Neither before nor after Josiah was there any king like him, who turned to the LORD with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength, according to all the Law of Moses. Neither before himThis phrase sets the stage for a comparison, indicating that Josiah's actions were unprecedented. In the Hebrew text, the word "before" is "לְפָנָיו" (lefanav), which can also mean "in his presence" or "in his time." This suggests that Josiah's reforms were unique and unparalleled in the history of the kings of Judah. Historically, this highlights the spiritual decline that had occurred before Josiah's reign, emphasizing the depth of his commitment to God. nor after him
This phrase continues the comparison, indicating that no king after Josiah matched his dedication. The Hebrew "אַחֲרָיו" (acharav) implies a lasting legacy, suggesting that Josiah's reforms were not only significant in his time but also set a standard for future generations. This underscores the rarity and depth of his devotion, as no subsequent king achieved the same level of faithfulness. was there a king like him
This statement is a powerful testament to Josiah's unique character and leadership. The Hebrew word for "king" is "מֶלֶךְ" (melech), which denotes not just a ruler but one who is divinely appointed. Josiah's kingship is thus portrayed as divinely favored, setting him apart from other rulers. This highlights the importance of godly leadership and the impact it can have on a nation. who turned to the LORD
The phrase "turned to the LORD" is significant, as it indicates a complete and wholehearted return to God. The Hebrew verb "שׁוּב" (shuv) means to return or repent, suggesting a radical change of direction. Josiah's turning to the LORD was not superficial but involved a deep, personal commitment to follow God's ways. This serves as an inspirational model for repentance and renewal in one's spiritual life. with all his heart
The phrase "with all his heart" emphasizes the sincerity and totality of Josiah's devotion. In Hebrew, "heart" is "לֵב" (lev), which represents the center of one's being, including mind, will, and emotions. Josiah's commitment was not partial or divided but complete and undivided, serving as a powerful example of wholehearted devotion to God. and with all his soul
This phrase further intensifies the description of Josiah's dedication. The Hebrew word for "soul" is "נֶפֶשׁ" (nephesh), which encompasses one's life force or essence. Josiah's devotion involved his entire being, indicating a profound spiritual commitment that permeated every aspect of his life. This challenges believers to pursue a deep, all-encompassing relationship with God. and with all his strength
The inclusion of "all his strength" highlights the physical and practical aspects of Josiah's devotion. The Hebrew "מְאֹד" (me'od) can mean "muchness" or "abundance," suggesting that Josiah's efforts were vigorous and exhaustive. This reflects the idea that true devotion to God involves not just inner commitment but also outward action and effort. according to all the Law of Moses
This phrase underscores the standard by which Josiah's reforms were measured. The "Law of Moses" refers to the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, which contain God's commandments. Josiah's adherence to the Law signifies his commitment to God's revealed will, serving as a reminder of the importance of Scripture as the foundation for faith and practice. No king like him
The repetition of this phrase reinforces the uniqueness of Josiah's reign. It serves as a bookend to the verse, emphasizing the unparalleled nature of his devotion and reforms. This repetition highlights the importance of Josiah's example and the impact of a life fully dedicated to God. Persons / Places / Events 1. JosiahThe King of Judah who reigned from approximately 640 to 609 BC. Known for his religious reforms and dedication to the LORD, he sought to restore true worship in Judah. 2. JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, where Josiah reigned. It was a time of spiritual decline before Josiah's reforms. 3. The Law of MosesThe commandments and instructions given by God to Moses, which Josiah sought to follow wholeheartedly. 4. The TempleThe central place of worship in Jerusalem, which Josiah cleansed of idolatry and restored to proper use. 5. IdolatryThe worship of idols, which was rampant in Judah before Josiah's reforms. Josiah took significant steps to eradicate it. Teaching Points Wholehearted DevotionJosiah's life teaches us the importance of seeking God with all our heart, soul, and strength. This involves a complete commitment to God's ways and commands. The Power of ReformJosiah's reforms show that one person's dedication to God can lead to significant spiritual renewal and change in a community or nation. Obedience to God's WordJosiah's adherence to the Law of Moses highlights the importance of knowing and obeying Scripture as a guide for righteous living. Legacy of FaithfulnessJosiah's legacy is a reminder that our actions and faithfulness to God can leave a lasting impact on future generations. Repentance and RenewalJosiah's actions demonstrate the need for repentance and the removal of anything that hinders true worship of God. