Young — ln the sixteenth year of his age; when he was entering into
the age of temptation, and had the administration of his kingdom
wholly in his own power, and none to restrain him; even then he begins
to be religious in good earnest.... [ Continue Reading ]
Naphtali — Which was in the utmost borders of the kingdom of Israel.
For it must be remembered, that the ten tribes were now gone into
captivity; and those who were come in their stead were weak and few,
and not able to withstand the power of Josiah.... [ Continue Reading ]
The house — The house of God, called the house by way of eminency.... [ Continue Reading ]
Houses — The chambers joining to the temple.... [ Continue Reading ]
Musick — All these here named, were skilful in instruments of
musick. Which may be here mentioned, to intimate, that as they were
skilful, so they were exercised in both employments, and did
successively oversee the work, and praise God with their voices and
instruments.... [ Continue Reading ]
Rent his clothes — Were the things contained in scripture new to us,
as they were here to Josiah, surely they would make deeper impressions
upon us than they commonly do. But they are not the less weighty, and
therefore should not be the less regarded, because they are well
known.... [ Continue Reading ]
To stand to it — He caused them to engage by an oath or covenant,
that they would observe the laws of God, as his predecessors had
formerly done, and which indeed they were before obliged to do.... [ Continue Reading ]
Even to serve — The repetition shews, that this was the only thing
his heart was set upon. He aimed at nothing in all he did, but to
engage them to God and their duty.... [ Continue Reading ]