What method did Josiah adopt to bring the people acquainted with the contents of the sacred Volume?
What did he do to engage both himself and his subjects in a thorough reformation, and what was the first step? v. 3, 4.
What did he do with the idolatrous priests, the groves, and the houses of the Sodomites?
For what had the valley of Topheth been distinguished, and from what did it derive its name? N.B. Topheth signifies a drum, and was applied to this place because it was with this and other sounding instruments that they used to drown the cries of little children, whom they here made to pass between two rows of burning fires from which few escaped alive.
What allusion is elsewhere made to this act? Jer. 7. 30-32.
What abomination was stationed at the entrance of the Temple which he had removed? v. 11.
Would it not seem incredible that such enormous wickedness could have been perpetrated in the very precincts of God's house?
What did he do with Jeroboam's altar and high place at Bethel, and what remarkable circumstances are mentioned in connection with it? v. 15—18.
To what other parts of the country did the king extend the reformation?
To what did he next lead the attention of the people, and by what was this followed up? v. 21—24.
What high commendation is bestowed upon Josiah, and what is nevertheless said respecting the effect of former transgressions? N.B. It should appear surprising, as no doubt it does, that such a promising reformation should be so soon followed by the destruction of the nation, we can only conclude that the mass of the people were not really sincere and cordial in the work—that they entered into it hypocritically—and did still in fact retain in great measure, their affection for their idols.
What was finally the end of pious Josiah, and what impression did it make on the nation? 2 Chron.35. 25.
What other circumstances are related of this affair in Chronicles?
Did the manner of his death contradict the previous promise of God that he should come to his death in peace? N.B. He no doubt died in peace with God and with his own conscience, and found the sting of death taken away; yet, as it does not appear that he had any distinct call of Providence to engage in this war, it is probable he was removed in this manner as a rebuke for his ill-advised rashness.
Who succeeded Josiah, and what shortly after happened to him?
What is said of him and his brother by Ezekiel? Ezek. 19.1—9.
To what was the land subjected, and what arrangement did the Egyptian king make in the government?
How did he obtain the means of paying the tribute, and what was the general character of his reign?
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