OT-HISTORY.filter - mhcc 7-21:

mhcc@Judges:9 @ ****** Judges 9 ****** *** Outline of Judges 9 *** Abimelech murders his brethren, and is made king. (_1-6.) Jotham rebukes the Shechemites. (_7-21.) The Shechemites conspire against Abimelech. (_22-29.) Abimelech destroys Shechem. (_30-49.) Abimelech slain. (_50-57.) *** Commentary ***

mhcc@Judges:9:7-21 @ Verse 7-21 - There was no occasion for the trees to choose a king, they are all the trees of the Lord which he has planted. Nor was there any occasion for Israel to set a king over them, for the Lord was their King. Those who bear fruit for the public good, are justly respected and honoured by all that are wise, more than those who merely make a figure. All these fruit-trees gave much the same reason for their refusal to be promoted over the trees; or, as the margin reads it, to go up and down for the trees. To rule, involves a man in a great deal both of toil and care. Those who are preferred to public trust and power, must forego all private interests and advantages, for the good of others. And those advanced to honour and dignity, are in great danger of losing their fruitfulness. For which reason, they that desire to do good, are afraid of being too great. Jotham compares Abimelech to the bramble or thistle, a worthless plant, whose end is to be burned. Such a one was Abimelech.

mhcc@2Samuel:3 @ Henry'_2__2 ****** 2nd Samuel 3 ****** *** Outline of 2nd Samuel 3 *** David's power increases His family. (_1-6.) Abner revolts to David. (_7-21.) Joab kills Abner David mourns for him. (_22-39.) *** Commentary ***

mhcc@2Samuel:3:7-21 @ Verse 7-21 - Many, like Abner, are not above committing base crimes, who are too proud to bear reproof, or even the suspicion of being guilty. While men go on in sin, and apparently without concern, they are often conscious that they are fighting against God. Many mean to serve their own purposes; and will betray those who trust them, when they can get any advantage. Yet the Lord serves his own designs, even by those who are thus actuated by revenge, ambition, or lust; but as they intend not to honour him, in the end they will be thrown aside with contempt. There was real generosity both to Michal and to the memory of Saul, in David's receiving the former, remembering probably how once he owed his life to her affection, and knowing that she was separated from him partly by her father's authority. Let no man set his heart on that which he is not entitled to. If any disagreement has separated husband and wife, as they expect the blessing of God, let them be reconciled, and live together in love.

mhcc@2Kings:11 @ Henry'_2__10 ****** 2nd Kings 11 ****** *** Outline of 2nd Kings 11 *** Athaliah usurps the government of Judah, Jehoash made king. (_1-12.) Athaliah put to death. (_13-16.) The worship of the Lord restored. (_17-21.) *** Commentary ***

mhcc@2Kings:11:17-21 @ Verse 17-21 - King and people would cleave most firmly to each other, when both had joined themselves to the Lord. It is well with a people, when all the changes that pass over them help to revive, strengthen, and advance the interests of religion among them. Covenants are of use, both to remind us of, and bind us to, the duties already binding on us. They immediately abolished idolatry; and, pursuant to the covenant with one another, they expressed mutual readiness to help each other. The people rejoiced, and Jerusalem was quiet. The way for people to be joyful and at peace, is to engage fully in the service of God; for the voice of joy and thanksgiving is in the dwellings of the righteous, but there is no peace for the wicked. Henry'_2__12 **** Matthew Henry's Commentary **** _

mhcc@2Kings:12 @ Henry'_2__11 ****** 2nd Kings 12 ****** *** Outline of 2nd Kings 12 *** Jehoash orders the repair of the temple. (_1-16.) He is slain by his servants. (_17-21.) *** Commentary ***

mhcc@2Kings:12:17-21 @ Verse 17-21 - Let us review the character of Jehoash, and consider what we may learn from it. When we see what a sad conclusion there was to so promising a beginning, it ought to make us seek into our spiritual declinings. If we know any thing of Christ as the foundation of our faith and hope, let us desire to know nothing but Christ. May the work of the blessed Spirit on our souls be manifest; may we see, feel, and be earnest, in seeking after Jesus in all his fulness, suitableness, and grace, that our souls may be brought over from dead works to serve the living and true God. Henry'_2__13 **** Matthew Henry's Commentary **** _