Verse 26. - Goodness; Hebrew text, kindnesses. According to that... written in the Law. This sentence pictures Josiah a careful, loving student of the Word, to the end that he might become a "doer" of it.
35:20-27 The Scripture does not condemn Josiah's conduct in opposing Pharaoh. Yet Josiah seems to deserve blame for not inquiring of the Lord after he was warned; his death might be a rebuke for his rashness, but it was a judgment on a hypocritical and wicked people. He that lives a life of repentance, faith, and obedience, cannot be affected by the sudden manner in which he is removed. The people lamented him. Many mourn over sufferings, who will not forsake the sins that caused God to send them. Yet this alone can turn away judgments. If we blame Josiah's conduct, we should be watchful, lest we be cut down in a way dishonourable to our profession.
According to that . . . the Lord.--Said of no king besides.
The book . . . and Judah.--2 Kings 23:28, "the Book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah."