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B. C. 670.

4 And he built altars in the house of|| have commanded them, and according to the LORD, of which the LORD said, jIn all the law that my servant Moses commanded them. Jerusalem will I put my name.

5 And he built altars for all the host of heaven, in the two courts of the house of the LORD.

6 And he made his son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards: he wrought much wickedness in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.

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7 And P he set a graven image of the grove, that he had made, in the house, of which the LORD said to David, and to Solomon his son, In this house, and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all tribes of Israel, will I put my name

for ever:

8 Neither will I make the feet of Israel move any more out of the land which I gave their fathers; only if they will observe to do according to all that I

i 16:10-16. Jer. 32:34.

j Ex. 20:24. Deut. 12:5. 2 Sam.
7:13. 1 Kings 8:29. 9:3.
73:68,69. 132:13,14.

Ps.

k 23 4.6. 1 Kings 6.36. 7:12. 2 Chr. $3.5,15. Ez. 40:28,32,37, 47. 42:3. 43:5. 44:19.

1 16:3. 17:17. Lev. 18:21. 20:2,3. 2 Chr. 28:3. 33.6.

m Lev. 19:26,31. Deut. 18:1014.

n 1 Chr. 10:13. Is. 8:19. 19:3. Acts 16:16.

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o 24:3,4. Gen. 13:13.

p 23:6. 2 Chr. 33.7,15.

q 4. 23:27. 1 Kings 8:29,44. 9:3,
7. 2 Chr. 7:7,16,20. Neh. 1:9.
Ps. 74.2. 78:68,69. 132:13,14.

r 18:11. 2 Sam. 7:10. 1 Chr. 17:
9. 2 Chr. 33.8.

s Lev. 26:3,&c. Deut. 5:28,29.
23:1,&c. Josh. 23:11-13.
Ps.

37:3. 81:11-16. Is. 1:19. Jer.
7:3-7,23. 17:20-27. Ez. 22:2
-16. 33:25-29.

31:1. Ec. 2:12-17.) Yet this seemed but a light thing, and he soon proceeded to copy Ahab's idolatry, and even greatly to exceed it. (Note, 1 Kings 16:30-33.)

V. 4, 5. In order, as it were, the more directly to insult the God of Israel, Manasseh built altars to his idols, and to the host of heaven, the sun, moon, and stars; (Note, Deut. 4:19.) not only in Jerusalem, where the Lord had recorded his name; but even in the courts of the temple itself; both that into which the priests and Levites and such as brought sacrifices entered, and that in which the other worshippers assembled. (Marg. Ref.-Note, 2 Chr. 33:6-8.)

6.

V. 6. His son.] "His children." 2 Chr. 33: Amon was not born till the thirty-third year of Manasseh's reign, which is generally computed to have been subsequent to his captivity and repentance. (1,19.) If so, some other son was thus dedicated to his idol, perhaps with some of his daughters likewise, of whom nothing is recorded. But it may be doubted whether Manasseh's captivity was so long before his death: the general character of his reign in Scripture, and the very imperfect reformation which afterwards took place, seem to render that opinion improbable; and there is no scriptural information concerning the date of his captivity, or even the name of the Assyrian king who carried him captive: so that perhaps Amon was the son here peculiarly intended. (Note, 2 Chr. 33:11.)

Observed times, &c.] (Notes, Ex. 22:18. Deut. 18:9-12.) The persons, who practised, or pretended to, these several methods of holding correspondence with invisible agents, or obtaining information from them, were Manasseh's oracles: and he inquired of them, instead of consulting the Lord by his prophets, or by the high priest. No doubt, they humored his vanity, and

t

9 But they hearkened not: and Manasseh " seduced them to do more evil than did the nations, whom the LORD destroyed before the children of Israel.

[Practical Observations.]

10 Andy the LORD spake by his servants the prophets, saying,

11 Because Manasseh king of Judah hath done these abominations, and hath done wickedly a above all that the Amorites did, which were before him, and hath made Judah also to sin with his idols;

12 Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Behold, I am bringing such evil upon Jerusalem and Judah, that d whosoever heareth of it, both his ears shall tingle.

