests had been exceeding remiss in gathering this money, or had not faithfully paid in what they had received, or at least that the people suspecting they did convert it to their own private use, did not pay it so willingly as otherwise they would have done. He thereupon took the work out of their hands, commanding them to pay in what they had received, and appointed another way for the gathering of it. And that was this, the King by the advice of Jehoiada made a great Chest, and bored a hole in the lid of it, and set it in the great Court, at the entrance of the Priests Court, and into this Chest (for preventing of all fraud in this business) he orders that all the money that was brought in for the repair of the house of the Lord should be put. The Priests readily consented to this course, being willing to be excused from the care and trouble of collecting this money. Whereupon a Proclamation was issued out through the whole Kingdom, that every man should bring in to this Chest his appointed contribution, or voluntary offering, which accordingly was done with much alacrity and willingness, and they continued their contributions till all that needed repairing was finished. And thus money came in in abundance. And when they perceived there was much money in the Chest, the Kings Secretary and the High Priest came and took it out and told the money and put it up in bags, and gave it into the hands of the Master-workmen that therewith they might provide materials, and pay the inferior workmen. And they had such experience of the honesty and fidelity of these Master-workmen (into whose hands they committed the money) that they expected no particular account of them how it was laid out. And till the Temple was fully repaired they would not employ any of the money so collected to other uses, but when it was fully done, and the house of God set into as good state as it was before, then these overseers of the work brought in the remaining money, and with it they made vessels for the Temple such as were made by Solomon, viz. Incense-cups, Spoons, Censers, and other utensils of gold and silver. But though these contributions of the people before mentioned were brought into this Chest, yet the trespass-money and sin-money was not brought into it, it being properly the Priests. Thus when they had made the Temple fit for the service of God, they daily performed such worship therein as was required by the Law, and this they did continually all the days of Jehoiada. Jehoiada being now very old, and full of days, (having lived an hundred and thirty years ) he died. He was about ten or eleven years old at Solomon's death, and lived in the reigns of eight Kings of Judah. It was a great blessing to that Kingdom that he lived so long. And they buried him in the City of David among the Kings (which was an high honor to him) because he had done good in Israel both towards God in restoring his worship, and towards his house in causing it to be repaired.

