II Kings 23
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Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Josiah reads in the temple to the elders of Judah, the priests, the prophets, and the people, the book of the covenant which had been found, Kg2 23:1, Kg2 23:2. He makes a covenant, and the people stand to it, Kg2 23:3. He destroys the vessels of Baal and Asherah, and puts down the idolatrous priests; breaks down the houses of the sodomites, and the high places; defiles Topheth; takes away the horses of the sun; destroys the altars of Ahaz; breaks in pieces the images; and breaks down and burns Jeroboam's altar at Beth-el, Kg2 23:4-15. Fulfills the word of the prophet, who cried against the altar at Beth-el, Kg2 23:16-18. Destroys the high places in Samaria, slays the idolatrous priests, and celebrates a great passover, Kg2 23:19-23; and puts away all the dealers with familiar spirits, etc., Kg2 23:24. His eminent character; he is mortally wounded at Megiddo, and buried at Jerusalem, Kg2 23:25-30. Jehoahaz reigns in his stead, and does evil in the sight of the Lord, Kg2 23:31, Kg2 23:32. Is dethroned by Pharaoh-nechoh; and Eliakim, his brother, called also Jehoiakim, made king in his stead; the land is laid under tribute by the king of Egypt, and Jehoiakim reigns wickedly, Kg2 23:33-37.
Open source ↗JOSIAH CAUSES THE LAW TO BE READ. (Kg2 23:1-3) the king sent, and they gathered unto him all the elders--This pious and patriotic king, not content with the promise of his own security, felt, after Huldah's response, an increased desire to avert the threatened calamities from his kingdom and people. Knowing the richness of the divine clemency and grace to the penitent, he convened the elders of the people, and placing himself at their head, accompanied by the collective body of the inhabitants, went in solemn procession to the temple, where he ordered the book of the law to be read to the assembled audience, and covenanted, with the unanimous concurrence of his subjects, to adhere steadfastly to all the commandments of the Lord. It was an occasion of solemn interest, closely connected with a great national crisis, and the beautiful example of piety in the highest quarter would exert a salutary influence over all classes of the people in animating their devotions and encouraging their return to the faith of their fathers.
Open source ↗And the king sent, and they gathered unto him all the elders of Judah and of Jerusalem. Josiah sent messengers throughout the land, and convened all the principal men in it at Jerusalem. And the king sent, and they gathered unto him all the elders of Judah and of Jerusalem. Josiah sent messengers throughout the land, and convened all the principal men in it at Jerusalem. 2 Kings 23:2 kg2 23:2 kg2 23:2 kg2 23:2And the king went up into the house of the Lord,.... To the temple, from his palace: and all the men of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem with him: they met him there: and the priests, and the prophets; the prophets Jeremiah, Zephaniah, and Uriah, who, though they might not be at Jerusalem when the book of the law was found, yet, upon this message of the king's, might come up thither from the countries where they were; the Targum interprets the word "scribes": and some take them to be the sons of the prophets, their disciples; in Ch2 34:30 they are called Levites: and all the people, both small and great; a very numerous assembly: and he read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant which was found in the house of the Lord: that is, he caused it to be read by others, and perhaps by more than one, the congregation being so large.
