Teks -- 2 Kings 23:15-37 (NET)

23:15 He also tore down the altar in Bethel at the high place made by Jeroboam son of Nebat, who encouraged Israel to sin. He burned all the combustible items at that high place and crushed them to dust; including the Asherah pole. 23:16 When Josiah turned around, he saw the tombs there on the hill. So he ordered the bones from the tombs to be brought; he burned them on the altar and defiled it. This fulfilled the Lord’s announcement made by the prophet while Jeroboam stood by the altar during a festival. King Josiah turned and saw the grave of the prophet who had foretold this. 23:17 He asked, “What is this grave marker I see?” The men from the city replied, “It’s the grave of the prophet who came from Judah and foretold these very things you have done to the altar of Bethel.” 23:18 The king said, “Leave it alone! No one must touch his bones.” So they left his bones undisturbed, as well as the bones of the Israelite prophet buried beside him. 23:19 Josiah also removed all the shrines on the high places in the cities of Samaria. The kings of Israel had made them and angered the Lord. He did to them what he had done to the high place in Bethel. 23:20 He sacrificed all the priests of the high places on the altars located there, and burned human bones on them. Then he returned to Jerusalem. 23:21 The king ordered all the people, “Observe the Passover of the Lord your God, as prescribed in this scroll of the covenant.” 23:22 He issued this edict because a Passover like this had not been observed since the days of the judges; it was neglected for the entire period of the kings of Israel and Judah. 23:23 But in the eighteenth year of King Josiah’s reign, such a Passover of the Lord was observed in Jerusalem. 23:24 Josiah also got rid of the ritual pits used to conjure up spirits, the magicians, personal idols, disgusting images, and all the detestable idols that had appeared in the land of Judah and in Jerusalem. In this way he carried out the terms of the law recorded on the scroll that Hilkiah the priest had discovered in the Lord’s temple. 23:25 No king before or after repented before the Lord as he did, with his whole heart, soul, and being in accordance with the whole law of Moses. 23:26 Yet the Lord’s great anger against Judah did not subside; he was still infuriated by all the things Manasseh had done. 23:27 The Lord announced, “I will also spurn Judah, just as I spurned Israel. I will reject this city that I chose– both Jerusalem and the temple, about which I said, “I will live there.” 23:28 The rest of the events of Josiah’s reign and all his accomplishments are recorded in the scroll called the Annals of the Kings of Judah. 23:29 During Josiah’s reign Pharaoh Necho king of Egypt marched toward the Euphrates River to help the king of Assyria. King Josiah marched out to fight him, but Necho killed him at Megiddo when he saw him. 23:30 His servants transported his dead body from Megiddo in a chariot and brought it to Jerusalem, where they buried him in his tomb. The people of the land took Josiah’s son Jehoahaz, poured olive oil on his head, and made him king in his father’s place.

Jehoahaz’s Reign over Judah

23:31 Jehoahaz was twenty-three years old when he became king, and he reigned three months in Jerusalem. His mother was Hamutal the daughter of Jeremiah, from Libnah. 23:32 He did evil in the sight of the Lord as his ancestors had done. 23:33 Pharaoh Necho imprisoned him in Riblah in the land of Hamath and prevented him from ruling in Jerusalem. He imposed on the land a special tax of one hundred talents of silver and a talent of gold. 23:34 Pharaoh Necho made Josiah’s son Eliakim king in Josiah’s place, and changed his name to Jehoiakim. He took Jehoahaz to Egypt, where he died. 23:35 Jehoiakim paid Pharaoh the required amount of silver and gold, but to meet Pharaoh’s demands Jehoiakim had to tax the land. He collected an assessed amount from each man among the people of the land in order to pay Pharaoh Necho.

Jehoiakim’s Reign over Judah

23:36 Jehoiakim was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned for eleven years in Jerusalem. His mother was Zebidah the daughter of Pedaiah, from Rumah. 23:37 He did evil in the sight of the Lord as his ancestors had done.

Tafsiran/Catatan -- Catatan Kata/Frasa (per frasa)

Wesley: 2Ki 23:15 - Beth

el - Probably this city was now under the kingdom of Judah, to which it was added by Abijah long since. And it is probable, since the ten tribes were carried away, many cities had put themselves under the protection of Judah. The golden calf, it seems, was gone; but Josiah would leave no remains of that idolatry.

Wesley: 2Ki 23:16 - Himself

Josiah's care and zeal was so great, that he would not trust his officers with these things, but would see them done with his own eyes.

Wesley: 2Ki 23:16 - These words

Three hundred years before it was done.

Wesley: 2Ki 23:20 - The priests

By this relation it appears, that after the departure of the king of Assyria, divers of the Israelites who had retired to other parts, and kept themselves out of the conqueror's hands, returned together with their priests to their own land, and to their old trade, worshipping idols; to whom, peradventure, they ascribed this their deliverance from that judgment which Jehovah had brought upon them.

Wesley: 2Ki 23:20 - And burnt

According to that famous prophecy, 1Ki 13:1-2.

Wesley: 2Ki 23:22 - Such a passover

Celebrated with such solemn care, and great preparation, and numerous sacrifices, and universal joy of all good men; which was much the greater, because of their remembrance of the former wicked and miserable times under Manasseh, and Amon; and the good hopes they now had of the happy establishment of their nation, and the true religion; and of the prevention of God's judgments denounced against them.

Wesley: 2Ki 23:22 - Judges

Or, from the days of Samuel, the last of the judges; as it is expressed 2Ch 35:18. None of the kings had taken such care to prepare themselves, the priests, and people, and accurately to observe all the rites, and diligently to purge out all uncleanness, and to renew their covenant with God. And undoubtedly God was pleased to recompense their zeal in destroying idolatry with uncommon tokens of his presence and favour. All this concurred to make it such a passover as had not been, even in the days of Hezekiah.

Wesley: 2Ki 23:24 - Images, &c.

_Three words noting the same thing, to shew, That all the instruments and monuments of idolatry were destroyed, as God had commanded.

Wesley: 2Ki 23:24 - Spied

All that were discovered; not only such as were in the place of worship, but such as their priests or zealots had removed, and endeavoured to hide.

Wesley: 2Ki 23:25 - No king

For his diligent study in God's law, and his exact care, and unwearied industry, and fervent zeal, in rooting out idolators, and all kinds and appearances of idolatry, not only in Judah, but in Israel also; and in the establishment of the true religion in all his dominions, and in the conforming of his own life, and his peoples too, (as far as he could) to the holy law of God: though Hezekiah might excel him in some particulars.

Wesley: 2Ki 23:26 - Notwithstanding

Because though the king was most hearty in his repentance and acceptable to God, and therefore the judgment was delayed for his time; yet the people were in general corrupt, and secretly averse from Josiah's pious reformation, as appears from the complaints of the prophets, especially Jeremiah and Zephaniah, against them: and by the following history, wherein we see, that as soon as ever Josiah was gone, his children, and the princes, and the people, suddenly and greedily returned to their former abominations.

Wesley: 2Ki 23:26 - Because

The sins of Manasseh, and for the men of his generation; who concurred with him in his idolatrous and cruel practices, are justly punished in this generation: because of God's sovereign right of punishing sinners when he sees fit: because of that publick declaration of God, that he would visit the iniquity of the fathers upon the children: and principally, because these men had never sincerely repented of their own, nor of their fathers sins.

Wesley: 2Ki 23:27 - I said

Upon the conditions in sundry places expressed, which they broke, and therefore God justly made them to know his breach of promise.

Wesley: 2Ki 23:29 - The king, &c.

_The king of Babylon, who having formerly rebelled against the Assyrian had now conquered him; as appears by the course of the sacred, and the concurrence of the prophane history; and therefore is here and elsewhere called the Assyrian, and the king of Assyria, because now he was the head of that empire.

Wesley: 2Ki 23:29 - Euphrates

Against Carchemish by Euphrates, as it is expressed, 2Ch 35:20, which the Assyrian had taken from Pharaoh's confederates, who therefore sends forces against the Assyrian, that he might both help them, and secure himself.

Wesley: 2Ki 23:29 - Josiah went

Either to defend his own country from Pharaoh's incursions; or to assist the king of Babylon, with whom he seems to have been in league.

