Urijah the priest built an altar, &c.— It must not be denied, that the high priest carried his complaisance much too far in obeying the king's injunction, which he ought to have opposed with all his interest and power. God prescribed to Moses in what form and with what materials he was to make the altar, Exodus 27:1; Exodus 27:21. The altar which Solomon made, indeed, was four times as large, 2 Chronicles 4:1. But when God gave such solemn testimony of his approbation of it, there was no touching it without impiety. For the high priest could not but know that this innovation of the king's did not proceed from any principle of religion, but from a design to degrade the altar of the Lord, as well as the other sacred vessels of the temple. But what shall we say to this? There will, in all ages, be some men found ready to execute the most impious commands that can possibly come from the throne. See Patrick and Calmet.
REFLECTIONS.—He who had enslaved his body to Assyria's king, now enslaves his soul to Assyria's idols.
1. On a visit to the king of Assyria, to congratulate him on his success, and to pay him the homage that he had promised, he saw at Damascus, whilst probably he joined with him in his idol-sacrifices, an altar which much pleased him for its beauty; and instantly he resolves to copy it, sends the model to Urijah the priest, and bids him prepare just such another against his return.
2. Urijah, a true court priest, to gratify his master, consents to prostitute his office; and Ahaz, at his return, is vastly pleased with the altar, offers on it his burnt-offerings; and though the priest had some shame left, and set it behind the brasen altar, the king will have the old altar thrown by, and will consider what to do with it, whilst his own is advanced into its place; and Urijah basely complies. Note; (1.) Of all characters, a sycophant priest is the most detestable. (2.) Court air is dangerous to breathe in: they who set their hearts on rising, rather than offend their great patrons, will worship at their altars, and comply with their evil ways.