Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
2 Kings Ch.21 / 25 Ch.s
2KI:21
* Wicked reign of Manasseh. (1-9) The prophetic denunciations
against Judah. (10-18) Wicked reign and death of Amon. (19-26)
#1-9 Young persons generally desire to become their own masters,
and to have early possession of riches and power. But this, for
the most part, ruins their future comfort, and causes mischief
to others. It is much happier when young persons are sheltered
under the care of parents or guardians, till age gives
experience and discretion. Though such young persons are less
indulged, they will afterwards be thankful. Manasseh wrought
much wickedness in the sight of the Lord, as if on purpose to
provoke him to anger; he did more evil than the nations whom the
Lord destroyed. Manasseh went on from bad to worse, till carried
captive to Babylon. The people were ready to comply with his
wishes, to obtain his favour and because it suited their
depraved inclinations. In the reformation of large bodies,
numbers are mere time-servers, and in temptation fall away.
#10-18 Here is the doom of Judah and Jerusalem. The words used
represent the city emptied and utterly desolate, yet not
destroyed thereby, but cleansed, and to be kept for the future
dwelling of the Jews: forsaken, yet not finally, and only as to
outward privileges, for individual believers were preserved in
that visitation. The Lord will cast off any professing people
who dishonour him by their crimes, but never will desert his
cause on earth. In the book of Chronicles we read of Manasseh's
repentance, and acceptance with God; thus we may learn not to
despair of the recovery of the greatest sinners. But let none
dare to persist in sin, presuming that they may repent and
reform when they please. There are a few instances of the
conversion of notorious sinners, that none may despair; and but
few, that none may presume.
#19-26 Amon profaned God's house with his idols; and God
suffered his house to be polluted with his blood. How
unrighteous soever they were that did it, God was righteous who
suffered it to be done. Now was a happy change from one of the
worst, to one of the best of the kings of Judah. Once more Judah
was tried with a reformation. Whether the Lord bears long with
presumptuous offenders, or speedily cuts them off in their sins,
all must perish who persist in refusing to walk in his ways.