Long after the time of Solomon, Josiah one day sent to inquire about some
repairs then being made at the Temple, when suddenly, "Hilkiah the high
priest said unto Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in
the house of the Lord." And he gave the book to Shaphan.
"And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the book... he
rent his clothes." And he was greatly alarmed for fear of the wrath of the
Lord, because their fathers had not hearkened unto the words of this book;
as indeed it was impossible they should, since they knew nothing about it.
So, to find out what was best to be done, he sent Hilkiah and others to
Huldah the prophetess, who told them that the wrath of the Lord was indeed
kindled, and he would bring evil unto the land; but, because Josiah's
heart had been tender, and he had humbled himself, and rent his clothes,
and wept when he had heard what was spoken, he should be gathered into his
grave in peace, and his eyes should not see the evil. [Footnote: 2 _Kings_
xxii.]
Such is an example of the process whereby a compilation of canonical
statutes is brought into practical operation by adroitly working upon the
superstitions fears of the civil magistrate; at an earlier period the
priests administer justice in person.
Eli judged Israel forty years, and Samuel went on circuit all the days of
his life; "and he went from year to year in circuit to Bethel, and Gilgal,
and Mizpeh, and judged Israel in all those places.
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