Verses 32–38
Jotham showed great respect to the temple. If magistrates cannot do all they would, for the
suppressing of vice and profaneness, let them do the more to support and advance piety and virtue.
Chapter 16
Chapter Outline
Ahaz, king of Judah, His wicked reign. (1–9)
Ahaz takes a pattern from an idol's altar. (10–16)
Ahaz spoils the temple. (17–20)Verses 1–9
Few and evil were the days of Ahaz. Those whose hearts condemn them, will go any where in
a day of distress, rather than to God. The sin was its own punishment. It is common for those who
bring themselves into straits by one sin, to try to help themselves out by another.
Verses 10–16
God's altar had hitherto been kept in its place, and in use; but Ahaz put another in the room of
it. The natural regard of the mind of man to some sort of religion, is not easily extinguished; but
except it be regulated by the word, and by the Spirit of God, it produces absurd superstitions, or
detestable idolatries. Or, at best, it quiets the sinner's conscience with unmeaning ceremonies.
Infidels have often been remarkable for believing ridiculous falsehoods.
Verses 17–20
Ahaz put contempt upon the sabbath, and thus opened a wide inlet to all manner of sin. This
he did for the king of Assyria. When those who have had a ready passage to the house of the Lord,
turn it another way to please their neighbours, they are going down-hill apace to ruin.
Chapter 17
Chapter Outline
Reign of Hoshea in Israel, The israelites (1–6)
carried captives by the Assyrians.