April 13 A READ 2 KINGS 22–25
Ruin of Judah
OVERVIEW
Those who do not learn from history are destined to repeat it, and Judah is no exception. Though Israel has been swept away in judgment, the southern kingdom continues its pagan “business as usual.” Good King Josiah makes a last desperate attempt to turn the nation back to God. He locates the long-lost Book of the Law and institutes sweeping reforms. But though he can impose a change of actions on the people, he cannot change their hearts. Only wholehearted repentance can change the godlessness and self-indulgence that are the root of the problem. When Josiah dies, his successors revert to their pagan patterns and practices. At last, God brings down the curtain on the southern kingdom as Babylonian soldiers topple the walls, homes, and Temple of the once-mighty city of Jerusalem.
MY DAILY WALK
What is the most important book in the world to you? Assuming your answer is “the Bible,” how many days this month have you spent time reading it? Assuming your answer is at least one, how did you respond to the truth you encountered there? Assuming your answer is an honest one, are you satisfied with how you responded to that truth? Assuming your answer is anything less than a resounding yes . . .
Reread 2 Kings 23:2-3. The power of God’s Word to change lives is perhaps nowhere more evident than in those two verses. The Word pierced where no man-made sword could reach: to the very heart of the king, priests, prophets, and people, turning their hearts collectively back to God. The result: a national recommitment of faith.
God’s Word convicts, but only you can commit yourself to doing God’s will. Is there an area of your life where a response is overdue?
THE DEGREE OF OUR SPIRITUAL VIGOR HAS MUCH TO DO WITH HOW MUCH TIME WE SPEND IN GOD’S WORD.
INSIGHT
A Lost Treasure Found | 2 Kgs. 22:8
Evidence suggests the “Book of the Law” discovered by Hilkiah (22:8) was either the entire Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible, also called the Books of Moses) or the book of Deuteronomy (in whole or in part). Either way, it is stunning that the kings and priests of Judah had allowed this vital portion of God’s Word to become lost. Upon learning of how the nation had strayed from the law of the Lord, righteous King Josiah quickly repented and instituted reforms.
INSIGHT
Promise Unfulfilled | 2 Kgs. 25:3
The books of Kings begin with the glory of Solomon’s kingdom, the consecration of the Temple, and God’s abundant blessing. They end with the shame of a divided kingdom, the desecration of the Temple, and God’s severe judgment (25:8-17). In 1 Kings 6:12-13 God gives a conditional promise of his blessing, but the rest of 1 and 2 Kings give evidence that the conditions weren’t met. The results of forfeiting this promise were disastrous.
Josiah Rules in Judah
1Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years. His mother was Jedidah, the daughter of Adaiah from Bozkath. 2He did what was pleasing in the LORD’s sight and followed the example of his ancestor David. He did not turn away from doing what was right.
3In the eighteenth year of his reign, King Josiah sent Shaphan son of Azaliah and grandson of Meshullam, the court secretary, to the Temple of the LORD. He told him, 4“Go to Hilkiah the high priest and have him count the money the gatekeepers have collected from the people at the LORD’s Temple. 5Entrust this money to the men assigned to supervise the restoration of the LORD’s Temple. Then they can use it to pay workers to repair the Temple. 6They will need to hire carpenters, builders, and masons. Also have them buy the timber and the finished stone needed to repair the Temple. 7But don’t require the construction supervisors to keep account of the money they receive, for they are honest and trustworthy men.”
Hilkiah Discovers God’s Law
8Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the court secretary, “I have found the Book of the Law in the LORD’s Temple!” Then Hilkiah gave the scroll to Shaphan, and he read it.
9Shaphan went to the king and reported, “Your officials have turned over the money collected at the Temple of the LORD to the workers and supervisors at the Temple.” 10Shaphan also told the king, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a scroll.” So Shaphan read it to the king.
11When the king heard what was written in the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes in despair. 12Then he gave these orders to Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Acbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the court secretary, and Asaiah the king’s personal adviser: 13“Go to the Temple and speak to the LORD for me and for the people and for all Judah. Inquire about the words written in this scroll that has been found. For the LORD’s great anger is burning against us because our ancestors have not obeyed the words in this scroll. We have not been doing everything it says we must do.”
14So Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, Acbor, Shaphan, and Asaiah went to the New Quarter* of Jerusalem to consult with the prophet Huldah. She was the wife of Shallum son of Tikvah, son of Harhas, the keeper of the Temple wardrobe.
15She said to them, “The LORD, the God of Israel, has spoken! Go back and tell the man who sent you, 16‘This is what the LORD says: I am going to bring disaster on this city* and its people. All the words written in the scroll that the king of Judah has read will come true. 17For my people have abandoned me and offered sacrifices to pagan gods, and I am very angry with them for everything they have done. My anger will burn against this place, and it will not be quenched.’
18“But go to the king of Judah who sent you to seek the LORD and tell him: ‘This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says concerning the message you have just heard: 19You were sorry and humbled yourself before the LORD when you heard what I said against this city and its people—that this land would be cursed and become desolate. You tore your clothing in despair and wept before me in repentance. And I have indeed heard you, says the LORD. 20So I will not send the promised disaster until after you have died and been buried in peace. You will not see the disaster I am going to bring on this city.’”
So they took her message back to the king.