16 And P Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and 4 Elisha the son of Shaphat, of Abel-meholah, shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room.

c

Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth: and Elijah passed by him, and cast his mantle upon him.

20 And he left the oxen, and ran after Elijah, and said, Let me, I pray thee, kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow thee. And he said unto him,

thee?

17 And it shall come to pass, that him† Go back again; for what have I done to that escapeth the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapeth from " the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay. 18 Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him. 19 So he departed thence, and found

m Gen, 14:15. 2 Kings 8:7.

Acts 9:2,3.

t 2 Kings 8:12. 10:32. 13:3,22.
u 2 Kings 9:14,&c. 10:6,&c.

x 2 Kings 2:23,24. Is. 11:4. Jer.
1:10. Hos. 6:5. Rev. 19:21.

y Is. 1:9. 10:20-22. Rom. 11:4,

5.

Or, I will leave.

z Ex. 20:5. Is. 49:23. Rom. 14:
10-12. Phil. 2:10.

a Job 31:27. Ps. 2:12. Hos. 13:2.

sacrifice, and by the execution of Baal's priests, and by rain, according to his word; he ought to have proceeded to instruct them with meekness and gentleness, "publicly and from house to house," and to have excited others to assist him: and then the Lord would have blessed that "still small voice," for the most important purposes; notwithstanding the persecuting rage of Ahab and Jezebel, and the general apostacy of the people. (Note, 2 Cor. 10:1-6.)-Thus miracles in the first ages of Christianity called men's attention to the preaching of the gospel, which, as a still small voice, was the power of God to salvation to thousands and millions.-Though Elijah shewed tokens of humble adoration on this occasion, the repetition of his answer to the Lord's renewed inquiry, "What doest thou here?" shews, that he did not as yet fully understand the emblematic display: and that he was not properly convinced of his unbelief and sin in fleeing out of the land; or reconciled to going back to his station and employment. He afterwards better understood the Lord's meaning, as it appears from his subsequent conduct.

21 And he returned back from him, and took a yoke of oxen, and slew them, and boiled their flesh with the instruments of the oxen, and people, and they did eat. and went after Elijah, unto him.

b See on 16.

c Ex. 3:1. Judg. 6:11. Ps. 78:
70-72. Am. 7:14. Zech. 13:5.
Matt. 4:18,19.

gave unto the Then he arose, and ministered

Acts 20:37.

i

Heb. Go, return.

g 2 Sam. 24:22.

h Luke 5:28,29.

d 13. 1 Sam. 28:14. 2 Kings 2: 18:43. Ex. 24:13. Num. 27.

8,13,14.

e Matt. 4:20,22. 9:9. 19:27.

f Matt. 8:21,22. Luke 9:61,62.

16-20. 2 Kings 2:3. 3:11 Acts 13:5 2 Tim. 4:11. Philem. 13.

ry, than Elijah could be for it; and he would by no means desert his cause, or suffer his enemies to triumph, as the prophet feared: but, before he proceeded to vengeance, he would gather in his chosen people, and separate a remnant from among the idolaters.

V. 18. The Lord "had reserved for himself" seven thousand Israelites, who had neither bowed their knees to Baal, nor kissed his image, nor in any way been induced to worship him. (Marg. Ref. y--a. Note, Hos. 13:2.) These, though few in comparison, were a considerable number in themselves, and far more than Elijah supposed.As Ahab and Jezebel aimed to establish the worship of Baal, we may suppose that the golden calves were neglected; and that these persons conscientiously adhered to the worship of JEHOVAH, as the times would admit: they would however, greatly need further instruction and encouragement." Others might be recovered from idolatry; and the rising generation might be rescued from its contagion. So that there was a great deal of useful employment for Elijah, which it was well worth while to accomplish even by living amidst persecutions, perils, and conflicts. (Note, Phil. 1:21-26.) There was also a sufficient reason why the Lord should defer his anger, though pr>voked to jealousy every day. (Note, Rom. 11:1

V. 19. This might occur after Elijah's return from the wilderness of Damascus, or in his journey thither.-Elisha was employed in husbandry, and his father seems to have been a man of wealth. Whilst he was employed in his labor, Elijah cast his mantle upon him, which was intended, and understood, as a call to him to follow and attend upon him. (Notes, 2 Kings 2:13,14.)