Open source ↗Instead of resting content with the fact that he was promised deliverance from the approaching judgment, Josiah did everything that was in his power to lead the whole nation to true conversion to the Lord, and thereby avert as far as possible the threatened curse of rejection, since the Lord in His word had promised forgiveness and mercy to the penitent. He therefore gathered together the elders of the nation, and went with them, with the priests and prophets and the assembled people, into the temple, and there had the book of the law read to those who were assembled, and concluded a covenant with the Lord, into which the people also entered. After this he had all the remnants of idolatry eradicated, not only in Jerusalem and Judah, but also in Bethel and the other cities of Samaria, and directed the people to strengthen themselves in their covenant fidelity towards the Lord by the celebration of a solemn passover. Kg2 23:1-2 Reading of the law in the temple, and renewal of the covenant (cf. Ch2 34:29-32). Beside the priests, Josiah also gathered together the prophets, including perhaps Jeremiah and Zedekiah, that he might carry out the solemn conclusion of the covenant with their co-operation, and, as is evident from Jer 1-11, that they might then undertake the task, by their impressive preaching in Jerusalem and the cities of Judah, of making the people conscious of the earnestness of the covenant duties which they had so recently undertaken (see Oehler in Herzog's Cycl.). Instead of the prophets, the Levites are mentioned in the Chronicles, probably only because the Levites are mentioned along with the priests in other cases of a similar kind. ויּקרא, he read, i.e., had it read; for the duty of reading the law in the temple devolved upon the priests as the keepers of…
Open source ↗Josiah had received a message from God that there was no preventing the ruin of Jerusalem, but that he should deliver only his own soul; yet he did not therefore sit down in despair, and resolve to do nothing for his country because he could not do all he would. No, he would do his duty, and then leave the event to God. A public reformation was the thing resolved on; if any thing could prevent the threatened ruin it must be that; and here we have the preparations for that reformation. 1. He summoned a general assembly of the states, the elders, the magistrates or representatives of Judah and Jerusalem, to meet him in the house of the Lord, with the priests and prophets, the ordinary and extraordinary ministers, that, they all joining in it, it might become a national act and so be the more likely to prevent national judgments; they were all called to attend (Kg2 23:1, Kg2 23:2), that the business might be done with the more solemnity, that they might all advise and assist in it, and that those who were against it might be discouraged from making any opposition. Parliaments are no diminution at all to the honour and power of good princes, but a great support to them. 2. Instead of making a speech to this convention, he ordered the book of the law to be read to them; nay, it should seem, he read it himself (Kg2 23:2), as one much affected with it and desirous that they should be so too. Josiah thinks it not below him to be a reader, any more than Solomon did to be a preacher, nay, and David himself to be a door-keeper in the house of God. Besides the convention of the great men, he had a congregation of the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to hear the law read. It is really the interest of princes to promote the knowledge of the scriptures in their dominions.…
Open source ↗23:1-2 In the spirit of the instructions of Deuteronomy (Deut 31:10-13) and like Joshua before him (Josh 8:34-35), Josiah summoned . . . all the people to hear the reading of the entire Book of the Covenant.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
מֶלֶךְ (melek, H4428) — a king שָׁלַח (shâlach, H7971) — to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications) אָסַף (ʼâçaph, H622) — to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e. remove (destroy, leave… זָקֵן (zâqên, H2205) — old יְהוּדָה (Yᵉhûwdâh, H3063) — Jehudah (or Judah), the name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the… יְרוּשָׁלַ͏ִם (Yᵉrûwshâlaim, H3389) — Jerushalaim or Jerushalem, the capital city of Palestine
