Commentary on the Old Testament Volume 2-4, Biblical commentary 1 · 2 Kings · Chapter 14

Commentary on the Old Testament Volume 2-4 · Biblical commentary 1 · 2 Kings · Chapter 14

p. 233CHAP. XIV.

THe second yeare of Ioash began Amaziah to reign over Iudab, he was 25 yeares V. 1.old, when he began to reign, and reigned 29.] Having left Amaziah since ch. 12. 22. now he prosecuteth his history again, telling also who his mother was, viz. Iehohaddam of Ierusalem. He did that which was right in the sight of the V. 3.Lord, but not like unto David, but as Ioash his father. He began well, as Ioash, and ended ill, as is shewed, 2 Chron. 25. as he also had done; whereas Davids heart was upright towards God all the dayes of his life, so as were the hearts of very 2 Chron. 25. 2.2 Chr 25:2few kings after him, as their histories doe shew. And 2 Chron. 25. 2. it is said of Amaziah in particular, that his heart was not upright. But how did he then, that which was right in the sight of the Lord? Ans. Hee refreined from worshipping idols, and restreined the people also from them, and both came himselfe and caused others to come and worship the Lord only, and this was right not only in the sight of godly men, but of God also. But in that he did it not out of conscience and piety, but being moved hereunto by some other thing (as Ioash his father had done by the instructions and authority that Iehoiadah had with him: so he seeing the ruinous estate of the kingdome, when he came unto it, because he thought by this he should obtein mercy to be saved from his enemies, by whom his father had suffered grievously, when he turned to the favouring of idolatry) he is said to have done right, but not with a perfect heart, as David who bent all the forces of his heart to promote the worship and service of God meerly out of piety, without looking at any worldly end herein. For who so doth not thus, doth not good with a perfect heart, and is alwayes unstable in the true religion, as Amaziah was, and fell therefore into Note. great miseries, as the following history sheweth. Touching v. 4. The high places V. 4.were not taken away, &c. it hath been often spoken before in the reign of other kings his predecessours. v. 5. But when the kingdome was confirmed in his hands, hee smote V. 5.his servants, who had smitten the king his father, &c. And herein hee shewed his wisdom, in that (things standing as they did with his fathers house, since his ungratefull murthering of Zachariah) he avoided the giving of occasion to his subjects p. 234in the beginning of his reign to think him cruell, least by any means their affections being alienated from him, his kingdom should have been endangered. Wherefore he prudently first setleth himselfe in the throne, and by lenity and kindnesse winneth the hearts of his subjects, and then being by such means established, he doth justice upon those murtherers. Some from hence gather, that although they were the kings servants, yet they were no mean persons, but men of might, so that Amaziah had need first to make himselfe strong, and then to proceed to judgement against them. Note from their example, that wicked murtherers may escape for a time, Note. but they shall at length be punisht most certainly as they deserve, and so shall other wicked ones, as Ioab and Shimei were before. And this execution he did necessarily, because bloodshed polluteth the land, and here from it is not again cleansed, but by shedding the murtherers blood. Besides, it had been against nature for the sonne not to revenge the death of his father, being slain by his own servants. But although he was most deare unto him, yet he exceeded not the measure set in the law of God Deut. 24. 16.Deut 24:16by smiting also their children, as is shewed, v. 6. For if any murther deserveth excesse of punishment, the murthering of a king certainly doth, although he be wicked, because he is set up of God; he is his annointed, and therefore not to be laid hands upon, as David concluded touching Saul; and if he be, God taketh it as done against Rom. 13.Rom 13himselfe, and therefore alwayes maketh such spectacles of his severest judgements, as was most notably shewed in the murtherers of Iulius Caesar, although hee had The murtherers of kings punished.made himselfe worthy of hatred, in that he took the Empire upon him, and changed the government, which had hitherto been Aristocraticall, For Cassius when hee had joyned battell with Brutus at Philippi, when he saw his army give way, slew himselfe. M. Iun. Brutus also being in the same battell, slew himselfe likewise, and his dead body being sent by Antonius to his mother and wife to be buried, his wife Partia seeing it through extream griefe sought to kill her selfe, and when she could by no other meanes, she did it by thrusting hot burning coales through her own throat. The like was the end of Cato Minor. And D. I. Brutus falling into Antonies hands was put to death, neither did any of the other conspiratours escape. He also smote Edous in the valley of salt, 10000 men. That which is here omitted of V. 7. 2 Chron. 25. 5.2 Chr 25:5his preparations to this warre is supplyed, 2 Chron. 25. 5. Then Amaziah gathering the Iewes together, made them Captains over thousands, and Captains over hundreds, &c. and numbring them, he found them to be 300000 chosen men, &c. This number although it may seem to be great, yet if we compare it with the number in the days of Iehoshaphat his great grand-fathers father, who reigned scarce sixty yeares before, 2 Chron. 17. 14.2 Chr 17:14it is small, for he had under severall Captains 1160000 besides those that were put into fenced cities; so greatly were the people wasted under wicked Iehoram, Abaziah, Athaliah, and Ioash. And unto these Amaziah hired out of the kingdom of Israel, 100000 more for 100 talents of silver to goe against Edom. What the cause was may be gathered from 2 Chron. 21. 8. they had revolted from the obedience of the king of Iudah in Iehorams time 60 yeares before, and therefore being now free from the oppressions of the Syrians, as also the Israelites were, he thought it would make for his honour to reduce them to his obedience again; wherefore he made this mighty preparation to goe against them with 400000 men. But a man of God was sent unto him to bid him dismisse the Israelites, because God was not with them, and this he consented to doe, but was sorry for his 100 talents given unto them, which might seem a small price for the hire of so many, although it were a great sum. For a talent, if it were the common one, was 187 pound 10 shillings, H. B. Patriarkes travels.if the kings talent 281 pound 5 shillings, of the sanctuary, 375 pound; now it is most probable that the king counted by his owne talent, and if so, 100 talents amounted to 28925. pound, and yet the hire of each souldier, accounting one talent for a thousand men was little, viz. 27. pound eight shillings four pence, to a hundred, that is, about five shillings seven pence a man; but some reckon a talent at lesse, as Sallianus, who will therefore, that it may not seem too little, have it understood of talents of gold; but this is against the expresse text, which hath it, talents of silver. But it is rather to be supposed, that money was more scarce then, so that twenty shillings will not go further now in buying any provision, or hiring a p. 235man, then five shillings at that time. And it is also to be conceived, that these men were drawn as much by hope of spoils, as by their hire. When king Amaziah was troubled in regard of this mony, the Prophet comforted him by saying, that God was able to give him more, and so the dismissed them, but they taking it to be a disgrace unto them, departed home full of wrath. And Amaziah with his own men went on against Edom, and in the valley of Salt slew ten thousand.