V. 15-17. As the prophet was ordered to go on the way to the wilderness of Damascus, it seems probable that he went directly towards Syria, and meeting with Hazael anointed him; though this is not recorded. Jehu was after---6.) wards anointed by a prophet sent by Elisha; (Notes, 2 Kings 9:1-10.) and perhaps Elisha was anointed by Elijah, when called to be his successor. Some, however, think the expression is not always to be taken literally; but merely as an intimation, that God would advance the persons spoken of, to the stations assigned, and qualify them for the work to be performed by them. (Ps. 105:15. Is. 45:1.)-Jehu executed vengeance upon Jezebel and Ahab's posterity, and the priests and worshippers of Baal: Hazael through his whole reign wasted and destroyed the people of Israel: and, at Elisha's word, the Lord took vengeance on those, who would not attend to the instructions of his prophets. The order of time, in these judg-|| ments, seem not to be exactly marked, but the certainty of the events. (Marg. Ref. s-x.)God was infinitely more jealous for his own glo

V. 20, 21. It is probable that Elijah intended to discover, whether Elisha was fully determined to renounce his temporal interests, and to venture persecution as a prophet of the Lord: and to lead him to count his cost ere he engaged. (Notes, Matt. 8:18-22. Luke 14:28-33.) But Elisha's heart was touched by the Holy Spirit, and he was ready to leave all to attend Elijah. He did not ask to wait till the death of his parents, but only to bid them farewell: and, having made a feast for his neighbors of the flesh of the oxen, prepared

with their yokes, as the fuel; (in token, that he | Thus "our hands hang down, and our knees wax never meant to return again to that employment;) he followed Elijah, and ministered to him, that under his tuition he might be prepared to succeed him, and in the mean time be a help and comfort to him. (Notes, 2 Kings 3:11,12. Matt. 9:9-13.) -The prophet could now no longer complain, that he was left alone, for the Lord had provided him a companion. (Notes, Ex. 4:14. Matt. 10:1 -4.)-From the ensuing history it appears, that Elijah and Elisha employed themselves, not only in privately instructing the people, but also in founding or superintending seminaries of prophcts, in different parts of the land, who might assist them in the work of reformation, and maintain it|| when they were removed.

PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.

V. 1-9.

feeble;" and we are ingenious in discouraging and
disquieting ourselves. But upon reflection, this
very experience may explain to us that rebellion
of others, which so disconcerts us; and teach us
gentleness and long-suffering, without disdaining
or despairing of the worst of sinners.-The bless-
ing is from the Lord; and he often works most ef
fectually when proper means are used, with quiet
assiduity and perseverance, without any of that
bustle and vehemence which excite the public
attention. Magistrates should indeed exercise
their authority, in promoting true religion, by all
hallowed and scriptural means.
(Notes, 2 Chr.
17:7-9. 30:12.) But attempts to produce refor
mation, in either doctrine or worship, by coercive
means, and the secular arm, bearing all down be-
fore it, like the strong wind, the earthquake, and
the fire, in every case promise more than they ef-
fect; and even when the magistrate's authority is
regulated and limited in a proper manner, in re-
pressing impiety and immorality, and counte-
nancing zealous ministers in their labors, it only
makes way for the "still small voice" of the gos-

