2 Kings 22

After the reigns of Manasseh and Amon, both of whom were evil kings, the Lord's mercy was again extended to Judah and Jerusalem through the gift of one of the greatest kings in the history of God's people. Josiah began to reign at a very young age. In the prior chapter we learned that the people of the land made him king after his father had been murdered. He would be the last good king in the history of the Old Testament.

Josiah's greatness can best be measured by his sincere response to hearing God's Word. Somewhere during the long reign of Manasseh and Amon the written Word of the Lord was lost. It was during the reign of Josiah that the “Book of the Law” was found again. The phrase “Book of the Law” probably referred to the book of Deuteronomy. One of the king's officials delivered this understated news to Josiah, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.” The official proceeded to read the book to the king, and Josiah was cut to the heart.

The king needed to hear from God in order to lead the people forward. What should be done now? Was there any hope? Josiah had heard the words of God's curse from the Law. He knew that the nation had disobeyed the Lord. Could there be a reprieve for Jerusalem and Judah from the wrath of God?

A prophetess was found who had a message for the king. Judah would go into exile for all of her idolatry and rebellion, but the Lord had taken note of the king's repentance. The discipline of the nation would come after the king's death.

Throughout the Scriptures we are told of the greatness of God. What is man that He is mindful of us at all? The Lord has not only created us and cared for us. He has also spoken to us. Nonetheless, even the Lord's chosen people were very unwilling to hear Him and to obey Him.

Toward the end of the days of Judah the nation and her king found the Word of God again. Before the people were sent off into exile, God raised up a man who was willing to be ashamed of the sin of God's people and to humble himself before the Lord. This was Josiah's greatness and it made a difference to the Lord.

The entire world knows that there is a God. Romans 1:19-20 tells us that “... His invisible attributes, namely, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.” Even though people all over the world know God, they suppress the knowledge of the truth in unrighteousness. But now the greatest of all kings has come to save us.

One of the wonderful signs of our Savior's holiness was His love for His Father's Word. As those who have received His Spirit, we too have been granted a listening ear that can hear the voice of our King. He is our Shepherd and we are His sheep. Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me,” (John 10:27).

Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts, as the rebellious kings of old did. Have the courage to believe the Word of the Lord and to follow Jesus.