Wesley: 2Ki 23:29 - Slew

Gave him his death wound there; though he died not 'till he came to Jerusalem.

Wesley: 2Ki 23:29 - Seen him

When he fought with him, or in the first onset. It does not appear, that Josiah had any clear call to engage in this war; possibly he received his death wound, as a punishment of his rashness.

Wesley: 2Ki 23:30 - Dead

Mortally wounded.

Wesley: 2Ki 23:30 - Jehoahaz

Who was younger than Jehoiakim, yet preferred by the people before the elder brother; either because Jehoiakim refused the kingdom for fear of Pharaoh, whom he knew he should hereby provoke. Or because Jehoahaz was the more stout and warlike prince; whence he is called a lion, Eze 19:3.

Wesley: 2Ki 23:32 - His fathers

His grand - parents, Manasseh, and Amon. He restored that idolatry which his father had destroyed. Jerusalem saw not a good day, after Josiah was laid in his grave; but one trouble came after another, 'till within two and twenty years it was destroyed.

Wesley: 2Ki 23:33 - In bands

Either, because he presumed to take the kingdom without his consent: or because he renewed the war against Pharaoh.

Wesley: 2Ki 23:34 - Jehoiakim

The giving of names was accounted an act of dominion; which therefore parents did to their children, and conquerors to their vassals or tributaries.

JFB: 2Ki 23:15-20 - Moreover the altar that was at Beth-el, &c.

Not satisfied with the removal of every vestige of idolatry from his own dominion, this zealous iconoclast made a tour of inspection through the cities of Samaria and all the territory formerly occupied by the ten tribes, destroying the altars and temples of the high places, consigning the Asherim to the flames, putting to death the priests of the high places, and showing his horror at idolatry by ransacking the sepulchers of idolatrous priests, and strewing the burnt ashes of their bones upon the altars before he demolished them.

JFB: 2Ki 23:16 - according to the word of the Lord which the man of God proclaimed, &c.

In carrying on these proceedings, Josiah was prompted by his own intense hatred of idolatry. But it is remarkable that this act was predicted three hundred twenty-six years before his birth, and his name also was expressly mentioned, as well as the very place where it should be done (1Ki 13:2). This is one of the most most remarkable prophecies in the Bible.

JFB: 2Ki 23:17 - What title is that that I see?

The king's attention probably, had been arrested by a tombstone more conspicuous than the rest around it, bearing on an inscription the name of him that lay beneath; and this prompted his curiosity to make the inquiry.

JFB: 2Ki 23:17 - the men of the city

Not the Assyrian colonists--for they could know nothing about the ancient transactions of the place--but some of the old people who had been allowed to remain, and perhaps the tomb itself might not then have been discoverable, through the effects of time and neglect, had not some "Old Mortality" garnished the sepulcher of the righteous.

JFB: 2Ki 23:21-23 - the king commanded all the people, saying, Keep the passover unto the Lord your God, &c.

It was observed with great solemnity and was attended not only by his own subjects, but by the remnant people from Israel (see on 2Ch. 35:1-19). Many of the Israelites who were at Jerusalem might have heard of, if they did not hear, the law read by Josiah. It is probable that they might even have procured a copy of the law, stimulated as they were to the better observance of Jehovah's worship by the unusual and solemn transactions at Jerusalem.

JFB: 2Ki 23:26 - Notwithstanding, the Lord turned not from the fierceness of his wrath,

&c. The national reformation which Josiah carried on was acquiesced in by the people from submission to the royal will; but they entertained a secret and strong hankering after the suppressed idolatries. Though outwardly purified, their hearts were not right towards God, as appears from many passages of the prophetic writings; their thorough reform was hopeless; and God, who saw no sign of genuine repentance, allowed His decree (2Ki 21:12-15) for the subversion of the kingdom to take fatal effect.

JFB: 2Ki 23:29 - In his days Pharaoh-nechoh

(See 2Ch 35:20-27).

Clarke: 2Ki 23:16 - And as Josiah turned himself

And as Josiah turned himself - This verse is much more complete in the Septuagint, and in the Hexaplar Syriac version at Paris. I shall give the whole, making a distinction where, in those versions, any thing is added: "And as Josiah turned himself, he spied the sepulchres that were there in the mount, and sent and took the bones out of the sepulchres, and burnt them upon the altar, and polluted it: according to the word of the Lord which the man of God proclaimed [when Jeroboam stood by the altar at the feast. And turning about, he cast his eyes on the sepulcher of the man of God] who proclaimed these words."See 1Ki 13:2 (note), where these things were predicted, and see the notes there.

Clarke: 2Ki 23:17 - What title is that

What title is that - There was either a stone, an image, or an inscription here: the old prophet no doubt took care to have the place made sufficiently remarkable.

Clarke: 2Ki 23:18 - The prophet that came out of Samaria

The prophet that came out of Samaria - See the note on 1Ki 13:32.

Clarke: 2Ki 23:19 - That were in the cities of Samaria

That were in the cities of Samaria - Israel had now no king; and Josiah, of the blood royal of Judah, had certainly a direct right to the kingdom; he had, at this time, an especial commission from God, to reform every abuse through the whole land - all that ground that was given by the Lord as an inheritance to the twelve sons of Jacob. Therefore he had every right to carry his plans of reformation into the Samaritan states.

Clarke: 2Ki 23:20 - Slew all the priests

Slew all the priests - The lives of these, as corrupters of the people, were forfeited to the law.

Clarke: 2Ki 23:22 - Surely there was not holden such a passover

Surely there was not holden such a passover - Not one on purer principles, more heartily joined in by the people present, more literally consecrated, or more religiously observed. The words do not apply to the number present, but to the manner and spirit. See the particulars and mode of celebrating this passover in 2 Chronicles 35:1-18 (note).

Clarke: 2Ki 23:24 - The workers with familiar spirits

The workers with familiar spirits - See on 2Ki 21:5 (note)

Clarke: 2Ki 23:24 - And the images

And the images - The teraphim. See the note on Gen 31:19.

Clarke: 2Ki 23:25 - Like unto him was there no king

Like unto him was there no king - Perhaps not one from the time of David; and, morally considered, including David himself, none ever sat on the Jewish throne, so truly exemplary in his own conduct, and so thoroughly zealous in the work of God. David was a greater but not a better man than Josiah.

Clarke: 2Ki 23:26 - The Lord turned not

The Lord turned not - It was of no use to try this fickle and radically depraved people any longer. They were respited merely during the life of Josiah.

Clarke: 2Ki 23:29 - In his days Pharaoh-nechoh

In his days Pharaoh-nechoh - See the note on the death of Josiah, 2Ki 22:20 (note)

Nechoh is supposed to have been the son of Psammitichus, king of Egypt; and the Assyrian king, whom he was now going to attack, was the famous Nabopolassar. What the cause of this quarrel was, is not known. Some say it was on account of Carchemish, a city on the Euphrates, belonging to the Egyptians, which Nabopolassar had seized. See Isa 10:9.

Clarke: 2Ki 23:30 - Dead from Megiddo

Dead from Megiddo - The word מת meth should here be considered as a participle, dying, for it is certain he was not dead: he was mortally wounded at Megiddo, was carried in a dying state to Jerusalem, and there he died and was buried. See 2Ch 35:24

Herodotus, lib. i., c. 17, 18, 25, and lib. ii. 159, appears to refer to the same war which is here mentioned. He says that Nechoh, in the sixth year of his reign, went to attack the king of Assyria at Magdolum, gained a complete victory, and took Cadytis. Usher and others believe that Magdolum and Megiddo were the same place. The exact place of the battle seems to have been Hadadrimmon, in the valley of Megiddo, for there Zechariah tells us 2Ki 12:11, was the great mourning for Josiah. Compare this with 2Ch 35:24, 2Ch 35:25.

Clarke: 2Ki 23:31 - Jehoahaz was twenty and three years old

Jehoahaz was twenty and three years old - This was not the eldest son of Josiah, which is evident from this, that he was twenty-three years old when he began to reign; that he reigned but three months; that, being dethroned, his brother Eliakim was put in his place, who was then twenty-five years of age. Eliakim, therefore, was the eldest brother; but Jehoahaz was probably raised to the throne by the people, as being of a more active and martial spirit.