Here it may be demanded, how it could be said, that God was not with the Ephraimites, or those of the kingdome of Israel, seeing about that time he gave them such victories over the Syrians? Answ. He did that out of his great mercy, and pity that he took on them, being a long time before grievously oppressed by the Syrians, and not because his favour was towards them, for he was even then offended at their idolatry, and therefore he threatned, that if Amaziah took them with him, he should fall before the Edomites. For although he doth wonderfully sometimes even for wicked idolaters, as for Ahab also before, and for Ieroboam after, yet be is greatly offended, and fighteth against his own servants, when they joyn their forces with idolaters, as Iehoshaphat with Ahab, and with Ahaziah his son. In that the kingdom of Israel was now able to supply Amaziah with 100000. men, which was brought to so low an ebb in the time of Iehohaz, the father of Ioas, from whom, till this warre, were but 14. or 15. years, for according to the Hebrew Chronology, this was the 12. year of Amaziah, and he began to reign the second year of Ioas, the great blessing of God to multiply them so much in so short a time, is to be noted, in that they were grown from 10000. which was their number then, to 100000 which might be spared to help another king in his warres, besides them, that most probably stayed at home for the defence of that kingdome, which were not a few, But it is likely that they encreased greatly, by the return of their own cities from the Syrians into their own hands again, and by the accesse of such as before fled and hid themselves for fear of the Syrians.

Touching the Valley of salt, which is said to be the place wherein the Edomites were smitten, see before Gen. 14. 8. where a battle is said to have been fought between the Sodomites and their enemies, and 2 Sam. 8. 13. David slew 18000. of the Edomites in the same place. For Edomites the Chronicles hath it, of the children of Seir, because the Edomites who came of Esau, otherwise called Edom, inhabited a place called mount Seir; and he took Sela and called the name of it Iokteel to Junius.this day. Iunius, he took the rock which men call Iokteel to this day, expounding it of a city in Arabia Petrea, from whence it had the name Petra or Rock, and yet he referreth us to Iosh. 15. 38. where Iokteel is numbred amongst the cities of Iudah, but bordering upon Edom southward. v. 21. the vulgar Latin, he took the rock and called it Ioshekel, that is, saith Lyra, gnashing of teeth, because they that were thrown Lyra.down from thence and so killed, as 2 Chr. 25. 12. made a lamentable noise through their teeth. But in the Hebrew it is Iokteel, according to Bede coming of foreign Beda.coetus, a company, and foreign God, this name being given for a remembrance, that the company coming with Amaziah, took this place by the help of God, and if so, it was piety in Amaziah to call it thus. H. B. deriveth it from Iakah heareth, and El God, because God heard to give him victory. Some derive it from foreign a bird Wolsius.called Onocratilus, which maketh a lamentable noise, holding it to be so called, for the reason before rendred by Lyra. Vatablus thinketh, that because it was a very Vatablus.strong place, and yet taken now by one Iokteel, it was called after his name, and this is the most probabl. But whereas Iunius calleth it first Salah, and then saith men called it Iokteel, as if it were not now first called by this name, but indifferently by either of these names, referring us to Iosh. 15. 38. where the name Iokteel is found long before, setting it forth also as the metropolitan city of Arabia Petrea. He was certainly mistaken, for it is manifestly spoken of, not as a city, but a rocky place, as Selah signifieth, and may further be gathered from 2 Chr. 25. 12. but a strong hold of the Edomits, which made the taking of it so remarkable, neither is the manner of the holy Scripture to speak thus of the name of a place, but of such as was not called so before. And it is manifestly to confound places to say, that Iokteel in the borders of Edom pertaining to Iudah, was a city in Arabia. And hereunto adde, that p. 236Arabia Petrea was farre from Edom, and when this was done, Amaziah was not fighting there but against the Edomites, wherefore it could not be a city in Arabia, but a rocky hold in Edom, which Iosephus saith, did imminere Arabiae, look towards Josephus.Arabia, and therefore was not in it.

At this place what company was also slain, is not here recorded, but 2 Chron. 2 Chron. 25. 13.2 Chr 25:1325. 12. it is said 10000. more, by casting them down from that rock, thus cruelly breaking their bones in pieces. This being done, the history of 2 Chron. 25. 13. proceedeth to tell, how the dismissed forces of Israel called Ephraimites, because that tribe was the most populous, raged against the kingdome of Iudah in that part, which lay nearest to them, viz. from Samaria, which was the metropolis of their own kingdome to Beth-horon, that is, according to Iunius, all the latitude of Junius.the kingdome of Iudah, which bordered upon the kingdome of Israel, slaying 3000 and carrying away a great prey. It is well noted here, by Lyra, that this was not Lyra.done immediately after the Ephraimites dismissing by Amaziah, but as it is set down in order, after his victory against the Edomites, and that cruelty shewed towards them: for God now most probably saw his heart lifted up with pride, and through displeasure taken hereat, secretly wrought in their hearts now to take revenge for the supposed disgrace done unto them by their dismission, after they been hired. For if this had been done before in their return homeward, it had would have been said, from Bethhoron in Iudah to Samaria, whereas it is said, from Samaria as farre as Bethhoron, to denote the place, from whence they then came, and to confirm this more, it is said vers. 10. that being dismissed they departed, though full of wrath, to their place. Neither would God certainly Note. have suffered this their wrath to have thus broken out, for the credit of his Prophet employed about that dismission, but that Amaziah immediately upon his victory against the Edomites, had his heart, which was not perfect before, corrupted with pride and insolent cruelty, whence more sinne followed, as is by and by shewed. Touching Bethhoron it was double, the one called the nether, lying in the tribe of Benjamin, the other called the upper in the tribe of Ephraim, wherefore it must be understood of the nether Bethhoron in the kingdome of Iudah, against which they went.

