2 Chronicles 35:26
As for the rest of the acts of Josiah, along with his deeds of loving devotion according to what is written in the Law of the LORD--
As for the rest of the acts of Josiah
This phrase introduces a summary of King Josiah's reign, suggesting that his life and actions were significant enough to be recorded in detail. The Hebrew word for "acts" (מַעֲשִׂים, ma'asim) often refers to deeds or works, emphasizing the importance of Josiah's contributions to the spiritual and political life of Judah. Historically, Josiah is remembered as a reformer king who sought to restore the worship of Yahweh. His acts included the repair of the temple and the reinstitution of the Passover, which were pivotal in the religious revival of the nation.

along with his deeds of loving devotion
The phrase "deeds of loving devotion" is translated from the Hebrew word חֶסֶד (chesed), which conveys a sense of steadfast love, mercy, and faithfulness. This term is often used to describe God's covenantal love for His people. Josiah's actions are characterized by this same covenantal faithfulness, reflecting his commitment to God and his desire to lead the nation in righteousness. His reforms were not merely political but were deeply rooted in a genuine devotion to God, setting an example for future generations.

according to what is written in the Law of the LORD
This phrase underscores Josiah's adherence to the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, which were considered the Law of the LORD. The Hebrew term for "Law" is תּוֹרָה (Torah), meaning instruction or teaching. Josiah's reforms were guided by the rediscovery of the Book of the Law during temple renovations, as recorded earlier in 2 Chronicles 34. This discovery led to a national renewal of the covenant, highlighting the importance of Scripture as the foundation for righteous living. Josiah's commitment to the Law exemplifies the principle that true devotion to God is demonstrated through obedience to His Word.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Josiah
The King of Judah who reigned from approximately 640 to 609 BC. Known for his religious reforms and efforts to restore the worship of Yahweh, he is celebrated for his devotion to God and adherence to the Law.

2. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, where Josiah reigned. It was a time of significant religious and political change, with Josiah's reforms marking a return to the worship of Yahweh.

3. The Law of the LORD
Refers to the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, which contain the laws and commandments given to Moses. Josiah's reforms were based on these scriptures, emphasizing the importance of following God's commandments.
Teaching Points
Commitment to God's Word
Josiah's life exemplifies the importance of aligning one's actions with the teachings of Scripture. His reforms were rooted in a rediscovery of the Law, highlighting the need for regular engagement with God's Word.

Loving Devotion
The Hebrew word for "loving devotion" (chesed) implies steadfast love and faithfulness. Josiah's actions were not just about legalistic adherence but were motivated by a deep, covenantal love for God.

Leadership and Influence
Josiah's reforms demonstrate the impact a godly leader can have on a nation. His commitment to God led to widespread religious renewal, showing how personal devotion can inspire collective change.

The Importance of Repentance and Reform
Josiah's response to the discovery of the Law was one of repentance and immediate action. This teaches the importance of responding to God's Word with a heart willing to change and reform.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Josiah's commitment to the Law of the LORD challenge us in our personal study and application of Scripture today?

2. In what ways can we demonstrate "loving devotion" (chesed) in our relationship with God and others?

3. What lessons can we learn from Josiah's leadership in terms of influencing our communities and workplaces for Christ?

4. How can we ensure that our religious practices are motivated by genuine love and devotion rather than mere tradition or obligation?

5. Reflect on a time when you rediscovered a biblical truth that led to personal or communal reform. How did it impact your faith journey?
Connections to Other Scriptures
2 Kings 22-23
These chapters provide a parallel account of Josiah's reign, detailing his discovery of the Book of the Law and the subsequent religious reforms he implemented.

Deuteronomy 6:5
This verse emphasizes loving the LORD with all one's heart, soul, and strength, which aligns with Josiah's deeds of loving devotion as mentioned in 2 Chronicles 35:26.

Psalm 119:1-2
These verses speak of the blessings of walking in the law of the LORD, which reflects Josiah's commitment to living according to God's commandments.
The Death of JosiahT. Whitelaw 2 Chronicles 35:20-27
People
Aaron, Asaph, Charchemish, Conaniah, David, Hashabiah, Heman, Hilkiah, Jeduthun, Jehiel, Jeiel, Jeremiah, Josiah, Jozabad, Levites, Necho, Nethaneel, Samuel, Shemaiah, Solomon
Places
Carchemish, Egypt, Euphrates River, Holy Place, Jerusalem, Megiddo
Topics
Acts, Deeds, Devotion, Goodness, Josiah, Josi'ah, Josiah's, Keeping, Kind, Law, Matters, Recorded, Reign, Rest, Written
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Chronicles 35:26

     8253   faithfulness, examples
     8304   loyalty

2 Chronicles 35:25-27

     8644   commemoration

Library
Cheer Up, My Comrades!
The first thing is to get every man into his proper place; the next thing is for every man to have a good spirit in his present place, so as to occupy it worthily. I will suppose, dear friends, that in the providence of God you are in your place, and that by the direction of God's Spirit you have also sought and found the precise form of usefulness in which you ought to exercise yourself. To-night it shall not be my business to arrange you; but assuming that it is well for you to keep where you are,
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 26: 1880

The New Temple and Its Worship
'And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo: and they builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia. 15. And this house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king. 16. And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Importance in Luke's History of the Story of the Birth of Christ
IT needs no proof that Luke attached the highest importance to this part of his narrative. That Jesus was indicated from the beginning as the Messiah -- though not a necessary part of his life and work, and wholly omitted by Mark and only briefly indicated in mystical language by John -- was a highly interesting and important fact in itself, and could not fail to impress the historian. The elaboration and detail of the first two chapters of the Gospel form a sufficient proof that Luke recognized
Sir William Mitchell Ramsay—Was Christ Born in Bethlehem?

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

Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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