13 And I will stretch over Jerusalem

the line of Samaria, and
the house of Ahab: and

t2 Chr. 36:16. Ezra 9:10,11.
Neh. 9:26,29,30. Ps. 81:11.
Dan. 9:6,10,11. Luke 13:34.
John 15:22. Jam. 4:17.
u1 Kings 14:16.

2 Chr. 33:9.
Ps. 12:8. Prov. 29:12. Hos.
5:11.

Rev. 2:20.

x Ez. 16:47,51,52.

the plummet of
I will wipe Je-

b 1 Kings 14:16. 15:30. 16:19.
c 22:16. Dan. 9:12. Mic. 3:12.
Jer.
d 1 Sam. 3:11. Is. 28:19.
19:3. Matt. 24:21,22. Luke 23:
28,29. Rev. 6:15-17.

e 17:6. Is. 28:17. 34:11. Lam.
2:8. Ez. 23:31-34. Am. 7.7,3.
Zech. 1:16.

y 2 Chr. 33:10. 36:15. Neh. 9: 10:11. 1 Kings 21:21-24. 26,30. Matt. 23.34-37.

z 23:26,27. 24:3,4. Jer. 15:4.
a 1 Kings 21:26. Ez. 16:3,45.

g Is. 14:23. Jer. 25:9.
10,11. Rev. 18:21-23.

Ez. 24.

aimed to gratify his curiosity, without teaching him his duty, or reproving him for his sins. In this he went beyond all his predecessors. (Marg. Ref.-Notes, 1 Chr. 10:13,14. 2 Chr. 33:9,10.) V. 7, 8. Notes, 2 Sam. 7:8—11. 1 Kings 6: 11-13. 9:3-6. Ps. 78:69.

Of the grove. (7). Perhaps this was a model of some grove, used for idolatrous worship: though it is commonly supposed to have been the image of one of Manasseh's idols. (Note, 17:16.) Some think that it was a wooden image of Ashteroth, or Astarte. (Note, Judg. 2: 11-13.)-Manasseh seems to have placed this image in the temple itself. Thus he purposely affronted the Lord, and set him at defiance; making the idol his rival, to intercept the adoration of his worshippers.

V. 9. Manasseh proposed one idolatry after another; and the people in general readily complied, both to obtain his favor, and because it suited their depraved inclinations. Thus they proceeded to such an excess of wickedness, that they became worse than the ancient Amorites, or Canaanites, on whom Israel had inflicted the vengeance of heaven. (Notes, Lev. 18:24―30. Ez. 16:48-55.)

V. 10-12. (Marg. Ref.—Note, 9.) It is not certain, that any of the prophets, whose writings have come down to us, lived in the time of Manasseh. Isaiah and Hoshea probably were dead. (Notes, 16. 19:2. Is. 1:1. Hos. 1:1.) Jeremiah did not begin to prophesy till several years after Manasseh's death. It is not known when Joel flourished. Nahum and Habakkuk seem to have lived at a later period. But a succession of prophets was raised up; and many, doubtless, addressed their contemporaries, whose writings and names have not reached us.-Tingle. (12) Note, 1 Sam. 3:11.

i

*

[643.

rusalem, as a man wipeth a dish, wiping 18 And Manasseh slept with his гB. C it, and turning it upside down. fathers, and was buried in the garden of his own house, in the garden of Uzza: and Amon his son reigned in his stead.

14 And I will forsake the remnant of mine inheritance, and i deliver them into the hand of their enemies, and they shall become a prey and a spoil to all their enemies;

k

15 Because they have done that which was evil in my sight, and have provoked me to anger, since the day their fathers came forth out of Egypt, even unto this day.

1

16 Moreover, Manasseh shed innocent blood very much, till he had filled Jerusalem from tone end to another, m beside his sin wherewith he made Judah to sin, in doing that which was evil in the sight of the LORD.

17 Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh, and all that he did, and his sin that he sinned, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of

Judah?

*Heb. he wipeth and turneth it upon the face thereof.

b Deut. 31:17. 2 Chr. 15:2. Ps. 37:28. Jer. 23:33. Lam. 5:20.

i 19:4,30,31. 24:2. 2 Chr. 36:16, 17. Jer. 23:33.