Then Amaziah took the gods of the children of Seir, and set them up for his gods.] 2 Chron. 25. 14.2 Chr 25:14It is a marvell, that by Gods help he having obtained victory over the Edomites, as he knew well enough, because Elishah had shewed him so much, and seeing the helplessenesse that was in these idols towards the people that served them, that he should so suddenly be besotted with their outward splendour, as that he should fall to the worshipping of them. But the Hebrewes, that this may not seem to have bin done without all reason, feign, that when those 100…0 Edomites were cast down Lib. de hebr. quaest.from the rock there was a voyce heard coming from the idols, this happeneth unto you because ye have been negligent in the worship of us, which Amaziah hearing, carried them home with him and worshipped them. But Lyra well confuteth this, Lyra.because no glosse ever yet yielded this reason, and when a prophet sent unto him challenged him for it, v. 15. he could, if it had been thus, readily have answered him accordingly, but he did onelyonly check him, as being to saucy with the king, v. 16. And it is reason enough against it, because, if it had been so, the holy historiographer, who so diligently setteth down all things of moment in the Chrronicles, would not certainly have passed it over, to say nothing, that the Rabbins are known well enough to be audacious forgers. It is reason enough, pride arising in his heart after his victory against the Edomites, as he is chardged by Ioash, v. 19. God who alwayes despiseth the proud, seeing it (for he seeth into the heart) was angry, and left him to himself, and being left, it is no marvell that he ran into any abhominable wickednesse. For when he by the encouragement of a prophet promising him victory had obtained it, to be lifted up in his heart was so against God, that nothing could be more, for it was in effect the taking of the glory due to God for this victory, unto himself. Wherefore it was just with God to withdraw his grace from him, that he might abase himself to worship stocks and stones, and because he had now a proud opinion that victory was pinned to his sleeve, into what other wars soever p. 237he should (as the sequel sheweth in his sending to Ioash) enter, v. 17. he cared not for serving the Lord any longer, to which he had hitherto been necessitated, when he was weaker, and therefore did it outwardly, but never from his heart. Lastly, as the old Romans having subdued any nation, set up their gods also to themselves to win their favour, that as they had not, so they might never be against them to withdraw the obedience of that nation from them, or in case of revolting, to stand to defend them, so haply Amaziah set up these idols of Edom.

God seeing this, was full of wrath, and sent a prophet unto him, that he might the 2 Chron. 25. 15.2 Chr 25:15more justly proceed in judgement against him, when he should contemn his admonition, as he did. For when he expostulated with him about the serving of those gods, that were not able to save their own people, he did nothing but check and threaten him, and bade him be gone, lest he should smite him, but the prophet answered, that he knew, the Lord determined to slay him, because he would not hearken to his counsell. This prophet, saith Hugo following Ierom, was Eleazar the Hugo Cardin.sonne of Dodo his uncle, and some say that he was Amos the father of Isaiah, who is said 2 King. 14. 25. to have been a while after sent to Ieroboam the sonne of Ioas. But it is more probable, that it was one dwelling in Iudah, that had caused Amaziah to dismisse the Israelitish army, whereby they were provoked in his absence to do him so much mischief; therefore he was now so angry with this prophet, as the cause hereof, but what his name was, is to us unknown.

Then Amaziah sent messengers unto Ioas, saying, &c. Go to, let us see one anothers V. 8.face, &c.] After admonition by a prophet, there following no reformation in Amaziah, but an obstinate setling of himself to his idolatry begun, now followeth his punishment, of which he was made the occasion to himself. He returning from Edom with victory and great spoils, when he heard what the Israelites, the men of Ioash had done in his absence, in spoiling his countrey, and slaying his subjects, was greatly exasperated, as well he might, and to be revenged after counsell taken, saith 2 Chron. 25. 17. sent to challenge Ioash the king of Israel, to come and fight with 2 Chron. 25. 17.2 Chr 25:17him; for this he meant by the consent of all expositours, when he said, Let us see one anothers face. As if he had said, let not thy men come thus cowardly to fight and kill up my subjects, and to take booties by stealth, but if thou beest a man, come in person and bring all thy forces with thee, and I will meet and fight with thee face to face openly in a set battle, and not infest thy borders by stealth and then run away again, as thy men have done.

Iosephus addeth, that he also challenged him for usurping the kingdome over the Josephus.ten tribes, which of right belonged unto him, as being lineally descended of David and Solomon, from whose kingdome they were rent by rebellion. Now although Amaziah had a just cause to go against the king of Israel, for the wrong which he had done him in his absence, yet it was temerity and no advised wisdome (although he be said to have taken counsell) thus to challenge him. His counsellours most probably were such, as those young men of whom Rehoboam took counsell in times past, and lost the greatest part of his kingdome. A wise King would rather have sent to require satisfaction for the wrongs done him, or without sending, taken the advantage of sudden coming upon him, thus seeking to salve himself again for his losses. But when God meaneth to bring the wicked to destruction for their wickednesse, he enfatuateth them, that they may run to their own ruine, and so he did Amaziah at this time. He let him be lifted up with pride, so as to think his forces were now invincible, because he had overcome the Edomites, and withall recounting what the prophet had said unto him, when he went against Edom, that the Lord was not with Israel, to slight all the power, that the king of Israel could raise. But of his own idolatry, which he was lately faln into, he was nothing sensble, although the prophet had threatned him, to fear an alteration of successe in the warres, that he should henceforth make; therefore Ioas having received his message, returneth answer by way of allegory.

The thistle of Lebanon sent to the cedar of Lebanon, saying, give thy daughter to V. 9. Wolphius.my sonne to wife, but a beast passing along trod down the thistle, &c.] Hereby most aptly shewing him, how unequall his forces were to his own, and if he proceeded p. 238according to his challenge, what the event would be. For the cedar is the tallest and firmest of all the trees of the forrest, one being found in Cyprus, according to Pliny, 130. foot long, and as big about as three men could fadome, and for the lasting of the wood hereof, it is reported to be incorruptible, but the thistle is so vile, that it is not to be accounted a tree, but a weed. And hereby he would set forth Amaziah, contrary to the proud opinion that he had of himself, to be most mean and contemptible, in comparison of the king of Israel. And he compareth their meeting together to fight, to a most unequall mariage, which tendeth alwayes to great hurt to the over-matched; by the beast treading down the thistle, he meaneth, his soldiers, who would make no more ado to subdue him and his men, then a great beast to tread down a thistle. Thus Wolphius; but Lyra following R. Solomon, sheweth Lyra.further the originall of this comparison. The Jews counted Shechem affecting a mariage with Dinah Iacobs daughter, as a thistle requiring the cedar to give his daughter to wife unto it, because Iacob was a great Patriark, and Shechem a base Ethnick, and because when Shechem sought that mariage, the sonnes of Iacob like a mad beast came and destroyed him, and the people of his city, it went for a proverb amongst them, when any man would set forth one undertaking a thing too hard and dangerous for him, to say, the thistle sent to the cedar, &c. and so Ioas now used it to Amaziah.

