The Levites . The parallel mentions "prophets" and omits "Levites," which latter our compiler is safe not to forget. When it is said in this verse, he read, the meaning, of course, is "the priests" read ( Deuteronomy 31:9 ). read more
The value of the Bible. I. THE BIBLE LOST . An unspeakable calamity. 1 . To literature. Remark on the indebtedness of modern literature to the Bible. 2 . To religion. Without the support and quickening derived from Scripture religion would speedily become languid. 3 . To morality. Contrast in respect of morality countries possessing and countries lacking the Bible. II. THE BIBLE FOUND . A great mercy. More to be prized than the discovery of gold-mines,... read more
The king stood in his place ; i.e. not simply]in his order, but upon his royal pedestal, or platform; possibly following a mere suggestion, originating with the word used in the parallel, "by his pillar" (so Revised Version). read more
Some think the text hero corrupt, both for the presence of the words, and in Benjamin , and the absence of the words, "in the covenant." Their case, however, is scarcely conclusive (see 2 Kings 23:3 ). read more
The parallel ( 2 Kings 23:4-20 ) gives some succinct account of Josiah's removal of abominations , here glanced at so briefly. read more
The writer has characteristically substituted “Levites” for the “prophets” of 2 Kings 23:2. No doubt Josiah was accompanied by priests, prophets, and Levites, but the writer of Kings thought it enough to mention the two former, and merged the Levites in the mass of the people. The writer of Chronicles, on the other hand, thinks the presence of Levites too important to he omitted, and as the prophets could be but few in number, passes them over. read more
And Benjamin - It is scarcely possible that the text here can be sound. “Benjamin” is never put in contrast with “Jerusalem,” but always with Judah. The reading may be corrected from the parallel passage 2 Kings 23:3; “And he caused all those that were present in Jerusalem to stand to the covenant.” read more
All his days they departed not - This must be understood in the letter rather than in the spirit. There was no open idolatry in the reign of Josiah, but the reformation was seeming rather than real, superficial rather than searching and complete (compare the marginal reference). read more
2 Chronicles 34:32-33. He caused all present to stand to it He caused them to engage by an oath or covenant, that they would observe the laws of God, as his predecessors had formerly done, and which indeed they were before obliged to do. The inhabitants of Jerusalem did according to the covenant, &c. They complied with God’s and the king’s command, as to the outward acts of God’s worship, though not with an upright and renewed heart, as appears by the history. To serve, even to serve... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Chronicles 34:29-33
Judah's last national covenant. I. THE CIRCUMSTANCES . 1 . The time. 2 . The place. II. THE PARTIES . 1 . The king. As was most appropriate, Josiah led the way. Though sovereigns have no right under the gospel to enforce religion on their subjects, they may nevertheless, by means of personal example, persuade their subjects to embrace religion. 2 . The elders. These were the heads of the houses, and therefore the representatives of the inhabitants... read more