west, of Samaria, where Ahaziah lay, (Josh. 19: 26.) and the road to Ekron lay to the south-west. Had the prophet retired to mount Carmel, the captain could not so readily have found him. || therefore let my life now be precious in thy sight. 15 And the angel of the LORD said unto Elijah, Go down with him; be not afraid of him. And he arose, and went down with him unto the king. 16 And he said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Forasmuch as thou hast sent messengers to inquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron, is it not because there is no God in Israel to inquire of his word? therefore thou shalt not come down off that bed, on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die. 17 So he died, according to the word of the LORD which Elijah had spoken: and Jehoram reigned in his stead, in the second year of Jehoram the son of Jehoshaphat king of Judah; because he had no son. 18 Now the rest of the acts of Ahaziah which he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel? fuse obedience to the infatuated tyrant, who ordered him on this desperate service; and yet he dared not attempt any thing against Elijah: he therefore employed humble entreaties, with every expression of respect and submission; and in this manner his life and the lives of his soldiers were preserved. (Marg. Ref.) V. 10. No doubt Elijah was moved, to call for fire from heaven on these men, by immediate revelation. He was influenced by a holy zeal for the honor of the Lord, which was attacked in his V. 15, 16. Elijah had so exasperated Jezebel person as a man of God, by the worshippers of and her party, by putting the prophets of Baal to Baalim; for if he had been actuated by resent- death; and by the awful sentence on Ahab and ment or selfish passions, the fire from heaven Jezebel, and the whole family, denounced in the would not have come at his word. (Notes, 2:23, vineyard of Naboth; that he had no further pros 24. 2 Cor. 13:7-10.)-He had before demonstrat-pect of doing them good. In general he lived in ed JEHOVAH to be the only true God, by fire from a retired manner; and labored among the inferior heaven consuming the sacrifice; (Notes, 1 Kings inhabitants without exposing himself to the rage 18:32-39.) yet the nation in general, and espe- of the king: but on this occasion, he was especialcially the rulers, adhered to the worship of Baal: ly commissioned to go to him, along with the capit was therefore proper, that they should receive tain and his fifty. And his presence and authoria more awful proof; and be made sensible that all tative boldness in delivering in person the solemn the enemies of the Lord would at length be de- message before sent by the messengers, so disstroyed. The officers and soldiers, who were mayed Ahaziah, that he did not attempt any thing slain, not only deserved death as idolaters, but against him: and shortly after he died, (17) acdoubtless they had been the instruments of Ahab cording to Elijah's word, for attempting to consult and Jezebel in persecution: and the example a heathen oracle. (Note, 1 Chr. 10:13,14.) would have salutary effects on many in Israel. (Notes, Dan. 3:19-23. Luke 9:51--56. Acts 12: 18,19.) But per V. 17. Jehoshaphat lived some time after this: it is therefore supposed that he admitted his son Jehoram to reign with him, eight or nine years before his death: and Jehoram the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel, in the second year of that term, or in the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat. (Notes, 8:16,17. 1 Kings 22:51.) PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. V. 1-8. V. 11, 12. It is hard to say, which was on this occasion the more wonderful, the madness of the wounded and enfeebled Ahaziah, when the report of the awful event reached him, or the presumption of this officer and his soldiers: for the second attempt was made in a more peremptory and haughty manner, than the foregoing. Man's revolt from God is often punished by haps the former calamity was ascribed to chance. the rebellion of those who owe subjection to him. Indeed it had so happened that terrible light--Death meets men in the most unexpected places 'ning, just at that moment, slew the captain and his fifty men. None of the persons concerned appear to have been convinced, that JEHOVAH had sent the fire from heaven, for this express purpose, in answer to the words of Elijah. (Note, 1 Sam. 6:2-9.) V. 13, 14. This officer had not courage to re and forms, but always under the direction of the all-wise and righteous God. If reconciled to him by faith in the Savior, and walking in his ways, "death is ours," and can never come in a wrong time or manner: but to the impenitent and unbelieving he is and must be "the king of terrors."False religion ainuses men's minds, and gratifies CHAP. II. Elijah