Josiah's Reforms

Josiah, the sixteenth king of Judah, reigned from approximately 640 to 609 BC. He is renowned for his religious reforms, which were pivotal in the history of Judah. Josiah ascended to the throne at the tender age of eight following the assassination of his father, Amon. His reign is chronicled in 2 Kings 22–23 and 2 Chronicles 34–35.

Josiah's reforms were characterized by a fervent return to the worship of Yahweh and the eradication of idolatry. The young king's religious zeal was ignited in the twelfth year of his reign when he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of high places, Asherah poles, carved idols, and cast images (2 Chronicles 34:3-4). He extended these reforms to the territories of the former Northern Kingdom of Israel, demonstrating his commitment to a unified worship of Yahweh.

The reforms were comprehensive, involving the destruction of altars to Baal, the burning of Asherah poles, and the desecration of sites associated with pagan worship. Josiah also deposed idolatrous priests and removed the horses dedicated to the sun at the entrance of the temple of the LORD (2 Kings 23:5, 11). His actions were in direct obedience to the commands of the Mosaic Law, which prohibited idolatry and demanded exclusive worship of Yahweh.

Discovery of the Law

The most significant event during Josiah's reign was the discovery of the Book of the Law in the eighteenth year of his rule. This discovery occurred during the temple renovation, which Josiah had ordered to repair the house of the LORD (2 Kings 22:3-7). Hilkiah the high priest found the Book of the Law and gave it to Shaphan the scribe, who read it before the king (2 Kings 22:8-10).

Upon hearing the words of the Law, Josiah tore his clothes in a sign of mourning and repentance, recognizing the nation's failure to adhere to the covenant with God (2 Kings 22:11). He immediately sought guidance from the prophetess Huldah, who confirmed that the curses written in the book would come upon Judah due to their disobedience but assured Josiah that he would be spared from witnessing the impending disaster because of his humility and repentance (2 Kings 22:14-20).

In response, Josiah convened all the people of Judah and Jerusalem, from the greatest to the least, and read the words of the Book of the Covenant to them. He renewed the covenant in the presence of the LORD, committing himself and the people to follow the LORD and keep His commandments with all their heart and soul (2 Kings 23:1-3).

Josiah's reforms culminated in a grand Passover celebration, unparalleled since the days of the judges and the kings of Israel and Judah (2 Kings 23:21-23; 2 Chronicles 35:18). This observance was a testament to his dedication to restoring true worship and obedience to the Law of Moses.

Josiah's reign is remembered as a high point in Judah's history, marked by a sincere return to the worship of Yahweh and a temporary reprieve from the judgment that would eventually befall the nation. His reforms underscore the importance of adherence to God's Word and the transformative power of genuine repentance and covenant renewal.