Lev. 26:17,36-38. Deut. 4:26, 27. 28:25,31-33,48. Judg. 2: 14,15. Ps. Neh. 9:27-37. 106:40 43. Is. 10:6. Lam. 1:5,10.

* Deut. 9:24. 31:27,29. Judg. 2:

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19 TP Amon was twenty and two years old when he began to reign; and he reigned two years in Jerusalem: and his mother's name was Meshullemeth, the daughter of Haruz of Jotbah.

r

20 And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, as his father Manasseh did.

21 And he walked in all the way that his father walked in, and served the idols that his father served, and worshipped them:

22 And he forsook the LORD God of his fathers, and walked not in the way of the LORD.

23 And the servants of Amon B. C conspired against him, and slew the [641. king in his own house.

11-13. Ps. 106:34–40. Ez all them that had conspired against king 24 And the people of the land slew Amon; and the people of the land made

16:15,&c. 20:4,13,21,30. 23:3,8, &c. Dan. 9:5-11.

1 24:3,4. Num. 35:33. Deut. 21:

8,9. Jer. 2:34. 7:6. 15:4. Matt. Josiah his son king in his stead.

23:30,31. 27:6. Luke 13:34. Heb. 11:37.

† Heb. mouth to mouth. m 7,11. Ex. 32:21. 1 Kings 14: 15,16. 2 Chr. 33:9.

n See on 20:20,21. 2 Chr. 33:11 -19.

V. 13. As the builder keeps his work exactly straight and perpendicular, by the line and the plummet: so the Lord would execute strict justice upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem: proceeding by the same measure with them, as he had done with those of Samaria, whom he divided to the famine, to the sword, and to captivity; nay, he would be as severe with them, as he had been with the idolatrous family of Ahab. (1 Kings 21:21-24.) The subsequent expressive similitude emphatically represents the city subverted, and totally desolated; yet not finally destroyed, but cleansed from idolatry, and reserved for the future residence of the Jews. (Notes, Ez. 24:3—11.)

V. 14. Forsake, &c.] Not finally, but for a season, during the Babylonish captivity: yet this only related to the collective body of the nation, and their external privileges; for individual believers were preserved, and peculiarly noticed, even during that visitation. (Note, 1 Sam. 12: 22.)

V. 15. Marg. Ref. k.—Notes, Jer. 15:1-5. Ez. 20:5-38.

V. 16. Probably, infants were burnt in the fire, by Manasseh's authority and command, to Molech; and the oppression, violence, and cruelty of his general administration might occasion much unrighteous shedding of blood: but his persecuting rage, against those who opposed and reproved his idolatries, seems especially intended. The Jewish writers assert, that he caused the venerable Isaiah to be sawn asunder, for warning him and his people of approaching vengeance: but this is of very questionable authority. It is not said that Isaiah prophesied in the days of Manasseh; nor is it probable that he did. (Note,

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o 2 Chr. 21:20. 24:16,25. 28:27. 32:33. 53:20. Jer. 22:19.

p1 Chr. 3:14. 2 Chr. 33:21 Matt. 1:10.

q 15:23. 1 Kings 15:25. 16:8. 22:

51.

r 2-7. Num. 32:14. 2 Chr. 33: 22,23. Matt. 23:32. Acts 7:51.

s Deut. 32:15. 1 Kings 11:33. 1 Chr. 28:9. Jer. 2:13. Jon. 2:8. t 12:20. 14:19. 15:25,30. 1 Kings 15:27. 16:9. 2 Chr. 33:24,25. u 14.5.

x 11:17. 14:21. 1 Sam 11:15. 2 Sam. 5:3. 1 Kings 12:1,20. 2 Chr. 22:1. 26:1. 33:25.

Is. 1:1.)-His multiplied and varied murders, how ever, were an addition to his unprecedented idolatries, and indeed inseparably connected with them: for thus, as well as by seducing the people, (Note, 9.) "he made Judah to sin."

V. 17, 18. We shall hereafter meet with a more pleasing account of the latter part of Manasseh's reign. (Notes, 2 Chr. 33:11-19.)—He was not buried in the sepulchre of the kings, "but in the garden of Uzza," "in his own house," or some sepulchre which he had prepared there for himself. This seems to have been a penitent confession, that his crimes had rendered him unworthy to be numbered with the descendants of David. Some, however, suppose that the people would not allow him that honor. Yet, no doubt, he was a true penitent, though it is not here mentioned. (Note, 1 Kings 11:42,43.)

