But Hezekiah rendered not again according to the benefit [done] unto him; for his heart was lifted up: therefore there was wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem.
Ver. 25. But Hezekiah rendered not again.] His returns were not answerable to his receipts. Plerique omnes sumus ingrati. The rain comes down from heaven in showers; it goes up but in mists: so do our praises return slowly and slenderly. We serve God, for most part as little children serve us, who, when they be come in to us from their play, and have got something of us they want, away they go, without reverence or respect of us; but if they know we will have duty, then they do it, but in such a fashion that we may see their hearts are on their game abroad more than on their duty.
For his heart was lifted up.] Not as good Jehoshaphat's was, 2Ch 17:6 but worse, with pride and self-conceit, whilst he considered not his distance from God and dependence upon God, but acted as if he had been some petty god within himself. Such a blab Satan will easily blow up in the best hearts, if they watch not.