Clarke: 2Ki 23:33 - Nechoh put him in bands

Nechoh put him in bands - But what was the cause of his putting him in bands? It is conjectured, and not without reason, that Jehoahaz, otherwise called Shallum, raised an army, met Nechoh in his return from Carchemish, fought, was beaten, taken prisoner, put in chains; and taken into Egypt, where he died; 2Ki 23:34, and Jer 22:11, Jer 22:12. Riblah or Diblath, the place of this battle, was probably a town in Syria, in the land or district of Hamath.

Clarke: 2Ki 23:34 - Turned his name to Jehoiakim

Turned his name to Jehoiakim - These names are precisely the same in signification: Eliakim is God shall arise; Jehoiakim, Jehovah shall arise; or, the resurrection of God; the resurrection of Jehovah. That is, God’ s rising again to show his power, justice, etc. The change of the name was to show Nechoh’ s supremacy, and that Jehoiakim was only his vassal or viceroy. Proofs of this mode of changing the name, when a person of greater power put another in office under himself, may be seen in the case of Mattaniah, changed into Zedekiah; Daniel, Mishael, Hananiah, and Azariah, into Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego; and Joseph into Zaphnath-paaneah. See Dan 1:6, Dan 1:7; Gen 41:45.

Clarke: 2Ki 23:35 - Jehoiakim gave the silver and the gold

Jehoiakim gave the silver and the gold - Nechoh had placed him there as viceroy, simply to raise and collect his taxes

Clarke: 2Ki 23:35 - Every one according to his taxation

Every one according to his taxation - That is, each was assessed in proportion to his property: that was the principle avowed: but there is reason to fear that this bad king was not governed by it.

Clarke: 2Ki 23:37 - He did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord

He did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord - He was a most unprincipled and oppressive tyrant. Jeremiah gives us his character at large, Jer 22:13-19, to which the reader will do well to refer. Jeremiah was at that time in the land, and was an eyewitness of the abominations of this cruel king.

Defender: 2Ki 23:16 - polluted it

This event was the fulfillment of a remarkable prophecy (1Ki 13:2) uttered 350 years before."

Defender: 2Ki 23:22 - such a passover

It is remarkable that, except for the Passover feast held under the brief revival of Hezekiah a century earlier (2 Chronicles 30), there is no mention of any Passover observance in either the northern or southern kingdom since the days of Samuel some 500 years before (2Ch 35:18). Yet the Passover had been ordained by God as an everlasting ordinance to be kept each year for a memorial, to keep alive the memory of the divine deliverance (Exo 12:24-27). Whether Israel's neglect of the Passover was a cause or an effect of their recurring national apostasy, it certainly highlighted it, illustrating the vital importance of keeping alive the true understanding of our origins, whether of the world as a whole (Exo 20:8-11) or of one's nation and family. It is possible, however, that the Passover custom had been retained as a ritualistic observance of tradition, even if its spiritual significance had been forgotten. When the rediscovered Scriptures were found to describe its origin and meaning, the result was a true Passover celebration."

TSK: 2Ki 23:15 - the altar // stamped

the altar : 2Ki 10:31; 1Ki 12:28-33, 1Ki 14:16, 1Ki 15:30, 1Ki 21:22

stamped : 2Ki 23:6

TSK: 2Ki 23:16 - burned // who proclaimed

burned : 1Ki 13:1, 1Ki 13:2, 1Ki 13:32; Mat 24:35; Joh 10:35

who proclaimed : The Septuagint and Hexaplar Syriac at Paris insert, ""when Jeroboam stood by the altar at the feast. And turning about, he cast his eyes on the sepulchre of the man of God""-

TSK: 2Ki 23:17 - It is the sepulchre

It is the sepulchre : 1Ki 13:1, 1Ki 13:30, 1Ki 13:31

TSK: 2Ki 23:18 - alone // the bones of the prophet

alone : Heb. to escape

the bones of the prophet : 1Kings 13:1-22, 1Ki 13:31

TSK: 2Ki 23:19 - the houses // the cities // the kings // to provoke the Lord

the houses : 2Ki 17:9; 1Ki 12:31, 1Ki 13:32

the cities : 2Ch 30:6-11, 2Ch 31:1, 2Ch 34:6, 2Ch 34:7

the kings : 2Ki 8:18; 1Ki 16:33; Mic 6:16

to provoke the Lord : 2Ki 17:16-18, 2Ki 21:6; Psa 78:58; Jer 7:18, Jer 7:19; Eze 8:17, Eze 8:18

TSK: 2Ki 23:20 - he slew // burned

he slew : or, he sacrificed, 2Ki 10:25, 2Ki 11:18; Exo 22:20; Deu 13:5; 1Ki 13:2, 1Ki 18:40; Isa 34:6; Zec 13:2, Zec 13:3

burned : 2Ch 34:5

TSK: 2Ki 23:21 - Keep // as it is written

Keep : 2Chr. 35:1-19

as it is written : Exod. 12:3-20; Lev 23:5-8; Num 9:2-5, Num 28:16-25; Deu 16:1-8

TSK: 2Ki 23:22 - Surely // of the kings

Surely : 2Ch 35:18, 2Ch 35:19

of the kings : 2Ch 30:1-3, 2Ch 30:13-20, 2Ch 35:3-17

TSK: 2Ki 23:24 - Moreover // the workers // images // that he might // the book

Moreover : ""His eighteenth year ending."

the workers : 2Ki 21:3, 2Ki 21:6; 1Sa 28:3-7; Isa 8:19, Isa 19:3; Act 16:16-18; Rev 22:15

images : or, teraphim, Gen 31:19; Jdg 17:5, Jdg 18:17, Jdg 18:18; Hos 3:4

that he might : Lev 19:31, Lev 20:27; Deu 18:10-12; Isa 8:20; Rom 3:20; Jam 1:25

the book : 2Ki 22:8-13; 2Ch 34:14-19

TSK: 2Ki 23:25 - unto him // that turned // according

am 3363-3394, bc 641-610

unto him : 2Ki 18:5

that turned : 2Ki 23:3; Deu 4:29, Deu 6:5; 1Ki 2:4, 1Ki 8:48, 1Ki 15:5; Jer 29:13

according : Neh 10:29; Mal 4:4; Joh 1:17, Joh 7:19

TSK: 2Ki 23:26 - Notwithstanding // provocations

Notwithstanding : 2Ki 21:11-13, 2Ki 22:16, 2Ki 22:17, 2Ki 24:2, 2Ki 24:4; 2Ch 36:16; Jer 3:7-10, Jer 15:1-4

provocations : Heb. angers

TSK: 2Ki 23:27 - I will remove // out of my sight // My name

I will remove : 2Ki 17:18, 2Ki 17:20, 2Ki 18:11, 2Ki 21:13, 2Ki 24:3, 2Ki 25:11; Deu 29:27, Deu 29:28; Eze 23:32-35

out of my sight : Psa 51:11; Jer 31:37, Jer 33:24; Lam 2:7

My name : 2Ki 21:4, 2Ki 21:7; 1Ki 8:29, 1Ki 9:3

TSK: 2Ki 23:28 - the rest

the rest : 2Ki 20:20

TSK: 2Ki 23:29 - Pharaohnechoh // Euphrates // Josiah went // slew him // Megiddo // he had seen him

am 3394, bc 610

Pharaohnechoh : Pharaoh-nechoh, called Νεκως , Necos , the son of Psammiticus, by Herodotus, was now was now marching ""to make war upon the Medes and Babylonians, who had dissolved the Assyrian empire,""the king of the latter being the famous Nabopollasar, who had also become king of Assyria. 2Ki 23:33, 2Ki 23:34, 2Ki 23:35; 2Ch 35:20-24; Jer 46:2

