Topical Encyclopedia Josiah, the sixteenth king of Judah, is a prominent biblical figure known for his devout commitment to God and his efforts to restore true worship in the kingdom. His reign, which lasted from approximately 640 to 609 BC, is marked by significant religious reforms and acts of liberality that reflect his dedication to the covenant with Yahweh.Background and Reign Josiah ascended to the throne at the tender age of eight following the assassination of his father, Amon. His early years were likely influenced by his mother, Jedidah, and other faithful advisors who guided him in the ways of the Lord. The spiritual climate of Judah at the time was one of idolatry and moral decay, a legacy left by his predecessors, particularly his grandfather Manasseh. Religious Reforms and Acts of Liberality Josiah's liberality is most evident in his religious reforms, which are detailed in 2 Kings 22-23 and 2 Chronicles 34-35. At the age of sixteen, Josiah began to seek the God of his ancestor David, and by the age of twenty, he initiated a campaign to purge Judah and Jerusalem of idolatry. His reforms extended beyond the borders of Judah, reaching into the territories of the former northern kingdom of Israel. One of Josiah's most significant acts of liberality was the repair of the Temple in Jerusalem. In the eighteenth year of his reign, Josiah ordered the restoration of the Temple, which had fallen into disrepair due to neglect and misuse. During this process, the Book of the Law was discovered by Hilkiah the high priest. Upon hearing the words of the Law, Josiah tore his clothes in a profound act of repentance and humility, recognizing the nation's failure to adhere to God's commandments. Josiah's response to the discovery of the Law was marked by generous and decisive action. He gathered all the people of Judah and Jerusalem, from the least to the greatest, and read the words of the covenant to them. He then renewed the covenant in the presence of the Lord, committing himself and the people to follow the Lord and keep His commandments with all their heart and soul (2 Kings 23:1-3). Celebration of the Passover Another notable demonstration of Josiah's liberality was his observance of the Passover. The celebration, as described in 2 Chronicles 35, was unparalleled since the days of the prophet Samuel. Josiah provided generously for the Passover, contributing from his own possessions thirty thousand lambs and goats and three thousand cattle for the people, priests, and Levites. This act of generosity ensured that all could participate in the feast, reflecting his commitment to restoring proper worship and unity among the people. Legacy Josiah's reign is remembered for its unparalleled devotion to God and the sweeping reforms that sought to align the nation with divine statutes. His liberality, expressed through his religious reforms and generous provisions for worship, set a standard for righteous leadership. The biblical narrative commends Josiah, stating, "Neither before nor after Josiah was there a king like him who turned to the LORD as he did—with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength, in accordance with all the Law of Moses" (2 Kings 23:25). Josiah's life and actions serve as a testament to the power of sincere devotion and the impact of liberality in fostering spiritual renewal and covenant faithfulness. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 22:3-6And 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, Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 34:8-13 2 Chronicles 35:1-19 Library Appendix. The Apocryphal Books of the Old Testament. Expositions of Holy Scripture From the Ascension to the Church at Antioch. Liberty of Conscience Threatened Introductory Letter cviii. To Eustochium. General Index. Seances Historiques De Geneve --The National Church. The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire Doctrinal and Moral Treatises. Index of Subjects. Resources Liberality: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Liberality in Antioch (Of Syria) Liberality: Araunah for Sacrifice Liberality: Barzillai and Others to David Liberality: Blessings Connected With Liberality: Characteristic of Saints Liberality: Christ Set an Example of Liberality: Elisha Toward Elijah Liberality: Exercise of, Provokes Others To Liberality: Extraordinary - Exemplified: Churches of Macedonia Liberality: Extraordinary - Exemplified: Israelites Liberality: Extraordinary - Exemplified: Poor Widow Liberality: General Scriptures Concerning Liberality: Israelites at the Erection of the Tabernacle Liberality: Israelites' offerings for the Temple Liberality: Jews After the Captivity Liberality: Joash and his People Liberality: King of Sodom to Abraham Liberality: Labour to be Enabled to Exercise Liberality: Lack of a Proof of not Having Faith Liberality: Lack of a Proof of not Loving God Liberality: Lack of Brings Many a Curse Liberality: People of Melita (Malta) to Paul Liberality: Pharaoh to Joseph's People Liberality: Queen of Sheba to Solomon Liberality: should be Exercised in Forwarding Missions Liberality: should be Exercised in Giving Alms Liberality: should be Exercised in Leading to Those in Want Liberality: should be Exercised in Relieving the Destitute Liberality: should be Exercised in Rendering Personal Services Liberality: should be Exercised in the Service of God Liberality: should be Exercised with Simplicity Liberality: should be Exercised without Ostentation Liberality: should be Exercised: Abundantly Liberality: should be Exercised: According to Ability Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward all Men Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward Enemies Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward Saints Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward Servants Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward Strangers Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward the Poor Liberality: should be Exercised: Willingly Liberality: The Good Samaritan Liberality: The Magi (Wise Men from the East) Liberality: Unprofitable, Without Love Related Terms Instrumentality (5 Occurrences) |
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