View 2nd Kings 15 in the note window.
eign of Azariah, or Uzziah, king of Judah. (1-7) The latter
kings of Israel. (8-31) Jotham, king of Judah. (32-38)
Verses 1-7: Uzziah did for the most part that which was right. It was
happy for the kingdom that a good reign was a long one.
Verses 8-31: This history shows Israel in confusion. Though Judah was
not without troubles, yet that kingdom was happy, compared with
the state of Israel. The imperfections of true believers are
very different from the allowed wickedness of ungodly men. Such
is human nature, such are our hearts, if left to themselves,
deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked. We have
reason to be thankful for restraints, for being kept out of
temptation, and should beg of God to renew a right spirit within
us.
Verses 32-38: Jotham showed great respect to the temple. If magistrates
cannot do all they would, for the suppressing of vice and
profaneness, let them do the more to support and advance piety
and virtue.
