“And the Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded:”
Who was called Obed, as his father was, verse 8.
“Now for a long season Israel hath been without the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without law.”
For the space of twelve years under Rehoboam, and three years under Abijah, religion was neglected, and idolatry planted.
“But when they in their trouble did turn unto the LORD God of Israel, and sought him, he was found of them.”
He showeth, that notwithstanding the wickedness of tyrants and their rage, yet God hath his, whom he heareth in their tribulation, as he delivered his from Zerah king of the Ethiopians, 2 Chron. 14:9 , 12 , and out of all other dangers, when they called upon the Lord.
“Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded.”
Your confidence and trust in God shall not be frustrated.
“So they gathered themselves together at Jerusalem in the third month, in the fifteenth year of the reign of Asa.”
Called Sivan, containing part of May, and part of June.
“And they offered unto the LORD the same time, of the spoil which they had brought, seven hundred oxen and seven thousand sheep. the same: Heb. in that day”
Which they had taken of the Ethiopians.
“That whosoever would not seek the LORD God of Israel should be put to death, whether small or great, whether man or woman.”
These were the words of their covenant, which commanded all idolaters to be put to death, according to the Law of God, Deut. 13:5 , 9 , 15 .
“And all Judah rejoiced at the oath: for they had sworn with all their heart, and sought him with their whole desire; and he was found of them: and the LORD gave them rest round about.”
So long as they served him aright, so long did he preserve and prosper them.
“And also concerning Maachah the mother of Asa the king, he removed her from being queen, because she had made an idol in a grove: and Asa cut down her idol, and stamped it, and burnt it at the brook Kidron. mother: that is, grandmother idol: Heb. horror”
Or grandmother: and herein he showed that he lacked zeal, for she ought to have died both by the covenant, as verse 13 , and by the Law of God: but he gave place to foolish pity and would also seem after a sort to satisfy the Law. Cross references: : 1 Kings 15:13
“But the high places were not taken away out of Israel: nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect all his days.”
In respect of his predecessors. Which partly came through lack of zeal in him, partly through the negligence of his officers, and partly by the superstition of the people, that all were not taken away. Because that God was called the God of Israel, by reason of his promise to Jacob: therefore Israel is sometimes taken for Judah, because Judah was his chief people.