Euphrates : 2Ki 24:7; 2Ch 35:20; Jer 46:2

Josiah went : 2Ch 35:20-23

slew him : 2Ki 22:20; Ecc 8:14, Ecc 9:1, Ecc 9:2; Isa 57:1, Isa 57:2; Rom 11:33

Megiddo : Megiddo, called Μαγδολον , Magdolum , by Herodotus, was situated in the tribe of Manasseh, west of Jordan, in the valley of Jezreel, and not far fron Hadad-Rimmon, or Maximianopolis. This shews that Josiah reigned over the country formerly possessed by the ten tribes; and it is also probable, that Nechoh had landed his troops at or near Cesarea of Palestine. 2Ki 9:27; Jos 17:11; Jdg 1:27, Jdg 5:19; 1Ki 4:12; Zec 12:11, Megiddon, Rev 16:16, Armageddon

he had seen him : 2Ki 14:8, 2Ki 14:11

TSK: 2Ki 23:30 - servants // the people

servants : 2Ki 9:28; 1Ki 22:33-38; 2Ch 35:24

the people : 2Ki 14:21, 2Ki 21:24; 2Ch 36:1, 2Ch 36:2-4

TSK: 2Ki 23:31 - Jehoahaz // Hamutal

Jehoahaz : 1Ch 3:15; Jer 22:11, Shallum

Hamutal : 2Ki 24:18

TSK: 2Ki 23:32

2Ki 21:2-7, 2Ki 21:21, 2Ki 21:22

TSK: 2Ki 23:33 - put him // Riblah // Hamath // that he might not reign // put

put him : 2Ch 36:3, 2Ch 36:4; Eze 19:3, Eze 19:4

Riblah : Theodoret (in Jer. 46), expressly affirms that Riblah or Reblatha was in his time called Emesa. Κωμη δε εστιν η Ρεβλαθα της νυν καλουμενης Εμεσης . Emesa was a city of Syria, situated on the Orontes, and, according to the Antonine Itinerary , 18 miles from Laodicea ad Libanum. It is now called Homs, or Hems, about eight hours, or twenty-four miles se of Hamah or Hamath, in the road to Damascus. The present town only occupies about one quarter of the space contained within the ancient walls, which apparently date from the time of the Saracens. Here is nothing remarkable, except a Roman sepulchre, and a large castle in ruins. 2Ki 25:6; Num 34:11; Jer 39:5, Jer 39:6, Jer 52:9, Jer 52:10, Jer 52:26, Jer 52:27

Hamath : Num 13:21; 1Ki 8:65

that he might not reign : or, because he reigned

put : etc. Heb. set a mulct upon the land. 2Ki 18:14; Exo 21:22; 2Ch 36:3; Pro 19:19

TSK: 2Ki 23:34 - Eliakim // the son // turned // Jehoiakim // he came

Eliakim : Jos 18:18; 2Ch 36:3, 2Ch 36:4

the son : 1Ch 3:15

turned : 2Ki 24:17; Gen 41:45; Dan 1:7

Jehoiakim : ""Called Jakim, Mat 1:11."

he came : Jer 22:11, Jer 22:12; Eze 19:3, Eze 19:4

TSK: 2Ki 23:35 - the silver // taxed

the silver : 2Ki 23:33

taxed : 2Ki 15:19, 2Ki 15:20

TSK: 2Ki 23:36 - Jehoiakim // Rumah

am 3394-3405, bc 610-599

Jehoiakim : 1Ch 3:15; 2Ch 36:5; Jer 1:3

Rumah : Josephus here reads Abuma; but he also speaks of Ruma, a village of Galilee.

TSK: 2Ki 23:37 - he did // all that

he did : Jer 22:13-17, Jer 26:20-23, Jer 36:23-26, Jer 36:31; Eze 19:5-9

all that : 2Ch 28:22-25, 2Ch 33:4-10, 2Ch 33:22, 2Ch 33:23

Tafsiran/Catatan -- Catatan Kata/Frasa (per Ayat)

Poole: 2Ki 23:15 - The altar that was at Beth-el // Question // Answer // The high place

The altar that was at Beth-el

Question. How could he rightly do this, seeing Beth-el was a part of the kingdom of Israel, not of Judah?

Answer. Either, first, This city was now under the kingdom of Judah, to which it was added by Abijah long since, 2Ch 13:19 . Or, secondly, He did this by virtue of that ancient right which David and his posterity had to the kingdom of Israel, which though suspended for a time by God’ s grant of the ten tribes to Jeroboam, and the succeeding kings of Israel; yet these being all extinct, it might seem to return to him, at least so far as to pluck up idolatry out of the land of Israel, as he had opportunity, and especially out of those parts of it which bordered upon Judah. Or, thirdly, The king of Babylon having engaged in a war with the Assyrian, Hezekiah’ s great enemy, and having thereupon occasion for Hezekiah’ s friendship, did (as some suppose) enlarge his dominion, and give him some power over the kingdom of Israel, at least as to matters of religion; which may seem not improbable from 2Ch 30:1-6 . And the same power seems to have been continued, and some kind of league made, between the king of Babylon and Manasseh, (who thereupon was restored to his kingdom, 2Ch 33:13 ) and after him Josiah, who therefore was so zealous in his quarrel against the king of Egypt, 2Ch 35:20 , &c. Or, fourthly, He did it in pursuance of God’ s prediction concerning this action, 1Ki 13:2 , which (in a matter so good, and so agreeable to God’ s will and word, as the extirpation of idolatry unquestionably was) had the force of a warrant or command upon him to do it, as God’ s prediction of the conversion of the Gentiles by the Messias was a command to his apostles to preach to them, Act 13:47 .

The high place which seems to have been some little temple or house erected for that worship, or for the priests attending upon it.

Poole: 2Ki 23:16 - As Josiah turned himself

As Josiah turned himself: Josiah’ s care and zeal was so great, that he would not trust his officers with these things, but would see them done with his own eyes. Which the man of God proclaimed three hundred years before it was done.

Poole: 2Ki 23:17 - What title is that that I see?

What title is that that I see? It was the manner then, as now it is, to set up little pillars or stones by or upon the graves of the higher sort of men, upon which the name of the person, and some remarkable passages relating to him, were engraven.

Poole: 2Ki 23:18 - Samaria

Which were now mixed together.

Samaria the place of his birth or former abode, though now he were in Beth-el, 1Ki 13:11 .

Poole: 2Ki 23:19

By what authority he did this, See Poole "2Ki 23:15" .

Poole: 2Ki 23:20 - The priests of the high places // That were there upon the altars

The priests of the high places either,

1. The priests which Jeroboam had made of the meanest of the people, whom he slew, both for their presumptuous usurpation of that sacred office, which of itself was punishable with death by God’ s law, Num 3:10 , and for their idolatry. Or rather,

2. The priests of Baalim; by comparing this verse with the former, where speaking of the same high places, he doth not say, which Jeroboam made, as is usual when he speaks of the high places of the calves; but, which the other kings of Israel made , who were divers of them worshippers of Baal; and by considering the parallel place, 2Ch 34:4 , where it is said, they brake down the altars of Baalim , &c. By this relation it appears, and from the nature of the thing, and common practice in like cases, it is more than probable, that after the departure of the king of Assyria, divers of the Israelites who had retired to other parts, and kept themselves out of the conqueror’ s hands, returned together with their priests to their own land, and to their old trade of worshipping idols; to whom, peradventure, they ascribed this their deliverance from that judgment which Jehovah had brought upon them.

That were there upon the altars according to that famous prophecy, 1Ki 13:1,2 .

Poole: 2Ki 23:21 - Keep the passover // In this book of the covenant

Keep the passover: having abolished false worship, he now endeavours to set up the true worship of the true God.

In this book of the covenant in this book which I have found; wherein is contained the covenant made between God and Israel, and the terms of it.

Poole: 2Ki 23:22 - Such a passover // From the days of the judges

Such a passover i.e. celebrated with such solemn care, and great preparation, and numerous sacrifices. 2Ch 35:7-9 , and universal joy of all good men; which was much the greater, because of their remembrance of the former wicked and miserable times under Manasseh and Amon; and the good hopes they now had of the happy establishment of their nation, and the true religion; and of the prevention of God’ s judgments denounced against them.

From the days of the judges or, from the days of Samuel, the last of the judges, as it is expressed, 2Ch 35:8 . None of the kings had taken such care to prepare themselves, the priests, and people, and accurately to observe all the rites, and diligently to purge out all uncleanness, and to renew their covenant with God, so solemnly as Josiah now did.

Poole: 2Ki 23:24 - The wizards // The images, and the idols // That were spied

The wizards of which see on Lev 19:31 20:27 Num 22:5 Deu 18:11 .

