Good King Josiah

Good King Josiah

After the reign of Solomon, the son of David, Israel splits into two kingdoms. In the book of Kings is recorded for us all the various kings that rule over Israel and Judah. When you read through Kings you find that most of the kings are not good. They lead the people astray. They do what is evil in the sight of the Lord. However, in 2 Kings 22, we find King Josiah who rules over Judah for 31 years. 

Josiah is one of the few kings that does what is right in the eyes of the Lord. He follows in the footsteps of David. While Josiah is not a wicked ruler, those who came before him have already led the nation astray for so long. Idol worship and the neglect of the Law of God are the normal rhythms of Judah in his time. When Josiah sets out to have the temple repaired, Hilkiah, the high priest, finds the Book of the Law. What is striking is that he found it. He found it in the house of the Lord (2 Kg. 22:8). 

Why does it seem that Hilkiah is surprised to find the Book of the Law? Where else would you expect to find the Book of the Law except in the temple? Oh how quickly Israel and Judah were to depart from God’s word and ways that they came to a time when they did not even know that Scripture was in the temple. The Book of the Law is taken to Josiah, read to him, and he tears his clothes in mourning. He hears the word of God and recognizes that they have forsaken God and His covenant.

While Josiah does much to serve the Lord and turn the people’s hearts back, his labors only go so far. Good King Josiah is praiseworthy, but he shows us that there is a need for a better King. A King who is greater and will bring the people to God. This King is Jesus. It is Christ who brings us to fellowship with God. He restores us, sanctifies us, heals us, and more. So let us thank God for Josiah, and even more for Christ. May it always be that the Word of God is found among His people.

Grace be with you,
C. R. Hamilton