Bible Commentaries
2 Chronicles 16

Verse 1

This passage runs parallel with Kings (see the marginal reference).

Verse 3

Compare the 1 Kings 15:19 note.

Verse 4

Abel-maim - or, “Abel-beth-maachah” 1 Kings 15:20. It was one of the towns most exposed to attack when an invader entered Israel from the north, and was taken from Pekah by Tiglath-pileser 2 Kings 15:29.

Store cities - See 1 Kings 9:19 note.

Verses 7-10

The rebuke of Hanani and his imprisonment by Asa, omitted by the writer of Kings, are among the most important of the additions to Asa’s history for which we are indebted to the author of Chronicles.

2 Chronicles 16:7

Escaped out of thine hand - Hanani means, “Hadst thou been faithful, and opposed in arms the joint host of Israel and Syria, instead of bribing the Syrian king to desert to thy side, the entire host would have been delivered into thy hand, as was Zerah’s. But now it is escaped from thee. Thou hast lost a glorious opportunity.”

2 Chronicles 16:9

From henceforth thou shalt have wars - As peace had been the reward of Asa’s earlier faith 2Ch 14:5; 2 Chronicles 15:5, so his want of faith was now to be punished by a period of war and disturbance.

2 Chronicles 16:10

In a prison house - Or, “in the stocks.” Compare 1 Kings 22:26-27.

Verse 12

Yet in his disease he sought not ... - Rather, “and also in his disease he sought not.” Not only in his war with Baasha, but also when attacked by illness, Asa placed undue reliance upon the aid of man.

Verse 14

The explanation of the plural - “sepulchres” - will be seen in 1 Kings 13:30 note.

The burning of spices in honor of a king at his funeral was customary (compare the marginal references).