Thou hast done valiantly against the Edomites, be content with this glory, and keep V. 10. 11, 12, 13, 14. 2 Chron. 25. 20.2 Chr 25:20at home, &c.] Here Ioas shewing plainly this to be his meaning, that he challenged him but to his own destruction, giveth him good counsell. But he had not the power to follow it, the Lord working so by his judgement for his idolatry with the gods of Edom, that he hardened himself to go to this battle, wherein he was so overcome and subdued, that Ioas took & spoiled what he pleased in his dominions, even to Ierusalem, anp the temple it self, as is expressed 2 Chron. 25. 20, 21, 22, 23. carying away all the treasures found therein, with Obed-edom, and in the kings house, and taking pledges.

The place where they met to fight was Bethshemesh in Iudah, so called, because V. 11.there was another of the same name in Nephthali, Iosh. 9 38. and this was near to Kireath-Iearim, where the Ark sometimes rested divers yeares, when it was brought back out of the Philistims country, and not above four miles from Ierusalem. Ioas then seeing, that Amaziah was fully bent to warre, stayed not for his coming, but hastened to meet him in his own kingdome, as is the part of a wise prince, thus keeping his own from being spoiled by a multitude of souldiers, which was also the policy of Hanibal the Carthaginian afterwards, to keep his countrey from the invasion of the Romans, to make warre upon them in Italy, and theirs at length on the other side to do the like by Africa, and Carthage. The two Kings meeting at Bethshemesh, the challenger Amaziah paid for his arrogancy and rashnesse: for he was soon overcome, and his men put to flight, he was taken, and at the mercy of Ioas, as the Edomites lately were at his, but found none. So it was just with God, that he should now be under the power of his enemy, then which nothing certainly could more vexe him, being proud of his former victory, and expecting nothing lesse, as his challenge before-going shewed. Being taken, Ioas leadeth him away in triumph, as a prisoner, to his chief city Ierusalem, and there breaketh down the wall from the gate of Ephraim to the corner gate, 400 cubits. The gate of Ephraim was that which looked towards the kingdome of Ephraim and stood northward, and the corner gate that, where the wall began to turn again, which was westward, according to Iosephus, who in setting these things forth saith, Josephus.that when the two armies were now ready to joyn battle, such a fear fell upon those of Iudah, that without fighting they began to flee away, and so the king was left to come into the enemies hands. And Ioas having taken him, brought him to Ierusalem, and there commanded him to cause his people to open their gates and yield their city unto him, or else he would presently put him to a cruell death. At his perswasion therefore the city was yielded, and because Ioash would have room enough for his army to enter, he brake down thus much of the wall, the citizens looking on, and not daring to resist. Then he riding in, in his chariot triumphantly, p. 239took all the treasures, as was before said. Obed-edom, in whose hand the treasure and vessels of the Lords house were, was a Levite, to whose custody these were committed. The pledges which they took, was mens sons of the highest rank, whom he caried away with him, to be his security for the paiment of such tribute and standing to such conditions as he pleased to propound. Thus Amaziah and his people smarted for their idolatry, Ioas, who himself was no better, being made the instrument. V. 15. 16.And to shew, that God used him but as his rod to punish sin in Amaziah, the relation of his death followeth next, as most probably happening the same year. For Ioas reigned but to his sixteen year, 2 King 13. 10. Amaziah began his reign in his second year, and anno 12. fought against Edom, wherefore the war between him and Ioas must be anno 13. that is, the 15. year of Ioas, and this most probably near expired when he returned to Samaria and then he lived not a year after. And unto this agreeth that, which is here added, v. 17. Amaziah lived after the death of Ioas 15. years, and the whole time of his reign was 29 v. 2. wherefore in his 14 Ioas V. 17.died. Now although Amaziah lived still fifteen years, yet there is nothing memorable recorded of him in all that time, but that after he left following the Lord, his owne subjects in Ierusalem growing weary of him, conspired against him, and 2 Chron. 25. 27.2 Chr 25:27thus hee was forced to flee to Lachish, to which place hee was notwithstanding V. 19.pursued, and slain there. Their hatred most probably was stirred up against him for the great miseries, into which the kindome was brought by his means, who after his overthrow by the king of Israel grew pusillanimous, not daring to attempt any thing more like a valiant king, for the good of his kingdome, but lay in the abhominable sinne of idolatry, spending his time idly and basely. Of this the princes and nobles being at length impatient, when his sonnes were grown up to 16. years of age, consented together to depose him and set up his son, then he hearing of it fled. Ierom thinketh, that this conspiracy was begun in secret immediately after Hieron. de Hebr. qu.that their kingdome was made tributary to the king of Israel, and not brought to perfection till this time, and that Amaziah perceiving what they went about, fled; but being immediately followed, was taken and slain. Others think, that it was the fift year after the death of Ioas, that they made this conspiracy, and that he lay hid after this in Lachish ten years, before he was slain. But this cannot be, seeing he is said to have reigned 29 years, wherefore they are rather to be followed, who hold, that this conspiracy was made, and he thereupon fleeing, was pursued and cut off, all in his last year, no time being given him at Lachish to fortifie himself against them. If it be said, it is not likely that they would conspire against him 15 years after, for the mischief brought upon them by Ioas; the longer they were held under by the king of Israel, the more weary doubtlesse they grew, and now to be rid of this bondage they agreed to depose this king, who by oath was obliged, and to set up another, who was free. Whereas some are of opinion, that Amaziah in all this time patiently bare his miseries, and turned from his idolatry, as the cause hereof, yielding this for the reason, that his sonne Vzziah is said to have done that, which was right in the sight of the Lord, as his father Amaziah, 2 Chron. 26. 4. they go upon a most weak ground, seeing the like is said before of Amaziah, compared to Ioas his father. Their opinion then is rather to be preferred, who say, that when Wolphius.they conspired against him, he should have better provided for himself, by fleeing the idolatry which he had set up, and go to God by true repentance, then by fleeing to Lachish; but whereas in all his miseries he did not, this is set forth as another judgement of God coming upon him, as the words imply. After he left following the Lord, they conspired against him in Ierusalem. And it seemeth to have been a strong conspiracy, that he was not able to represse, and therefore was constrained to flee from, neither did his sonne after him attempt to punish it, as he had done to those that slew his father Ioas. It seemeth then, that it was made by a generall consent, as that sometime against Athaliah, and so the succeeding King was fain to passe it over.