The images, and the idols and all the abominations; three words noting the same thing, to show that till the instruments and monuments of idolatry were destroyed, as God had commanded.

That were spied i.e. all that were discovered; not only such as were in the place and state of worship, but such as their priests or zealots had removed, and endeavoured to hide and secure.

Poole: 2Ki 23:25 - Like unto him there was no king before him

Like unto him there was no king before him to wit, for his diligent study in God’ s law, and his exact care, and unwearied industry, and fervent zeal, in rooting out of idolaters, and all kinds and appearances of idolatry, not only in Judah, but in Israel also; and in the establishment of the true religion in all his dominions, and in the conforming of his own life, and his people’ s too, (as far as he could,) to the holy law of God; though Hezekiah might excel him in some other particulars; of whom therefore the like is said above, 2Ki 18:5 .

Poole: 2Ki 23:26 - The Lord turned not from the fierceness of his great, wrath // Because of all the provocations that Manasseh had provoked him withal

The Lord turned not from the fierceness of his great, wrath because though the king was most hearty in his repentance, and acceptable to God, as we said before, and therefore the judgment was delayed for his time; yet the people were generally corrupt, and secretly averse from Josiah’ s pious and excellent reformation, and inclined to their old lusts and idols; as appears from the complaints of the prophets, especially Jeremiah and Zephaniah, against them; and by the following history, wherein we see that as soon as ever Josiah was gone, his children, and the princes, and the people suddenly and greedily returned to their former abominations.

Because of all the provocations that Manasseh had provoked him withal: the sins of Manasseh, and of the men of his generation, who complied and concurred with him in his idolatrous and cruel practices, 2Ki 24:3,4 , are justly punished in this generation; partly, because of God’ s sovereign right of punishing sinners (such as these unquestionably were) when and upon what occasion he sees fit; partly, because of that public warning and declaration of God, that he would visit the iniquity of the fathers upon the children; and principally, because these men had never sincerely repented of their own nor of their fathers’ sins, but their hearts still hankered after them; which, though not yet seen by men, was manifest to God, who therefore pronounced this terrible sentence against them.

Poole: 2Ki 23:27

To wit, upon the conditions in sundry places expressed, which they broke, and therefore God justly made them to know his breach of promise, as he threatens, Num 14:34 .

Poole: 2Ki 23:29 - Pharaoh-nechoh // Josiah went against him

Pharaoh-nechoh called Necos by Herodotus, who makes mention of this fight; wherein, as he saith, Necos conquered the Syrians in Magdalo . The king of Assyria , i.e. the king of Babylon, who having formerly rebelled against the Assyrian his lord, had now conquered him; as appears by the course of the sacred, and the concurrence of profane history; and therefore is here and elsewhere called the Assyrian , and the king of Assyria , because now he was the head of that empire. To the river Euphrates , i.e. against Carchemish by Euphrates , as it is expressed, 2Ch 35:20 , which the Assyrian had taken from the Syrians, Isa 10:9 , Pharaoh’ s confederates, who therefore sendeth forces against the Assyrian, that he might both help them, and secure himself.

Josiah went against him either to defend his own country from Pharaoh’ s incursions; or to assist the king of Babylon, with whom he seems to have been in league, as was noted before. He slew him , i.e. gave him his death’ s wound there, though he died not till he came to Jerusalem, 2Ch 35:23,24 . When he had seen him , i.e. when he fought with him, or in the first onset. Thus fighting is called a looking in the face , 2Ki 14:8 .

Poole: 2Ki 23:30 - Dead // Jehoahaz the son of Josiah // Anointed him

Dead i.e. mortally wounded, as in the former verse; and as we commonly say of a sick man past hopes of recovery, that he is a dead man: compare Gen 20:3 .

Jehoahaz the son of Josiah who was younger than Jehoiakim, by comparing 2Ki 23:31 with 2Ki 23:36 , yet preferred by the people before the elder brother; either because Jehoiakim refused the kingdom for fear of Pharaoh, whom he knew he should hereby provoke; or because Jehoahaz was the more stout and warlike prince; whence he is called a lion, Eze 19:3 , though indeed he showed his courage more against his people than his enemies; but they judged that he was most able and willing to defend them against the conquering army.

Anointed him as they used to do in such extraordinary cases, because this was a troublesome time, and he was not the right heir to the crown, and therefore needed this solemn rite of confirmation, which Solomon had in the same circumstances.

Poole: 2Ki 23:32

i.e. His grandparents, Manasseh and Amon. He restored that idolatry which his father had destroyed, partly to gratify the generality of the people, who had made him king, and who were inclined to their old superstitions even in Josiah’ s time, as was observed before, though restrained from the outward acts by fear; and partly to sweeten the king of Egypt, who possibly was a zealous idolater, by his compliance with him in the worship of idols.

Poole: 2Ki 23:33 - Pharaoh-nechoh put him in bands // Riblah // That he might not reign // in the beginning of his reign // A tribute

Pharaoh-nechoh put him in bands either because he presumed to take the kingdom without his leave and consent; or because he renewed the war against Pharaoh, as some affirm, and by him was conquered and taken prisoner.

Riblah an eminent city in Syria; of which see Num 34:11 2Ki 25:6 ; where Pharaoh now was to finish or make good his conquests, whither Jehoahaz was carried to receive his sentence.

That he might not reign or, because he had reigned , i.e. taken the kingdom without right, and without his leave. Or, according to the other reading,

in the beginning of his reign the word reigning being commonly used for beginning to reign ; when he was scarce warm in his throne.

A tribute to wit, a yearly tribute, whereby they should acknowledge him to be their superior; and for which he would be their protector when they needed his help.

Poole: 2Ki 23:34 - Eliakim the son of Josiah // Turned his name to Jehoiakim // Took Jehoahaz away

Eliakim the son of Josiah whom he perceived to be of a more mild and peaceable disposition.

Turned his name to Jehoiakim because the giving of names was accounted an act and sign of dominion; which therefore parents did to their children, and conquerors to their vassals or tributaries. Compare 2Ki 24:17 Dan 1:7 .

Took Jehoahaz away partly as a punishment for him, and partly that he might give no disturbance to his brother.

Poole: 2Ki 23:36 - When he began to reign

When he began to reign either,

1. When he began to reign alone, and with full power, or after Jehoahaz’ s death; till which the people would not disown him whom they had anointed king, which was esteemed a great tie, 2Sa 19:10 ; nor own or accept Jehoiakim as their king, but only as his brother’ s viceroy, though Pharaoh had by violence forced him upon them. And so Jehoahaz might be his elder brother, and the same who is called Johanan , and is first mentioned, as the eldest son, 1Ch 3:15 , though he may be placed first not in regard of his birth, but of his dignity, the crown being first put upon his head. Or,

2. When he was first set up by Pharaoh; and so this was the elder brother, though by popular violence put by his right: See Poole "2Ki 23:30" .

Poole: 2Ki 23:37

By idolatry, the oppression of his people, and the persecution of the prophets, and other good men, Jer 26:21 Eze 19:5-7 .

Haydock: 2Ki 23:15 - Bethel

Bethel had perhaps fallen into the hands of Juda, after the Israelites had been led away. (Calmet) ---

Josias exercised the like authority throughout all Samaria, (ver. 19.) as the country properly belonged to the house of David, and was God's peculiar inheritance. (Haydock) ---

We may, therefore conclude that He authorized Josias to act in this manner; and the new inhabitants had no interest in maintaining the superstition of those who had lived there before them. The priest sent by Asarhaddon, had taken up his residence at Bethel; whence it is inferred that the town, at that time, was in the hands of the Samaritans, (Calmet) as it might be still, though Josias might exercise dominion in it as lord paramount. (Haydock)

Haydock: 2Ki 23:16 - Spoke

Spoke. Septuagint subjoin some words, which seem to be lost in the original: ["when Jeroboam was standing, on the festival day, upon the altar. And turning, he lifted up his eyes towards the tomb of the man of God,] who spoke these words." (Haydock) ---

"The copies, from which this version was made, read differently from the modern copies," and often better. (Kennicott, diss. ii. p. 335.)

