John Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 23:16

A historical reference excerpt for this verse. Read it alongside the biblical text and other available sources.

Exposition of the Old and New Testament
John Gill (1697–1771) · 18th-century historical commentary
Source: BibleWord.ai's local reference edition of this named work.

And as Josiah turned himself, etc.] From the high place, and the altar at Bethel; for he not only gave orders for the destroying of idolatrous places and idols, but he saw them executed himself: he spied the sepulchres that were there in the mount; the graves of idolatrous priests and worshippers, who chose to be buried near those places of idolatry; nor was it unusual for persons to be buried on hills and mountains, (see <062430>Joshua 24:30,33) and this was a custom in other nations formerly f287, particularly among the Indians f288 now, who in many things agree with the Jews: and sent and took the bones out of the sepulchres, and burnt them upon the altar; where they had sacrificed to idols: and polluted it; with their bones, which, according to the law, were defiling, and which was done in contempt of their idolatrous worship there: according to the word of the Lord which the man of God proclaimed, who proclaimed these words; or things; foretold that such a king by name would arise, and burn men’s bones upon the altar, and which had been foretold more than three hundred and fifty years before this time.

Read 2 Kings 23:16 →Read the full chapter →Jamieson, Fausset & Brown →Barnes' Notes →Wesley's Explanatory Notes →Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge →

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