Albert Barnes Commentary 2 Kings 23:33

Albert Barnes Commentary

2 Kings 23:33

1798–1870
Presbyterian
Albert Barnes
Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes Commentary

2 Kings 23:33

1798–1870
Presbyterian
SCRIPTURE

"And Pharaoh-necoh put him in bonds at Riblah in the land of Hamath, that he might not reign in Jerusalem; and put the land to a tribute of a hundred talents of silver, and a talent of gold." — 2 Kings 23:33 (ASV)

Pharaoh Neco, after bringing Phoenicia and Syria under his rule and penetrating as far as Carchemish, returned to Southern Syria and learned what had occurred at Jerusalem in his absence. He sent orders to Jehoahaz to attend the court he was holding at Riblah, and Jehoahaz fell into the trap (Ezekiel 19:4).

Riblah still retains its name. It is situated on the Orontes River in the Coele-Syrian valley, near the point where the valley opens into a wide and fertile plain. Neco seems to have been the first to perceive its importance. Afterward, Nebuchadnezzar made it his headquarters during his sieges of Jerusalem and Tyre (2 Kings 25:21; Jeremiah 39:5; 52:9-10, 26).