No miracles or judgments can finally stop the fury of persecutors: though they be intimidated for a season, when they have respite, and leisure to confer with one another, they grow desperate in proportion as they have been baffled and mortified. (Notes, Ex. 8:15. 14:5-9. Acts 4:13-22. 5:17-pel, by means of which the Holy Spirit performs 28.) Nay, such diabolic enmity can inhabit the his gracious work upon the heart. (Notes, Is. 42: breasts of females, and has sometimes raged in 1-4. Rom. 1:13-16. 1 Cor. 2:3–5. 2 Cor. 10: them with peculiar vehemence! (Notes, Matt. 1-6.) And the minister, when deprived of this 14:3-11.)—Mad passions often defeat their own protection and support, and driven by persecution end, and furious threats prevent the execution of into obscure corners, may expect great usefuldetermined malice.-The most eminent believers ness, by this power accompanying his labors.cannot exercise even those graces, which most The word of God also is indeed "like a fire, and a distinguish their characters, without the immedi- hammer, that breaketh the rocks in pieces;" and ate assistance of God: and when in danger of be- the whole of it should be preached with zealous ing exalted above measure, they are sometimes plainness and faithfulness: but "the ministration left tc struggle with temptation without their of condemnation," and the awful terrors of eternal wonted support. Then the boldest, who before vengeance, only precede and make way for "the feared no number or power of the adversaries, ministration of righteousness," and the sweet gostremble at the distant prospect of danger; the pel of Christ, attended by urgent persuasions, most zealous are dissatisfied with their employ-melting expostulations, and tender invitations, in ments, and sit down disconsolate and desponding; which the Lord chiefly comes to seal our hearts nay, the most resigned grow fretful, and even for himself; and without this little will be done.-pray in a peevish manner; and want to die, not We shall do well often to imagine, that we hear out of longing for heavenly glory, but from wea- the Lord inquire, "What doest thou here?" In riness of conflicts and tribulations. But it is scenes of worldly dissipation, in trifling company, shameful for a soldier to wish to be absent from in riotous feastings, or where unlawful traffic is his place in the day of battle, or to expect the carrying on, the Christian can have no good anvictory without the peril and the hardship of the swer ready: nor can the minister, if engrossed by conflict. The Lord, however, bears with his faith-needless worldly business, by trifling studies, or ful servants, notwithstanding their infirmities; and by the pursuits of ambition, preferment, pleasure, preserves them for every service which he has al- or reputation, to the neglect of the important dulotted them, whatever they wish or fear. As all ties of his calling. Nay, if we are at home, when creatures are at his command, those, for whom he we should be in the pulpit; asleep, when we should engages to provide, can want no good thing; and be at work; or in company, when we should be yet if he pleases he can support them without engaged in prayer and meditation, or reading the either means or instruments. (Notes, 17:1-16.) Scriptures; such a question must confound us. His mercy and power are the same from genera-|| In short every station has its proper duties, and tion to generation, whether displayed in the same every portion of time its proper work, and we way or not: and he will vouchsafe his gracious should frequently call ourselves to account, whethpresence to his people, into whatever place they er we be in our place and proper employment, as are banished. Indeed when they flee from the the duty of the season requires. path of duty, he will meet and rebuke them, but he will not forsake them.

V. 10-14.

No former zeal, boldness, or usefulness, will excuse present neglects: yet we are most apt to boast of what we have been and done, when most remiss in present duty! Disappointments in our too sanguine expectations often sour our tempers, as well as render us discontented: and then we are ready to blame others for our failures, and to be severe in our censures and remarks. The zealous minister often finds this leaven corrupting his services: he is sometimes tempted to think all his labor in vain when he does not see the immediate effect; and to conclude, that he can do no good,|| because he cannot do all that he hoped for: and when he witnesses much evil in the church, or in that part in which he labors, he often imagines matters to be much worse than they really are.

V. 15-21.

It is not easy to convince men of their faults, and silence their excuses or boastings: and, whilst the Lord encourages his servants under their difficulties, he sends them back to their proper work, ashamed of their timidity and neglect; and then he gives them both helpers and success. He has "a remnant, according to the election of grace," which he reserves to himself, and preserves from prevailing abominations. For their conversion and edification he waits and provides: in the mean time impenitent sinners ripen for vengeance; and he raises up instruments to execute it upon them, from whom they shall by no means escape: for the word of God, spoken by his despised ministers, ensures their destruction, more than the sword of any enemy. Nor will he ever desert his own cause, however it seems to be run down: he will furnish men for the most perilous and self-denying ser