Haydock: 2Ki 23:17 - Monument // Thou

Monument. Hebrew tsiun, "an eminence" of "dry" earth, (Ezechiel xxxix. 15.) heaped upon a corpse; whence the Latin tumulus. (Servius) (Calmet) ---

It seems some inscription was still to be seen on the tomb. (Menochius) ---

Thou, &c. Septuagint, "which he proclaimed against the altar." (Haydock)

Haydock: 2Ki 23:18 - Samaria

Samaria. It seems this word has been inserted instead of Juda, as it is certain the prophet came thence, ver. 17., and 3 Kings xiii. 32. (Calmet) ---

But thus both prophets would be identified. It would rather appear that the seducing prophet, who resided at Bethel, is here said to have come out of Samaria, though that place was not raised to the dignity of a royal city (Haydock) till 50 years afterwards. (Calmet) ---

There might be a town there long before; and, at any rate, he belonged to the kingdom to Jeroboam, or of Samaria. (Haydock) ---

His faith in the prophet's prediction was, perhaps, thus rewarded, (Menochius) as his bones were left unmolested, on account of their being buried in the same sepulchre with the man of God. (Haydock)

Haydock: 2Ki 23:21 - Covenant

Covenant, in Deuteronomy, chap. xxii. 8. (Menochius)

Haydock: 2Ki 23:22 - No such

No such, is all respects. (Haydock) ---

The number of paschal lambs was certainly greater when all Israel was assembled; but the other victims presented by the king and his officers during the octave is here noticed, (2 Paralipomenon xxxv. 7.; Menochius) as they are also styled the Phase; (Haydock) and this explains John xviii. 28. (Tirinus) ---

Neither ought we to push these expressions too far, as they only mean, that this solemnity was very great. See ver. 25., and chap. xviii. 5. (Calmet)

Haydock: 2Ki 23:24 - Spirits // Idols // Uncleannesses

Spirits. Literally, "the pythons," Deuteronomy xviii. 11., and Numbers xxii. 5. ---

Idols. Hebrew Teraphim; Protestants, "images," Genesis xxi. 19. ---

Uncleannesses. Hebrew, &c., "idols."

Haydock: 2Ki 23:25 - Like him

Like him. Every person has some peculiarity, which distinguishes him from every other. (Haydock) ---

Thus we say of many saints: There was none found like unto him, Ecclesiasticus xliv. 20. (Tirinus)

Haydock: 2Ki 23:26 - Had provoked him

Had provoked him. The impiety of this king must have been extreme, since his repentance did not avert the scourge. (Haydock) ---

Besides, many of the people were corrupt at heart, though they were afraid of shewing it, as we learn from the prophets Jeremias and Sophonias. God therefore withdrew the good Josias, who was their bulwark, that they might feel the effects of his just indignation.

Haydock: 2Ki 23:29 - Nechao // Meet him // Seen him

Nechao, six years (Usher, the year of the world 3394.) after he had succeeded his father Psammetichus, with whose ambitious views hew as animated to attempt the conquest of Asia. (Marsham sæc. 18.) Pharao pretends that God had sent him to attack the Assyrians, 2 Paralipomenon xxxv. 21. But Josias thought he was only imposing on him, or speaking through fear. The Jews assert that Jeremias also opposed the king's design, 3 Esdras i. 28. (St. Jerome, ad Ctesip.) But this does not appear from the canonical Scripture. (Calmet) ---

Meet him, in order to hinder him from passing through his dominions without leave; as this might prove dangerous. (Haydock) ---

Seen him, and fought. (Menochius) ---

He received a mortal wound at Mageddo, but did at Jerusalem, 2 Paralipomenon xxxv. 23. (Josephus, [Antiquities?] x. 6.) ---

Mageddo lay to the south of Cison, where Barak had fought before, Judges v. 19. Herodotus (ii. 159.) says, that Nechos gained a victory over the Syrians at Magdolum, and took Cadytis, which is probably Cades, a strong city of Galilee, though some take it to be Jerusalem, as it may be interpreted "the holy city." (Calmet) ---

Mageddo is called Magdala in the Greek, and Magedan in other copies, and in the Vulgate, Matthew xv. 39.

Haydock: 2Ki 23:30 - Sepulchre

Sepulchre. Paralipomenon xxxv., in the monument (or mausoleum) of his fathers. Such was the end of Josias: he fell gloriously in defence of his country, as he had spent his life in promoting religion. God therefore withdrew him from the sight of the miseries which were shortly to fall on his devoted people, chap. xxii. 20. (Haydock) ---

He was a prince of most excellent disposition, and receives the highest encomium, ver. 25., and Ecclesiasticus xlix. 1. Jeremias composed his funeral canticle, which was sung on his anniversary for many years, 2 Paralipomenon xxxv. 24. The mourning for this pious king became proverbial, and resembled that which should be made for the Messias, Zacharias xii. 11. The life and death of Josias prefigured those of Jesus Christ; who should be long expected as the restorer of the true religion, the teacher of a more excellent law, and the most innocent victim for the sins of the people. The glorious Phase under Josias, was but a faint representation of the eucharistic sacrifice. (Calmet)

Haydock: 2Ki 23:31 - Old

Old. Eliacim his brother was 25. (Haydock) ---

Perhaps Joachaz was esteemed more by the people, as fitter to defend them against the king of Egypt, who had proceeded on his journey to attack Charchamis on the Euphrates. (Calmet) ---

Having placed a garrison in it, he was met by Joachaz, and gained a victory over him at Rebla, (Haydock) as Sanctius gathers from Ezechiel xix. 4. Hence he treated the captive king with such severity, and sent him into Egypt to die in chains, Jeremias xxii. 11. Joachaz is called Sellum (in Jeremias) and Jechonias, 3 Esdras i. 34. (Calemt) ---

He was a lion only against his own subjects. (Tirinus)

Haydock: 2Ki 23:33 - Rebla

Rebla. Syriac and Arabic, "Deblat;" probably (Calmet) Apamea on the Orontes. (Chaldean, on Numbers xxxiv. 11.)

Haydock: 2Ki 23:34 - Joakim

Joakim. Thus he asserted his dominion over him, as Nabuchodonosor did afterwards over Matthanias, chap. xxiv. 17., and Daniel i. 6. (Calmet) ---

Eliacim means nearly the same as Joakim, "the Lord's strength," or "appointment." (Menochius)

Haydock: 2Ki 23:36 - Old

Old, of course Josias had him at 15. Some suspect we ought to read 15 here. (Du Hamel)

Haydock: 2Ki 23:37 - Fathers

Fathers, or ancestors, not his immediate father Josias, ver. 32. (Haydock) ---

Joakim chose to imitate the wicked, and was not deterred by the chastisement of his brother. (Calmet) ---

His character was marked with avarice and cruelty. He slew the prophet Urias, Jeremias xxii. 13., and xxvi 23. (Haydock) ---

St. Matthew (i. 11.) calls him Jechonias, (Menochius) 1 Paralipomenon iii. 15.

Gill: 2Ki 23:15 - Moreover, the altar that was at Bethel, and the high place which Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin, had made. // both that altar, and the high place, he brake down // and burnt the high place, and stamped it small to powder // and burnt the grove

Moreover, the altar that was at Bethel, and the high place which Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin, had made. For the worship of the calf there:

both that altar, and the high place, he brake down; according to an ancient prophecy of the man of God, 1Ki 13:3 and of Amos in later times, Amo 9:1.

and burnt the high place, and stamped it small to powder; that there might be no remains of it:

and burnt the grove; either the grove of trees on it, or the idol that was in it.

Gill: 2Ki 23:16 - And as Josiah turned himself // he spied the sepulchres that were there in the mount // and sent and took the bones out of the sepulchres, and burnt them upon the altar // and polluted it // according to the word of the Lord which the man of God proclaimed, who proclaimed these words

And as Josiah turned himself,.... From the high place, and the altar at Bethel; for he not only gave orders for the destroying of idolatrous places and idols, but he saw them executed himself:

he spied the sepulchres that were there in the mount; the graves of idolatrous priests and worshippers, who chose to be buried near those places of idolatry; nor was it unusual for persons to be buried on hills and mountains, see Jos 24:30 and this was a custom in other nations formerly ^t, particularly among the Indians ^u now, who in many things agree with the Jews:

and sent and took the bones out of the sepulchres, and burnt them upon the altar; where they had sacrificed to idols:

and polluted it; with their bones, which, according to the law, were defiling, and which was done in contempt of their idolatrous worship there:

according to the word of the Lord which the man of God proclaimed, who proclaimed these words; or things; foretold that such a king by name would arise, and burn men's bones upon the altar, and which had been foretold more than three hundred and fifty years before this time.

