CONTENTS Josiah conveneth all Judah to the hearing of the book of the law of God, which Hilkiah had found in the temple. This chapter relates the circumstances of this solemnity. The King reneweth the covenant of the Lord, and prosecuteth the destruction of idolatry.... [ Continue Reading ]
There is a wonderful degree of beauty in this chapter, as well as a great degree of humble reverence manifested by Josiah upon the occasion, in thus convening all Judah to hear God's sacred word. Josiah had been told that God's decree for the punishment of Israel was gone forth, and could not be alt... [ Continue Reading ]
The covenant here spoken of means the renewal of that gracious one the Lord had vouchsafed in times past, when he formed Israel into a church; in which God graciously said, I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Implying the people's hearty and joyful consent to have God for their God in... [ Continue Reading ]
When the king had finished reading the words of God's holy law, he proceeded with an holy zeal to bear testimony to God's truth, in the destruction of all that God's holy law had forbidden. And what a blessed work was here wrought. Reader! are you not astonished to behold, and read the account! How... [ Continue Reading ]
There is somewhat particularly interesting in the history to which these verses refer, and I would beg the Reader to mark it with me. If he will turn to the thirteenth chapter of the first book of the kings, he will read the history of those events, which the Lord, by the prophet there spoken of, pr... [ Continue Reading ]
What a delightful view of Josiah is here given? He first sets his heart to cleanse the temple; and next offers himself and his people to the Lord. And as this passover was typical of Christ, no doubt Josiah and his people had an eye to Jesus in it. And what a delightful testimony the Holy Ghost hath... [ Continue Reading ]
When we consider the youth of this good king, it serves to teach young persons of all ranks, how grateful in the Lord's sight is early piety.... [ Continue Reading ]
Reader! we learn from hence these most solemn truths. The word of the Lord is unalterable. He hath proclaimed the sure wages of sin to be death. And rather than this law shall be altered, his only begotten Son shall die. Oh! how solemn a consideration in the very moment while we bless God for the me... [ Continue Reading ]
No character among the sons of men is free from imperfection. The best pictures have their shade. Of none but he who is the brightness of his Father's glory, and fairer than the children of men, could it ever be said that in his mouth was found no guile. None but thee, thou blessed Jesus, was altoge... [ Continue Reading ]
We are hastening now to the period of Judah's history, as a kingdom. Three short months Jehoahaz reigned; and then was made a prisoner. The prophet Ezekiel laments him under the similitude of a young lion. Ezekiel 19:1. And Jeremiah, who taught the people to mourn over Josiah, (2 Chronicles 35:25) l... [ Continue Reading ]
REFLECTIONS How interesting to good Josiah appeared the law of God! With what peculiar delight did he convene all the people to attend the reading of it! And with what holy joy did he celebrate the passover, and renew the covenant God had made with their fathers. Think, Reader! I charge you what sho... [ Continue Reading ]