when about to be translated, cannot induce Elisha not to attend him in his progress, 1-7. With his mantle he divides Jordan, and they pass over, 8. Elijah allows conditionally of Elisha's request of a double measure of the Spirit, and is taken to heaven in a fiery chariot, 9-11. Elisha takes up Elijah's mantle, smites and divides Jordan with it, and passes over; and is received as Elijah's successor, 12-15. The sons of the prophets in vain seek for Elijah, 16-18. Elisha heals with salt the bad waters of Jericho, 19-22. Bears destroy the children that mock him, 23-25. "by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with e 2 And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Beth-el. And Elisha said unto him, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. AND it came to pass, when the LORD they went down to " Leth-el. would take up Elijah into heaven, a Gen. 5:24. 1 Kings 19:4. Luke Rev. 11:12. 9:51. Acts 1:9. Heb. 11:5. b 1 Kings 18:12. 19:11. Job 38: e Ruth 1:15. 2 Sam. 15:19,20. f 4,6. 4:30. 1 Sam. 1:26. 17:55. 25.26. So g Ruth 1:16-18. 2 Sam. 15:21. 1 John 2:19. h Gen. 23:19. 1 Kings 12:29,33. 13:1,2. a vain curiosity: but the Bible declares the way and he returneth to his dust, and all his thoughts of acceptance, and the path of duty; and, without perish;" what danger and hardship ought we not informing us of the events of our future lives, or to welcome in the service of the everlasting God, the time and manner of our death, it teaches us who can give us the gracious recompense of eterto be always ready; and instructs us how to be-nal life. (Notes, Ps. 146:3-6.)-There are proper have under every dispensation of Providence, and seasons for different methods of behaving towards thus to find comfort under them all, and derive sinners, and we must ask wisdom of God to direct benefit from them.-With such instructions, and us: and, as the same action may be either right or access to the mercy-seat of our God and Father, wrong, according to the principle from which it we have no occasion to consult any of those ora- springs, we should look well to our own spirits, cles, which pretend to unfold what God has been and be candid in judging our brethren. It is, pleased to conceal. The believer, assured by the however, our general rule, “not to be overcome word of God that all things shall work together of evil, but to overcome evil with good."-The for his good, may rejoice in hope, and look for- judgments of God under the Christian dispensaward with comfort: but the foreknowledge of the tion are commonly spiritual: and the more mildly afflictions of future life, joined to the terror of we behave to those, who insult and injure us for final misery, would mar the little enjoyment the Lord's sake, the more terrible punishment which the unbeliever has in this world, and tor-will he at length inflict upon them. But our God ment him before his time. (P. O. Gen. 15:12–21.) -Men are prone to act, as if there were no God; and as if they were left to take care of themselves, as well as to spend their lives in following their own inclinations: hence they are so readily induced to yield to every temptation, and to make rapid progress in wickedness, when in pursuit of the objects which they idolize, or when afraid of losing them.--Those who would be valiant for the truth, and in the cause of God, before the great ones of this world, must learn temperance, and frugality; and evince that they neither envy nor covet their luxuries and embellishments, but are indifferent about all other things, compared with the glory of God and the salvation of immortal souls. V. 9-18. The conduct of some persons, as impartially recorded in the word of God, appears so infatuated, that we should scarcely be able to credit the account, did we not sometimes witness actions equally unaccountable. Often has it been observed, that men upon a death-bed, and aware that they could not recover, have appeared more trifling, profane, avaricious, morose, fierce, or cruel, than at any former period: so that those around them have been tempted, by their intolerable conduct, to wish them dead before the hour arrived! Some have even seemed to regret with their dying lips, that they could do no more mischief in the world before they left it! And in many other ways men are continually acting in a manner inexplicable, except upon the principles of the wise man; "The heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart whilst they live, and after that they go to the dead." (Notes, Ec. 9:1-3. Matt. 2:16--18.)