Lachish, the city to which he fled, was in the tribe of Iudah, upon the borders Junius.of the Philistims, of which see Iosh. 15. it sometime had a King, and 2 King. 18. it was besieged by Sanneherib, when he had overcome the Philistims, whence we may p. 240gather, that it was a place of strength, in which Amaziah haply thought to defend himself, it was 20 miles from Ierusalem.

When they had slain him, they carried him upon horses to Ierusalem, and not V. 20. Hieronym. trad. Hebr.upon mens shoulders saith Ierom, because he served the idols of Edom, whom he brought to Ierusalem upon horses, therefore his dead body was carried so likewise, they thinking it unworthy to be carried upon mens shoulders, as the Ark of God upon the shoulders of the Koathites, because he had forsaken him.

Then all the people took Azariah and made him King, &c.] 2 Chro. 26. 1. Vzziah. V. 21. 2 King. 15. 30. He is also called Vzziah. 2 Chron. 26. 3.2 Kgs 15:302 Chr 26:3It seemeth that he was called indifferently by either of these two names; his age also is set down 16 years, and his mothers name Iecolia of Ierusalem, and the time of his reign 52. years, 2 Chron. 26. 3. Vzziah, saith gloss. ordin. signifieth the vertue of God, and Azariah, the help of the Lord, according to which names he did, and was holpen in the beginning of his reign, as here followeth, v. 4, 5, 6, &c.

He built Elath after that he had recovered it to Iudah, and slept with his fathers.] V. 22.This Elath was in the land of Edom near to Ezion-gaber, 1 King. 9. 26. and if it were by Amaziah his father taken, when he went against the Edomites, it is most probable, that after the great blow given him by Ioas King of Israel, he lost it again, the Edomites waxing bold upon his being brought under, to set upon it, and take it from the Iews again. But now Vzziah coming to a better estate, taketh it and layeth it to Iudah, and fortifieth it for his use, as being of great importance, sith it was a port town. And this is all that is in this Chapter set down touching Vzziah in the history of the Kings. But ch. 15. 1. returning again to the beginning of his reign, Chap. 15. 1.it setteth forth more. Anno 27. of Ieroboam king of Israel, Azariah began, &c. touching which description of the time, a great question ariseth, how it could be 27 of Ieroboam, seeing his father lived and reigned after the death of Ioas, father to Ieroboam 15 years, as was before shewed, and if he began immediately after his father, it must be the 15 and not 27 of Ieroboam. Some answer this by saying, that Wolphius.there was an inter-regnum after the death of Amaziah, of twelve years, but the granting of this, maketh the Chronology of the Kings of Iudah uncertain, whereas the end of reckoning the years of every ones reign is, that the whole time might be certainly known, as from the Creation to the Floud, by the fathers of the line of Sheth, and from the Floud to Moses and the Iudges, by the fathers of the line of Shem, so from thence to the carrying of Iudah captive into Babylon, by the Iudges and the Kings. Moreover, because ch. 15. 8 Zechariah the sonne of Ieroboam, is said to have begun his reign, anno 38 of Azariah, it cannot be admitted, that there should be an interregnum of twelve years, so that from the death of Ioas of Israel, should be 27 before he began, seeing from the 27 to the 41 of Ieroboam, are but fourteen years, and this was the whole time of his reign. It must needs then be yielded, that there was no interregnum in Iudah, but an ante regnum in Israel, Ieroboam being made consort of the kingdome together with his father, twelve years before his death, and this might be well upon good reason, seeing he made warre with the Syrians, the first, second, and third time, that in his absence he might rule and if he should have happened to dye in those warres, the kingdome being ready provided of a king, might sustain no danger for want of one, through divisions: And if we count it thus, twelve years to Ieroboam with his father, and fifteen after to Azariah, we shall fall justly upon his 27 year, when Azariah began. But then a greater difficulty remaineth, seeing Azariah by this account, had not reigned above fifteen years when Ieroboam died, and betwixt fifteen and 38 are 23 years difference; Here I do not finde any one Expositour, that doth fully satisfie this doubt, not Iunius by saying, that he was taken and made King eleven years before Junius.his fathers death, when he fled to Lachish, fer 11 added to 15 make but 26, and if all the time of his age before he began, viz. 16 be added, they will together make but 31. Nor Tostatus by saying, that there was an interregnum in Israel after Ieroboams Tostatus.death, before Zachary began, of eleven years, for they being added to fifteen, do much lesse make up the number of 38; and Genebrard and Functius come yet shorter, who allow an interregnum but of eight years. But if we allow both unto Azariah eleven years in his fathers time, before he came to reign alone, which is p. 241not improbable, considering the enmity of the people against his father, and an interregnum in Israel of twelve years after Ieroboams death, these two numbers put together unto fourteen or fifteen of his reigning alone, make just 38. And that it was so, must necessarily be held, to come to the thirty eight of Azariah when Zechariah began. And it is most probable, that it was thus through contention in Israel, keeping Zechariah from the regall dignity a long time, because when he had gotten the crown, he kept it not long, viz but sixe moneths, being slain openly by Shallum, neither did he enjoy it above one monethmonth, but was slain by Menahem, chap. 15. 8, 9, 10. So that it seemeth, under the warlike and victorious king Ieroboam, such as were employed as great captains, grew to that height of ambition, that they kept his sonne, haply being young, or of weak parts, under, that they might be regents, till at the last Menahem with his faction consented to set him up for king, Shallum another great commander not consenting, wherefore he taking opportunity came with his power, and assaulted and slew Zechariah, taking upon him to be king, which Menahem seeing, came with his forces and slew him.