Open source ↗מֶלֶךְ (melek, H4428) — a king עָלָה (ʻâlâh, H5927) — to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of… בַּיִת (bayith, H1004) — a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.) יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God אִישׁ (ʼîysh, H376) — a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term… יְהוּדָה (Yᵉhûwdâh, H3063) — Jehudah (or Judah), the name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the… יָשַׁב (yâshab, H3427) — properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to… יְרוּשָׁלַ͏ִם (Yᵉrûwshâlaim, H3389) — Jerushalaim or Jerushalem, the capital city of Palestine כֹּהֵן (kôhên, H3548) — literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a… נָבִיא (nâbîyʼ, H5030) — a prophet or (generally) inspired man עַם (ʻam, H5971) — a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence… קָטָן (qâṭân, H6996) — abbreviated, i.e. diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in… גָּדוֹל (gâdôwl, H1419) — great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent קָרָא (qârâʼ, H7121) — to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of…
Open source ↗מֶלֶךְ (melek, H4428) — a king עָמַד (ʻâmad, H5975) — to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive) עַמּוּד (ʻammûwd, H5982) — a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e. platform כָּרַת (kârath, H3772) — to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to… בְּרִית (bᵉrîyth, H1285) — a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh) פָּנִים (pânîym, H6440) — the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and… יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God יָלַךְ (yâlak, H3212) — to walk (literally or figuratively); causatively, to carry (in various senses) אַחַר (ʼachar, H310) — properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various… שָׁמַר (shâmar, H8104) — properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to,… מִצְוָה (mitsvâh, H4687) — a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the Law) עֵדוּת (ʻêdûwth, H5715) — testimony חֻקָּה (chuqqâh, H2708) — {an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)} לֵב (lêb, H3820) — the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the…
Open source ↗מֶלֶךְ (melek, H4428) — a king צָוָה (tsâvâh, H6680) — (intensively) to constitute, enjoin חִלְקִיָּה (Chilqîyâh, H2518) — Chilhijah, the name of eight Israelites גָּדוֹל (gâdôwl, H1419) — great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent כֹּהֵן (kôhên, H3548) — literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a… מִשְׁנֶה (mishneh, H4932) — properly, a repetition, i.e. a duplicate (copy of a document), or a double (in amount);… שָׁמַר (shâmar, H8104) — properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to,… סַף (çaph, H5592) — a vestibule (as a limit); also a dish (for holding blood or wine) יָצָא (yâtsâʼ, H3318) — to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and… הֵיכָל (hêykâl, H1964) — a large public building, such as a palace or temple יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God כְּלִי (kᵉlîy, H3627) — something prepared, i.e. any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon) עָשָׂה (ʻâsâh, H6213) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application בַּעַל (Baʻal, H1168) — Baal, a Phoenician deity
Open source ↗שָׁבַת (shâbath, H7673) — to repose, i.e. desist from exertion; used in many implied relations (causative,… כָּמָר (kâmâr, H3649) — properly, an ascetic (as if shrunk with self-maceration), i.e. an idolatrous priest (only… מֶלֶךְ (melek, H4428) — a king יְהוּדָה (Yᵉhûwdâh, H3063) — Jehudah (or Judah), the name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the… נָתַן (nâthan, H5414) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.) קָטַר (qâṭar, H6999) — to smoke, i.e. turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship) בָּמָה (bâmâh, H1116) — an elevation עִיר (ʻîyr, H5892) — a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere… מֵסַב (mêçab, H4524) — a divan (as enclosing the room); abstractly (adverbial) around יְרוּשָׁלַ͏ִם (Yᵉrûwshâlaim, H3389) — Jerushalaim or Jerushalem, the capital city of Palestine בַּעַל (Baʻal, H1168) — Baal, a Phoenician deity שֶׁמֶשׁ (shemesh, H8121) — the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e. (architectural) a notched… יָרֵחַ (yârêach, H3394) — the moon מַזָּלָה (mazzâlâh, H4208) — a constellation, i.e. Zodiacal sign (perhaps as affecting the weather)