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Josiah's example challenge us to evaluate our own level of devotion to God? 2. In what ways can we apply Josiah's commitment to God's Word in our daily lives? 3. What are some modern "idols" that we might need to remove from our lives to fully turn to the LORD? 4. How can Josiah's reforms inspire us to seek spiritual renewal in our own communities or churches? 5. How does the command to love God with all our heart, soul, and strength (as seen in Josiah's life) connect with Jesus' teaching in the New Testament? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 6:5This verse commands loving the LORD with all one's heart, soul, and strength, which Josiah exemplified in his reign. 2 Chronicles 34-35These chapters provide a parallel account of Josiah's reign and reforms, offering additional details about his dedication to God. Matthew 22:37Jesus reiterates the greatest commandment, which aligns with Josiah's wholehearted devotion to God. People Ahaz, Ammonites, Ashtoreth, Ben, Chemosh, Eliakim, Hamutal, Hilkiah, Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jeremiah, Jeroboam, Joshua, Josiah, Manasseh, Melech, Milcom, Moabites, Molech, Nathan, Nathanmelech, Nebat, Pedaiah, Pharaoh, Pharaohnechoh, Sidonians, Sodomites, Solomon, Zebudah, ZidoniansPlaces Assyria, Beersheba, Bethel, Egypt, Euphrates River, Geba, Hamath, Jerusalem, Kidron, Libnah, Megiddo, Moab, Riblah, Rumah, Samaria, Topheth, Valley of HinnomTopics Accordance, Arise, Heart, Law, None, Power, Risen, Says, Soul, Strength, TurningDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 23:25 5015 heart, and Holy Spirit
8208 commitment, to God 2 Kings 23:1-25 5345 influence
7245 Judah, kingdom of 2 Kings 23:24-25 6628 conversion, God's demand 2 Kings 23:25-27 5790 anger, divine
6218 provoking God Library Reformation Lessons
Eversley. 1861. 2 Kings xxiii. 3, 4, 25, 26. "And the king stood by a pillar, and made a covenant before the Lord, to "walk after the Lord, and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all their heart and all their soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people stood to the covenant. And the king commanded Hilkiah the high priest, and the priests of the second order, and the keepers of the door, to bring forth out …
Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other SermonsWhether the Old Law was Suitably Given at the Time of Moses?
Objection 1: It would seem that the Old Law was not suitably given at the time of Moses. Because the Old Law disposed man for the salvation which was to come through Christ, as stated above ([2068]AA[2],3). But man needed this salutary remedy immediately after he had sinned. Therefore the Law should have been given immediately after sin. Objection 2: Further, the Old Law was given for the sanctification of those from whom Christ was to be born. Now the promise concerning the "seed, which is Christ" …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether Christ Should have Been Born in Bethlehem?
Objection 1: It would seem that Christ should not have been born in Bethlehem. For it is written (Is. 2:3): "The law shall come forth from Sion, and the Word of the Lord from Jerusalem." But Christ is truly the Word of God. Therefore He should have come into the world at Jerusalem. Objection 2: Further, it is said (Mat. 2:23) that it is written of Christ that "He shall be called a Nazarene"; which is taken from Is. 11:1: "A flower shall rise up out of his root"; for "Nazareth" is interpreted "a flower." …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether Prophets Always Know the Things which they Prophesy?
Objection 1: It would seem that the prophets always know the things which they prophesy. For, as Augustine says (Gen. ad lit. xii, 9), "those to whom signs were shown in spirit by means of the likenesses of bodily things, had not the gift of prophecy, unless the mind was brought into action, so that those signs were also understood by them." Now what is understood cannot be unknown. Therefore the prophet is not ignorant of what he prophesies. Objection 2: Further, the light of prophecy surpasses …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether the Prophecy which is Accompanied by Intellective and Imaginative vision is More Excellent than that which is Accompanied by Intellective vision Alone?