To return again to that, which is further set forth 2 King. 15. 2, 3, &c. his age also, and his mothers name is shewed, and his doing right, as his father had done, 2 Kings. 15. 2, 3, 4.2 Kgs 15:22 Kgs 15:32 Kgs 15:4and the high places not being put down, and lastly, how he was smitten with the leprosie, died, and was buried. But because all this is more fully set forth, 2 Chron. 26. 4, 5. where he is said to have done that which was right in the sight of the 2 Chro. 26. 4, 5.2 Chr 26:42 Chr 26:5Lord, as his father Amaziah had done, for he was intent to seek the Lord all the days of Zechariah that informed him. I will here take into that history, in which a doubt ariseth, who this Zechariah was, for he could not be that Zechary who was one of the small prophets, for his time agreeth not. Ierom saith, that he was the sonne of Hieronym. de tradit. Hebr.Zechariah the son of Iehoiadah, born after his father was dead, whom Ioas caused to be stoned, and if it were he, as is not improbable, he was above 30 years old, when Vzziah began to reign, and so might continue many years to guide the young king aright. And in that time he is said to have prospered: first, against the Philistims, prevailing so, as that he brake down the wals of their strongest cities, 2 Chron. 26. 6.2 Chr 26:6Gath, Iabnes and Ashdod, and built cities there. It is not likely, that he did these things, so soon as he came to the crown: because he was then both young and tender, and found the kingdome in a poor estate, as it was left by his unhappy father. But after certain years, he having gotten much wealth, by Gods blessing upon him for his piety, began first with the Edomits that held Elath from him, as hath been already said. Then he went against the Philistims, but upon what occasion is not expressed, onelyonly we may gather, from 2 King. 12. 17. that partly occasion was taken to fight with them about Gath, which David had formerly subdued and put under tribute, but towards the latter end of Ioas his reign, who was grandfather to Vzziah, this Gath is said to have been taken by the Syrians, and most probably, their state declining, it came into the Philistims hands again: for Ioas king of Israel overcame the Syrians so often, that they could not but hereby be made very weak, and unable to hold what they had formerly gotten. Therfore Vzziah now being strong, after he had dealt with the Edomites, setteth himself to recover this city also from the Philistims, and when they being overcome there refused to be tributaries unto him, he brake down their wall and pursuing them, who haply from other cities made head against him, he served their cities likewise, and so he came to break down the wals of Iabnes and Ashdod also. Partly that cruell inroad made into Iudah, both by Philistims and Arabians in the dayes of Ioram, his fathers great grandfather, recorded 2 Chron. 21. 16. (when they carried away his treasures, his children and his wives) might come into this kings remembrance, to be revenged upon both these peoples, v. 7. Gath, here said to be taken by him, and the wall to be broken first, was one of the five principall cities of the Philistims countrey, and of great strength by reason of the Giants there; for of this city was Golia…h and four other of the sonnes of Anak, 2 Sam. 21. 19. Iabnes was another strong city of the Philistims by the sea side, not above three hours travell from Gath, according to Adrichomius. Ashdod was another of the 5. cities, formerly also strengthned by Giants, Iosh. 11. 22. and herein was the temple of Dagon, 1 Sam. 5. These p. 242Adrichom.three, Vzziah did not onelyonly reduce to the state of villages, which are without wals, but also built in Ashdod and other parts of the Philistims countrey, defenced cities for his people to dwell in, the better to contain the Philistims thus subdued in obedience. And it is said, v. 7. that God did help him herein, and not onelyonly against the Philistims, but also against the Arabians, who joyned their forces of old with the Philistims against Iudah, as hath been already said. And more particularly, these Arabians are said to be inhabitants of the plain of Gur, that is, near unto Egypt: for which cause it is said, v. 8. that his name was famous to the entring in of Egypt. Iosephus saith, he subdued all that way as farre as Egypt. And moreover, he is said to Josephus.have prevailed against the Ammonites, as the vulgar Latin rendreth it, and the words following do intimate, v. 8. where it is said, the Ammonites brought him presents. And both are expressed by the same letters in Hebrew, but onelyonly in the first place foreign is set before foreign, it being written foreign, in the next foreign after foreign, it being written foreign. Iunius rendreth it indigenas, expounding it of such as dwelt Junius.dispersedly, and yet Iudg. 10. 12. 11. 6. he calleth them Ammonites. Stephanus Stephanus. Hieronym.saith, that they were Arabians dwelling near the red sea; and Ierom, that Gur before spoken of, as the place of the other Arabians habitation, was Gerar, where Abraham had sometime sojourned. But it is most rightly understood of the Ammonites, there being onelyonly a transposition of one letter, And all these peoples were borderers upon Iudah, as Iunius noteth, the Arabians upon the south, the Philstims upon the West, and the Ammonites upon the East. And it is said, that the Ammonites in token of subjection, brought him presents. Moreover he fortified Ierusalem with towers, even to the gate of the corner, and of the valley, &c. v. 9. In the dayes of Amaziah his father, the wals of Ierusalem next unto Syria were broken down by Ioas, but now he reared them up again, saith Iosephus, and whatsoever Josephus.decayes else there were, he repaired and fortified. Touching the limits, unto which, the corner gate, and the gate of the valley, it is before said, the corner gate, and the gate of Ephraim, chap. 25. 23. but that of the valley and of Ephraim, Ierom Hieronym.saith, are one and the same, and upon the corner] that is, where these two walls met. Junius rendreth the word translated corner, as a proper name, Miktzuah, and Neh. Junius.3. 19. he expoundeth it, a tower in a most high place of the city of David, so called for the prerupt scituation: but then it must not be read upon Miktzuah, but to it, he built towers as to the corner gate, and the gate of the valley, so to this tower, that is, as farre as was needfull, the vulgar Latin renders it, & reliquas in eodem muri latere, 2 Chron. 26. 10.2 Chr 26:10but without any ground in the originall, wherein are no such words.

He built towers also in the desert, &c.] that is, saith Iunius, of Arabia, which was full of pastures, for the more safe keeping of his cattell, wherewith he abounded, and he digged cisterns also, at which they might be watered. For he had many husbandmen, and vine dressers, for he loved husbandry, and it is said that he had them both in the mountains and the fields, rendred in vulgar Latin, Carmel, according to the Hebrew word here used, foreign denoting fields most fruitful, as Carmel was, for that it is not to be understood of the place so properly called, appeareth, because the fruitfull Carmel was in the tribe of Issachar in the kingdom of Israel.

