(2) The destruction of her abominable image. This, which was made of wood, and is suppo~ed by some to have been an obscene figure, pudend,im, representing the produc- tive rower of nature-which is doubtful (Bertheau and Keil)-was an object of horror and detestation to the Hebrews; its destruction was another indication of the spirit by which Asa was actuated. The only defect in his reformation activity, was that he did not at the same time abolish the high places connected with the worship of Jehovah. (3) The introduction into the temple of the dedicated gifts of his father and of himself. The former, consisting of the spoils Abijah bad taken in the war with Jeroboam (eh. xiii. 16)-silver, gold, and vessels-bad been used by the conqueror either to adorn eome heathen temple or to enrich the royal treasury, but were now surrendered by Asa to the house of the Lord. The latter, composed of similar materials plundered by him- self in the Cushite war (eh. xiv. 14, 15), be also presented to their rightful Owner, Jehovah. To restore the former was as much a duty as to give up the latter. "Aso, like a good son, pays his father's debts and his own" (Bishop Hall). 3. The app1·oba- tion of Jehovah. Intimated by the fact that for the next twenty years the land enjoyed rest (ver. 19). "When a man's wnys please God, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him" (Prov. xvi. 7). Were nations to please God by their ways, he would "make wars cease to the end of the earth" (Ps. xlvi. 9). Learn: 1. The stimulus good men derive from God's Word, exemplified in the effect produced upon Asa by Oded's prophecy (ver. 8). 2. The purifying power of true reli- gion on the soul-symbolized by Asa's purgation of the land (ver. 8). 3. The attractive influence upon others of those who have God with them-seen in the rallying of the pious round Asa (ver. 9). 4. The supreme duty of individuals and nations-to seek the Lord (ver. 12). 5. The lawfulness of men covenanting with each other for such a purpose, but not of compelling others (ver. 13). 6. The necessity in religion of proving the heart's sincerity by the hand's activity and liberality (vers. 11, 18). 7. The propriety of being thorough in all undertakings connected with religion-the want of this a defect in Asa. (ver. 17).-W.
EXPOSITION. strengthen it greatly, and fortify it. The CHAPTER XVL object of Bnasha, which no doubt needed no The content.s of this chapter fall easily stating in the fact.s of the day, is now stated by history. int.o three parts: Asa.'s confilct with Baasha Ver. 2.-The writer of Chronicles omits (vers. 1~; parallel, 1 Kings xv. 16-22); the pedigree of this Benhadad King of Syria, Hanani's rebuke of .A..sa, and Am's ill recep- given in the parallel "the son of Te.brimon. tion of it (vers. 7-10); the disea.se, death. the son of Hezion.'' Benhidri is the ne.me of Benhade.d in the Assyrian monument&. and burial of Asa (vera. 11-14; parallel. 1 The Septuagint gives "Ader," which tallies Kings xv. 23, 24). with it. For Damasoua, we have here Dar- Ver. 1.-For the six and thirtieth ;year, mesek, instead of the more usue.l Dammesel, read six and twentieth. Ra.mah belonged to of the parallel and Gen. xv. 2; the resh Benjamin (Josh. xviii 21, 25, 28), and lay representing (as in Syria.c) the dagesh forte between Bethel and Jerusalem, about five or in mem. The parallel (1 Kings xv. 18) says Bix Roman miles from each; but Keil and the.t Asa took all the silver and the gold Bertheau, by some error, call it thirty miles left in the treasures, etc. ; but the reading from Jerusalem, having very likely in their "left" should very possibly (see Septuagint eye Re.mah of Samuel, in Ephraim. The Version) be "found," the Hebrew characters word si=i.fies 0 "lofty," and the present hi.story easily permitting it. apee.k.s the importance of it.s position, and Ver. 3.-The alliance of the King of Syria would infer also that Israel he.d regained was sought now by one kingdom, now by Bethel, which, with other adjacent places, the other. On what occasion Abijah me.de .A.bijah had wrested from Jeroboam (eh. league with the king, the history does not xiii. 19). The reference of ha. L 28, 29, say, either here or in the parallel, nor when 82 is exceedingly interesting, and bespeaks he or hi.a son resigned it. For there ill, read the fact that Re.mah commanded another " Let there be a league between me and thee, lntereaciing route from Ephraim. When it as between my father and thy father;" the ii! 88.id here that Be.ash.a built (J~~) Re.mah, short out which Asa thought to ta.ke now tbe lllflll.lling ii that be was _beginnµig w to 4ill objeci Wll4! not the 1111,fo D.or right o~~. on. xvr. 1-14.] THE SECOND BOOK OF THE CHRONICLES. 193