2 Kings 23:16-18

(16-18) These verses are supposed by Stähelin to be a fictitious addition of the compiler’s. Thenius does not go so far as this, but assumes that the proper sequel of 1 Kings 13:1, has been transferred to this place. He argues that it must be an interpolation here, because (1) the “moreover” of 2 Kings 23:15 (wěgam) corresponds to the “and... also” (wěgam) of 2 Kings 23:19, which does not prove much; and because (2) Josiah could not pollute the altar (2 Kings 23:16) after he had already shattered it in pieces (2 Kings 23:15). This reasoning is not conclusive, because it is obvious that, as is so often the case, the writer has first told in brief what was done to the altar and high place at Bethel, and then related at length an interesting incident that occurred at the time. In short, the statement of 2 Kings 23:15 is anticipatory.