Also in the third year of his reign he sent to his princes, even to Benhail, and to Obadiah, and to Zechariah, and to Nethaneel, and to Michaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah.
Also in the third year of his reign he sent ... to teach in the cities of Judah. It does not appear that the ordinary work of teaching devolved on the priests. Their proper duty was to attend to the performance of the holy rites; besides which, from their sacred character recommending them as suitable arbiters and peacemakers, they were entrusted with the decision of controversies (Deuteronomy 17:8-11; Deuteronomy 21:5; Ezekiel 44:24), and the legal treatment of leprosy and divorce cases, (Leviticus 10:11; Deuteronomy 33:10; Malachi 2:7: cf., Michaelis, 'Commentary on the Laws of Moses,' article 52:)
But they were conjoined along with extraordinary commissioners, who were appointed probably to ascertain whether the work had been done or neglected. This deputation of five princes, assisted by two priests and nine Levites, was to make a circuit of the towns in Judah; and it is the first practical measure we read, of as being adopted by any of the kings for the religious instruction of the people. Time and unbroken opportunities were afforded for carrying fully out this excellent plan of home education, because the kingdom enjoyed internal tranquillity as well as freedom from foreign wars. It is conformable to the pious style of the sacred historian to trace this profound peace to the 'fear of the Lord having fallen on all kingdoms of the lands that were round about Judah.'