From hence he proceedeth to set forth the greatnesse of this kings forces, viz. 2600 Princes or Captains, under whom were of able warriours 370500 all well V. 11, 12.armed by the king, &c. But it is not to be thought, but that Vzziah prepared these great forces to goe forth to warre against the Philistians, Arabians, and Ammonites, before spoken of, although they are not mentioned till now. Thus it appeareth, how greatly he by Gods blessing encreased in wealth and power whilest he cleared to Note. Lord, that other kings may learn by his example to do likewise. Moreover he is said V. 15.to have made engines by a singular art in Ierusalem, which he placed in the towers and the corners of the wall to shoot arrowes and great stones, which Iosephus doth Josephus.not so truly relate, when he saith that he made them to break down walls of such cities as he besieged withall. And hitherto the well doing and prosperity of Vzziah, V. 16.now follow… his foule falling and punishment. His great prosperity made him proud insomuch that he went into the house of the Lord to offer incense, but Azariah the high Priest with his company resisted him and when he was angry, p. 243therefore the Lord smote him with leprosie, &c. 2 Kings 15. 5. It is onelyonly said, when the Lord smote the King so as that he was a leper to the day of his death, 2 Kings 15. 5.2 Kgs 15:5he dwelt in an house apart, and Iotham his sonne was set over the kings house, the cause and occasion being altogether omitted, wherefore in the Chronology this defect is supplyed, and by Iosephus more fully, saying, He being puffed up with the possession of fading riches, set light by divine and ever enduring riches, the reverence Josephus.of the divine majesty, and the keeping of his law; wherefore upon a certain solemn day, to shew that he was above the condition of other kings, and nearer to God by a peculiar superexcellency, in the sight of all the people hee entred into the Lords house to offer incense, and when Azariah the high Priest, with 80 other Priests withstood him, alleadging the law of God, which appointed the Priests only, the sonnes of Aaron to doe this, he waxing angry threatned them with death, and so persisted in his enterprize, untill that a terrible earthquake came, and a rent was made in the temple upward, through which the Sun-beame smote the wicked face of the king, and then presently the leprosie appeared. And at the same time another prodigy happened in a place called Eroge, before the city, halfe a mountaine Westward was pluckt away by the same Earthquake, and removed four furlongs off to the East part of the said mountain, damming up the way to the city, and with the ruines filling up the kings gardens. Thus the Lord miraculously shewed the greatnes of this his sin, and how highly he was displeased at it, that all men might learn by this example to keep their hearts humble and not be puffed by their great wealth, honour and prosperity. For the earthquake happening now, of which Iosephus speaketh, see Note. also Zachariah 14. 5. although some that will have it the same with that spoken of, Amos 1. 1. doe hereupon deny it, because it was in Ieroboams time who died long before that Vzziah was smitten. But that which Amos speaketh of might be another, some yeares before this. For he that now was superiour to all men of those times in all these, when his heart was hereby lifted up, in an instant was brought to such an estate, that he was sequestred from the society of men, as unfit for his loathsome disease to live amongst them, having no liberty any more to dwell in his own royall palace, or to reign as king, or to come to the house of the Lord for this once carrying of himselfe so proudly there. Wolphius to aggravate his sin, whereby hee deserved to be thus punished, saith, that it was not only a breach of the law ratified with pain of death, Levit. 16. but also a confounding of the orders of men, which God had distinguished, that one should doe the office both of King and Priest, and that by him that was the head, whose part it was to keep every one within his own order: yea forsomuch as the Priest in offering incense typified Christ, it was a treading under foot of that sacred mystery for another to take upon him to do the same. Lastly to doe this in contempt of the grave admonitions of the High Priest being seconded by such a number of Gods Ministers, putting him in mind of the law of God forbidding it, and threatning him with the danger of sudden destruction, which by so doing, he should incurre. Chrysostome also sheweth divers sinnes to have concurred Chrisost. Hom. de verb. Esa.in this one fact of his. 1. Ambition, in that he could not be content to enjoy the kingly dignity, but he must usurp that of the high Priest also. 2. Arrogancy, because he thought himselfe fit to execute both these high offices. 3. Pertinacy, in that he was not staid by the admonitions of the High Priest, but madly went on notwithstanding to doe that which he had conceived in his mind. 4. Humane folly, in that seeking to ascend to higher dignity, he fell from that which he had. 5. Humane vitiousnes & pronenes to sin, in that having before done so worthily, he now fell so fouly. 6. Impiety, in that he durst break into that holy place, which to come into was interdicted to all others, but the High Priest, from which piety in respect of the strict law of God against it, and so many venerable men endeavouring to keep him from it, should have held him back upon the leprosie arising in his face for this. Hugo well Hugo Card.noteth, that the punishment was most sutable to his sinne, in that as the High Priest wore a plate of gold upon his fore-head to adorne him when he offered incense, this proud king contrariwise was made to weare for ever the filthy mark of the leprosy upon his forehead to his perpetuall ignominy, and because he had so brazen a forehead, as without all shew of modesty or shame thus publickly to presume through p. 244his pride, he was compelled to cease from that by punishment making ashamed, which modesty could not make him to do. In this example is shewed, that when Note. a man doth excellently, so as that he cometh into great grace with God, and the devill cannot prevail with him to draw him into any grosse sinne, yet he is not out of all danger of falling, and judgement therefore, if for the grace conferred upon him, he be lifted up in his heart: for God despiseth the proud, and giveth grace to the Jam. 4. 6.Jas 4:6humble. Again, it is pride, that God will not endure, to presume to execute a ministeriall office, in him that is not called thereunto. Lastly, who so seeketh to make himself glorious, shall have shame for glory, and instead of rising shall fall from the glory that he already hath, to be the vilest amongst men, as leprous persons were.

