The Discovery of the Lost Book and the Pious King

The chapter ends on a note of profound humility and faith. King Josiah, upon discovering the truth of his people's past and the looming judgment, does not react with denial or defiance but with repentance and a desire to reform. His actions remind us that humility before God and a willingness to change one's ways can mitigate even the most dire of consequences.

Verses 1-2: The Reign of Josiah

Josiah, who ascends the throne at the tender age of eight, reigns in Jerusalem for 31 years. His reign is marked by righteousness, following in the ways of his ancestor David, unlike his father and grandfather.

Verses 3-7: The Temple Repairs

In Josiah's 18th year as king, he commissions Hilkiah the high priest to use the money collected from the people to repair the temple. The laborers are trusted to use the funds honestly, with no need for accounting.

Verses 8-10: Discovery of the Book of the Law

While the temple is being repaired, Hilkiah the high priest discovers the Book of the Law and hands it to Shaphan the secretary. Shaphan later reads it to King Josiah.

Verses 11-13: Josiah's Response

Upon hearing the words of the Book of the Law, King Josiah tears his clothes in distress, realizing that their forefathers had not obeyed the words of the book. He orders Hilkiah and his attendants to inquire of the Lord about the book's prophecies.

Verses 14-20: The Prophecy of Huldah

Hilkiah and the attendants go to the prophetess Huldah. She confirms the impending judgment on Jerusalem as written in the book but assures Josiah that he will die peacefully before the disaster because his heart was responsive and humble.

2 Kings 22 unfolds the story of King Josiah, a young and righteous king who seeks to repair the temple and inadvertently unearths the Book of the Law. This discovery triggers a religious reformation in Judah, informed by the words of the prophetess Huldah.

1. Repentance and Humility
2. Divine Guidance
3. Religious Reform
4. Discovery and Revelation
5. Prophecy and Fulfillment1. King Josiah's Reign
2. The Repair of the Temple
3. The Discovery of the Book of the Law
4. The Prophecy of Huldah
5. The Reactions to the Book of the Law1. King Josiah
2. Hilkiah the High Priest
3. Shaphan the Secretary
4. Ahikam, Achbor, Asaiah (Josiah's attendants)
5. Huldah the Prophetess1. Jerusalem
2. The Temple
3. The Quarter of the Second District (where Huldah lives)

1. How does Josiah's response to the Book of the Law reflect his character and his relationship with God?

2. Why is the discovery of the Book of the Law in the temple significant?

3. What role does Huldah play in this chapter? How does her prophecy affect the king?

4. Discuss the theme of repentance as reflected in King Josiah's actions.

5. How does this chapter demonstrate the effects of leadership on the spiritual state of a nation?

6. How can we apply the lessons of King Josiah's humility and repentance in our lives today?

7. How does Josiah's trust in the laborers during the temple repair reflect his leadership style?

8. Compare and contrast the reign of Josiah with his predecessors. What made him different?

9. How does the prophecy of Huldah about the impending disaster impact your understanding of divine justice?

10. Why do you think God decided to spare Josiah from the disaster?

11. How might the story have unfolded if the Book of the Law hadn't been found?

12. Discuss the relationship between obedience to God's laws and peace and prosperity in a nation.

13. In what ways does Josiah model the importance of seeking God's will when confronted with difficult truths?

14. How would you respond if you discovered your lifestyle was contrary to God's will, as Josiah did?

15. How can you apply the principles of repentance and reformation seen in Josiah's actions to modern societal problems?

16. In what ways do the responsibilities of leaders in biblical times parallel the responsibilities of leaders today?

17. How does Huldah's prophecy fit into the larger narrative of God's plan for His people?

18. Can you think of a time when you had to confront a difficult truth, like Josiah? How did you respond, and what did you learn?

19. How does this chapter show the importance of scripture in guiding religious and moral behavior?

20. How can we discern and respond to God's will in our lives today, as King Josiah did?