Open source ↗יָצָא (yâtsâʼ, H3318) — to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and… אֲשֵׁרָה (ʼăshêrâh, H842) — Asherah (or Astarte) a Phoenician goddess; also an image of the same בַּיִת (bayith, H1004) — a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.) יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God חוּץ (chûwts, H2351) — properly, separate by awall, i.e. outside, outdoors יְרוּשָׁלַ͏ִם (Yᵉrûwshâlaim, H3389) — Jerushalaim or Jerushalem, the capital city of Palestine נַחַל (nachal, H5158) — a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a… קִדְרוֹן (Qidrôwn, H6939) — Kidron, a brook near Jerusalem שָׂרַף (sâraph, H8313) — to be (causatively, set) on fire דָּקַק (dâqaq, H1854) — to crush (or intransitively) crumble עָפָר (ʻâphâr, H6083) — dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud שָׁלַךְ (shâlak, H7993) — to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively) קֶבֶר (qeber, H6913) — a sepulchre בֵּן (bên, H1121) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative…
Open source ↗נָתַץ (nâthats, H5422) — to tear down בַּיִת (bayith, H1004) — a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.) קָדֵשׁ (qâdêsh, H6945) — a (quasi) sacred person, i.e. (technically) a (male) devotee (by prostitution) to… יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God אִשָּׁה (ʼishshâh, H802) — a woman אָרַג (ʼârag, H707) — to plait or weave אֲשֵׁרָה (ʼăshêrâh, H842) — Asherah (or Astarte) a Phoenician goddess; also an image of the same
Open source ↗בּוֹא (bôwʼ, H935) — to go or come (in a wide variety of applications) כֹּהֵן (kôhên, H3548) — literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a… עִיר (ʻîyr, H5892) — a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere… יְהוּדָה (Yᵉhûwdâh, H3063) — Jehudah (or Judah), the name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the… טָמֵא (ṭâmêʼ, H2930) — to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated) בָּמָה (bâmâh, H1116) — an elevation קָטַר (qâṭar, H6999) — to smoke, i.e. turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship) גֶּבַע (Gebaʻ, H1387) — Geba, a place in Palestine בְּאֵר שֶׁבַע (Bᵉʼêr Shebaʻ, H884) — Beer-Sheba, a place in Palestine נָתַץ (nâthats, H5422) — to tear down שַׁעַר (shaʻar, H8179) — an opening, i.e. door or gate פֶּתַח (pethach, H6607) — an opening (literally), i.e. door (gate) or entrance way יְהוֹשׁוּעַ (Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ, H3091) — Jehoshua (i.e. Joshua), the Jewish leader שַׂר (sar, H8269) — a head person (of any rank or class)
Open source ↗כֹּהֵן (kôhên, H3548) — literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a… בָּמָה (bâmâh, H1116) — an elevation עָלָה (ʻâlâh, H5927) — to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of… מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbêach, H4196) — an altar יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God יְרוּשָׁלַ͏ִם (Yᵉrûwshâlaim, H3389) — Jerushalaim or Jerushalem, the capital city of Palestine אָכַל (ʼâkal, H398) — to eat (literally or figuratively) מַצָּה (matstsâh, H4682) — properly, sweetness; concretely, sweet (i.e. not soured or bittered with yeast);… תָּוֶךְ (tâvek, H8432) — a bisection, i.e. (by implication) the centre אָח (ʼâch, H251) — a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or…
Open source ↗טָמֵא (ṭâmêʼ, H2930) — to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated) תֹּפֶת (Tôpheth, H8612) — Topheth, a place near Jerusalem גַּיְא (gayʼ, H1516) — a gorge (from its lofty sides; hence, narrow, but not a gully or winter-torrent) בֵּן (bên, H1121) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative… הִנֹּם (Hinnôm, H2011) — Hinnom, apparently a Jebusite אִישׁ (ʼîysh, H376) — a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term… בַּת (bath, H1323) — a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and… עָבַר (ʻâbar, H5674) — to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive,… אֵשׁ (ʼêsh, H784) — fire (literally or figuratively) מֹלֶךְ (Môlek, H4432) — Molek (i.e. king), the chief deity of the Ammonites
