NOTES for Ch2 24:17-25
Many times we have read about how the Lord works miracles and saves His people from enemies far stronger than they are. In today's reading everything is the opposite. The Syrians, Israel's enemies, are few - but the Lord removes His hands. He had led, He had protected - but they rejected Him and thereby refused His protection. He removes His hands, He stops protecting - and all the consequences of Israel's sins fall upon it. Defeat in battle with the Syrians is only the outward expression of the terrible spiritual catastrophe that occurred with Israel.