Objection 1: It would seem that the prophecy which has intellective and imaginative vision is more excellent than that which is accompanied by intellective vision alone. For Augustine says (Gen. ad lit. xii, 9): "He is less a prophet, who sees in spirit nothing but the signs representative of things, by means of the images of things corporeal: he is more a prophet, who is merely endowed with the understanding of these signs; but most of all is he a prophet, who excels in both ways," and this refers …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica The Fall of Solomon
'For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father. 5. For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. 6. And Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord, and went not fully after the Lord, as did David his father. 7. Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Rediscovered Law and Its Effects
'And Hilkiah the high priest said unto Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the Lord: and Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he read it. 9. And Shaphan the scribe came to the king, and brought the king word again, and said, Thy servants have gathered the money that was found in the house, and have delivered it into the hand of them that do the work, that have the oversight of the house of the Lord. 10. And Shaphan the scribe shewed the king, saying, Hilkiah the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Entering the Covenant: with all the Heart
"And they entered into the covenant to seek the Lord God of their fathers with all their heart, and all their soul."--2 CHRON. xv. 12 (see xxxiv. 31, and 2 Kings xxiii. 3). "The Lord thy God will circumcise thine heart, to love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul."--DEUT. xxx. 6. "And I will give them an heart to know Me, that I am the Lord; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God: for they shall turn to Me with their whole heart."--JER. xxiv. 7 (see xxix. 13). …
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants How Shall one Make Use of Christ as the Life, when Wrestling with an Angry God Because of Sin?
That we may give some satisfaction to this question, we shall, 1. Shew what are the ingredients in this case, or what useth to concur in this distemper. 2. Shew some reasons why the Lord is pleased to dispense thus with his people. 3. Shew how Christ is life to the soul in this case. 4. Shew the believer's duty for a recovery; and, 5. Add a word or two of caution. As to the first, There may be those parts of, or ingredients in this distemper: 1. God presenting their sins unto their view, so as …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life The Sins of Communities Noted and Punished.
"Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation." This is predicated of the judgments of God on those who had shed the blood of his saints. The Savior declares that all the righteous blood which had been shed on the earth from that of Abel down to the gospel day, should come on that generation! But is not this unreasonable and contrary to the Scriptures? "Far be wickedness from God and iniquity from the Almighty. For the work of man shall be render unto him, and cause every …
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects The Whole Heart
LET me give the principal passages in which the words "the whole heart," "all the heart," are used. A careful study of them will show how wholehearted love and service is what God has always asked, because He can, in the very nature of things, ask nothing less. The prayerful and believing acceptance of the words will waken the assurance that such wholehearted love and service is exactly the blessing the New Covenant was meant to make possible. That assurance will prepare us for turning to the Omnipotence …
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
THE FALL OF NINEVEH AND THE RISE OF THE CHALDAEAN AND MEDIAN EMPIRES--THE XXVIth EGYPTIAN DYNASTY: CYAXARES, ALYATTES, AND NEBUCHADREZZAR. The legendary history of the kings of Media and the first contact of the Medes with the Assyrians: the alleged Iranian migrations of the Avesta--Media-proper, its fauna and flora; Phraortes and the beginning of the Median empire--Persia proper and the Persians; conquest of Persia by the Medes--The last monuments of Assur-bani-pal: the library of Kouyunjik--Phraortes …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8 Josiah, a Pattern for the Ignorant.
"Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the Lord, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before Me; I also have heard thee, saith the Lord. Behold therefore, I will gather thee unto thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered into thy grave in peace; and thine eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring upon this place."--2 Kings …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Kings 23:25 NIV2 Kings 23:25 NLT2 Kings 23:25 ESV2 Kings 23:25 NASB2 Kings 23:25 KJV
2 Kings 23:25 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
