Wesley Corpus

He took - First the city: which may seem strange, considering the great strength of it, and how much time it took Nebuchadnezzar and Titus to take it. But, first, it might cost Shishak also a long siege though that be not here related. Secondly, it is probable David and Solomon in their building and altering the city, had more respect to state and magnificence than to its defence, as having no great cause to fear the invasion of any enemies. And it is certain, that after the division between Judah and Israel, the kings of Judah added very much to the fortifications of it. Brazen shields - This was an emblem of the diminution of his glory. Sin makes the gold become dim, it changes the most fine gold and turns it into brass. To the house, &c. - By which it seems the affliction had done him some good, and brought him back to the worship of God, which he had forsaken. Was war - Not an invasive war with potent armies, which was forbidden, chap.12:24, and not revived 'till Abijam's reign, 2Chron 13:1 - 3, but a defensive war from those hostilities which by small parties and skirmishes they did to one another. An Ammonitess - This is repeated as a thing very observable.