208
The mo st effectual mode of desecration would be by the bones of dead men (comp. Numbers 19:16). For
the fulfillment of this prediction, see 2 Kings 23:16.
209
We would put the words in 1 Kings 13:2, "Josiah by name," within hyphens, thus: " - Josiah by name - ,"
as not those of the original prophecy, but of the writer of the Book of Kings, being added for the purpose of
pointing to the fulfillment of that prediction. Our reasons for this view are: 1. That there is a similar, and in
that case, unquestionable, exp lanatory addition by the writer in ver. 32, where the "cities of Samaria" are
mentioned (see our note below); 2. That prophecy never deals in details; 3. That the present would be the
only exception to this rule. For, the mention of Cyrus by name in Isaiah 44:28; 45:1, affords no parallel
instance, since Cyrus, or Coresh, means "Sun," and may be regarded as the designation (appellation) of the
Persian kings, which Cyrus afterwards made his own name (like Augustus Caesar). Keil, indeed, argues that
Josiah wa s also an appellative title, meaning "Jehovah supports him" - but this explanation seems, to say
the least, strained. There is no need to suppose that, contrary to the universal canon of prophecy, a
prediction would give a name 300 years before the time. Of course, fully believing, as we do, in the reality of
prophecy, we admit that this would be quite possible; but on the grounds mentioned, and on others which
will readily suggest themselves, it seems so unlikely, that we have adopted a view, supported, if not
suggested, by the reference to Samaria in ver. 35. True and reverent faith in Divine revelation will make us
only the more careful in our study of its exact meaning.
210
1 Kings 13:3 reads: "This is the portent (marvelous sign) that Jehovah hath spoken" (not "which Jehovah
hath spoken," as in our Authorized Version).
211
The Hebrew word means a marvelous sign.
212
In contradistinction to Jehovah, which added the idea of the covenant to that of power.
213
I prefer this to the view that Jeroboam's conduct was merely prompted by the wish to nullify the effect
upon the people. Such a motive seems, psychologically, unlikely in the circumstances.
214
The general explanation, that this was added, in order that it should not be known what route he took, so
that he might be fetched back, needs no refutation.
215
See the remarks further on.
216
In the second clause of ver. 11 the singular is used, "his son," not as in our Authorized Version, "sons."
The plural which follows shows, however, that several sons were present, though one was the spokesman.
From the presence of the "old prophet" in Bethel, and that of Ahijah in Shiloh, we infer that, if there was a
migration of pious laity into the territory of Rehoboam -which, however, is not expressly stated in 2
Chronicles 11:16 -it must have been that of a minority.
217
This disposes of the argument quoted in the previous page as to the reason why the "man of God" was
to return by another road.
218
So literally.
219
So literally.
220
The sepulchers in Palestine were not like ours, but generally rockhewn, and consisted of an ante-chamber
and an inner cave in which the bodies were deposited in niches, the entrance to the sepulcher being
guarded by a stone. For details, comp. Sketches of Jewish Social Life in the Days of Christ,p. 171.