Topical Bible: the First Temple: Repaired by Josiah in the 18Th Year of his Reign

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Topical Encyclopedia

The First Temple, also known as Solomon's Temple, holds a significant place in biblical history as the central place of worship for the Israelites. Constructed by King Solomon, the son of David, it was completed in the 10th century BC and served as the dwelling place of the Ark of the Covenant. Over the centuries, the Temple experienced periods of neglect and desecration, particularly during the reigns of kings who turned away from the worship of Yahweh.

Historical Context

By the time of King Josiah, the Temple had fallen into disrepair due to the idolatrous practices of previous kings, notably Manasseh and Amon, who introduced pagan worship and altars within its precincts. Josiah, ascending to the throne of Judah at the tender age of eight, was a reformer king who sought to restore the worship of Yahweh and purify the nation from idolatry.

Josiah's Reforms

In the 18th year of his reign, Josiah initiated a significant religious reform, which included the repair and restoration of the Temple. This event is detailed in 2 Kings 22 and 2 Chronicles 34. Josiah's decision to repair the Temple was part of a broader effort to return Judah to the covenantal faithfulness prescribed in the Law of Moses.

The Discovery of the Book of the Law

During the Temple repairs, Hilkiah the high priest discovered the Book of the Law, believed to be a form of Deuteronomy or the entire Torah. This discovery was pivotal, as it led to a national religious revival. Upon hearing the words of the Law, Josiah tore his clothes in a sign of repentance and sought guidance from the prophetess Huldah. She confirmed the impending judgment on Judah due to its past sins but assured Josiah that he would not witness the disaster because of his humility and faithfulness (2 Kings 22:11-20).

The Repair Process

Josiah appointed Shaphan the scribe, Maaseiah the governor of the city, and Joah the recorder to oversee the Temple repairs. Skilled workers, including carpenters, builders, and masons, were employed to restore the structure. The funds for the repairs were collected from the people and managed with integrity, as noted in 2 Kings 22:7 : "But they need not account for the money put into their hands, since they work with integrity."

Religious Reforms and Covenant Renewal

Following the Temple's restoration, Josiah led a public reading of the Book of the Law and renewed the covenant between Yahweh and the people of Judah. He eradicated idolatrous practices, destroyed high places, and reinstituted the Passover, which had not been observed in such a manner since the days of the judges (2 Kings 23:21-23).

Significance

Josiah's repair of the First Temple and his religious reforms were crucial in temporarily restoring the spiritual life of Judah. His actions demonstrated a commitment to the covenant and a desire to align the nation with the divine will. Despite the eventual fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Temple by the Babylonians in 586 BC, Josiah's reforms left a lasting legacy of faithfulness and devotion to God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 22:3-7
And it came to pass in the eighteenth year of king Josiah, that the king sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, the son of Meshullam, the scribe, to the house of the LORD, saying,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 34:8-13
Now in the eighteenth year of his reign, when he had purged the land, and the house, he sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, and Maaseiah the governor of the city, and Joah the son of Joahaz the recorder, to repair the house of the LORD his God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... from his sovereign, Aristagoras therefore repaired to the ... The Egyptians at first
were full of gratitude for ... [Illustration: 221.jpg THE GREAT TEMPLE OF DARIUS ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... or Persepolis, according to the Shah- Namak at Samarcand in the temple of the ... and
we read of difficulties in Khume in the first year of his reign, in Hamath ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... God, and were principal in the holy temple, to do ... to Revelation, which lasted for
above a year, and although ... His first essay was to find the hidden meaning in ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm