Bible Commentaries

2 CHRONICLES CHAPTER 36

Jehoahaz succeeding is deposed by Pharaoh, and carried to Egypt, 2 Chronicles 36:1-4. Jehoiakim’s wicked reign; his captivity into Babylon, 2 Chronicles 36:5-8. Jehoiachin likewise, 2 Chronicles 36:9,10. Zedekiah’s wicked reign; his contempt of the prophet, and rebellion against Nebuchadnezzar, 2 Chronicles 36:11-13. Jerusalem’s destruction, 2 Chronicles 36:14-21. The proclamation of Cyrus, 2 Chronicles 36:22,23.

The contents of this chapter, for the substance of them, are explained See Poole "2 Kings 23:31", &c.; also 2Ki 24 2Ki 25; what is peculiar to it shall be here opened, so far as is necessary.

That which was found in him; that crime of rebellion against the king of Babylon, which for a time he kept in his own breast; but when he saw fit, he discovered it, and was convicted of it. See 2 Kings 24:1.

Jehoiachin was eight years old; of which See Poole "2 Kings 24:8", where he is said to be eighteen years old.

When the year was expired, Heb. at the return of the year, i.e. at the beginning of the next year, according to the sacred account of the Hebrews, at the spring of the year, the time when kings go forth to battle, as is elsewhere said, when Nebuchadnezzar, among others, went forth to settle and enlarge his conquests.

Zedekiah his brother; largely so called, for this was his uncle, or his father’s brother, as he is called, 2 Kings 24:17, being the son of Josiah. See 1 Chronicles 3:15 Jeremiah 1:3.

Humbled not himself by repentance for his past errors, and obedience to God’s express commands, which he would not yield to through the pride of his heart, as is intimated by this phrase, and expressed Jeremiah 38:19.

Who had made him swear by God; who had required and forced him to swear fealty and constant obedience to him by the true God, whom he had served, and whom he called upon to be a witness against him if he broke his oath. So his rebellion was aggravated with perjury, and horrid contempt of God. Compare Ezekiel 17:18. Hardened his heart, i.e. he added obstinacy and incorrigibleness to his sins.

The people transgressed very much; they were universally corrupt, and therefore God justly brought upon them a general destruction.

Rising up betimes, and sending, i.e. sending them early and diligently, as a careful householder who riseth betimes about his business, and pursues it till night come. God sent them many prophets and messages, some at the very beginning of their apostacy, and others afterward, as they proceeded in their impiety, until the very day of their captivity.

They mocked the messengers of God; of which see instances, Ezekiel 11:3 20:49.

Misused his prophets; imprisoning and persecuting them, as they did Jeremiah. Or, seduced themselves by his prophets, i.e. by their prophecies, which they perverted or misconstrued. An eminent instance we have in this, that because Jeremiah prophesied that Zedekiah should be led to Babylon, Jeremiah 32:5, and Ezekiel, that he should not see Babylon, Ezekiel 12:13, therefore they believed neither, as the Hebrew writers relate.

Till there was no remedy; because the people would not repent, and God would not pardon them.

In the house of their sanctuary; either in Jerusalem, which was the dwelling-place of God’s sanctuary; or, in the house which was their sanctuary; as the river of Euphrates, Genesis 15:18, is the river which is Euphrates. It is probable they killed them in the very courts and house of God, to which some of them fled for refuge, such places being esteemed sacred and inviolable by the heathens themselves.

Had enjoyed her sabbaths, i.e. had rested from the labour of the husbandmen in ploughing and harrowing it, &c., the people that should have managed it being destroyed. Of the phrase, See Poole "Leviticus 25:2".

To fulfil threescore and ten years; that so the seventy years’ captivity prophesied of by Jeremiah might be accomplished.

This and the next verse are repeated in the beginning of the next book, where they will be more fitly explained.