--Haughty persecutors will always meet with wretches, ready to execute their most impious and desperate mandates: and when providential mercies, means of grace, warnings and corrections, leave them thus desperate in enmity against God and his servants, we may be confident that vengeance slumbereth not. If the wicked face death in its most tremendous forms, to obtain or preserve the favor of an earthly prince, whose "breath goeth forth, is ever ready to forgive the humble supplicant, however rebellious he has been; and the way to prevail with him is to bow before him. We therefore should be followers of him, and be ready to pray for and favor our bitterest enemies, especially when under any alarm of conscience they entreat us so to do.-We may safely venture into the presence of our most enraged foes, when he requires us, who has all hearts in his hand: the courage of faith has often struck terror into the heart of the proudest sinner: how then shall any be able to stand before God, when he arises to execute judgment? His words will surely take effect: and while some sinners, being long spared, increase their own condemnation; others are cut off speedily, and hurried into destruction. Both are intended to warn others to seek the Lord whilst he may be found: and his servants will, one way or other, survive and witness the destruction of all his enemies. NOTES. CHAP. II. V. 1. None, Enoch alone excepted, had ever been favored with exemption from the general sentence denounced against sinful man, "Dust thou art, and to dust shalt thou return." (Note, Gen. 5:22–24. P. O. 21-32.) But the Lord had given Elijah some previous intimations, that he intended thus to distinguish him, and that the day was at hand. (Note, 1 Kings 19:3,4.) At that time, he and Elisha were at Gilgal: (Notes, Josh. 5:9. 10:7,40-43.) and thence Elijah went in circuit to several of the schools of the prophets in different places, to give them his parting exhortations and blessing. Doubtless most of them were established, and all of them were superintended, by him. (Note, 1 Kings 19: 20,21.)--It is not known how old Elijah was, when translated. V. 2. Elijah might intend by this proposal to make trial of the strength of Elisha's attachment; or perhaps he longed for retirement, and shunned ostentation. But Elisha expressed his determination to enjoy the pleasure and reap the benefit of his company to the last; and, if it might be, to witness his translation: and this he confirmed with 3 And the sons of the prophets that were at Beth-el came forth to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to-day? And he said, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace. k 4 And Elijah said unto him, Elisha, tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Jericho. And he said, m As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they came to Jericho. 5 And the sons of the prophets that were at Jericho came to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to-day? And he answered, Yea, know it; hold ye your peace. 6 And Elijah said unto him, Tarry, I pray thee, here: for the LORD hath sent me to Jordan. And he said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And they two went on. i 5,7,15. 4:1,38. 9:1. 1 Sam. 10: 10-12 19:20. 1 Kings 18:4. 20.35. Is. 8:18. k Deut. 33:3. Acts 22:3. 1 Josh. 6:26. Luke 19:1. 1 Kings 16:34. m See on 2.-4:30. Acts 2:42. ... 11:23. 7 And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went, and stood to view afar off: and they two stood by Jordan. 8 And Elijah took his mantle and wrapped it together, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither; so that they two went over on dry ground. 9 And it came to pass when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy Spirit be upon me. V 10 And he said, Thou hast tasked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so. [Practical Observations.] 11 ¶ And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there 17. 1 Kings 18:4,13. Heb. in sight, or, over against. q 1 Kings 19-13,19. r 14. Ex. 14:21,22. Josh. 3:16, Num. 27:16-23. John 17:9-13. Acts 1:8. 8:17. 20:25,36. t Num. 11:17,25. 1 Kings 3:9. 2 Chr. 1:9,10. John 14:12-14. 16:7. 1 Cor. 12:31. u Deut. 21:17. Zech. 9:12. 12:8. v Mark 11:22-24. John 16:24. him, when he was carried up to heaven; and therefore continued firm in his resolution, to attend that wonderful change.' Bp. Patrick. (Note 9,10.) V. 7, 8. These fifty men seem to have hoped to witness Elijah's translation, but this favor was granted only to Elisha. They, however, saw Jordan twice divided, first before Elijah and Elisha, and then afterwards before Elisha alone, by smit(Notes, 14. ing the waters with Elijah's mantle. Josh. 3:15-17.) Mantle. (8). In all the places, where this word is used, the LXX translate it anλwrn, a sheepskin. Heb. 11:37. Gr. (Note, 1:8.) a most solemn asseveration. (Notes, Ruth 1:16, 17. 2 Sam. 15:18-22.)-As the life and soul of man entirely depend on God, to mention them in a solemn oath, either alone, or along with him, was deemed equivalent to swearing by the name of the LORD. (Notes, Matt. 5:33-37, 23:16-22.) V. 3. Beth-el.] (Marg. Ref.