2Kings:22

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* Verse 1-10 - The different event of Josiah 's early succession from that of Manasseh , must be ascribed to the distinguishing grace of God ; yet probably the persons that trained him up were instruments in producing this difference . His character was most excellent . Had the people joined in the reformation as heartily as he persevered in it , blessed effects would have followed . But they were wicked , and had become fools in idolatry . We do not obtain full knowledge of the state of Judah from the historical records , unless we refer to the writings of the prophets who lived at the time . In repairing the temple , the book of the law was found , and brought to the king . It seems , this book of the law was lost and missing ; carelessly mislaid and neglected , as some throw their Bibles into corners , or maliciously concealed by some of the idolaters . God 's care of the Bible plainly shows his interest in it . Whether this was the only copy in being or not , the things contained in it were new , both to the king and to the high priest . No summaries , extracts , or collections out of the Bible , can convey and preserve the knowledge of God and his will , like the Bible itself . It was no marvel that the people were so corrupt , when the book of the law was so scarce ; they that corrupted them , no doubt , used arts to get that book out of their hands . The abundance of Bibles we possess aggravates our national sins ; for what greater contempt of God can we show , than to refuse to read his word when put into our hands , or , reading it , not to believe and obey it ? By the holy law is the knowledge of sin , and by the blessed gospel is the knowledge of salvation . When the former is understood in its strictness and excellence , the sinner begins to inquire , What must I do to be saved ? And the ministers of the gospel point out to him Jesus Christ , as the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth . * Verse 11-20 - The book of the law is read before the king . Those best honour their Bibles , who study them ; daily feed on that bread , and walk by that light . Convictions of sin and wrath should put us upon this inquiry , What shall we do to be saved ? Also , what we may expect , and must provide for . Those who are truly apprehensive of the weight of God 's wrath , cannot but be very anxious how they may be saved . Huldah let Josiah know what judgments God had in store for Judah and Jerusalem . The generality of the people were hardened , and their hearts unhumbled , but Josiah 's heart was tender . This is tenderness of heart , and thus he humbled himself before the Lord . Those who most fear God 's wrath , are least likely to feel it . Though Josiah was mortally wounded in battle , yet he died in peace with God , and went to glory . Whatever such persons suffer or witness , they are gathered to the grave in peace , and shall enter into the rest which remaineth for the people of God . Henry ' _2__23 **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary **** _

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