Of Uzza. (18) "Some think this was the place where Uzziah was buried; (2 Chr. 26:23.) and that he chose to be buried here, as unworthy be'cause of his manifold sins, (of which he repented,) 'to be laid in the common sepulchre of the kings of Judah.' Bp. Patrick.

V. 20-24. If Manasseh repented only in the latter years of his life, Amon was trained up in his youth, with the worst instructions, and was accustomed to copy the worst examples: and to these he adhered, without regarding his father's subsequent good behavior or advice. 'He was bred up in idolatry, and solemnly consecrated by his father to the service of Molech.' Bp. Patrick. If this were the case, Manasseh's captivity and repentance must have taken place at a later period, than is generally assigned it. (Notes, 6. 2 Chr. 33:11,21-25.) Amon's reign was very short, and he was soon cut off in his sins. Perhaps, his murderers meant to exclude the family of David,

25 Now the rest of the acts of Amon || a which he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?

26 And he was buried in his sepulchre in the garden of Uzza: and Josiah his son reigned in his stead.

CHAP. XXII.

Josiah reigns well, 1, 2. He provides for the repairs of the
temple, 3-7. Hilkiah finds the book of the law, which is
read to the king; who is alarmed, and sends to inquire of God,
by Huldah the prophetess, 8-14.
She foretels the destruc-
tion of Jerusalem, but speaks peace to Josiah, 15-20.

y 17. See on 20:20. z See on 18. a 1 Kings 13:2.

and seize the throne for themselves; but this was
contrary to the purpose of God and met with due
punishment from the people: and their wicked-
ness made way for Josiah, under whose govern-
ment the nation had one bright expiring gleam of
reformation and prosperity.
V. 26. Note, 18.

PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.

V. 1-9.

JOSIAH was eight years old when

he began to reign, and he reigned thirty and one years in Jerusalem: and his mother's name was Jedidah the daughter of Adaiah, of Boscath.

2 And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in all the way of David his father, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left.

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ance! and they peculiarly delight in seducing others to commit the same wickedness, as if ambitious also of promoting the ruin of their souls!— The vain-glory of young persons often appears in affecting to be wiser than their prudent and pious parents, by reversing all their plans, and especially by treating with contempt their religious singularities, as they suppose them to be.-But these are the ways in which men expose their own folly, and bring ruin upon themselves: thus they forfeit the Lord's favor and protection, and fall under his dreadful indignation: and all the mischief which they have done to others, will recoil upon themselves, to their increasing guilt and condemnation; except a timely repentance prevent the fatal con sequences.

