Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Kings 14:6
But the children of the murderers he slew not: according unto that which is written in the book of the law of Moses, wherein the LORD commanded, saying, The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, nor the children be put to death for the fathers; but every man shall be put to death for his own sin.
6. the children of the murderers he slew not ] R.V. he put not to death. The Hebrew has a different verb here from that which is twice over used for ‘to slay’ in the previous verse.
according unto that which is written in the book of the law of Moses ] The compiler of Kings either took this statement from his original record, or he inserted it in his narrative because he felt that it was an act which accorded with the legal command. In either case he looked upon the law as existing and observed in the days of Amaziah, and therefore that Deu 24:16, where this command is recorded, was existent before Amaziah’s days, and therefore long before the days of Josiah, to which date some propose to refer the composition of the fifth book of Moses.
wherein [R.V. as ] the Lord commanded ] The change is in accordance with the Hebrew, cf. Exo 34:18. The relative is not here in its most usual form for the sense of ‘as’, but it could hardly be explained as=wherein. Another example of this less common use is in Jer 33:22.
every man shall be put to death [R.V. shall die ] for his own sin ] The Kethib gives a different form of the verb in the last clause and the R.V. has followed this. The text in Deu 24:16 agrees with the translation of A.V. and no doubt this was the reason why that form was preferred here also, being given by the Keri.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
The children of the murderers he slew not – This seems to be noted as a rare instance of clemency (compare 2Ki 9:26 note). It is strange at first sight, that, when the Law contained so very plain a prohibition (marginal references), the contrary practice should have established itself. But we must remember, first, that the custom was that of the East generally (see Dan 6:24); and secondly, that it had the sanction of one who might be thought to have known thoroughly the mind of the legislator, namely, Joshua (see Jos 7:24-25).
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 6. But the children of the murderers he slew not] Here he showed his conscientious regard for the law of Moses; for God had positively said, The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin, De 24:16.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
The children of the murderer he slew not; wherein he showed some faith and courage, that he would obey this command of God, though it was very hazardous to himself, such persons being likely to seek revenge for their fathers death.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
6. But the children of the murderershe slew notThis moderation, inspired by the Mosaic law (De24:16), displays the good character of this prince; for thecourse thus pursued toward the families of the regicides was directlycontrary to the prevailing customs of antiquity, according to whichall connected with the criminals were doomed to unsparingdestruction.
2Ki14:7. HE SMITESEDOM.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
But the children of the murderers he slew not,…. Which is an instance of his clemency and goodness, and of his strict regard to justice, and to the law of God; though he might fear, these, being spared, would one time or other revenge their fathers’ deaths;
according to that which is written in the book of the law of Moses, see
De 24:16,
wherein the Lord commanded, saying, the fathers shall not be put to death for the children, nor the children, &c. to which command Amaziah was obedient.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
(6) The murderers.Literally, the smiters.
According unto that which is written . . . law of Moses.A quotation of Deu. 24:16. This reference is from the pen of the Judan editor.
Shall be put to death.So the original passage and the Hebrew margin. Hebrew text, shall die.
This humane provision of the Jewish law contrasts favourably with the practice of other nations, ancient and modern. Readers of the classics will recollect the hideous story of the treatment of the young daughter of Sejanus (Tac. Ann. v. 9).
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
(6)
Even with the kings of Israel.Probably some words have fallen out, and the original text was. and was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel. (Comp, 2Ki. 14:16.) The Syriac and Arabic have, and was buried.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
6. The children of the murderers he slew not In this he evidenced his desire to do right in the sight of God. He allowed judgment and reason to triumph over the passion for vengeance, at the same time that he showed respect for the law of God.
Book of the law of Moses The passage referred to is found in Deu 24:16, and this reference and quotation conclusively prove the existence and authority of the Pentateuch in the time of Amaziah.
Put to death for his own sin Personal guilt is neither transmissive nor transferable. Compare marginal references.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
2Ki 14:6 But the children of the murderers he slew not: according unto that which is written in the book of the law of Moses, wherein the LORD commanded, saying, The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, nor the children be put to death for the fathers; but every man shall be put to death for his own sin.
Ver. 6. But the children of the murderers he slew not. ] Which yet carnal policy would have prompted him to do. See on 2Ki 10:6 .
Nor the children be put to death, &c.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
children = sons.
written in the book of the law of Moses. See note on Exo 17:14, and App-47.
every man. Hebrew. ‘ish. App-14.
sin. Hebrew. chata’. App-44.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
The fathers: Deu 24:16, Eze 18:4, Eze 18:20
Reciprocal: Jos 8:31 – as it is 2Ch 25:4 – as it is written Dan 6:24 – their children
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
2Ki 14:6. But the children of the murderers he slew not In this he acted like a good man, and showed both faith and courage, in that he would obey the command of God, though it might be attended with great hazard to himself, and was not moved to cut off the children, through fear lest they should raise a faction against him, and take revenge for their fathers death. Very different is the custom pursued in many kingdoms, in which, if any one be guilty of high treason, not only he, but his children likewise, who neither partake nor are conscious of his traitorous practices, are equally devoted to destruction.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
14:6 But the children of the murderers he {b} slew not: according unto that which is written in the book of the law of Moses, wherein the LORD commanded, saying, The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, nor the children be put to death for the fathers; but every man shall be put to death for his own sin.
(b) Because they neither consented nor were partakers with their fathers in that act.