The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Kings — Section 281

yet multiplied only to sin (Hoe. viii. 11); that the religious instinct, itself the noblest part of man, is capable of the most perverted developments; that only worship accord- ing to his own commandment is e.cceptable to God. III. NoT ALONE IN smNING. The lengths to which Ahaz could go, apparently without awakening any public opposition, show that the heart of the nation also had widely departed from God. This is borne out by the descriptions in Isaiah (cf. ii. 6-8; iii. 16-26; v. 8-25). The king's innovations were e.cceptable to a people wearied of the severer worship of Jehovah. They were glad to have the services adapted to their corrupt and dissolute tastes. "The carnal mind is enmity against God" (Rom. viii. 7).-J. 0. Vers. 5-9.-The Syro-Israelitish war. Again was the truth to be verified that national sins bring in their train national calamities. God is not mocked. He vindicates the reality of his moral government by visiting the transgressor with manifest strokes of his displeasure. In addition to the invasion of Pekah and Rezin spoken of below, we read of assaults of the Edomites and of the Philistines, by which Judo.h was brought very low (2 Chron. xxviii. 17-19). The kingdom also was brought into a state of servitude to Assyria. I. 'l'HE ATTACK OF PEKAR AND REZIN. 1. The Byro-Israelite conspiracy. Israel and Syria had been hereditary enemies. Now they make common cause, on the one side against Assyria, and on the other against Judah. Their object in invading Judah was probably not the simple one of plunder, but the political one of still further strength- ening themselves age.inst the King of Assyria. Peka.h was a mere military adventurer, and would be restrained from attacking Judah by no scruples of brotherhood. He and Rezin had begun their attacks while Jotham was still alive, but now that Ahaz was on the throne, their plans took bolder shape. They conceived the project of removing Ahaz, and putting a certain "son of Te.heal" in his place (Isa. vii. 6). The new.; of their expedition terrified Ahaz and his people. Instead of putting their trust in God, their hearts were moved "as the trees of the wood are moved by the wind" (Isa. vii. 2). They had cause to fear, for they showed no desire to forsake their sins, and when a people forsake God, they have no reason to hope that God will protect them. 2. The assault on Jerusalem, and its discomfiture. The earlier part of the joio.t expedition was crowned with great success. We. read in Chronicles of terrible battles that were fought, and severe defeats that were sustained by the army of Judah. Large m1mbers of captives, with their spoil, were taken to Samaria, and were only res:ored by the inter- cession of the Prophet Oded (2 Chron. xxviii. 6-13). God permitted Judah to be thus far humbled. But when, elated with victory, the conquerors pressed on, and invested Jerusalem, he interposed to prevent their further progress. Not for the sake of Ahaz, but for his own Name's sake, he saved Jerusalem, and hindered the inrnders from accomplishing their purpose of overthrowing the house of David. Isaiah had predicted this deliverance (vii. 7), and, but for the unbelief of Ahaz, and his sinrul recourse to the King of Assyria, it is unlikely that the adTersaries would have been permitted to go so far ev·en as they did. Wicked men often receive mercies of which they are wholly undeserving. God sp:i.res them, not because they have any claim upon his favour, but for the sake of some oath or promise of his own, or from regard to the righteous who remain, or in order to give the sinners yet another opportunity of repentance. Because God had sworn to David that his seed should sit upon the throne (2 Sam. vii.), he did not allow even the wicked Ahaz to be removed. In the case of Peke.hand Rezin, we see how entirely human movements are under the Divine control. It appeared as if these bold men would sweep all before them, but God had said, "Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further" (Job xxxviii. 11), and there their proud waves were stayed. 3. The loss of Elath. The war was not wholly without gain to the Syrian~. They possessed themselves of the port of Elath, at the head of the Red Sea, and thus stripped Judah of another important dependency. II. THE APPEAL TO AssYRU. Iu the distress to which the repeated attacks on his territory reduced him, Ahaz, instead of casting himself on Divine protection, foolishly betook himself to the King of Assyria.. 1. Short-sighted policy. Israel had set the example of resort to the Assyrian, but the prophets had always denounced such insensate conduct (Hos. v. 13; viii. 9, 10; x. 6). Even from the point of view of  328 THE SECOND MOK OF THE KINGS. [011. ivt. 1-20.