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.... [ Continua a leggere ]
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... [ Continua a leggere ]
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... [ Continua a leggere ]
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... [ Continua a leggere ]
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... [ Continua a leggere ]
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... [ Continua a leggere ]
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.... [ Continua a leggere ]
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... [ Continua a leggere ]
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... [ Continua a leggere ]
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.
Ezechiele 19:1. And Jeremiah, who taught the people to mourn over
Josiah, (2 Cronache 35:25) l... [ Continua a leggere ]
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... [ Continua a leggere ]