Now the men did diligently observe whether [any thing would come] from him, and did hastily catch [it]: and they said, Thy brother Benhadad. Then he said, Go ye, bring him. Then Benhadad came forth to him; and he caused him to come up into the chariot.
Ver. 33. Now the men did diligently observe.] Augurum more: vel pro omine acceperunt et festinarunt rapere ab eo: i.e., ex ore eius verbum. Those that earnestly desire anything, will be glad of any word to work upon, or any ground of hope to obtain in time. The Swiss assembled in a diet at Baden, heard the Pope's nuncio inviting them to send their divines to the Council of Trent; and receiving the brief, one of the burgomasters of Zurie did kiss it. The Pope advertised hereof, could not choose but tell it to all the ambassadors residing with him, with much joy. a
And did hastily catch it.] Should not men hastily catch at any word of comfort that falleth from God's sweet mouth, making their utmost best of it? Isa 66:11 I will hearken, with both ears earnestly, "what God the Lord will speak: for he will speak peace to his people, and to his saints; but let not them turn again to folly." Psa 85:8
And he caused him to come up into the chariot.] This was more than he would do for the prophet Elijah, whom he suffered to run by his chariot. 1Ki 18:46
a Hist. of Counc. of Trent, 441.