V. 10-26.

Young persons are generally desirous of being their own masters, and of obtaining early possession of riches or power, that they may indulge their inclinations and self-importance: and too often, from such motives, are secretly rejoiced at the death of their parents. But this generally ruins the comfort of their future lives, and renders them the instruments of immense mischief to those, If temporal judgments are so dreadful when who are unhappily connected with them. It is foreseen or reported; what will be the horror of much safer and happier, when youth is sheltered that day, when "the earth shall disclose her blood, under the fostering care of affectionate and pru- and shall no more cover her slain!" (Note, Is. 26: dent parents, or of faithful guardians and tutors; 20,21.) Yet, in the severest vengeance, the Lord till greater maturity of age and experience gives proceeds by rule and measure, and does not puna more hopeful prospect of discretion. Though ish either nations or individuals beyond their desuch young persons are less indulged, caressed, serts.-External privileges, instead of benefiting and flattered, and are laid under restrictions un- those who neglect the obedience of faith, will impleasant at the time; they may live to be thankful mensely enhance their guilt and punishment.for the restraints, under which at present they are The Lord will cast off any professing people, who impatient.-None are more abandoned than those, dishonor him by their crimes, and who persecute who become wicked after a religious education; his servants: but he will never desert his cause on for they cannot have quietness in vice, till by des-earth.-When sinners disregard the invitations perate courses they have effectually stupified their and exhortations of God's ministers, they are consciences: and in every case, the greater the constrained to denounce his awful vengeance. obstacles which are surmounted, before men at- Then resentment will be awakened in the hearts tain to the undisturbed indulgence of their lusts, of the proud and rebellious, and faith and patience the more lost they are afterwards to all sense of will be peculiarly requisite: but the servants of shame or decency. But the Lord will put his fear the Lord will overcome all, “by the blood of into the hearts of his true people, that they shall the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony."not finally depart from him: (Note, Jer. 32:38— It is inconceivable what wickedness some men 41.) yet in the reformation of collective bodies, have lived to commit, who yet have not only been numbers are mere time-servers, such as "believe spared, but pardoned: (Noies, Dan. 4:) such transfor a season, but in temptation fall away." (Note, gressors cannot forgive themselves, but would live Matt. 13:20,21.)-The mind of man is disposed to and die covered with shame and self-abhorrence vibrate from one extreme to another; as the de- for all their crimes.-Whether the Lord bear long scending stone falls with a force proportioned to with presumptuous offenders, or whether he more the height, to which it was raised: so that times of speedily cut them off in their sins; all those who remarkable revival in religion have often been persist in forsaking him, and in refusing to walk succeeded by those of most notorious infidelity, in his ways, must perish: and the wickedness of impiety, and profligacy.-The ambition of excel- the parent often occasions the destruction of the ling prompts sinners to aspire after pre-eminence children. It is well, however, when the removal even in crimes; and men are capable of glorying of the ungodly makes way for better characters: in having gone beyond all their predecessors in yet those who, instigated by any corrupt passion, iniquity, and in refining upon the blasphemy and execute deserved vengeance upon wicked men, sensuality of former times, or of contemporary will bring deserved vengeance upon themselves rivals in vice!-An infidel neglect of true religion, also. is often connected with the most absurd credulity and ridiculous superstitions!-Some daring sinners not only seek to gratify their lusts, but seem desirous of forcing their crimes upon the notice of the Almighty; as if ambitious of provoking his indignation by every token of contempt and defi3701

NOTES.

CHAP. XXII. V. 1, 2. Josiah was seated on the throne by those, who brought his father's murderers to justice, and who doubtless were friends to the family of David: for "the people of the land ”

B. C.

3 ¶ And it came to pass in 8 ¶ And Hilkiah the high priest said 64] the eighteenth year of king Josiah, unto Shaphan the scribe, I have found that the king sent Shaphan the son of the book of the law in the house of the Azaliah, the son of Meshullam the LORD. And Hilkiah gave the book to scribe, to the house of the LORD, saying, Shaphan, and he read it. 4 Go up to Hilkiah the high priest, that he may sum the silver which is brought into the house of the LORD, which i the keepers of the door have gathered of the people:

i

*

5 And let them deliver it into the hand of the doers of the work, that have the oversight of the house of the LORD: and let them give it to the doers of the work, which is in the house of the LORD, to repair the breaches of the house, 6 Unto carpenters, and builders, and masons, and to buy timber and hewn stone to repair the house.

7 Howbeit, there was no reckoning made with them of the money that was delivered into their hand, because they dealt faithfully.

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9 And P Shaphan the scribe came to the king, and brought the king word again, and said, Thy servants have gathered the money that was found in the house, and have delivered it into the hand of them that do the work, that have the oversight of the house of the LORD.

10 And Shaphan the scribe shewed the king, saying, Hilkiah the priest hath delivered me a book. And Shaphan read it before the king.

r

11 And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the book of the law, t that he rent his clothes.

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time. (Note, 2 Chr. 34:3-7.)-The money was collected by voluntary contributions, as in the time of Jehoash: but the Levites proved more active and faithful, than the priests had then been; and the workmen were no less worthy of confidence. (Notes, 12:4—15. 2 Chr. 34:8-13.)