ND Ben-hadad the king of Syria gathered all his host together; and there were thirty and two kings with him, and horses and chariots: and he went up and besieged Samaria, and warred against it.

c

2 And he sent messengers to Ahab king of Israel into the city, and said unto him, Thus saith Ben-hadad,

3 Thy silver and thy gold is mine; thy wives also and thy children, even the goodliest, are mine.

4 And the king of Israel answered and said, My lord, O king, according to thy saying, I am thine, and all that I have. 5 And the messengers came again, and said, Thus speaketh Ben-hadad, saying, Although I have sent unto thee, saying, Thou shalt deliver me thy silver, and thy gold, and thy wives, and thy children;

6 Yet I will send my servants unto thee to-morrow about this time, and they

a 15:18,20. 2 Kings 8:7-15. 2 Chr. 16:24. Jer. 49:27. Am. 1:4.

b 16,24. Gen. 14:1-5. Judg. 1:7. Ezra 7:12. Is. 10.8. F.z.

26:7. Dan. 2:37.

© Ex. 14.7. Deut. 20:1. Judg.
4:3. 1 Sam. 13:5. Is. 37:24.
d Lev. 26:25. Deut. 28 52. 2

h

Kings 6:24-29. 17:5,6.

e 2 Kings 19.9. Is. 36:2,&c. 37:
9,10.

f Fx. 15:9. Is. 10:13,14.
g Lev. 26:36. Deut. 28:48. Judg.

15:11-13 1 Sam. 13:6,7. 2
Kings 18:14-16.

h 1 Sam. 13:19-21. 2 Sam. 24:
14. 2 Kings 18:31,32.

shall search thine house, and the houses.
of thy servants: and it shall be, that what-
soever is pleasant in thine eyes, they
shall put it in their hand, and take it
away.

7 Then the king of Israel called all
the elders of the land, and said, Mark, I
pray you, and see how this man seeketh
mischief: for he sent unto me for my
wives, and for my children, and for my
silver, and for my gold, and I denied
him not.

1

8 And all the elders and all the people said unto him, Hearken not unto him nor

consent.

9 Wherefore he said unto the messen gers of Ben-hadad, Tell my lord the king, All that thou didst send for to thy servant at the first I will do; but this thing I may not do. And the messengers departed, and brought him word again.

10 And Ben-hadad sent unto him, and said, 'The gods do so unto me, and more also, if the dust of Samaria shall suffice for handfuls for all the people that follow me.

11 And the king of Israel answered and said, Tell him, "Let not him that girdeth on his harness boast himself as he that putteth it off.

12 And it came to pass, when Ben

*Heb. desirable. Gen. 27:15.
Ezra 8:27. Is. 44:9. Jer. 25:34.
Lam. 1:7,10. Hos. 13:15. Joel
3:5. Margins.

i 8:1. 1 Chr. 13:1. 28:1. Prov.
11:14.

2 Kings 5:7.

k Job 15:35. Ps. 7:14. 36:4. 62:
3. 140:2. Prov. 6:14. 11:27. 24:
2. Dan. 11:27. Rom. 3:13-
18.

† Heb. kept not back from
him. See on 4.

I See on 19:2.-Aets 23:12.

m 2 Sam. 17:12,13. 2 Kings
19:23,24. Is. 10:13,14. $7:24,
25.

Heb. are at my feet. Ex. 11:
8. Marg. Judg. 4.10.

n 1 Sam. 14:6,12,13. 17:44-47.
Prov. 27:1. Ec. 9:11. Is. 10:
15,16. Matt. 26:33-35,75.