Now after the death of Jehoiada (that wise godly and zealous Governor) several of the Princes of Judah who (as it seems) had concealed their impious mind and hollow heartedness in Religion before, came now to Joash, and making a low obeisance to him, and presenting unto him a flattering address, they petitioned him (as appears by what follows) that they might have leave to set up the Idolatry of Baal again in the land, and to worship God in the high places after the manner of their fathers, because it was burdensome to go up from all parts to the Temple. The King being prevailed upon by their flatteries , granted their request, and so they left the Temple (the house of the God of their Fathers) and served Idols in Groves, and thereby brought the wrath of the Lord upon Judah and Jerusalem by this their great trespass. For shortly after Hazael King of Syria [see 2 King. 12.17.] invaded the land, and took Gath , and was preparing to go against Jerusalem. So formidable to Joash was this approach of Hazael that he was forced to purchase his peace with him by making him a present of all the hallowed things, and of all the gold that was found in the Treasuries of the Temple, and in his own house . Sundry Prophets and extraordinary messengers God sent to them one after another, to reclaim the King and his people from those evil ways, and to bring them again to the Lord. And these Prophets did faithfully declare their sin to them, even to their very faces, and foretold them of the judgments God would bring upon them if they did not repent; however they would not hearken to them, but by an obstinacy in sin pulled down vengeance on their own heads. At length Zachariah the Son of Jehoiada was by the Spirit of God stirred up to admonish them of their wickedness, who accordingly did it with great boldness and courage, and standing up in an high place in the Court of the Temple, and speaking to the King, his Nobles, and people, he told them, Thus saith the Lord, why do ye so transgress the commandments of the Lord that ye cannot prosper, because ye have forsaken the Lord, he hath forsaken you, and given you over into the hands of the Syrians. Hereupon these Idolatrous Princes, and the people that were like them being enraged, immediately consulted together to destroy him, and probably complained grievously to the King of him, representing him (as the manner of such persons is) as a man highly disaffected to the Kings person and government, and an enemy to the State. And having by this means inflamed the King against him, they asked him if they should presently stone him, which he agreeing to, and commanding, they furiously rushed into the Priests Court whither Zachariah had betaken himself, and with most daring impiety stoned him between the Temple and the Altar . But before he expired he said, The Lord will look upon it and require it; that is, he will severely avenge my blood upon you. Thus Joash remembered not the kindness which Jehoiada the Father of Zachariah had done for him, who had nourished him in the Temple in his infancy, and with extreme hazard to himself set him upon the Throne, and instructed him in the ways of God, and had been his most faithful counselor, and a means of procuring many blessings to him; and yet notwithstanding all this, he now cruelly consents to the murdering of his Son, and that only for giving him faithful counsel. But though Joash was thus abominably ungrateful, yet the Lord would not let it so pass. For before that year was expired the Syrians invaded the land again, and executed the judgment of God upon them with great severity. For though they came only with a small company of men (intending possibly to pillage rather than to perform any great action ) and Joash went out against them with a very great army, yet this small band of the Syrians overthrew that great host of Judah, because they had forsaken the Lord God of their fathers. The Syrians being highly encouraged with this victory, they went up against Jerusalem, and destroyed all the Princes of the people (on whom they could lay their hands) who had been the great instruments to draw away their King from the worship of the true God to Idolatry; and they sent the spoil of them to the King of Damascus. And when they departed they left Joash in sore diseases (perhaps by reason of some wounds he had received in the fight ) which advantage two of his own servants laying hold upon slew him in his bed, and thereby avenged the blood of the Son of Jehoiada the Priest, he was slain in the beginning of the fortieth year of his reign. And they buried him in the City of David, but not in the Sepulchers of the Kings. He reigned twenty two years with Jehu, the rest in the time of Jehoahaz Jehu 's Son, and Jehoash his Grandchild; and Amaziah his Son succeeded him.

1 King. 11. wh. Ch.

2 King. 12. wh. Ch.

2 Chron. 23. wh. Ch.

2 Chron. 24. wh. Ch.

AMAZIAH the Son of Joash was twenty five years old when he began to reign, and reigned twenty nine years .

In the beginning of his reign he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, viz. that which was for the substance of it good and approved of God, yet not with an upright heart like David, but according to what Joash his Father had done. For such as his Father was, such was he. His Father a while (out of respect to men, viz. as long as Jehoiada lived) did that which was right, but afterwards fell away to Idolatry, and so did he. As his Father did not suppress the worship of God in high places, no more did he. As soon as he was settled in the Government he put to death those that had killed the King his Father, who it seems were great men, and had Court-offices, (and therefore called his servants ) whom at first for fear of danger he forbore to meddle with, but when he saw a fit opportunity, and felt his own strength, he dealt with them, yet spared their children according to the Law of God, Deut. 24.16. The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children for the fathers, every man shall be put to death for his own sin. About the 13 or 14 year of his reign he resolved to make war upon the Edomites who in his Grandfather Jehoram 's time had rebelled against the Kingdom of Judah, and so continued unto this time. In order hereunto he musters three hundred thousand choice men of his own subjects, such as were able for war, and could handle spear and shield, and made Colonels over thousands, and Captains over hundreds according to the dignity of their families. But notwithstanding he had so great an Army it seems he did not much confide in them, but thought it better in point of policy to manage this war by Auxiliaries, and accordingly hired an hundred thousand able valiant men of the Israelites (who in those times by reason of their successful wars against the Syrians were accounted excellent Soldiers ) to go with him against the Edomites, and gave them an hundred talents of silver to engage them in this service. A Prophet comes to him from the Lord, and advises him to dismiss these Israelites, for the Lord was not with them , God did not love them because they were Idolaters, though he did sometimes prosper them in their wars against the cruel Syrians. But (says he) if thou wilt go up to fight against the Edomites with these Israelites, (contrary to the declared mind of God) do it at thy own peril, and make thyself as strong as thou canst for the battle, and see what will come of it, Assure thyself God will make thee fall before the enemy. For God alone hath power to help or cast down; success in war is wholly ordered by him. The King was something startled at this message, but (says he) if I should dismiss them what shall I do for the hundred Talents that I have given them; I know not how to recover them from such a numerous company, without much hazard, and much bloodshed. The Prophet answers, The Lord is able to give thee much more than this. So Amaziah separated them from his own Army to which they were joined, and sent them home again. But they being thus dismissed were exceeding angry, and looked upon themselves as slighted and scorned, as if their aid and assistance had not been of any value; wherefore in their return home they fell upon the Cities of Judah, viz. such as were the frontier Towns bordering all along the breadth thereof upon the Kingdom of Israel, and slew three thousand of the subjects of Judah, and carried away much spoil.

