Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 4. For, lo, the kings were assembled ] Many of the neighbouring potentates, at different times, envied the prosperity of the Jewish nation, and coveted the riches of the temple; but they had no power against it till the cup of Jewish transgression was full. In vain did they assemble- confederate, and invade the land. Saw it-reconnoitered the place; marvelled at its excellence and strength, for they were troubled-struck with fear; hasted away for fear of destruction, for fear took hold on them as pains seize on a woman to travail. Those who came to destroy were glad to make their own escape.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-7 - Jerusalem is the city of our God: none on earth render him due honou except the citizens of the spiritual Jerusalem. Happy the kingdom, the city, the family, the heart, in which God is great, in which he is all There God is known. The clearer discoveries are made to us of the Lor and his greatness, the more it is expected that we should abound in his praises. The earth is, by sin, covered with deformity, therefore justl might that spot of ground, which was beautified with holiness, be called the joy of the whole earth; that which the whole earth ha reason to rejoice in, that God would thus in very deed dwell with ma upon the earth. The kings of the earth were afraid of it. Nothing in nature can more fitly represent the overthrow of heathenism by the Spirit of the gospel, than the wreck of a fleet in a storm. Both are by the mighty power of the Lord.
Original Hebrew כי3588 הנה2009 המלכים4428 נועדו3259 עברו5674 יחדו׃3162