Gill: 2Ki 23:17 - Then he said, what title is that that I see // and the men of the city told him, it is the sepulchre of the man of God, which came from Judah, and proclaimed these things that thou hast done against the altar of Bethel

Then he said, what title is that that I see?.... A high and large monument over a grave, with an inscription on it, more remarkable than any of the rest, which made Josiah take notice of it; and the Jews have a tradition, as Kimchi observes, that on one side of the grave grew nettles and thistles, and on the other side odoriferous herbs; which is not to be depended on; but what he further observes may be right, that the old prophet, as he gave orders to his sons to lay his body in the same grave with the man of God, believing his words would be fulfilled, so he likewise gave orders to have a distinguished monument or pillar erected over the grave; and which people in later times took care to support, in memory of the man of God, that thereby it might be known; by which means not only the bones of the man of God were preserved from being burnt, but those of the old prophet also, buried with him:

and the men of the city told him, it is the sepulchre of the man of God, which came from Judah, and proclaimed these things that thou hast done against the altar of Bethel; see 1Ki 13:1.

Gill: 2Ki 23:18 - And he said, let him alone, let no man move his bones // so they let his bones alone, with the bones of the prophet that came out of Samaria

And he said, let him alone, let no man move his bones,.... Not take them out of the grave, as they had done the rest:

so they let his bones alone, with the bones of the prophet that came out of Samaria; the old prophet, whereby his end was answered in being buried with him, 1Ki 13:31.

Gill: 2Ki 23:19 - And all the houses also of the high places // that were in the cities of Samaria, which the kings of Israel had made to provoke the Lord to anger, Josiah took away // and did to them according to all the acts that he had done in Bethel

And all the houses also of the high places,.... The temples of the idols there, and the houses for the priests to dwell in:

that were in the cities of Samaria, which the kings of Israel had made to provoke the Lord to anger, Josiah took away; particularly in the cities of Manasseh, Ephraim, and Simeon, unto Naphtali, 2Ch 34:6 the Israelites that remained there acknowledging Josiah as their king; and perhaps, after the defeat of Sennacherib, many of the cities of Israel might put themselves under the protection of Hezekiah, and especially upon the destruction of the Assyrian empire; and Manasseh, with his liberty, might have his kingdom enlarged by the king of Babylon; and which being continued and increased in the times of Josiah, might be the reason of his opposing the king of Egypt in favour of the king of Babylon:

and did to them according to all the acts that he had done in Bethel; defiled them, and broke down the altars in them.

Gill: 2Ki 23:20 - And he slew all the priests of the high places that were there // upon the altars // and burnt men's bones upon them // and returned to Jerusalem

And he slew all the priests of the high places that were there,.... The idolatrous priests who sacrificed to Baal, and other Heathen deities; for as for others that burnt incense in high places, yet to the true God, those he spared, though they were not suffered to officiate at the altar of God: the others he slew

upon the altars; where they sacrificed:

and burnt men's bones upon them: the bones of the priests, and worshippers of idols, as he had done at Bethel:

and returned to Jerusalem; after he had gone through the land, both of Judah and Israel, and abolished idolatrous worship everywhere.

Gill: 2Ki 23:21 - And the king commanded all the people // keep the passover unto the Lord your God, as it is written in this book of the covenant

And the king commanded all the people,.... Not at Jerusalem only, but throughout the whole kingdom: saying:

keep the passover unto the Lord your God, as it is written in this book of the covenant; which had been lately found and read, and they had agreed to observe, and in which this ordinance was strictly enjoined, and was a commemoration of their deliverance out of Egypt, and a direction of their faith to the Messiah, the antitype of the passover.

Gill: 2Ki 23:22 - Surely there was not holden such a passover from the days of the judges that judged Israel // nor in all the days of the kings of Israel, nor of the kings of Judah

Surely there was not holden such a passover from the days of the judges that judged Israel,.... As the king commanded; the people obeyed and kept the passover, according to the law of the Lord; the manner of its being kept is not here recorded, but is at large in 2Ch 35:1 where it is observed there had not been such an one from the days of Samuel, the last of the judges; so that the days of the judges here mean the last days of them:

nor in all the days of the kings of Israel, nor of the kings of Judah; since the division of the kingdoms; for as for the kings of Israel, they kept it not; and though it was observed in the times of Hezekiah king of Judah, yet not universally, and by some in their uncleanness; for it is a mistake of Clemens of Alexandria ^w, that it was not kept in the times between Samuel and Josiah; in the days of David and Solomon it might be kept by greater numbers, but not with such purity, and with such cheerfulness and joy of heart, or with so many other sacrifices attending it, or so exactly agreeable to the law of God, and with such munificence and liberality; the king, and the chief of the priests and Levites, providing out of their own substance for the people and their brethren.

Gill: 2Ki 23:23 - But in the eighteenth year of king Josiah, wherein this passover was holden to the Lord in Jerusalem.

But in the eighteenth year of king Josiah, wherein this passover was holden to the Lord in Jerusalem. This shows that Josiah must begin the reformation very early that year, since he did all that is before recorded in this and the preceding chapter by the fourteenth of Nisan, the day on which the passover was kept, which month answers to part of our March and part of April, see 2Ki 22:3 and was the same year the repairs of the temple were finished.

Gill: 2Ki 23:24 - Moreover, the workers with familiar spirits, and the wizards // and the images; or teraphim: and the idols, and all the abominations // that were spied in the land of Judah, and in Jerusalem, did Josiah put away // that he might perform the words of the law, which were written in the book that Hilkiah the priest found in the house of the Lord

Moreover, the workers with familiar spirits, and the wizards,.... Who were not to be allowed among the Israelites, Deu 18:10.

and the images; or teraphim: and the idols, and all the abominations; which were worshipped by the Heathens, and introduced among the Jews, and forbidden by the word of God:

that were spied in the land of Judah, and in Jerusalem, did Josiah put away; for which, it seems, diligent search was made, and wherever they were discovered were removed:

that he might perform the words of the law, which were written in the book that Hilkiah the priest found in the house of the Lord; both with respect to witchcraft and idolatry, see Lev 20:27.

Gill: 2Ki 23:25 - And like unto him was there no king before him // that turned to the Lord with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might // according to all the law of Moses // neither after him arose there any like him

And like unto him was there no king before him,.... The same is said of Hezekiah, 2Ki 18:5, Hezekiah might excel him in some things, as Josiah might excel Hezekiah in others:

that turned to the Lord with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might; with such sincerity, heartiness, zeal, and constancy:

according to all the law of Moses; having respect to every commandment, especially relative to worship, with the greatest precision and exactness:

neither after him arose there any like him; for all to the captivity were wicked princes.

Gill: 2Ki 23:26 - Notwithstanding, the Lord turned not from the fierceness of his great wrath, wherewith his anger was kindled against Judah // because of all the provocations that Manasseh had provoked him withal

Notwithstanding, the Lord turned not from the fierceness of his great wrath, wherewith his anger was kindled against Judah,.... Notwithstanding the great reformation wrought among them; for though Josiah was a sincere reformer, and did what he did heartily, as to the Lord, according to his will, and for his glory; yet the people were not sincere in their compliance, they turned to the Lord not with their whole heart, but feignedly, Jer 3:10.

because of all the provocations that Manasseh had provoked him withal; by shedding innocent blood and committing idolatry, which the people consented to and approved of, and even now privately committed idolatry, as the prophecies of Jeremiah and Zephaniah show; and it may easily be concluded that their hearts were after their idols, by their openly returning to them in the days of the sons of Josiah.

Gill: 2Ki 23:27 - And the Lord said, I will remove Judah also out of my sight, as I have removed Israel. // and will cast off this city Jerusalem which I have chosen // and the house of which I said, my name shall be there

And the Lord said, I will remove Judah also out of my sight, as I have removed Israel. Not from his all seeing eye, but from being the object of his special care and protection; the meaning is, that he would suffer them to he carried out of their land into captivity as Israel was; this he had said in his heart, was determined upon; the decree was gone forth, and it was irrevocable:

and will cast off this city Jerusalem which I have chosen: for the place of his worship, the people having forsaken his worship there, and followed after idols:

and the house of which I said, my name shall be there; the temple, called after his name, and where his name was to be, and had been, called upon.

