therefore is the host of the king of Syria escaped] The prophet declares that if Asa had not detached Syria by his presents, he might have smitten Israel and Syria combined.
⁸Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubim a huge host, with chariots and horsemen exceeding many? yet, because thou didst rely on the Lord, he delivered them into thine hand.
8. and the Lubim] The Lubim are not mentioned in xiv. 9–13, but as they were auxiliaries of the Egyptians (xii. 3) it is quite possible that they represent the help given by Egypt to the Arabian Cushites as they passed the Egyptian border on their way to invade Judah. Compare note on xiv. 9 (three hundred chariots).
⁹For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly; for from henceforth thou shalt have wars.
9. run to and fro] i.e. no event escapes the Divine vigilance, compare Zechariah iv. 10.
¹⁰Then Asa was wroth with the seer, and put him in the prison house[¹]; for he was in a rage with him because of this thing. And Asa oppressed some of the people the same time.
[¹] Hebrew house of the stocks.
10. in the prison house] Render, in the stocks (literally in the house of the stocks). Compare xviii. 26; Jeremiah xx. 2.
oppressed] literally brake in pieces, an expression which when applied to things would mean made spoil of, when applied to persons treated outrageously, tortured, ἐλυμήνατο LXX.
11–14 (= 1 Kings xv. 23, 24).
The Epilogue of Asa’s Reign.