2 Kings 13:4 - Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible

The Lord hearkened unto him; not for his sake, for God regards not the prayers of the wicked and impenitent, Psalms 66:18 Proverbs 1:28, Proverbs 15:8; but for other reasons, expressed below, 2 Kings 13:23. He saw, i.e. he observed it with care and compassion. The oppression of Israel; his chosen and once beloved people. He now helps them, because of his former and ancient kindness to them. The king of Syria oppressed them, to wit, very grievously, as it is expressed, 2 Kings 13:7. So that he helped them not for their own sakes, but because of the rage of their enemies, and their blasphemies, which doubtless accompanied it. See Deuteronomy 32:27 Psalms 12:4.