must be understood to mean, at least, a majority of the elders and great men assembling, and, with the approbation of the people, declaring to whom the right of succeeding to the throne belonged. It may be supposed, that some of the nobles were concerned in the conspiracy against Amon, or favored the cause. (Note, 21:20-24.) We may V. 8-11. The inquiries and controversies, therefore conclude that the persons, intrusted which this account of finding the book of the law with Josiah's education, were at least averse to has occasioned, seem to have been quite unneidolatry, and favorable to the worship of JEHOVAH. cessary. If it were conceded, that no other comPerhaps his mother was a pious person, and in-plete copy existed in all the world, at the time stilled good principles into his tender mind. By when this book was found, it would not in the the blessing of God, however, on the means used,|| smallest degree invalidate the authenticity of that he was very early brought under religious impres- part of holy writ: because all the succeeding sions, and set about the work of public reforma- writers of the Scriptures, with Christ himself tion: and the event of his succession when a child and his apostles, have given the sanction of their was widely different from that of Manasseh. (Notes, testimony to its divine original. All the cavils 21:1-3.) For his character was most excellent: and objections therefore of infidels, grounded he copied the faith, zeal, and piety of his ancestor upon this circumstance, mean nothing; except David, and kept the middle path, without diverg- they are intended to demonstrate their imbittering to any of those extremes to which human na- ed enmity to the sacred Scriptures.-It is highly ture is prone. (Notes, 18:3,5,6.) And had the probable, that copies of the law were at that time people as cordially concurred in his reformation, very scarce, through the idolatry of the former as he entered upon and persevered in it, blessed reigns, and the lamentable ungodliness of the effects would have followed: but they were given people. It may also be reasonably conjectured, up to the most infatuated idolatry and wickedness, that the priests had made abstracts from it, of the and his efforts only served to evince the incurable outlines of their worship, without specifying parwickedness of that generation. (Notes, Jer. 3:6 ticulars, or inserting the solemn sanctions annex--11. 6:27-30. Ez. 24:12,13.)—We can obtained to each of them. This would spare them the but a superficial knowledge of the state of Judah trouble of transcribing, or studying, or reading from these compendious historical records, unless to the people, the whole book; and, as these abwe compare them with the writings of the contem-stracts would come into common use, few people porary prophets.

V. 3-7. Josiah began to seek the Lord in the eighth year of his reign, and to attempt a public reformation in the twelfth; so that considerable progress had before been made in destroying the idols, which filled Judah and Jerusalem to an almost inconceivable degree: but in his eighteenth year he proceeded to reinstate the temple and its worship in their former splendor, and the principal reformation in his reign was effected at this

would look any further. But had not a universal traditional recollection of the law, and in general of its contents, prevailed in the nation; how could the book, when found, have obtained proper and implicit credit as the word of God by Moses? In the dark ages of popery this was precisely the case: the liturgies and rituals contained a few selected portions of Scripture; and not only were the people kept in the dark as to the entire contents of the Bible, but few even of the priests

B. C. 624.

phan, and Achbor the son of and Shaphan the scribe, and servant of the king's, saying,

a

Michaiah, || went unto Huldah the prophetess, the
Asahiah a wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, the
son of Harhas, keeper of the twardrobe
(now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the col-
lege;) and they communed with her.

13 Go ye, inquire of the LORD for me, and for the people, and for all Judah concerning the words of this book that is found: for great is the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us, b because our fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this book, to do according unto all that which is written concerning us.

14 So Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam, and Achbor, and Shaphan, and Asahiah,

y 2 Chr. 34:20. Abdon. Or, Micah.

z 3:11. 1 Kings 22:7,8. 1 Chr. 10:13,14. Ps. 25:14. Prov. 3:

6. Jer. 21:1,2. 37:17. Ez. 14:3,

4. 20:1-3. Am. 3:7.

a Ex. 20:5. Deut. 4:23--27. 29:

23-28. 31:17, 18.
9:3. Dan. 9:5,6.
15. 7:9.

Neh. 8:8,9.
Rom. 3:20. 4:

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15 And she said unto them, e Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Tell the man that sent you to me,

16 Thus saith the LORD, Behold, 1 will bring evil upon this place, and upon the inhabitants thereof, even all the words of the book which the king of Judah hath read.

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d 2 Chr. 34:22. Tikrath. Has-g 25:3-4. Lev. 26:15,&c. Deut. rah.

Heb. garments. 2 Kings 10: 22. Neh. 7:72.

Or, second port.