vices: and those who duly understand the impor-been the son of Tabrimon, the son of Hezion."
tance of the sacred ministry, will renounce every (15:18.)-Perhaps Hadad was his father, and
other honor, pleasure, and interest for the sake of Tabrimon and Hezion his more remote ancestors.
it, though called to labor in the midst of hardships, -The thirty and two kings were petty princes
poverty, and persecution.-Zeal for the glory of of the adjacent countries, who were either vas-
God and the salvation of souls will subordinate, sals or allies to the king of Syria.-Ben-hadad
though it will not extinguish, natural affections. seems to have been induced by rapacity to wage
(Notes, Matt. 10:37-39.) The work of the min-war against Ahab; and it is probable that he had
istry requires the whole man: and when such per- wasted the country before he besieged Samaria.
sons are employed, as have not been regularly-The late terrible famine must have diminished
educated for it, they are especially concerned to
attend the instructions, to frequent the company,
and to copy the examples, of aged and approved
ministers: and "no man having set his hand to the
plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of
God." (P. O. Matt. 4:12-25. Note, Matt. 8:21,
22.) In difficult times helpers of inferior abilities
may be a great comfort to the discouraged ser-
vants of God: and this service is carried on to ad-
Vantage, when different ministers concur, from
the same principles, to seek the same great end
of his glory in the salvation of souls. May "the
Lord of the harvest send forth many such laborers |
into his harvest!" Amen. (Note, Matt. 9:36—
38.)

the number of the Israelites, by death and emi-
gration, almost beyond calculation: and by the
righteous judgment of God, the remainder were
so disaffected to Ahab, or so dismayed by Ben-
hadad, that they had retired or fled; and thus
they left the capital city in a very defenceless
condition.

V.2-11. Ben-hadad's first message was couch-
ed in insulting language. He not only consider
ed Ahab's riches as already his property; but his
wives and children, even the goodliest of them,
as his slaves. Yet Ahab understood this, only as

claim to dominion over him and his property, or kingdom; and in abject terms he consented to be his vassal, and to do him homage, and pay him tribute. Ben-hadad therefore, (perhaps perceiving his terror and pusillanimity,) grew more insolent, and by a second message demanded the immediate possession and use of them all, for him

what thou doest: for at the return of the || Israel pitched before them like two lityear the king of Syria will come up tle flocks of kids; but the Syrians filled the country. against thee.

e

23 And the servants of the king of Syria said unto him, Their gods are gods of the hills; therefore they were stronger than we: but let us fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they.

24 And do this thing; Take the kings away, every man out of his place, and put captains in their rooms:

28 ¶ And there came a man of God, and spake unto the king of Israel, and said, Thus saith the LORD, Because the Syrians have said, The LORD is God of the hills, but he is not God of the valleys, I therefore will I deliver all this great multitude into thine hand, and "ye shall know that I am the Lord.

29 And they pitched one over against the other seven days. And so it was, that in the seventh day the battle was joined: and the children of Israel slew of the Syrians an hundred thousand foot

25 And number thee an army, like the army that thou hast lost, horse for horse, and chariot for chariot: and we will fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they.men in one day. And he hearkened unto their voice, and did so.

26 And it came to pass at the return of the year, that Ben-hadad numbered the Syrians, and went up to Aphck to fight against Israel

27 And the children of Israel were numbered, and were all present, and went against them:

30 But the rest fled to Aphek, into the city: and there a wall fell upon twenty and seven thousand of the men that were left. And Ben-hadad a fled and came into the city, into an inner chamber. 31 And his servants said unto him,

h Deut. 32:30. Judg. 6:5. 1
Sam. 13:5-8. 14:2. 2 Chr. 32:
7,8. Ec. 9:11.

and the children of 13,22. 13:1. 17:18. 2 Chr. 20:

d 26. 2 Sam. 11.1. 1 Chr. 20:1. g 30. Josh. 13:4. 19:30. Judg.

Is. 26:11.

e 28. 14:23. 1 Sam. 4:8. 2 Kings 19-12. 2 Chr. 32:13-19. Ps. 50.21,22 121:1,2. Is. 42:8.

f 1.16. 22 31. Prov. 21.30. Heb. was fallen.

drunken as he then was. 16-19.)

1:31. Aphik. 1 Sam. 4:1. 29:
1. 2 Kings 13:17.

+ Heb. to the war with Israel.
Or, were victualled. Josh. 1:
11. Judg. 7:8.

