Bible Commentaries
2 Chronicles 16

Verses 1-14

2 Chronicles 16:1 . In the six and thirtieth year. Baasha began to reign the third year of Asa, and he reigned twenty four years. 1 Kings 15:33. And when obliged by Benhadad to abandon the fortifications of Ramah, he was, according to Josephus, in the last year of his reign. Hence it should read, “In the twenty sixth year,” or as in the margin, “from the rending of the ten tribes from Judah over which Asa was now king.”

2 Chronicles 16:10 . Asa was wroth with the seer: proof sufficient that the king was in error. God had twice delivered him from two huge armies, and now he feared to trust the arm of salvation: so he impoverished his country, dishonoured the Lord, and strengthened the Syrians. Carnal men rarely knock at mercy’s door till human resources fail.

2 Chronicles 16:13-14 . Asa slept with his fathers and they made a very great burning for him. In some convenient and adjacent place, they raised a huge pile of aromatic wood and sweet odours, whose flames would perfume and illuminate the surrounding country. This was in imitation of the heathen, who really burned the bodies of the dead. Homer thus describes the burning of Patroclus. “A hundred feet spread the pile on each side. High on the top they laid the dead, grieving in their soul for the soul of their friend. Many beeves lay in death at the pyre; stript of their hides they lay. Achilles wraps in the fat the dead. From head to foot involved he lay; the carcases of the bullocks ranged on each side. Jars of honey and oil he placed low bending over the bier. Four high-necked steeds he threw in the pile. Of nine dogs that belonged to the chief, two he slew to attend their lord. Twelve youths he transfixed with steel, a bloody offering to the slain; twelve youths from parents renowned: so dreadful was the wrath of his soul.”

“Beneath the pile the hero laid the invincible force of devouring fire. He groaned from his inmost soul, and called by name his hapless friend. Hail, oh Patroclus beloved! Even in the halls of Pluto, hail! All that I had promised, I now perform for my hapless friend. Twelve young Trojans of descent renowned; these all, with thee shall burn. But Hector, the son of Priam, the flames shall not consume. Fire shall not devour thy foe; the destined prey of hungry dogs.” Macpherson’s Iliad, 23. The above passage illustrates the contempt of the princes of Judah for the body of Jehoram, 2 Chronicles 21:19; and for what befel Jezebel before the palace of Jezreel.