-Notes, 1 Kings 12:26-33. 13:1,2.) In that place where the golden calves were worshipped, God ... continued the 'schools of the prophets among them. For by "the sons of the prophets" are meant the scholars of the prophets, whom they educated and trained up in religion and piety. And God... bestowed on some of them the Spirit of prophecy. ... This 'was a great testimony of God's love to an apos- V. 9, 10. Elisha was thus reminded to make 'tate people. And it is still more remarkable, his request before Elijah was taken from him: for 'that prophets of greater excellency for miracles the prophet did not give the least intimation of be'were continued in Israel, than were in Judah; ing prayed to as an intercessor, after he was gone 'because they needed them more. ... It seems to to heaven; nay, his words imply the contrary, in 'me very probable, that these "sons of the proph- a very decisive manner. If the request were not 'ets" were such ministers to the prophets, as the made before he was taken away, it would after'evangelists were to the apostles; whom the proph-wards be too late. Elisha, therefore, knowing the 'ets sent to publish their prophecies and instruc-efficacy of Elijah's prayer, desired him to ask for 'tions to the people, where they could not go him a double portion of his spirit. (Notes, Num. 'themselves.' Bp. Patrick.-"The sons of the 11:25-29. 27:18. 1 Kings 3:5-14.) He seems prophets" at Bethel, and other places had receiv- only to have meant a double portion of the Spirit ed a divine intimation, that Elijah was on that day of prophecy, and of wisdom, courage, faith, and to be taken from them: and as Elisha was next in grace, to what was ordinarily bestowed upon the precedency after Elijah, sitting nearest under prophets: but as he was to succeed so eminent a him, or at his feet, while he delivered his instruc- person in a most important work, and in arduous tions; he would be considered as their superin- times, his desires and expectations might be entendent, when his master was taken "from his larged by zeal for the honor of God, and for the head," or from above him. (Note, Acts 22:1-5.) revival of true religion; so that he was led to use ---Elisha however, would not allow them to inter- words, which may signify even double the portion rupt the composure of Elijah's mind at this sol- which Elijah had possessed: and Elijah's answer emn season by any lamentations: it is probable, seems to imply, that this was the import of them. that he forbad them publicly to speak of it, lest-It appears from the history, that Elisha wrought multitudes should be collected to witness the event; or he counselled them to be calm, and not to disquiet themselves, for the Lord would make up the loss. V. 4, 5 (Marg. Ref.) Jericho.] Notes, 1922. 1 Kings 16:34. V. 6. 'He hoped for some great blessing from twice as many miracles as Elijah had done: and being more constantly among the people, as their example and instructer, for above sixty years, from his first calling by Elijah, he seems to have been favored with more extensive usefulness than he; though in other respects he may be considered as his inferior. (Note, 13:14.) Thus our Lord 12 And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Isael, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces. e 13 He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan; 14 And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, "Where is the LORD God of Elijah? And when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither; and Elisha went over. 15 And when the sons of the prophets, which were to view at Jericho, saw him, they said, 'The Spirit of Elijah doth rest y 6:17. Ps. 68:17. 104:3.4. Ez. | f 8. 1 Kings 19:19. 1:4,&c. 10,9,&c. Hab. 3:8. *Heb. lip. 1 Kings 9:26. Zech. 6:1-8. Heb. 1:14. z See on 1. a Mark 16:19. b 10. c 13:14. Job 22:30. Prov. 11:11.h d Prov. 30:4. Mark 16:19. Luke 11:12. e Job 1:20,21. Is. 57:1,2. Acts 8:2. marg. g See on 8-10.-Josh. 1:1-9. Judg. 6:13. 1 Kings 18:36- i See on 7. Num. 11:25-29. 27:20. Josh. said to his apostles, (referring to the extensive usefulness of their labors, compared with that of his personal ministry, and to the number, variety, and long continuance of the miracles wrought by them,) "Greater works than these shall ye do:" yet was he infinitely greater than they. (Notes, Matt. 11:7-11. John 14:7-14.) V. 11. (Marg. Ref.