Josiah, the sixteenth king of Judah, is renowned for his devout commitment to the worship of Yahweh and his zealous reforms. His response to the discovery of the Book of the Law is a pivotal moment in the history of Judah, reflecting a profound return to covenantal faithfulness.

Discovery of the Book of the Law

During the eighteenth year of Josiah's reign, a significant event occurred that would shape his legacy. The high priest Hilkiah discovered the Book of the Law in the house of the LORD while overseeing temple repairs (2 Kings 22:8). This discovery is widely believed to be a form of the Deuteronomic code, which had been neglected during the reigns of previous kings.

Josiah's Reaction

Upon hearing the words of the Book of the Law, Josiah's response was immediate and heartfelt. "When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes" (2 Kings 22:11). This act of tearing his garments was a traditional expression of grief and repentance, indicating Josiah's deep sorrow over the nation's disobedience to God's commands.

Seeking Divine Guidance

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Josiah sought divine guidance. He commanded Hilkiah, along with other officials, to "inquire of the LORD for me and for the people and for all Judah about the words of this book that has been found. For great is the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book by doing all that is written about us" (2 Kings 22:13). This inquiry led them to the prophetess Huldah, who confirmed the impending judgment due to the nation's idolatry but also conveyed a message of mercy for Josiah himself because of his humility and contrition (2 Kings 22:14-20).

Covenant Renewal and Reforms

In response to the prophetic message, Josiah initiated a comprehensive religious reform. He gathered all the people of Judah and Jerusalem, from the greatest to the least, and read in their hearing all the words of the Book of the Covenant (2 Kings 23:1-2). Standing by the pillar, Josiah made a covenant before the LORD "to walk after the LORD and to keep His commandments, His testimonies, and His statutes with all his heart and all his soul, to carry out the words of this covenant that were written in this book" (2 Kings 23:3). The people joined in this covenant, signifying a collective return to the worship of Yahweh.

Josiah's reforms were extensive. He purged the land of idolatry, destroying the high places, Asherah poles, and other pagan artifacts (2 Kings 23:4-20). He also reinstituted the Passover, which had not been observed with such dedication since the days of the judges (2 Kings 23:21-23). "Neither before nor after Josiah was there a king like him who turned to the LORD as he did—with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength, according to all the Law of Moses" (2 Kings 23:25).

Legacy

Josiah's response to the Law stands as a testament to his devout leadership and commitment to the covenantal relationship with God. His actions exemplify a model of repentance, reform, and renewal, highlighting the importance of adherence to divine commandments and the transformative power of God's Word.