2 Kings 1:1 Then Moab rebelled against Israel after the death of Ahab.… (On this cf. 2 Kings 3.) Moab, one of the conquests of David (2 Samuel 8:2), perhaps regained its independence after the death of Solomon, and, if the Moabite Stone can be trusted, was again subdued by Omri, Ahab's father. Now, on the occasion of the death of Ahab, it renewed the attempt to throw off the Israelitish yoke. 1. The original conquest had been not unstained by cruelty. These things burn into the memory of peoples. 2. The rule of Omri and Ahab had been most oppressive (2 Kings 3:4). Nothing else could be expected from these godless monarchs. "The tender mercies of the wicked are cruel" (Proverbs 12:10). Half the rebellions and revolutions in the world have their origin in oppression and misgovernment. 3. Ahab and Israel had just sustained a severe defeat, that viz. at the hands of the Syrians (1 Kings 22.). This weakened the Israelitish power, and gave a favorable opportunity for revolt. Those whom we hold in subjection by force, not love, cannot be blamed if they take the earliest opportunity to get rid of our yoke. 4. Israel and Moab were divided by religion. This is the deepest ground of severance among peoples, Nationalities based on different religious faiths constantly tend to fall asunder. Any unity in which they are held can be only external. The federation of the race can only be accomplished on the basis of the worship of the One Jehovah, and the one Lord Jesus Christ. 5. God used these revolts as a means of chastisement (cf. 1 Kings 11:23). Under David, the greatest theocratic ruler, the kingdom was built up, consolidated, extended. The revolt from God, both in Judah and Israel, was signalized by the revolt of dependencies. Will our own Britain hold its foremost position among the nations, or will its greatness too decay, and its power be shorn by successive breaking off of its colonies? The answer, we believe, will depend very much on its fidelity to God. - J.O. Parallel Verses KJV: Then Moab rebelled against Israel after the death of Ahab. |
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