28:15,&c. 29:18-23. 30:17,18. 31:16-18. 32:15-26. Josh. 23: 13,15. Dan. 9:11-14.

had ever read it through, and numbers of these edge. If the kings of Judah had observed the rule had never seen a complete copy of it. The same of transcribing the law with their own hands, naturally becomes the case still, (notwithstand- very salutary effects might have been produced; ing the multiplication of copies of the Bible by but it seems to have been entirely neglected, as the art of printing, and its public allowance in well as the command to read the law publicly to the vulgar tongue, and the commendable pains the people, every year at the feast of taberbestowed by pious persons to disperse them;) nacles. (Notes, Deut. 17:18. 31:9-13. Neh. 8:1 whenever any set of men become strenuous for-18. 9:3.)-It is supposed that the portion, which one part of religion in preference to the rest. was first read to Josiah, was the twenty-eighth They, who are the oracles of each party, insert in and twenty-ninth chapters of Deuteronomy: and their writings those portions of Scripture, which these were doubtless well suited to convince him, are supposed to inculcate the doctrines for which that the guilt and danger of his people was much they contend; but keep out of sight, perhaps with- || greater than he had apprehended, and to induce out design, those passages which as strongly de- the expressions of fear, sorrow, and humiliation, clare, what they undervalue, overlook, or are which he shewed. We may conclude, that he prejudiced against. And these writings form the afterwards conducted his reformation with more religion of the zealous friends of that party, while exactness; as he now wrought by rule, and was the rest of the Scripture is comparatively neg- aware of the imminent danger to which he and lected or forgotten. Indeed we all are disposed his subjects were exposed. to have favorite passages of Scripture, to which we are more attentive than to the rest; so that without great care we shall be led into this error. -And may it not be hinted with propriety, that some text-books, which were well designed, are yet capable of a dangerous abuse? I mean those books, which give a text of Scripture for every day, with pious observations upon it. Many read these in family-worship, instead of the Bible itself; and others, it is likely, do the same in their closets: but numbers are thus undesignedly led to substitute a part for the whole; the abstract with an exposition, instead of the book of the law: whereas "all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (Note, 2 Tim. 3:14-17.) The proper use of such books is to suggest subjects for pious meditations and ejacuV. 14. Huldah, &c.] Jeremiah and Zephalations, in the intervals of conversation and busi- niah prophesied at this time; but perhaps being ness.-The book, which Hilkiah found, seems to young, and newly entered on their work, they have been the original book of the law, deposited were of inferior note; or they were elsewhere by Moses at the side of the ark; (Note, Deut. 31: employed. (Notes, Jer. 1:1-3. Zeph. 1:1.)—–—– 26.) but which in those distracted times had The ordinary ministry, both under the Old and been removed, either for concealment, lest it New Testament, is confined to men: but the should be destroyed by the idolaters, or in con- Lord is not bound by those restrictions which he tempt by those who were turning every thing imposes upon us: and he has often conferred on into confusion. Some argue that this circum-women the spirit of prophecy. (Marg. Ref. c.stance occasioned Josiah's consternation: but he certainly acted like a man who had never seen the law before; and this most likely was the case, though there might be copies dispersed among his subjects. It is probable his reformation had hitherto been conducted by such abstracts, as have been mentioned, or by traditional knowl378]

V. 12, 13. Very little is recorded concerning the high priests, as active instruments in reformation, and reviving true religion. Hilkiah indeed seems to have been a man of good character; though it is likely, not well acquainted with the divine law. (Marg. Ref.) Josiah, however, never proposed inquiring of the Lord, by him and the breast-plate of judgment; nor did Hilkiah object, when sent with others to inquire of a prophetess. Either he was ignorant, that to inquire of God was one distinguishing part of his office; or he humbly thought himself unworthy to perform it: or this method of inquiry was considered as obsolete; having fallen into disuse, perhaps, from the too general want of true piety in the high priests, who had been superseded in this respect by the prophets raised up in constant succession. (Note, 19:2.)-Ahikam. (12) Note, Jer. 26:24.

Notes, 1 Cor. 14:34,35. 1 Tim. 2:11-14.)-Huldah was doubtless a person of eminent piety, and well known to be a prophetess. She was a married woman, and her husband being keeper of the wardrobe, might make her better known to Josiah, who perhaps had before this consulted her.Whether the word rendered "the college” means

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