Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 22 -23; 2 Chronicles 34-35
Josiah’s father, King Amon, had been assassinated for his plans to rise against the oppression of the Assyrian nation. The leaders of Judah then killed those who had conspired against and assassinated King Amon, making his eight year old son Josiah the next king.
Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years. He did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight and followed the example of his ancestor David. He did not turn away from doing what was right. – 2 Chronicles 34:1-2
WHAT LEGACY HAS GOD POSITIONED YOU FOR?
Can you imagine being king at only eight years of age? Although his father did what was evil in the eyes of the Lord, Josiah began to seek God at age 16. Four years later, Josiah began to purify the nation of idol worship, destroying the altars along with every idol, Asherah pole, and cast images. He scattered the broken pieces over the graves of those who had sacrificed to the false gods represented by these man-made items.
He led the nation to make repairs to the Temple. Using the money that had been collected by the priests, skilled laborers were hired to restore the Temple. In the process of this renovation, the scroll containing the Book of the Law of the Lord was found and brought to King Josiah.
When the king heard what was written in the Law, he tore his clothes in despair. Then he gave these orders to Hilkiah, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Acbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the court secretary, and Asaiah the king’s personal adviser: “Go to the Temple and speak to the Lord for me and for all the remnant of Israel and Judah. Inquire about the words written in the scroll that has been found. For the Lord’s great anger has been poured out on us because our ancestors have not obeyed the word of the Lord. We have not been doing everything this scroll says we must do.” – 2 Chronicles 34:19-21
When he read the Book of the Law and heard how God planned to punish His people for their idolatry and unfaithfulness, Josiah grieved the future of his nation. Josiah summoned all the elders and had the Book of the Covenant read aloud, calling the people of Judah to renew their covenant in the presence of God and bring back the celebration of Passover.
WHAT LEGACY HAS GOD POSITIONED YOU FOR?
Josiah held the highest seat of authority in the nation and what he is most known for is leading his country in repentance before God. He had been strategically positioned for such a time as this, and he used his leadership to bring glory to God. The prophet Huldah also used her position to carry out the work of the Lord. Her husband was the keeper of the Temple wardrobe, and the Lord had given her a message for this humble and repentant king:
“This is what the Lord says: I am going to bring disaster on this city and its people. All the words written in the scroll that the king of Judah has read will come true. For my people have abandoned me and offered sacrifices to pagan gods, and I am very angry with them for everything they have done. My anger will burn against this place, and it will not be quenched.” – 2 Kings 22:16-17
But to King Josiah, God had this message: “You were sorry and humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I said against this city and its people—that this land would be cursed and become desolate. You tore your clothing in despair and wept before me in repentance. And I have indeed heard you, says the Lord. So I will not send the promised disaster until after you have died and been buried in peace. You will not see the disaster I am going to bring on this city.” – 2 Kings 22:19-20
WHAT LEGACY HAS GOD POSITIONED YOU FOR?
Josiah called all the people together — from the greatest to the least. He himself read the entire Book of the Covenant aloud, then he took his place of authority beside the pillar and renewed the covenant in front of all the people and in the Lord’s presence. He promised to obey the Lord’s commands with all of his heart and soul, and he called on the people to do the same. And on that day, the people of Jerusalem renewed their covenant with the God who had provided for and protected their nation for generations, but who was now leading them through a season of punishment.
God saw the heart of Josiah — that he was genuinely repentant and uniquely humbled before the Lord. He was pleased with the way in which Josiah was diligent in destroying every last trace of idol worship in the nation of Judah, and in bringing His people back to their covenant relationship with God. Josiah was just 26 years old when he boldly did what no other king had ever done before.
The entire ceremony for the Lord’s Passover was completed that day. All the burnt offerings were sacrificed on the altar of the Lord, as King Josiah had commanded. All the Israelites present in Jerusalem celebrated Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread for seven days. Never since the time of the prophet Samuel had there been such a Passover. None of the kings of Israel had ever kept a Passover as Josiah did, involving all the priests and Levites, all the people of Jerusalem, and people from all over Judah and Israel. – 2 Chronicles 35:16-18
WHAT LEGACY HAS GOD POSITIONED YOU FOR?
What bold stance is He calling us to today? God, show us what it means to be truly repentant and genuinely humble before you. We long to be used by you to bring others back to a covenant relationship with you. May you be glorified in all that we say and do today. Amen.
Never before had there been a king like Josiah, who turned to the Lord with all his heart and soul and strength, obeying all the laws of Moses. And there has never been a king like him since. – 2 Kings 23:25