By Jay T. Robertson, Ph. D.
Associate Professor of Systematic Theology, University of Mobile
GOD MOVES
2 Kings 22:8–20
Josiah came to the throne as a boy, inheriting a nation in terrible spiritual condition. But he made a deep personal commitment to the Lord that transformed his life. When the word of God was providentially discovered, he heard it as God’s word and led the nation in spiritual renewal and reformation.
Discovered (8–10)
While the temple was being repaired, Hilkiah the high priest found the book of the law in the form of a scroll. Scholars have long debated the contents of this book. It certainly included the Book of Deuteronomy and perhaps all of the first five books in the Bible.
It is difficult to think such an important book could ever be lost. But the pagan worship of Manasseh and Amon would have had no need for it, since it condemned all they were doing. Hilkiah gave the scroll to the court secretary, Shaphan, who read it.
Shaphan updated King Josiah on the progress made on the temple repairs and the expenses related to it. Then he read the book of the law to the king.
Response (11–13)
The word of God is powerful and self-authenticating. When King Josiah heard the words Shaphan read to him, he was deeply convicted to the point he tore his clothes. This rending of his clothing was an outward sign of inner repentance. He understood how his nation had violated the requirements of God’s covenant and had come under God’s judgment. Each word Shaphan read only further highlighted the people’s neglect of and disobedience to the word of God.
Since Josiah had never encountered the word of God before, he desired to have it confirmed by a godly person he trusted. He sought a prophetic word to interpret the ramifications of this disobedience. He knew he needed to test his understanding of God’s word in the light of the understanding of spiritual people he respected.
The king’s response revealed something of the spiritual darkness of this period in Judah’s history. He appointed a team of trusted representatives to go personally and directly to the Lord to inquire about His anger against His people. Josiah was concerned for himself, the people and all Judah. He was certain God’s wrath was kindled because the nation defied God’s commandments.
Josiah realized God’s people had been disobeying His will, but his uncertainty surrounding the necessary response was telling. After years of infidelity, even the godly king was ignorant of how to respond.
At least King Josiah did not make any excuses or attempt to explain away generations of disobedience. He was overwhelmed with the realization of the guilt of his people. He acknowledged this disobedience had begun with their ancestors. He recognized the nation’s corporate responsibility for its sins.
Proven (14–20)
The representatives went to see Huldah, one of five prophetesses named in the Old Testament. She was otherwise unknown and was the first female prophet encountered in the Book of 2 Kings. Huldah had a double message for Josiah. First, God would bring judgment on Judah just as He had brought judgment upon Israel. The same judgment that befell Ahab and Jeroboam would be visited on Judah. The nation had been guilty of spiritual abandonment and sin. Her words were reminiscent of Deuteronomy 29:20–28. God’s wrath would be kindled against Judah. Not even the godliness of Josiah could hold back the outpouring of divine judgment.
Second, Huldah offered a more positive word to Josiah. Because of his humility and grief over the nation’s sin, he would die in peace before the judgment fell. Although judgment could not be avoided, it would be delayed until after his death. Huldah’s message of grace was not for Judah. The grace was for Josiah, whose heart was responsive to the Lord.
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