John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 7. Also they have shut up the doors of the porch , etc.] So that there was no entering into the temple, ( 2 Chronicles 28:24) and put out the lamps ; for the priests not being able to go in morning and evening to light them, and dress them, they in course went out; the Jews say f123 , that on the eighteenth of Ab, which answers to part of July and August, the western lamp was extinct in the days of Ahaz, for which a fast was kept on that day: and have not burnt incense, nor offered burnt offerings in the holy place unto the God of Israel ; but had done these in the high places to idols, ( Chronicles 28:3,4,24,25).
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-19 - When Hezekiah came to the crown, he applied at once to work reform Those who begin with God, begin at the right end of their work, and it will prosper accordingly. Those that turn their backs upon God' ordinances, may truly be said to forsake God himself. There are stil such neglects, if the word be not duly read and opened, for that wa signified by the lighting the lamps, and also if prayers and praise be not offered up, for that was signified by the burning incense. Neglec of God's worship was the cause of the calamities they had lain under The Lord alone can prepare the heart of man for vital godliness: when much good is done in a little time, the glory must be ascribed to him and all who love him or the souls of men, will rejoice therein. Le those that do good work, learn to do it well.
Original Hebrew גם1571 סגרו5462 דלתות1817 האולם197 ויכבו3518 את853 הנרות5216 וקטרת7004 לא3808 הקטירו6999 ועלה5930 לא3808 העלו5927 בקדשׁ6944 לאלהי430 ישׂראל׃3478
