CHAPTER I

VERSE 1

REBELLED:LITERALLY, “PREVARICATED.” (HAYDOCK) – The kings of Israel kept some of the nations, which David had conquered, in subjection, while the kings of Juda ruled over the others. In consequence of the late disaster, these people began to throw off the yoke. (Tirinus) – Joram made war upon Moab, chap. iii. 5. God began to punish the house of Achab, by these means. (Calmet) – The Moabites refused to pay tribute, (Menochius) as the Israelites would not acknowledge the divine authority. (Haydock)

VERSE 2

Lattices, by a skylight, (Haydock) or trap-door, designed to give light to the room below, into which the king fell. The roofs are generally flat in the East, and covered with earth mixed with straw, with the light at the top, to prevent the excessive heats. –Of. Hebrew,&c., “into.” (Calmet) – If the lattices be understood to mean the rails, which were ordered to be placed round the roof, (Deuteronomy xxii. 8.) Ochozias might fall into the street. (Menochius) – Josephus thinks he fell from the staircase. At any rate, he was much hurt, (Haydock) and thus was made to feel the indignation of God. (Tirinus) –God. Septuagint, “Baal, the god-fly;” (C