(21) Commandments.--Heb., commandment. To seek his God.--In order to seek, or by way of seeking. He did it with all his heart.--Comp. the frequent phrase, "with a perfect heart" (1Chronicles 28:9, and elsewhere); also "and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart," &c. (Deuteronomy 6:5). Verse 21. - In every work; translate, and in all work. The "all work" being in the following clause triply described as pertaining to the service of the house of God, the observance of the sacred Law, and of any individual commandments flowing from it.31:1-21 Hezekiah destroys idolatry. - After the passover, the people of Israel applied with vigour to destroy the monuments of idolatry. Public ordinances should stir us up to cleanse our hearts, our houses, and shops, from the filth of sin, and the idolatry of covetousness, and to excite others to do the same. The after-improvement of solemn ordinances, is of the greatest importance to personal, family, and public religion. When they had tasted the sweetness of God's ordinance in the late passover, they were free in maintaining the temple service. Those who enjoy the benefit of a settled ministry, will not grudge the expense of it. In all that Hezekiah attempted in God's service, he was earnest and single in his aim and dependence, and was prospered accordingly. Whether we have few or many talents intrusted to us, may we thus seek to improve them, and encourage others to do the same. What is undertaken with a sincere regard to the glory of God, will succeed to our own honour and comfort at last.And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God,.... In cleansing the temple, providing sacrifices, placing the priests and Levites order, taking care of the maintenance of them: and in the law and in the commandments; in the observation of all the laws, statutes, and judgments of God, moral, ceremonial, and judicial: to seek his God; and serve and worship him, and therein his honour and glory: he did it with all his heart; in the most cordial, sincere, and upright manner: and prospered; he succeeded in all he undertook, God being with him, and blessing him in his civil and religious concerns. |
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