2 Kings 22

2 Kings 22:1

WAs eight yeers old when he began to reign] 2 Chro. 34. 1.

his mothers] See the notes on 1 Kings 15:10.

of Besath] A city in the tribe of Judah, Joshua 15:39.

2 Kings 22:2

right hand] Gods law is the onely way wherein men ought to walk: all aberrations are in their excesse to the right hand, or in defect to the left hand: both which Josiah carefully avoided. The metaphor is taken from travellers, Numbers 20:17. 1 Samuel 6:11. The strict circumspection comprised under it, is oft commanded, Deuteronomy 5:32. Joshua 1:7.

2 Kings 22:3

eighteenth yeer] Of his reign, 2 Chron. 34. 8.

srite] See the notes on 1 Kings 4:3.

2 Kings 22:4

sum the silver] Take up all, and tell it. See a like charge, chap. 12. 5, &c.

keepers of the door] Heb. threshold. These were Levites, 2 Chron. 8. 14. and 34. 9.

2 Kings 22:5

that have the oversight] These also were Levites, and named 2 Chron. 34. 12.

2 Kings 22:6

carpenters, &c.] Under these three heads are comprised all manner of artificers, whose work was requisite for repairing the temple. See chap. 12. 11, 12.

2 Kings 22:7

with them] With those Levites which had the oversight, v. 3. See the notes on chap. 12. v. 15.

faithfully] Heb. in truth, or, faith.

2 Kings 22:8

the bk] The originall copy which Moses wrote (2 Chron. 34. 14.) and caused to be put by the side of the ark, Deuteronomy 31. 26. which by the disorder in Manassehs and Ammons time might be laid aside.

2 Kings 22:9

Thy servants] Hikiah, and I.

gathered] Heb. melted.

2 Kings 22:10

a book] Even that very book of the law which is mentioned, v. 8. 2 Chron. 34. 18.

read it] By the kings appointment.

2 Kings 22:11

rent] See the notes on chap. 18. 37.

2 Kings 22:12

Achbor] Called also Abdon the son of Micah, 2 Chron. 34. 20.

a servant] A courtier, alwayes at his hand, as Matthew 8:9.

2 Kings 22:13

enquire] What judgement hangeth over our head, and when it is like to fall.

2 Kings 22:14

Hahas] Or, Hasiah, 2 Chron. 34. 22.

wardrole] Heb. garments. Holy vestments appertaining to the temple. See Nehe. 7. 72.

in the colledge] Or, in the second part.

colledge] See the notes on 1 Kings 18:4. and on 2 Kings 6:1. Some apply this word to the middle court, mentioned, chap. 20. 4. and render it as a reason why they went to her, because her habitation was so neer the king.

2 Kings 22:15

the man] The king who was but a man. She cals him king, v. 18.

2 Kings 22:16

the words] The judgements.

read] Heard read, v. 10, 18.

2 Kings 22:18

heard] Out of the book, v. 10.

2 Kings 22:19

tender] Soon moved at the hearing of judgement. A tender, or soft heart is opposed to an hard and obstinate heart.

a desolation] The land shall be emptied of all her inhabitants.

a curse] Shall lie under the curse, and vengeance of God.

heard] Observed and regarded.

2 Kings 22:20

thy grave] Or, thy graves. The word is of the plurall number, to set out a most fair and sumptuous grave; or else one of many graves: so 2 Chron. 16. 14. and 35. 23.

in peace] Before that desolation and curse fall on〈◊〉 in peace of conscience, in peace with God, yea, and in the peace of the land. The troubles of Israel followed after his death and his sudden and violent death brake not off his peace with God, for thereby he was taken from the evils to come, as Isai. 57. 1, 2.