(16. Notes, 1 Sam. 30:

V. 22. It does not appear, that Ahab regarded this merciful and seasonable warning, given him by the prophet; or that he made any suitable return for his late unexpected deliverance and

success.

14-20.

k See on 23.

1 Deut. 32:27. Josh. 7:8,9. Ps.
58:10,11. 79:10. Is. 87:29,35.

Jer. 14:7. Ez. 20:9,14. 36:21
-23,32.

12. 12:16. 36:22. 39:7.

D Josh. 6:15. 1 Sam. 17:16.

o 2 Sam. 10:18. 2 Chr. 13:17.
20.23-25. 28:6. Is. 37:36.
pls. 24:19. Jer. 48:44. Am. 2.
14,15. 5:19. 9:3. Luke 13.4.
q 10,20. Dan. 4.37.

Or. from chamber to cham ber. Heb. into a chamber within a chamber. 22:25. Chr. 18:24.

I See on 13.-Ex. 6:7. 7:5. 8:
22. Deut. 29:6. Ez. 6:14. 11:r 23. 2 Kings 5:19.

jacent region had plains and vallies, suited to
Ben-hadad's cavalry.

2

V. 27. It is probable, that Israel's late miraculous victory encouraged the small army, by which it was gained, to accompany Ahab to the country selected by the Syrians; but no others joined them, and their appearance conveyed the idea of weakness and timidity; more resembling two small flocks of young goats, in a desolate country, than a powerful army, which the occasion seemed to demand. (Notes, 1 Sam. 13:6,7, 13-15,22.)

V. 23-25. The servants of Ben-hadad, either in flattery, as if no human valor could possibly rout his army, or from present conviction, ascribed their defeat to the gods of Israel. They supposed that Israel had deities, like the gods of other nations, especially JEHOVAH, (28) to whom V. 28. Ahab and Israel, instead of deliverthey ascribed a limited power, within a certain ance, merited severe vengeance: but it was propdistrict, out of which they could do nothing. er, that the ignorance or blasphemy of the SyriThey had probably heard, that JEHOVAH had dis-ans should be confuted: that all might know that played his glory from mount Sinai: the temple JEHOVAH, the God of the whole earth, was l was built on mount Zion; Samaria was situated mighty in every place. (Notes, Deut. 32:26,27. on a hill; and the people loved to sacrifice on Jer. 14:7-9. Ez. 20:7-9. 36:32.)--Probably, high places: therefore the Syrians concluded this man of God informed Ahab, that the Lord that the God of Israel was powerful upon the had devoted Ben-hadad to destruction, and would mntains, but not in the plains; and they fool-deliver them into his hands, that he might execute ishly expected to prevail against Israel and JEHOVAH, by changing their ground. (Note, Num. 23:13. No doubt, however, they likewise considered the plain country as better suited to their army, which was furnished with cavalry and chariots of war, than to the foot soldiers of Israel. Their other advice was sensible and pertinent. The kings served rather for pomp and feasting, than for war: and it could not be expected that they would either be so hearty in the cause of Syria, or so observant of exact discipline, as Syrian captains, appointed by the king, and desirous of signalizing themselves, would be. (Marg. Ref. e, f.)

V. 26. Aphek lay in the lot of Asher, in the most northern part of the land; (Marg. Ref. g. Note, Josh. 19:24-31.) and seems to have been selected as the seat of the war, because the ad

his vengeance upon him. Another prophet seems to have been sent with this message; and not he who delivered the former one.

V. 29, 30. Perhaps the Israelites were encamped on a hill, and the Syrians, intimidated by their late defeat, did not venture to attack them, notwithstanding their immense superiority in numbers, till they came down into the plain. This, it is probable, they did on the seventh day; and the Lord miraculously interposing, both to encourage and assist the little company of Israel, and to terrify and confound the Syrians; a decided victory, with prodigious slaughter of the Syrians, ensued. And the survivors taking refuge in the city, by the immediate interposition of the Almighty, twenty-seven thousand were crushed by the wall, from which they expected defence, falling upon them. (Josh. 6:20.) And