(4.) In order to our understanding the sense of scripture, we must, so far as it is possible, compare the phrases, or modes of expression, as well as the subject insisted on, with what occurs in other parallel places. Thus, in several of the historical parts of scripture, we have the same history, or, at least, many things tending to illustrate it; as the history of the reign of the kings of Judah and Israel, is the principal subject of the book of Kings and Chronicles; one of which often refers to, as well as explains the other, and, by comparing them together, we shall find, that one gives light to the other. Thus it is said, in 2 Kings xii. 2. that _Jehoash did that which was right, in the sight of the Lord all his days, wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him_; by which it is intimated, that, after the death of Jehoiada, he did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord; but this is not particularly mentioned in this chapter, which principally insists on that part of his reign which was commendable. But if we compare it with 2 Chron. xxiv. we have an account of his reign after the death of Jehoiada, how he _set up idolatry_, ver. 17, 18. being instigated hereunto by his princes that flattered, or, as it is expressed, _made obeisance unto him_, and disregarded the prophets sent to testify against these practices; and how he _stoned Zachariah in the court of the house of the Lord_, for his faithful reproof and prophetic intimation of the consequence of the idolatry, in which he shewed the greatest ingratitude, and forgetfulness of the good things that had been done for him by his father, who set him on his throne. We have an account of the time when the Syrians came up against him, and how they overcame him with a small company of men; and, that _the Lord delivered a very great host into their hand, because they had forsaken the Lord God of their fathers_, ver. 23, 24. Again, in the book of Kings, we have but a short history of the reign of Azariah, otherwise called Uzziah, and of his being _smitten by the Lord, so that he was a leper until the day of his death, and dwelt in a several house_, 2 Kings xv. 1-5. but in 2 Chron. xxvi. there is a larger account of him, as successful in war, and of the honour and riches that he gained thereby; and also we have a particular account of the reason of the Lord’s smiting him with leprosy, namely, for his invading a branch of the priest’s office. Again, in the history of the reign of Manasseh, in 2 Kings xxi. we have only an account of the vile and abominable part thereof; whereas, in 2 Chron. xxxiii. we have not only an account of his wickedness, but of his repentance, together with the affliction that occasioned it, ver. 12-19.