Open source ↗שָׁבַת (shâbath, H7673) — to repose, i.e. desist from exertion; used in many implied relations (causative,… סוּס (çûwç, H5483) — a horse (as leaping); also a swallow (from its rapid flight) מֶלֶךְ (melek, H4428) — a king יְהוּדָה (Yᵉhûwdâh, H3063) — Jehudah (or Judah), the name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the… נָתַן (nâthan, H5414) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.) שֶׁמֶשׁ (shemesh, H8121) — the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e. (architectural) a notched… בּוֹא (bôwʼ, H935) — to go or come (in a wide variety of applications) בַּיִת (bayith, H1004) — a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.) יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God לִשְׁכָּה (lishkâh, H3957) — a room in a building (whether for storage, eating, or lodging) נְתַן־מֶלֶךְ (Nᵉthan-Melek, H5419) — Nethan-Melek, an Israelite סָרִיס (çârîyç, H5631) — a eunuch; by implication, valet (especially of the female apartments), and thus, a… פַּרְבָּר (Parbâr, H6503) — Parbar or Parvar, a quarter of Jerusalem שָׂרַף (sâraph, H8313) — to be (causatively, set) on fire
Open source ↗מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbêach, H4196) — an altar גָּג (gâg, H1406) — a roof; by analogy, the top of an altar עֲלִיָּה (ʻălîyâh, H5944) — something lofty, i.e. a stair-way; also a second-story room (or even one on the roof);… אָחָז (ʼÂchâz, H271) — Achaz, the name of a Jewish king and of an Israelite מֶלֶךְ (melek, H4428) — a king יְהוּדָה (Yᵉhûwdâh, H3063) — Jehudah (or Judah), the name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the… עָשָׂה (ʻâsâh, H6213) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application מְנַשֶּׁה (Mᵉnashsheh, H4519) — Menashsheh, a grandson of Jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory שְׁנַיִם (shᵉnayim, H8147) — two; also (as ordinal) twofold חָצֵר (châtsêr, H2691) — a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls) בַּיִת (bayith, H1004) — a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.) יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God נָתַץ (nâthats, H5422) — to tear down רוּץ (rûwts, H7323) — to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush)
Open source ↗בָּמָה (bâmâh, H1116) — an elevation פָּנִים (pânîym, H6440) — the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and… יְרוּשָׁלַ͏ִם (Yᵉrûwshâlaim, H3389) — Jerushalaim or Jerushalem, the capital city of Palestine יָמִין (yâmîyn, H3225) — the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more… הַר (har, H2022) — a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively) מַשְׁחִית (mashchîyth, H4889) — destructive, i.e. (as noun) destruction, literally (specifically a snare) or figuratively… שְׁלֹמֹה (Shᵉlômôh, H8010) — Shelomah, David's successor מֶלֶךְ (melek, H4428) — a king יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisrâʼêl, H3478) — Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity בָּנָה (bânâh, H1129) — to build (literally and figuratively) עַשְׁתֹּרֶת (ʻAshtôreth, H6253) — Ashtoreth, the Phoenician goddess of love (and increase) שִׁקּוּץ (shiqqûwts, H8251) — disgusting, i.e. filthy; especially idolatrous or (concretely) an idol צִידֹנִי (Tsîydônîy, H6722) — a Tsidonian or inhabitant of Tsidon כְּמוֹשׁ (Kᵉmôwsh, H3645) — Kemosh, the god of the Moabites
Open source ↗שָׁבַר (shâbar, H7665) — to burst (literally or figuratively) מַצֵּבָה (matstsêbâh, H4676) — something stationed, i.e. a column or (memorial stone); by analogy, an idol כָּרַת (kârath, H3772) — to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to… אֲשֵׁרָה (ʼăshêrâh, H842) — Asherah (or Astarte) a Phoenician goddess; also an image of the same מָלֵא (mâlêʼ, H4390) — to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively) מָקוֹם (mâqôwm, H4725) — properly, a standing, i.e. a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific);… עֶצֶם (ʻetsem, H6106) — a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e. (as pron.)… אָדָם (ʼâdâm, H120) — ruddy i.e. a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
Open source ↗Cross-references
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Assemble before me all the elders of your tribes and all your officers so that I may speak these words in their hearing and call heaven and earth to witness against them.
For the king and his officials and the whole assembly in Jerusalem had decided to keep the Passover in the second month,
Early the next morning King Hezekiah gathered the city officials and went up to the house of the LORD.
David again assembled the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand in all.