A Supreme Providence the Only Explanation of Many Actions
S. Charnock, B. D. 2 Chronicles 16:9 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth… and events in the world: — This is evidenced — I. BY THE RESTRAINTS UPON THE PASSIONS OF MEN. How strangely did God qualify the hearts of the Egyptians willingly to submit to the sale of their land, when they might have risen in a tumult, broke open the granaries, and supplied their wants (Genesis 47:19, 21). II. BY THE SUDDEN CHANGES WHICH ARE MADE UPON THE SPIRITS OF MEN FOR THE PRESERVATION OF OTHERS (Genesis 33:4; 1 Samuel 24:17, 18; 2 Chronicles 18:31; Esther 6:1, 2). III. IN CAUSING ENEMIES TO DO THINGS FOR OTHERS WHICH ARE CONTRARY TO ALL RULES OF POLICY. The Jews in the worst of their captivities were often befriended by their conquerors, to rebuild their city and re-edify their temple, and at the charge of their conquerors too (Ezra 1:1, 2, 7; Ezra 4:12, 15, 19; Ezra 6:4, 5, 8, 9, 11, 22; Nehemiah 2:8). IV. IN INFATUATING THE COUNSELS OF MEN (Isaiah 33:11; 2 Samuel 17:14). V. IN MAKING THE COUNSELS OF MEN SUBSERVIENT TO THE VERY ENDS THEY DESIGN AGAINST (Genesis 11:4, 8; John 12:32). VI. IN MAKING THE FANCIES OF MEN SUBSERVIENT TO THEIR OWN RUIN (2 Kings 3:22, 23; 2 Kings 7:6; Judges 7:19-22). (S. Charnock, B. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: For 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: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars. WEB: For the eyes of Yahweh run back and forth throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein you have done foolishly; for from henceforth you shall have wars."