John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 4. And Jehoahaz besought the Lord, and the Lord hearkened unto him , etc.] He did not apply in his distress to the calves he worshipped, but to the Lord; who had a regard to his prayer, not for his sake, or any righteousness of his, or even his repentance and humiliation, which were only external; but for the sake of Israel, and because they were oppressed, who were his people, and he their God, though they had sadly departed from him: for he saw the oppression of Israel ; not only with his eye of omniscience, but with an eye of mercy and compassion: because the king of Syria oppressed them ; by his incursions upon them, and wars with them.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-9 - It was the ancient honour of Israel that they were a praying people Jehoahaz, their king, in his distress, besought the Lord; applie himself for help, but not to the calves; what help could they give him He sought the Lord. See how swift God is to show mercy; how ready to hear prayer; how willing to find a reason to be gracious; else he woul not look so far back as the ancient covenant Israel had so ofte broken, and forfeited. Let this invite and engage us for ever to him and encourage even those who have forsaken him, to return and repent for there is forgiveness with him, that he may be feared. And if the Lord answer the mere cry of distress for temporal relief, much mor will he regard the prayer of faith for spiritual blessings.
Original Hebrew ויחל2470 יהואחז3059 את853 פני6440 יהוה3068 וישׁמע8085 אליו413 יהוה3068 כי3588 ראה7200 את853 לחץ3906 ישׂראל3478 כי3588 לחץ3905 אתם853 מלך4428 ארם׃758