Amaziah having dismissed the Israelites, marches with his own Army into the Edomites Country, and there obtained a great victory over them, wherein he slew ten thousand of them, and took ten thousand prisoners, whom he cast down from the Rock Selah, and so broke them in pieces. Possibly he used them with the greater severity because of their revolt from the Crown of Judah, and their unwillingness to return to their obedience thereunto.

Having thus conquered the Edomites, among other spoils he brought away their God's also, and by a monstrous impiety set them up to be his God's, and bowed down before them, and burnt incense unto them. David did not use to do so, but burnt the gods of his enemies which he took, see 1 Chron. 14.12. But this man seems more infatuated and bewitched with Idolatry than Ahab himself. The anger of the Lord was hereupon exceedingly kindled against Amaziah, and he sent a Prophet to him, who said to him, Why hast thou sought after the gods of the Edomites which could not deliver their own people (viz. the people that worshipped them) out of thy hands? The King being vexed at this free reproof of the Prophet, would not let him go on, but said, Who made you of the Kings council? I charge thee forbear speaking any many, or speak at thy own peril. So the Prophet forbore, and only said, I know that the Lord hath determined to destroy thee, because thou hast done this great wickedness in setting up these Idols, and now refusest to hearken to my counsel.

Amaziah being puffed up, and grown insolent upon his good success against the Edomites, and taking advice of some such Counselors as Rehoboam did, in a vain and proud manner sends a challenge to Joash King of Israel, saying to him, Come let us look one another in the face, and meet in a pitched field with our Armies. Probably the injury done him by the Israelites whom he dismissed when he undertook his late expedition against the Edomites, was that which provoked him to challenge Joash, and this late wrong might probably bring other old matters to remembrance. Joash (who was a Prince as proud and haughty every whit as Amaziah ) answers him in a scornful manner by a Parable: The Thistle (says he) that was in Lebanon sent to the Cedar, saying, Give thy daughter to my son to wife, and there passed by a wild beast and trod down the Thistle. Whereby he intimates that it would be insufferable pride in the Thistle to presume to desire the Cedars daughter as a wife for his son. For he that seeks to match his child with another man's, supposes himself equal to that other man. But he takes it in great scorn that Amaziah should think himself equal to him. But if it be too much presumption for the Thistle to offer to make affinity with the Cedar, how much more presumption is it to make war against him, which he would have Amaziah to know was his present case. He further tells him, Indeed he had smitten the Edomites, and thereupon he perceived his heart was proud, and much lifted up. But however he advises him to content himself with that victory, and to tarry at home, and not meddle with him to his hurt, lest he and Judah with him fall in the enterprize. But Amaziah was nothing moved with what he said, (for whom God intendeth to destroy, he usually first hardens ) and God intended to punish him for his abominable Idolatry, into which he had lately fallen. Joash understanding this would not stay till Amaziah came to him, but he enters Judah with a strong Army, wisely resolving to make his Enemies Country the stage of the war. So they met in a pitched field at Bethshemesh (which belongs to Judah ) and Judah was worsted before Israel, and Amaziah himself taken prisoner, and brought in Triumph to Jerusalem by Joash; which City (as it seems standing out against him, he battered down that part of the wall by the North-gate which was towards Ephraim, even four hundred cubits in length, and so took the City by force; then he seized upon all the gold and silver, and all the vessels that were found in the house of the Lord, with the posterity of Obed-Edom (who were porters and keepers of the treasures in the Temple, 1 Chron. 26.15.) as also the treasures of the Kings house. And having made what spoil he thought fit in Jerusalem, he set Amaziah free upon certain conditions imposed upon him and his subjects, and for the surer performance of the Covenants on Judah 's part, he took hostages of him, viz. some noble men's children whom he carried along with him to Samaria. And he chose rather to go away with his present spoil than to hazard all by endeavoring to conquer the Kingdom of Judah, which he was not like to hold if he did obtain, the subjects thereof being so greatly addicted to the house of David. Amaziah lived after this fifteen years, but a very miserable life, for his subjects were so disaffected to him for the Idolatry he had brought in, that from that time they began to conspire against him, though it broke not forth openly, till by his rash unadvised and unprosperous war with Joash he had brought so many miseries upon his Kingdom. The conspiracy now breaking forth, he fled to Lachish, and possibly there hid himself, and lived in obscurity; so those that had conspired against him (as it seems) governed the affairs of the Kingdom in his absence. About twelve years after these conspirators (being men of power in the Kingdom) upon some new occasion were so enraged against him that they sent some to Lachish to slay him. Amaziah being dead they brought him from Lachish in a Chariot drawn with horses, and buried him in Jerusalem with his fathers.

