“When the king heard what was written in the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes in despair. Then he gave these orders to Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Acbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the court secretary, and Asaiah the king’s personal adviser: “Go to the Temple and speak to the Lord for me and for the people and for all Judah. Inquire about the words written in this scroll that has been found. For the Lord’s great anger is burning against us because our ancestors have not obeyed the words in this scroll. We have not been doing everything it says we must do.” So Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, Acbor, Shaphan, and Asaiah went to the New Quarter of Jerusalem to consult with the prophet Huldah. She was the wife of Shallum son of Tikvah, son of Harhas, the keeper of the Temple wardrobe. She said to them, “The Lord, the God of Israel, has spoken! Go back and tell the man who sent you, ‘This is what the Lord says: I am going to bring disaster on this city and its people. All the words written in the scroll that the king of Judah has read will come true. For my people have abandoned me and offered sacrifices to pagan gods, and I am very angry with them for everything they have done. My anger will burn against this place, and it will not be quenched.’ “But go to the king of Judah who sent you to seek the Lord and tell him: ‘This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says concerning the message you have just heard: You were sorry and humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I said against this city and its people—that this land would be cursed and become desolate. You tore your clothing in despair and wept before me in repentance. And I have indeed heard you, says the Lord. So I will not send the promised disaster until after you have died and been buried in peace. You will not see the disaster I am going to bring on this city.’” So they took her message back to the king.”
2 Kings 22:11-20 NLT
Like many before him, Josiah had the choice as to whose example he would follow. He chose, at a young age to follow the example of David, rather than Manasseh. This is most likely due to the fact that Manasseh was killed when he was only eight and the previous king, Hezekiah, had been a mostly godly man. Yet the reforms that were established by Josiah had something different at their disposal. Josiah’s people had found the word of God in the temple. This scroll, probably the Pentateuch, strengthened Josiah in many ways. First it gave context to judgment that Israel was under. Apparently, Hezekiah’s prophecy may have been common knowledge. Second, it articulated a way forward. Josiah could chart a path of reform. Lastly, it gave reprieve of judgment. The use of scripture as a guide helped Josiah to stay judgment upon those he was directly responsible for. This is a powerful example of why knowing the scriptures is important, even when we are following a good example or the law written in our hearts. Josiah followed God through David, but the addition of the revelation of God cemented that following and brought a tangible blessing upon the nation. We live with easy access to God’s word, yet many professing Christians choose to leave it hidden in temple. It is no wonder that they do not reap God’s blessings and easily fall under his curses.
JOSH McGARY. COM 