V.1-2 Having read the Word of God himself, the next important step was to have it read to all the people. It would not have been right just to tell the people about the Word. He wanted them to hear the words for themselves. That is why we say repeatedly that the purpose of these outlines is to encourage you to read the Word of God for yourself and have it affect you.
V.3 He doesn’t ask them to do what he was not doing himself. The italic letters, not in the original writings, give the impression that the people first made the promise. But it was really the king. Then the people agreed.
V.5 Then the religious evil had to be put away. Do you understand what this means in your life?
V.6-14 Does he say “oh, what is the harm in that?” or “everyone is doing it, so it might be all right?” No. He decided everything by what God’s Word said. Are we?
V.12 Notice the last word in verse 4 — Bethel (also in verses 15, 17). Now turn back to 1 Kings 12:26-29! This was hundreds of years before. (See Eccl. 3:1515That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past. (Ecclesiastes 3:15), last part). God doesn’t change. He had foretold 350 years before that “a child ... Josiah” would destroy the altar of Bethel (1 Kings 13:2). Not only is Josiah’s name in the Bible 350 years before he is born, but also that he would do this to the very same altar!