And he did [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD, but not as the kings of Israel that were before him.
Ver. 2. But not as the kings of Israel that were before him.] For he suffered his subjects to go up to the passover celebrated by Hezekiah when he invited them, 2Ch 30:11 and to worship the Lord as they thought meet. Sulpitius Severus therefore is out when he saith of Hoshea, Hic ultra omnes superiores reges impius, &c.; this king being wicked above all that went before him, procured to himself punishment from God, and to his nation perpetual captivity. For he was better than his predecessors, as here appeareth; and the iniquity of the people was now full. It is not the last sand that exhausteth the hour glass, nor the last stroke of the axe that felleth the tree; so here.