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The memory of Josiah is like the composition of incense prepared by the work of the perfumer. It will be sweet as honey in every mouth, and like music at a banquet of wine.
Verse 1. Perfumer. The Scripture reproaches this king alone with no fault. Calmet.
He did what was right in the reforming of the people, and took away the abominations of iniquity.
He set his heart right toward the Lord. In lawless days, he made godliness prevail.
Verse 3. Directed. Greek “prosperous in converting the people.” 4 Kennicott. 22 and 2 Chronicles 24. Bible.—He began when he was only eight years old: but set to work more effectually ten years afterwards. The prophets complain of the disorders which prevailed before that period. Calmet.
Except David, Hezekiah, and Josiah, all were wicked, because they abandoned the law of the Most High. The kings of Judah came to an end.
Verse 4. Sinners. Or “sins,” when iniquity was become fashionable. He consulted no false policy, ( Bible.) but boldly exerted himself in God’s service, and even invited the Israelites out of his dominions to come and celebrate the passover. 2 Chronicles 34:6. Calmet.—They belonged, in effect to him, as the twelve tribes were all promised to David’s family, and the kingdom of Jeroboam was only a rebellion. Calmet. 47:23. Bible.
They gave their power to others, and their glory to a foreign nation.
Verse 5. Sin. The two former effaced their sins by repentance, and never tolerated idolatry, which even Josaphat and Asa did, (3 Kennicott. 22:43. and so forth Calmet.) not destroying the high places. Many others yielded not to idol worship. Worthington.
They set the chosen city of the sanctuary on fire and made her streets desolate, as it was written by the hand of Jeremiah.
Verse 6. Despised. Greek “they failed,” and lost the crown.
For they mistreated him; yet he was sanctified in the womb to be a prophet, to root out, to afflict, to destroy and likewise to build and to plant.
Verse 7. They gave. Achaz called in to his assistance the king of Assyria, who afterwards claimed the kingdom as tributary to him, 4 Kennicott. 18:7. 14. Greek “He (God. Calmet. Alex. copy has They) gave their horn,” and so forth Bible.
Ezekiel saw the vision of glory, which God showed him on the chariot of the cherubim.
Verse 8. Holiness. Jerusalem, which was styled holy, in the sicles of Simon.—Desolate. No one came to the festivals. Lamentations 1:4.
For truly he remembered the enemies in rainstorm, and to do good to those who directed their ways aright.
Verse 9. Renew. To foretell the destruction and establishment of kingdoms. Jeremiah 1:5, 10.
Also of the twelve prophets, may their bones flourish again out of their place. He comforted the people of Jacob, and delivered them by confident hope.
Verse 10. Cherubims. Ezekiel 1:4 and 8:1 and 10:1.
The remainder of this line is omitted by the best authorities.
How shall we magnify Zerubbabel? He was like a signet ring on the right hand.
Verse 11. Rain. Denoting great misery. Ezekiel 13:11 and 38:22. Calmet.—And of. Lit. “to do good,” ( Bible.) or to announce the liberation of the penitent captives. Ezekiel 18:21 and 23:16. and so forth
So was Jesus the son of Josedek, who in their days built the house, and exalted a people holy to the Lord, prepared for everlasting glory.
Verse 12. Place. Calmet. 45:15. The Pharisees adorned the tombs of the prophets. Matthew 23:29. Daniel is not mentioned among them, because he lived at court.
Some ancient authorities read temple.
Also of Nehemiah the memory is great. He raised up for us fallen walls, set up the gates and bars, and rebuilt our houses.
Verse 13. Hand. Most precious. Jeremiah 22:24. Song of Songs 8:6.
No man was created upon the earth like Enoch, for he was taken up from the earth.
Verse 14. Josedec. He was a noble figure of Christ, and helped build the temple. Agg. i. 2. and ii. 3. Zechariah 3:1 and 6:11.
Nor was there a man born like Joseph, a leader of his kindred, a supporter of the people. Even his bones were cared for.
Verse 15. Houses. He laboured much for the people’s welfare. 2 Ezra 5.
Shem and Seth were honored among men, but above every living thing in the creation was Adam.
Verse 16. Henoch. Before the deluge. Menochius.—He stood up for the Lord, amid the most corrupt people, and was translated. Calmet. 44:16. He and Joseph have many advantages over the rest. Calmet.