2 King. 14. from v. 1. to 21.

2 Chron. 25. wh. Ch.

UZZIAH (or Azariah as he is called, 2 King. 15.1.) Son of Amaziah was the next that reigned in Judah. In Mat. 1.8. 'tis said that Uzziah succeeded Joram, [And Joram begat Ozias] whereas there were four that reigned in Judah between Joram and Uzziah, viz. Ahaziah, Athaliah, Joash and Amaziah. Some think that these were omitted because of their evil Government and unnatural deaths, (each of them being slain one after another) or because by the mother-side they descended from the stock of wicked Ahab, whose house the Lord doomed to be rooted up. Uzziah when his Father was slain was about four or five years old, and there seems to have been a kind of Interregnum or vacancy in the Throne of Judah for about twelve years, viz, from the 15th. to the 27th. year of Jeroboam the second King of Israel, at which time Uzziah being sixteen years of age, was settled in the Throne by the general consent of the people and not till then. And this possibly may be intimated to us by that unusual phrase, And all the people of Judah took Uzziah being sixteen years old, and made him King instead of his Father, 2 King. 14.21. And this might happen partly by reason of his minority, and partly through the prevalency of some powerful men who perchance had had a hand in putting his Father to death; or possibly the Government of the Kingdom might be carried on in his name all that time, though he came not to the full exercise of his Regal power till the 27th. year of Jeroboam. So that the twelve years from his Fathers death (which happened in the 15th. year of Jeroboam, see 2 King. 14.23.) unto the 27th. of Jeroboam (when he was put into full possession of the Crown) are to be accounted into the number of the fifty two years he is said to have reigned; and according to this account in the 26th. year of his reign Jeroboam died. After which (it seems) there was an Interregnum or vacancy in the Kingdom of Israel also for about eleven or twelve years, viz. to the 38th. year of Uzziah 's reign. After which Zachariah reigned in Israel six months, Shallum one month, Menahem ten years, Pekahiah two years, and Pekah had reigned a year or something more before he died, which was in the fifty second year of his reign, 2 King. 15.27. so that he lived in the times of six Kings that sat on the Throne of Israel.

In the beginning of his reign he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, and maintained the worship of God uncorrupt, (as his Father had done) save that the high places were not removed, but the people still offered sacrifice, and burnt incense on them. And during the life of Zachariah (Son of that Zachariah that was stoned in the Temple) who was an eminent Prophet, and had understanding in the visions of God; that is, was accustomed to see visions, and had a singular understanding in ancient Prophesies, (and so was able to counsel and instruct Uzziah in matters that concerned the knowledge of God and his Laws) and possibly was skillful to interpret the dreams and night-visions of others (as Joseph and Daniel were) I say during the life of this Prophet Uzziah sought the Lord, and so long the Lord made him to prosper.

