CHAPTER XXII _Josiah succeeds Amon his father, and reigns_ thirty-one _years_, 1, 2. _He repairs the breaches of the temple_, 3-7. _Hilkiah finds the book of the law tn the temple_, 8. _It is read by Shaphan the scribe, before the king and his_ _servants_, 9, 10. _The king, greatly affected,... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Kings 22:4. _THAT HE MAY SUM THE SILVER_] As Josiah began to seek the Lord as soon as he began to reign, we may naturally conclude that the worship of God that was neglected and suppressed by his father, was immediately restored; and the people began their accustomed offerings to the temple.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Kings 22:8. _I HAVE FOUND THE BOOK OF THE LAW_] Was this the _autograph_ of Moses? It is very probable that it was, for in the parallel place; 2 Chronicles 34:14, it is said to be the book of _the law of the Lord by Moses_. It is supposed to be that part of Deuteronomy (Deuteronomy 28, Deut... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Kings 22:14. _WENT UNTO HULDAH THE PROPHETESS_] This is a most singular circumstance: At this time _Jeremiah_ was certainly a prophet in Israel, but it is likely he now dwelt at _Anathoth_. and could not be readily consulted; _Zephaniah_ also prophesied under this reign, but probably he had... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Kings 22:17. _MY WRATH SHALL BE KINDLED_] The decree is gone forth; Jerusalem shall be delivered into the hands of its enemies; the people will revolt more and more; towards them longsuffering is useless; the _wrath of God is kindled, and shall not be quenched_. This was a dreadful message.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Kings 22:19. _BECAUSE THINE HEART WAS TENDER_] Because thou hast feared the Lord, and trembled at his word and hast wept before me, l have heard thee, so far that these evils shall not come upon the land in thy lifetime.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Kings 22:20. _THOU SHALT BE GATHERED INTO THY GRAVE IN PEACE_] During thy life _none of these calamities_ shall fall upon the people, and no _adversary_ shall be permitted to disturb the peace of Judea, and thou shalt die in peace with God. But was Josiah _gathered to the_ _grave in peace_?... [ Continue Reading ]