2. Chronik 34:13 Kommentar

Before we see Judah and Jerusalem ruined we shall yet see some glorious years, while good Josiah sits at the helm. By his pious endeavours for reformation God tried them yet once more; if they had known in this their day, the day of their visitation, the things that belonged to their peace and improved them, their ruin might have been prevented. But after this reign they were hidden from their eyes, and the next reigns brought an utter desolation upon them. In this chapter we have, I. A general account of Josiah's character (Ch2 34:1, Ch2 34:2). II. His zeal to root out idolatry (Ch2 34:3-7). III. His care to repair the temple (Ch2 34:8-13). IV. The finding of the book of the law and the good use made of it (Ch2 34:14-28). V. The public reading of the law to the people and their renewing their covenant with God thereupon (Ch2 34:29-33). Much of this we had 2 Kings 22.

INTRODUCTION TO 2 CHRONICLES 34 This chapter begins with the good reign of Josiah, the reformation he made in the land, purging it from idolatry, Ch2 34:1, relates the orders he gave to repair the house of the Lord, which was accordingly done, Ch2 34:8, when the book of the law was found and brought to him, which greatly affected him, Ch2 34:12, upon which he deputed some persons to inquire of the Lord, who did of Huldah the prophetess, to whom she gave an answer, which they returned to the king, Ch2 34:20 and the chapter is concluded with an account of reading the book in the ears of all the people, and of the king, and then making a covenant with the Lord to serve him, Ch2 34:27.

And when they brought out the money that was brought into the house of the Lord,.... The Levites, who brought it out of the country into the temple, and from thence brought it to the high priest, who delivering it to the king's ministers, and they to the overseers, the repairs were begun: and then Hilkiah the high priest found a book of the law of the Lord given by Moses house of the Lord,.... The Levites, who brought it out of the country into the temple, and from thence brought it to the high priest, who delivering it to the king's ministers, and they to the overseers, the repairs were begun: See Gill on Kg2 22:8. From hence, to the end of Ch2 34:28, is the same as Kg2 22:8.

Josiah reigns thirty-one years; destroys idolatry in Judah, as also in Manasseh, Ephraim, Simeon, and even to Naphtali, Ch2 34:1-7. He begins to repair the temple, and collects money for the purpose, and employs workmen, Ch2 34:8-13. Hilkiah the priest finds the book of the law in the temple, which is read by Shaphan before the king, Ch2 34:14-19. He is greatly troubled, and consults Huldah the prophetess, Ch2 34:20-22. Her exhortation, and message to the king, Ch2 34:23-28. He causes it to be read to the elders of Judah, and they make a covenant with God, Ch2 34:29, Ch2 34:32. Josiah reforms every abomination, and the people serve God all his days, Ch2 34:33.

JOSIAH'S GOOD REIGN. (Ch2 34:1-2) Josiah was eight years old--(See on Kg2 22:1). The testimony borne to the undeviating steadfastness of his adherence to the cause of true religion places his character and reign in honorable contrast with those of many of his royal predecessors.