-Note, 1.) Elijah's translation was doubtless performed by the ministration of angels, who caused the appearances and effects here described. The event was a distinguished honor put upon one, who had been peculiarly zealous for the honor of God, and had ventured all consequences in his cause, by opposing the idolatry of an apostate and persecuting age and nation. It was a public attestation of the doctrine of a future state of retributions, for the encouragement of God's suffering people; and it was also a prefiguration of the Redeemer's ascension. (Notes, Luke 24:50—53. Acts 1: 9-12.) The prophet had on one occasion passionately wished to die; but the Lord was graciously pleased to deal with him better than his wishes. He had passed over Jordan to his native country, and was conferring with Elisha, perhaps about the joys of heaven, or the interests of true religion in Israel, when they were thus suddenly interrupted and separated. V. 12. The manner in which Elijah was taken away, amidst his most interesting discourse, must have been exceedingly affecting to Elisha, who could not but congratulate his felicity. But he had lost one whom he loved and revered as a father; and Israel had lost a reformer, whose labors and prayers did more to preserve the nation from ruin. than chariots and horsemen, however numerous. could have done; and on these accounts he grieved, and expressed his regret by rending his clothes. (Note, 13:14.) Nor VOL. II. 38 on Elisha. And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him: 16 And they said unto him, Behold now, there be with thy servants fifty strong men; let them go, we pray thee, and seek thy master; lest peradventure the Spirit of the LORD hath taken him up, and cast him upon some mountain, or into some valley. And he said, Ye shall not send. 17 And when m they urged him till he was ashamed, he said, Send. They sent therefore fifty men; and they sought three days, but "found him not. 18 And when they came again to him, (for he tarried at Jericho,) he said unto them, Did I not say unto you, Go not? [Practical Observations.] 19 And the men of the city said unto Elisha, Behold, I pray thee, the situation of the city is pleasant, as my lord seeth: but the water is naught, and the ground § barren. 20 And he said, Bring me a new cruse, k 19. 4:1-4,37. 6:1-7. Josh. Heb. sons of strength. Heb. one of the mountains. n Heb. 11:5. o Num. 12:11. 1 Kings 18:7,13. 1 Tim. 5:17. p Ex. 7:19. 15.23. Josh. 6:17,26 1 Kings 16:34. Heb. causing to miscarry. Ex. 23:26. Deut. 28:2-4,11, 15-18. Hos. 9:14. was he reconciled to his own and the public loss, by being the president of all the schools of the prophets, or by being assured of a double portion of Elijah's Spirit. V. 13. The prophet went to heaven in the body; yet, as a token of the different state into which he was entered, and the change which had taken place, he dropped his mantle or upper garment. (Notes, 1 Cor. 15:50-54. 2 Cor. 5:1 −4.) Elisha had been first called to attend Elijah, by the casting of his mantle over him; and he now received and valued this mantle, as a token of his receiving a double rortion of his Spirit. (Notes, 9,10. 1 Kings 19:19.) V. 14. Elisha was inwardly moved to make trial, whether Elijah's words were indeed fulfilled to him; and whether the LORD God, who had wronght such miracles by Elijah, and had just before divided the waters of Jericho when he smote them with his mantle, was with him in The original is more expressive like manner. than the translation, and may be rendered, "Where is JEHOVAH, the God of Elijah, even He?" He is still with me: though Elijah be not here, the God of Elijah is. (Notes, Josh. 3:7 Matt. 28:19,20.) V. 15. These "sons of the prophets" had wit nessed the division of Jordan, both by Elijah, and afterwards by Elisha; (Note, 7,8.) thence they concluded, that the Spirit of Elijah rested on Elisha; and by bowing to the ground before him, they gave him honor as their superintendent from that time. V. 16-18. These sons of the prophets might think, that even in case Elijah was finally taken from them, his soul alone was gone to heaven, and that his body might be found, and buried with due honor: but perhaps they also doubted, whether he was really removed; or had only [297 and put salt therein: and they brought || way, there came forth little children out it to him. of the city, and mocked him, and said 21 And he went forth unto the spring unto him, Go up, thou bald head; go up, of the waters, and cast the salt in there, thou bald head. and said, Thus saith the LORD, I have healed these waters: there shall not be from thence any more death or barren iand. been carried to some other place in a supernatural manner, as he seems to have been on former occasions. (Marg. Ref.-Note, 1 Kings 18:12 -16.) Elisha, however, might fear lest they should suspect, if he persisted in refusing their request, that he was influenced by an undue desire of filling Elijah's honorable place; and the event tended to establish his authority. 24 And he turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the LORD: and there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them. 25 And he went from thence to mount Prov. 20:11. 22:6, 15. Ec. 11:10. Is. 1:4. 3:5. Jer. 7:18. 23. Am. 7:17. Mark 11:14,21. Acts 5.5,9. 