King Josiah – Discovery

2 Kings 22: 2

He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and walked in all the ways of his father David, not turning aside to the right or to the left.

King Josiah was eight years old when he became king over Israel. His great grandfather was Hezekiah, who followed God and whose life was miraculously extended by fifteen years. His grandfather Manasseh, on the other hand was a devious king. He set up altars for Baal in the temple in Jerusalem. He shed innocent blood so much that it filled Jerusalem from end to end. Surprisingly, for reasons unknown, God allowed him to rule for fifty-five years. Manasseh was followed by Amon, his son, who was twenty-two years old when he became king. He too followed his father in committing grievous sins and forsook the Lord. After ruling the land for just two years, he was assassinated by his own officials, in his own palace. His murder was, however, avenged by the people of the land and eight-year-old Josiah was appointed king of the land.

We don’t know what kind of upbringing Josiah had. Even though he was preceded by evil kings, he chose to do right in the sight of the Lord. In every aspect, he followed his ancestor, David. He must have heard stories about King David. All those brave and righteous deeds of David must have inspired him to follow in his footsteps. Despite who his parents and grandparents were, Josiah chose to do what was right and adhered strongly to those values. He didn’t let the current culture of the land dictate his life. He, as a king, recognized the authority he had in influencing the people of the land. He might have witnessed the apostasy of his grandfather Manasseh and father Amon, which might have been repulsive to him. All the sins of his previous generations were so abhorrent, he just didn’t let that influence him. Such was his conviction.

In the eighteenth year of his reign, when he was twenty-six years old, he summoned his officials and charged them to repair the temple of the Lord. While the refurbishments and repairs were going on, Hilkiah, the high priest found the Book of the Law. He handed the Book to the chief official, Shaphan, who took it to King Josiah right away. In the presence of the king, Shaphan read from the Book. When King Josiah heard the words, he tore his robes. He realized God’s anger towards his fathers because of their disobedience. He realized that so many of them have not followed God’s commandments and how grievously they have sinned against the Lord. He asked his officials to inquire of the Lord.

King Josiah, who was never exposed to the Word of God all his life, instead exposed to terrible sin and apostasy, chose now to follow God wholeheartedly. His immediate reaction when he learned from the Book of the Law reveals his heart condition. He cleansed the temple and every high place in the country. He removed the idols and burnt them in the Kidron valley. He appointed Levites to resume their duties as priests in the temple. Despite leading a righteous life thus far, he felt shameful and abhorrent before the Lord for the sins of his forefathers that they caused the nation to commit.

How do we react to sin and apostasy going on around us? Are we being complacent and compromising? Or are we being guilty and shameful before the Lord, even though we did not commit those sins? Are we becoming tolerant of the apostasy that is prevalent in our culture? Are we turning a blind eye to the apostasy in our midst thinking it is not going to affect us? Or are we crying before the Lord for the sins of our nation? Are we rending our hearts before the Lord for our complacency? Where do we stand? On the side of the Lord or the side of the sin? We can neither be sailing in two boats nor standing on the fence. Let us chose this day, whose side we are on.

In exhortation:

Deuteronomy 4: 39

Acknowledge and take to heart this day that the Lord is God in heaven above and on the earth below. There is no other. Keep his decrees and commands, which I am giving you today, so that it may go well with you and your children after you and that you may live long in the land the Lord your God gives you for all time.