Dec 1, 2024
Scripture Reading: 2 Kings 22:1-10
King Josiah was the 16th king of Judah and shone as one of the brightest stars in the galaxy of the kings of the southern kingdom. He was the grandson of King Manasseh. He ruled Judah for 31 years (640-609 B.C.) and the Biblical text gives him the following, rare, commendation … "And he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and walked in all the way of David his father, and he did not turn aside to the right or to the left" (2 Kgs 22:2).
Even after the late-in-life reforms attempted by Manasseh, following his conversion, there were still shrines on 'high places' to be destroyed and wooden images to be burned and metal images to be melted down.
As was sometimes necessary in Judah's 350 history, the temple was in need of repair because it had been ignored. In the process of cleaning, a book was discovered. It was not just any book, but was the 'Book of the Law' (2 Kgs 22:8). Our text uses the word 'book,' but certainly it was a scroll. What they found was some part of the Pentateuch … perhaps part of Deuteronomy.
Upon hearing the reading of this scroll, Josiah tore his clothes because he recognized how rebellious the people had been. He instituted widespread reforms and called the people to repentance.
The word of God had become both a mirror and a law to Josiah. Reflected in the commands of God Josiah saw his sinfulness … and he saw his guidance. The Scriptures show us both the glory of God and the rebellion of our hearts. Further, it is a light to our path. Such a knowledge of God and a light for our journey are critical for life to have any lasting meaning.