Josiah Finds the Law

2 Kings 22:1–23:30

They found the Book of the Law like finding a bomb in the basement.

Josiah becomes king at eight years old. By twenty-six, he's repairing the neglected temple when workers discover something that's been lost for generations: the Book of the Law. When it's read aloud to Josiah, he tears his robes in horror. The nation has been violating everything in it. He sends a delegation to the prophetess Huldah, who confirms: judgment is coming — but not in Josiah's lifetime, because his heart was responsive. Josiah launches the most sweeping reform in Israel's history. He reads the entire law publicly, renews the covenant, destroys every idol, tears down every pagan shrine, and celebrates Passover for the first time in living memory.

• Repentance
• Reform
• God's Word
• Leadership