to set it forward] The same Hebrew word is used in 1 Chronicles xxiii. 4, and is there rendered “to oversee the work.” (Compare the margin.)
could skill] “Skill” is used as a verb also in ii. 7, 8. Skill of instruments = “play skilfully upon instruments.”
¹⁴And when they brought out the money that was brought into the house of the Lord, Hilkiah the priest found the book of the law of the Lord given by[¹] Moses.
[¹] Hebrew by the hand of.
14. This verse has no parallel in 2 Kings.
the book of the law] See the Additional Note at the end of the chapter, pp. [337] ff.
¹⁵And Hilkiah answered and said to Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the Lord. And Hilkiah delivered the book to Shaphan. ¹⁶And Shaphan carried the book to the king, and moreover brought the king word again, saying, All that was committed to thy servants, they do it. ¹⁷And they have emptied out[¹] the money that was found in the house of the Lord, and have delivered it into the hand of the overseers, and into the hand of the workmen.
[¹] Or, poured out.
15. answered and said] For the use of “answer” where no question had been asked compare xxix. 31, note.
¹⁸And Shaphan the scribe told the king, saying, Hilkiah the priest hath delivered me a book. And Shaphan read therein before the king.