Gill: 2Ki 23:28 - Now the rest of the acts of Josiah, and all that he did // are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah

Now the rest of the acts of Josiah, and all that he did,.... For abolishing idolatry, and restoring the true worship of God:

are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? and also of Israel, in which an account was kept of the transactions of their reign; many other of the acts of Josiah are recorded in the canonical book of Chronicles, 2Ch 34:1.

Gill: 2Ki 23:29 - In his days Pharaohnechoh king of Egypt // that he went up against the king of Assyria to the river Euphrates // and King Josiah went against him // and he slew him at Megiddo, when he had seen him

In his days Pharaohnechoh king of Egypt,.... Who is called in the Targum Pharaoh the lame, because he was lame in his feet, perhaps gouty; Herodotus ^x also calls him Necos the son of Psammiticus; now it was in the last days of Josiah this king reigned in Egypt, or however that the following event was:

that he went up against the king of Assyria to the river Euphrates; to Carchemish, a city situated upon it; see 2Ch 35:26, the king he went against was the king of Babylon, who had conquered the Assyrian monarchy, and therefore called king of it; some take him to be Nabopolassar; according to Marsham ^y, he was Chyniladanus:

and King Josiah went against him; to stop him, that he might not pass through his country, and attack the king of Babylon, whose ally, perhaps, Josiah was; or, however, thought himself obliged to him by the privileges, power, and authority he allowed him to exercise in the land of Israel:

and he slew him at Megiddo, when he had seen him; as soon as they came face to face, and engaged in battle, see 2Ki 14:8 that is Pharaoh slew Josiah at the first onset. Megiddo was a city in the tribe of Manasseh, Jos 17:11. Herodotus ^z calls it Magdolus, which seems to be a city on the borders of Egypt, the same with Migdol, Jer 44:1 where he says Pharoahnechoh conquered the Syrians; in Josephus ^a it is called Mendes very wrongly. Josiah seems to have engaged in this action without consulting the Lord and his prophets.

Gill: 2Ki 23:30 - And his servants carried him in a chariot dead from Megiddo // and brought him to Jerusalem // and buried him in his own sepulchre // and the people of the land took Jehoahaz the son of Josiah, and anointed him, and made him king in his father's stead

And his servants carried him in a chariot dead from Megiddo,.... They took him out of the chariot in which he was wounded, and put him into another, where he died of his wounds by the way; being mortally wounded, he is said to be dead, or a dead man, see 2Ch 35:24.

and brought him to Jerusalem; which, according to Bunting ^b, was forty four miles from Megiddo:

and buried him in his own sepulchre; which either he had provided for himself in his lifetime, or which in common belonged to the kings of Judah, see 2Ch 35:24.

and the people of the land took Jehoahaz the son of Josiah, and anointed him, and made him king in his father's stead; though he was not the eldest son, Jehoiakim, who was afterwards placed in his room, being two years older, as appears from 2Ki 23:31 and this is the reason, as the Jewish commentators in general agree, that he was anointed; which they say was never done to the son of a king, unless there was a competitor, or some objection to, or dispute about, the succession, as in the case of Solomon and others.

Gill: 2Ki 23:31 - Jehoahaz was twenty three years old when he began to reign // and he reigned three months in Jerusalem // and his mother's name was Hamutal, the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah

Jehoahaz was twenty three years old when he began to reign,.... Who seems to be the same with Shallum, Jer 22:11.

and he reigned three months in Jerusalem; a short reign, being deposed by the king of Egypt, as after related:

and his mother's name was Hamutal, the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah; a city in the tribe of Judah, Jos 10:29.

Gill: 2Ki 23:32 - And he did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord // according to all that his fathers had done

And he did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord,.... Committed idolatry:

according to all that his fathers had done; his grand father and great grandfather, Amon and Manasseh; so soon after Josiah's death was the revolt to idolatry.

Gill: 2Ki 23:33 - And Pharaohnechoh put him in bands at Riblah in the land of Hamath // that he might not reign in Jerusalem // and put the land to a tribute of one hundred talents of silver, and a talent of gold

And Pharaohnechoh put him in bands at Riblah in the land of Hamath,.... Places in Syria; Hamath was formerly a kingdom in Syria, and Riblah is said by Jerom ^c to be Antioch of Syria, near to which was the fountain of Daphne; and in the Targums of Jonathan and Jerusalem on Num 34:11. Daphne is put for Riblah; and Josephus ^d says Antioch was by Daphne of Syria; and in the Apocrypha:"Which when Onias knew of a surety, he reproved him, and withdrew himself into a sanctuary at Daphne, that lieth by Antiochia.'' (2 Maccabees 4:33)Daphne is said to be by Antioch; with which place Pompey was greatly delighted, because of the pleasantness of it, and the abundance of waters about it ^e: hither, it is probable, Jehoahaz went with an army to avenge his father's death on the king of Egypt, or to assist the king of Babylon, or both; and here Pharaoh met with him, and took him, and bound him; he seems to be of a martial spirit, from Eze 19:3.

that he might not reign in Jerusalem; whither afterwards the king of Egypt came, and took it; and so Herodotus ^f says that after he had conquered the Syrians at Migdol, he took Cadytis, a great city of Syria, which seems to be Jerusalem, the holy city:

and put the land to a tribute of one hundred talents of silver, and a talent of gold; the land of Judah; and one hundred talents, according to Bunting ^g, amounted to 37,500 pounds of our money; and a talent of gold, according to Brerewood ^h, was 4,500 pounds; but Bishop Cumberland ⁱ makes it 5,067 pounds, three shillings, and ten pence; a talent of gold could not be so large in Homer's time, since he speaks of seven of them given at once in a way of hospitality ^k.

Gill: 2Ki 23:34 - And Pharaohnechoh made Eliakim the son of Josiah king in the room of Josiah his father // and turned his name to Jehoiakim // and took Jehoahaz away // and he came to Egypt, and died there

And Pharaohnechoh made Eliakim the son of Josiah king in the room of Josiah his father,.... Not in the room of Jehoahaz; for he did not allow him to be a king, and to have any lawful right to the throne; but, deposing him, set up his elder brother:

and turned his name to Jehoiakim; to show his subjection to him, and that he held his government by him:

and took Jehoahaz away: with him, from Jerusalem, when he departed thence:

and he came to Egypt, and died there: and never returned to Jerusalem, according to the prophecy of Jeremiah, Jer 22:11.

Gill: 2Ki 23:35 - And Jehoiakim gave the silver and gold to Pharaoh // but he taxed the land to give the money according to the commandment of Pharaoh // he exacted the silver and gold of the people of the land // of everyone according to his taxation, to give it unto Pharaohnechoh

And Jehoiakim gave the silver and gold to Pharaoh,.... The one hundred talents of silver and the talent of gold, which he imposed as a tribute upon the land:

but he taxed the land to give the money according to the commandment of Pharaoh; he did not take it out of his own treasures nor the treasures of the house of the Lord, which perhaps might be exhausted, but levied it of the people of the land:

he exacted the silver and gold of the people of the land, required them to pay it in:

of everyone according to his taxation, to give it unto Pharaohnechoh: everyone was taxed according to his abilities, in proportion to what he was worth, or to the estate he was possessed of.

Gill: 2Ki 23:36 - Jehoiakim was twenty and five years old when he began to reign // and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem; and therefore must die at the age of thirty and six // and his mother's name was Zebudah, the daughter of Pedaiah of Rumah

Jehoiakim was twenty and five years old when he began to reign,.... And therefore must be two years older than his brother Jehoahaz, who was deposed:

and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem; and therefore must die at the age of thirty and six:

and his mother's name was Zebudah, the daughter of Pedaiah of Rumah; which Josephus ^l calls Abuma; but he speaks of a village in Galilee called Ruma ^m; but whether the same with this is not certain.

Gill: 2Ki 23:37 - And he did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his fathers had done.

And he did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his fathers had done. Amon and Manasseh; see 2Ki 23:32.