‏ 2 Kings 16

* Ahaz, king of Judah, His wicked reign. (1-9) Ahaz takes a

pattern from an idol's altar. (10-16) Ahaz spoils the temple.

(17-20)

1-9 Few and evil were the days of Ahaz. Those whose hearts

condemn them, will go any where in a day of distress, rather

than to God. The sin was its own punishment. It is common for

those who bring themselves into straits by one sin, to try to

help themselves out by another. 10-16 God's altar had hitherto been kept in its place, and in

use; but Ahaz put another in the room of it. The natural regard

of the mind of man to some sort of religion, is not easily

extinguished; but except it be regulated by the word, and by the

Spirit of God, it produces absurd superstitions, or detestable

idolatries. Or, at best, it quiets the sinner's conscience with

unmeaning ceremonies. Infidels have often been remarkable for

believing ridiculous falsehoods. 17-20 Ahaz put contempt upon the sabbath, and thus opened a

wide inlet to all manner of sin. This he did for the king of

Assyria. When those who have had a ready passage to the house of

the Lord, turn it another way to please their neighbours, they

are going down-hill apace to ruin.