8:20. 13.9-11. 2 Cor. 10:6. Jobb 2 Sam. 17:8. Prov. 17:12. 28: 15. Hos. 13:8. y Gen. 21:9. 2 Chr. 36:16. z 11. Matt. 27:29-31,40-43. whole c Ex. 20:5. 1 Kings 13:24. 19 17. 20:36. d 4:25. 1 Kings 18:19,12. effect of a pre-concerted plan, to drive the sons of the prophets from Beth-el by ill-treatment. The forty-two children (0), which were deYoured, seem to have been only a part of the guilty. However, the Judge of all the earth company, and perhaps they were the most surely did right. Had he cut them off by a fever, no one would have objected to it: but, while the dispensation would have been as severe towards them, it would not have been suited, in any adequate measure, to make the same useful impression on the minds of the survivors, or to inculcate the same important instructions to other ages and nations, as this solemn sentence and immediate execution were. (Notes, Num. 31:2. Josh. 6:21. Acts 5:1-11.)-It seems that the inhabitants of Beth-el were so overawed, that they no more ventured to molest Elisha or the sons of V. 19-22. Jericho had not long before been rebuilt, in defiance of the curse which Joshua had denounced against him who ventured to rebuild it; and it is probable, that the pleasantness of the situation had been the inducement. (Note, 1 Kings 16:34.) But, as an evidence of God's displeasure, the water was unwholesome; and, perhaps in consequence, the ground, (though not otherwise deficient in fertility,) had the property of causing the cattle to cast their young; and as some think, the immature fruit to fall from the trees. It is not unlikely, that similar effects were produced on the women also. (Marg.) But, as the inhabitants had admitted a seminary of prophets among them, these tokens of the divine displeasure were miraculously removed.-The new cruse, and the salt, couldings have no natural efficacy to heal the water, and remove the bad property of the land: but were merely signs of JEHOVAH'S powerful operation. (Marg. Ref.-Notes, 4:40,41. 6:1-7. Ez. 47:11. Matt. 5:13.) the prophets.-She-bears. (24) Nole, Hos. 13: 5-8. V. 25. (Marg. Ref.) To Samaria.] Perhaps, there was a seminary of the sons of the prophets even in Samaria: or Elisha had lodgin that city, to which he returned after his circuits in other parts, for whatever service might there be performed by him. (Note, 6:32, 33.) PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. V. 1-10. V. 23, 24. Several learned men have endeavored to prove, that these offenders were not chilThe Lord always acts with perfect wisdom, dren, but grown up persons: and, no doubt the justice, goodness, and truth; but he does not alfirst word (D), rendered children, is often ways deign to explain to us the reasons of his used in that sense. The addition, however, of condemnation, and in conferring unmerited conduct. In exempting sinners from merited the word rendered little, seems clearly to evince, blessings, he "divideth to every man severally as that they were not men, but young boys, who he will." (Note, Acts 10:34,35.) We are assurhad been trained up in idolatry, and taught to ed, that they who repent and believe the gospel, despise the prophets of the Lord. They had shall be saved; that the Lord will honor those heard that Elijah was "gone up" to heaven, and who honor him: and if we obtain eternal life, they insultingly bade Elisha follow him, that through Jesus Christ our Lord, we need not they might be rid of him also; and they reviled greatly regret, that we do not pass the same way him for the baldness of his head. Thus they to it, as Enoch and Elijah did; being comfortably united the crimes of abusing him for a supposed assured, that we shall be more than conquerors bodily infirmity, contemptuous behavior towards in the last conflict, through him "who hath loved a venerable person, and enmity against him as us;" and that at last "death will be swallowed up the prophet of God. The sin therefore even of in victory." (P. O. Gen. 5:21-32. Note, 1 Cor. these children was very heinous: yet the greater 15:50-58.)-As we know not the time of our deguilt was chargeable on their parents and teach-parture, we should give diligence to be habitually ers; and their fate was a severe rebuke and aw- ready: and we ought to mind our proper work ful warning to thein. If the Spirit of God had with greater assiduity, if able, when we perceive not dictated Elisha's solemn curse of them, that the time approaches. Whether ministers or Providence would not have followed it with so private Christians, we are called to "serve our terrible a judgment. (Notes, 1:10. Prov. 26:2.) generation;" and should aim to leave all around The children of the city in general seem to have us deeply convinced of the nearness and reality been present; and the insult was perhaps the of eternal things, and animated with the desire of 298] |