23 and they fetched forth Uriah out of Egypt, and brought him to Jehoiakim the king, who killed him with the sword, and cast his dead body into the graves of the common people.
*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.
Out of Egypt - As Jehoiakim was a vassal of Egypt, he would easily obtain the surrender of a man accused of treason.
And they brought forth Urijah from Egypt, and brought him to Jehoiakim the king; who slew him with the sword, and (m) cast his dead body into the burial place of the common people.
(m) As in the first Hezekiah's example is to be followed, so in this other Jehoiakim's act it to be abhorred: for God's plague descended on him and his household.
And they fetched forth Urijah out of Egypt,.... Having found him, they seized him, and brought him away, with the leave of the king of Egypt: which, no doubt, was easily obtained:
and brought him to Jehoiakim the king, who slew him with the sword; very probably with his own hand; or however it was done by his order, and in his presence, most likely:
and cast his dead body into the graves of the common people; either where they were buried in heaps promiscuously, as some think; or in the common burying ground; and not where persons of distinction were laid, as prophets, and others (g); this he did to reflect dishonour upon the prophet.
(g) Vid. Nicolai de Sepulchris Hebrews. c. 3. p. 126.
graves of the common people--literally, "sons of the people" (compare 2-Kings 23:6). The prophets seem to have had a separate cemetery (Matthew 23:29). Urijah's corpse was denied this honor, in order that he should not be regarded as a true prophet.
Cast his body - Not in the sepulchers of the prophets, but amongst the vulgar people.
*More commentary available at chapter level.