And also concerning Maachah the mother of Asa the king ,.... Or rather his grandmother, 1 Kings 15:10 , he removed her from being queen ; the Septuagint version is, "that she should not minister to Astarte"; which was the goddess of the Zidonians; of this and the two next verses; see Gill on 1 Kings 15:13 , 1 Kings 15:14 , 1 Kings 15:15 . read more
Concerning Maachah - See the matter fully explained in the note on 1 Kings 15:13 ; (note). The Jews imagine that Maachah repented, and her name became changed into Michaiah, daughter of Uriel of Gibeah; and that this was done that there might be no mention of her former name, lest it should be a reproach to her: but we have already seen another gloss on this name. See on 2 Chronicles 11:20 ; (note). read more
The hour of happiness improved. Perhaps we are not warranted to say that it was immediately after Asa's victory over Zerah, or able to say how soon it was after it, that Azariah the son of Oded came with his message to him and "all Judah and Benjamin," under that direct and ever-typical leading of "the Spirit." Nor does the parallel enlighten us on this point. The history, however, here follows on with the account of Azariah's appearance to Asa, and gives us the impression that it was at... read more
Ancient covenanters. I. SERIOUS PREPARATIONS . ( 2 Chronicles 15:8-11 .) 1 . The purgation of the land from idols. Encouraged by the words of the son of Oded—not Oded, as in the text—Asa, on reaching his capital, determined to convene a national assembly, and enter into a solemn league and covenant to carry out the work of reformation so auspiciously begun ( 2 Chronicles 14:2-5 ), and so manifestly owned of Jehovah in the splendid victory he had granted over the Cushite... read more
Maachah the mother of Asa ; i.e. the grandmother ( 2 Chronicles 11:20-22 ; 2 Chronicles 13:2 ; 1 Kings 15:2 , 1 Kings 15:10 , 1 Kings 15:13 ) of Asa; and the statement amounts to this, that Asa removed her from the dignity she had enjoyed, with all its influences of "queen-mother." An idol in a grove . This, probably, literally translated, says, an hideous fright for, i.e. in place of Asherah, i.e. Ashtoreth, or Astarte; but some translate to Asherah. The word we translate... read more
2 Chronicles 15:16. And also concerning Maachah Of this and the following verses, see on 1 Kings 15:13-15. read more
Reformation under Asa (14:1-16:14)God’s blessings on Asa showed his pleasure with those who removed Canaanite customs and restored the Levitical order of worship. God rewarded Asa by giving him a remarkable victory over a large and powerful army that invaded from the south. This sign of God’s pleasure encouraged Asa to continue his reforms with greater boldness (14:1-15:19; see notes on 1 Kings 15:9-15).When, however, Asa trusted in outside help instead of trusting in God, he displeased God and... read more
Maachah. See note on 2 Chronicles 13:2 . mother = the queen-mother. Put by Figure of speech Synecdoche (of Genus) for grandmother (1 Kings 15:2 ). idol in a grove = a monstrous 'Asherah for a grove. Compare 1 Kings 15:13 . See App-42 . stamped it = beat it small. read more
Get Bible verse every day in your inbox
Read on Mobile
Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Chronicles 15:8-19
We are here told what good effect the foregoing sermon had upon Asa. I. He grew more bold for God than he had been. His victory would inspire him with some new degrees of resolution, but this message from God with much more. Now he took courage. he saw how necessary a further reformation was, and what assurance he had of God's presence with him in it; and this made him daring, and helped him over the difficulties which had before deterred him and driven him off from the undertaking. Now he... read more