He recovered Elath (a City near the Red-Sea which had been taken from the Crown of Judah by the enemies bordering upon it) and repaired and fortified it. In Ahaz 's time it was lost again being taken by the Syrians, see 2 King. 14.22. He was a great warrior, he had under his command three hundred seven thousand five hundred fighting men, under two thousand and six hundred Captains, all which were disposed into Regiments, and companies, and registered, that they might be in readiness against any urgent occasion. And he furnished all these with Shields and Spears, Helmets and Habergeons , and Bows and Slings to cast stones.

He was very victorious against the Philistines, of whose Towns he brake down the walls of some, and dismantled them, as particularly Gath, Jabneh and Ashdod, and built Cities in the Country of Ashdod, and Garrison'd them to keep them in subjection. Also he mastered some parts of Arabia, and brought the Ammonites to pay him tribute: For God helped him. So that his fame spread abroad, and he grew very much renowned in all Countries between Judah and Egypt, and he went on strengthening himself daily. And if we consider the great success of Jeroboam the second at the same time King in Israel, these two Kingdoms since the division never were in an higher flourish than now. He repaired the wall of Jerusalem which in his Fathers days Joash King of Israel had demolished, and fortified it with Towers, wherein he placed new invented Engines to shoot arrows of an extraordinary bigness, (and possibly many of them together) for the annoying of an enemy at a distance, and for the shooting of great stones, greater (tis like) than the greatest of our Cannon-bullets.

He was a great sheep-master, and had many cattle, which he kept in the low grounds and plains, and he built Towers for the defense of his berdsmen and cattle, and digged many wells of water for them. He was a lover of husbandry, and a great planter of Vines, which he planted in the fruitful Carmel, and the hills about it, employing many Vinedressers in that work. About the 22th. year of his reign (as 'tis probable) that dreadful Earthquake happened which Amos speaks of, Ch. 1.1. The words of Amos—which he saw concerning Israel in the days of Uzziah King of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam King of Israel, two years before the Earthquake. And seeing Earthquakes are usually forerunners and presages of great changes in Kingdoms, (though they have not always immediately followed but some years after) therefore possibly that speech of the Prophet Isaiah, Ch. 7.8. may have some reference to that Earthquake, for the head of Syria is Damascus, and the head of Damascus is Rezin, and within threescore and five years shall Ephraim be broken that it be not a people. Those sixty five years cannot be understood to begin from the time when this Prophesy was spoken, which was in the first year of Ahaz, Isa. 7.1. (for from thence there were not above twenty years to the Captivity of Israel ) but must be understood to commence from the 22th. or 23th. year of Uzziah, and from thence to the year wherein the Kingdom of Israel was broken were indeed about sixty five years, as learned men compute them.

Under these two renowned Kings, Jeroboam the second of Israel, and Uzziah of Judah, there flourished sundry eminent Prophets in each Kingdom, particularly in Judah.

ISAIAH, he is thought by learned men to have been of an illustrious family, his Father Amoz being (as they conjectured) brother to Amaziah. Jerome with others is of opinion that he was of a noble descent. Indeed his Prophesy is so sublime and eloquent, and so curiously garnished with Rhetoric and all sorts of Elegancies that he seems to have been a person of more than ordinary education. He prophesies of the destruction of the Kingdoms of Syria and Samaria shortly to be accomplished by the Assyrian, and of the Kingdom of Judah afterwards by the Babylonian; and of the destruction of the Babylonians by the Medes and Persians, and of the Jews deliverance from the Babylonian Captivity by Cyrus, whom by name he mentions above one hundred years before he was born. And withal he declares the restitution and enlargement of the Church, whereof the deliverance from the Babylonish Captivity was a figure, together with the calling of the Gentiles by Christ, whose Incarnation, Birth, Offices, (Royal, Priestly and Prophetical) life, teaching, sufferings, death, rising again, glory ensuing, and his Kingdoms extent, he so largely and lively describes that he seems rather to write a story of things already done than a Prophesy of things to come. In regard whereof he is called an Evangelical Prophet.