When the King was smitten with the leprosie, the high Priest with his assistants V. 20.began by force to thrust him out of the temple, because no unclean person was to be suffered there; and he seeing a necessity resisted not, but departed and dwelt in an house alone to his dying day, as the Lord had appointed that all leprous persons should do, Levit. 13. 46. Procopius saith, that he would not go out of Ierusalem, Procop. in Esa. 6.Isa 6as he ought to have done, but dwelt in an house there by himself, by which means the whole city was polluted and counted unclean, insomuch that the Lord would not then reveal himself to his prophets there, (Chrysost. also in Esay 6. saith, that the people were deprived of prophesie, because they expelled him not out of the city) and when after this kings death, Esa. 6. 1. Isaiah had a vision, v. 5. he crieth out, that he was unclean, and dwelt in the midst of a people polluted. But no such thing can be gathered from the words of the prophet, and it is rather the pollution of sin for which he crieth out, then of the leprosie. And because there is nothing said of this his refusall in the history, it is rather to be concluded, that he went out of the city, where an house might be had standing alone, which could hardly be in the city, where they stood in rowes, one being joyned to another. For the time, when this leprosie befell him, it cannot be, as some conjecture anno 25. of his reign, because his son Iotham ruled the court and judged the people, from this time forth to his dying day, whereas in that year he was yet unborn, seeing chap. 27. 1. he was but 25 when he began to reign after his fathers death, and his father reigned 52 years. And it is improbable which some others hold, that it was in the last year of his reign, both, because it is said, that when he was confirmed, his heart was lifted up, v. 16. and this most probably was some years before the end of his reign; and because he is said to have dwelt in an house apart to the day of his death, no mention being made of this happening to him so shortly after, It is therefore most probable, that he was smitten some years before he died, and if we shall pitch upon the particular year, it was anno 48 of his reign; because then he might most of all be said to have been confirmed, seeing Ahaz the sonne of Iotham was born that year, as appeareth chap. 28. 1. he was 20 years old when he began to reign, and his father reigned but 16 years, therefore he was born 4 years before Vzziah died. Most probably then, when he had not onelyonly a sonne to succeed him, but a sonnes sonne to reign after him also, in a kingdome now so glorious and flourishing, his house being thus confirmed, he was lifted up with pride. And if this were the 2^d year, Iotham his sonne was now 21, and so fit by his age to govern, when he was excluded.

The rest of the acts of Vzziah, were written by Esaiah the sonne of Amos the Prophet.] V. 22. Junius. Lyra. 2 Chron. 15. 6. it is said, are they not written in the book of the Chronicles of the kings of Iudah. Pellican. V. 23.2 Chr 15:6That is, saith Iunius in the second Book of the Kings, and in the Book of his prophesie; but Lyra, in some book of his which is lost, and not in his prophesie, which is more probable, seeing in the Kings little is said of his acts, and lesse in Esay his prophesie. It is to be supposed to have been a book of annals written by Esay, as there were divers written by others, which were onelyonly as Chronicles of other nations, and no canonicall Scripture; thus also Pellican.

Then Vzziah died, and they buried him in the field of the Kings sepulchres, for they said, he is a leper.] Therefore they laid him not into their sepulchers, but onelyonly in the same field where their sepulchres were, in a place some what remote. Thus Vzziah was punished and abased for his presumption, both in life and death, and although we reade not of his repentance, it may be hoped, that he repented, and so p. 245God judged him here, but had mercy upon his soul, seeing he is not said to have fain into any other sin but this onelyonly.

The 15 year of Amaziah, &c. began Ieroboam the sonne of Ioash king of Israel to 2 King. 14.2 Kgs 14reign, &c.] Chap. 15. 1. Azariah is said to have begun his reign over Iadah, anno 27. of Ieroboam, therefore, seeing Amaziah the father of Azariah reigned but 29 years, it seemeth rather that Ieroboam began anno 2^do of his reign. But this doubt hath been already resolved, upon ch. 14. 21. he began to reign alone anno 15. of Amaziah, having reigned before together with his father twelve years, and he is said to have reigned over Israel 41 years, and to have been as wicked, as the first Ieroboam, v. 24. Yet recovered the borders of Israel from the entring in of Hamath to the sea of the wildernesse.] Of Hamath see Numb. 13. 20. 34. 7. 8. both of the sea and Hamath, the sea being southward, and Hamath next to Damascus, the chief city of the Syrians northward. It is meant then, that he recovered from the Syrians all that which they had gotten from Israel farre and wide, couping them up in a narrow compasse. Rabanus saith, that the whole latitude of the Syrians countrey is hereby set forth, and that they over-ran all this, dealing by the Syrians, as they dealt by Israel.

And this he did by the prophesying of Ionah the Prophet, the sonne of Amittai, V. 25.who was of Gath Hepher.] This Ionah, by the consent of all Expositours, was that Ionah, who wrote the prophesie called Ionah, for he also is said to be the sonne of Amittai. Whereas some will have him to be the widowes sonne of Sareptah, but Epiphan. Hieronym.called the sonne of Amittai, signifying truth, because when Elijah had restored him being dead to life, she said, she knew now that the word of God in his mouth was true: this is improbable, because he was a Sidonian, this an Hebrew, Ionah 2. 9. and Amittai is not an appellative, but a proper name, and this was of Gath-Hepher in the tribe of Zabulon, having the addition of Hepher, to distinguish it from Gath in Palestine, he of Sareptah. And lastly, since that time in the dayes of Ahab passed 80 years before this. In Ahabs five years, in Ahaziahs two, Iorams twelve, Iehu twenty eight, Iehohaz 17. Ioas 16. unto which adde his age, when he was restored to life, haply ten or twelve, and if he were the man, he must be 90 years old at the least, when Ieroboam began to reign; which is not probable. And as Ieroboam is said to have done this, by the encouragement of Ionah, for he did it according to the word of the Lord by him, so the motive that moved the Lord to make him the instrument of this work, is shewed to be, that he saw the affliction V. 26.of Israel, and that there was none shut up or left in Israel, &c. It was not his or the Israelites well doing, whereby he was moved, but his meer pity and mercy, and as is added v. 27. he had not yet said, that he would blot out the name of Israel from V. 27.under heaven. For the phrase [there were none shut up or left] see the like Deut. 32. 36. it is meant, according to Vatablus, that the oppressions where with the Syrians oppressed the Israelites, were so universall, that none escaped their fury, no not such as were shut up in the strongest holds, nor the poorest sort of people left out as the Vatablus.refuse to their mercy. It doth not then argue, that our wayes are well pleasing to Note. God at all times, when we arise out of misery, and our state is changed from worse to better: for this may be onelyonly through pity in God to the miserable, when he thinketh them to have been afflicted already enough for one time, and not because they are bettered. And when affliction is taken off without amendment, it is to be feared, that farre greater judgements shall ere long be inflicted, as it happened to this people, chap. 17. when they fell into the hands of the Assyrians, and before that by factions amongst themselves, and by the Assyrians doing some mischief, ch. 15.

For the rest of the acts of Ieroboam, and how he recovered Damascus and Hamath V. 28.to Iudah, they are written, &c. Iudah is here put for Israel, a part most worthy for the whole, as also hath been noted sometime before, and he is said to have recovered them, because David long ago subduing the Syrians of Damascus, laid it to his 2 Sam. 8. 5.2 Sam 8:5kingdome, but since the Syrians had again taken it, and Hamath and many other places properly belonging to the kingdome of Israel.