Topical Encyclopedia Josiah, the sixteenth king of Judah, is a prominent biblical figure known for his humility and dedication to the Lord. His reign is detailed in the books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles, where he is depicted as a reformer who sought to restore true worship in Judah. Josiah's humility is a key aspect of his character, setting him apart as a model of godly leadership.Early Life and Ascension to the Throne Josiah became king at the tender age of eight after the assassination of his father, Amon. Despite his youth, Josiah's reign was marked by a sincere commitment to the ways of the Lord. The Scriptures note that "he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD and walked in all the ways of his father David, not turning aside to the right or to the left" (2 Kings 22:2). This steadfastness in following David's example highlights Josiah's humility in acknowledging the righteous paths of his forebears. Religious Reforms and the Discovery of the Law One of the most significant events during Josiah's reign was the discovery of the Book of the Law in the temple by Hilkiah the high priest. Upon hearing the words of the Law, Josiah's response was one of deep humility and contrition. The king tore his clothes, a traditional sign of mourning and repentance, recognizing the nation's failure to adhere to God's commandments (2 Kings 22:11). Josiah's reaction to the Law's discovery underscores his humility and reverence for God's word. He immediately sought to understand the Lord's will, sending a delegation to inquire of the prophetess Huldah. Her message confirmed the impending judgment on Judah due to their disobedience, but also acknowledged Josiah's humble heart: "Because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before the LORD when you heard what I spoke... I have heard you, declares the LORD" (2 Kings 22:19). Covenant Renewal and National Reform In response to the divine message, Josiah gathered all the people of Judah and read the Book of the Covenant to them. He made a covenant before the Lord to follow Him wholeheartedly and to keep His commandments, statutes, and decrees with all his heart and soul (2 Kings 23:3). This public act of commitment was a testament to Josiah's humility, as he placed himself under the authority of God's word and led his people to do the same. Josiah's reforms were extensive. He purged the land of idolatry, destroyed the high places, and reinstituted the Passover, which had not been observed with such dedication since the days of the judges (2 Kings 23:21-23). These actions reflect a king who was not only humble before God but also zealous for His glory. Legacy of Humility Josiah's reign is remembered as a time of spiritual renewal and reform. His humility before God set a standard for leadership that prioritized obedience to divine commands over personal or political gain. The Scriptures commend Josiah, stating, "Before him there was no king like him who turned to the LORD with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength, according to all the Law of Moses, nor did any like him arise after him" (2 Kings 23:25). Josiah's life serves as a powerful example of humility in leadership, demonstrating the impact of a heart fully surrendered to God. His account encourages believers to seek the Lord with sincerity and to lead others in faithfulness to His word. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 34:27Because your heart was tender, and you did humble yourself before God, when you heard his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbled yourself before me, and did rend your clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard you also, said the LORD. Nave's Topical Index Library The Third Season Letter cxxxiii. To Ctesiphon. The Annunciation of Jesus the Messiah, and the Birth of his ... The Open Fountain Subject Index From the Birth to the Ascension of Jesus. An American Reformer His First Residence in Germany. Letter cviii. To Eustochium. Philippians iv. 14-Oct Resources What does the Bible say about humility? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about how to humble yourself? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about ego? | GotQuestions.org Humility: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Humility: A Characteristic of Saints Humility: Afflictions Intended to Produce Humility: Christ an Example of Humility: General Scriptures Concerning Humility: Leads to Riches, Honor, and Life Humility: Necessary to the Service of God Humility: Saints should be Clothed With Humility: Saints should Beware of False Humility: Saints should Put On Humility: Saints should Walk With Humility: Temporal Judgments Averted By Humility: The Who Have are Greatest in Christ's Kingdom Humility: The Who Have: Delivered by God Humility: The Who Have: Enjoy the Presence of God Humility: The Who Have: Exalted by God Humility: The Who Have: Heard by God Humility: The Who Have: Lifted up by God Humility: The Who Have: Receive More Grace Humility: The Who Have: Regarded by God Humility: The Who Have: Upheld by Honor The Humility of Christ: Declared by Himself The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Associating With the Despised The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Becoming a Servant The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Birth The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Death The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Entry Into Jerusalem The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Exposing Himself to Reproach and Contempt The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Obedience The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Partaking of Our Infirmities The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Poverty The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Refusing Honors The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Station in Life The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Subjection to his Parents The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Submitting to Ordinances The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Submitting to Sufferings The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Taking Our Nature The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Washing his Disciples' Feet The Humility of Christ: His Exaltation, the Result of The Humility of Christ: On Account of, he Was Despised The Humility of Christ: Saints should Imitate Related Terms |
    |