Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionThe revival under King Josiah is one of the most significant spiritual renewals recorded in the Old Testament. Josiah, the sixteenth king of Judah, reigned from approximately 640 to 609 BC. His reign is noted for a profound religious reform that sought to restore the worship of Yahweh and eliminate idolatry from the land. The account of Josiah's revival is primarily found in 2 Kings 22-23 and 2 Chronicles 34-35. Background Josiah ascended to the throne at the tender age of eight following the assassination of his father, Amon. The spiritual climate of Judah at the time was one of deep apostasy, influenced by the idolatrous practices of his predecessors, particularly Manasseh. Despite this, Josiah's heart was inclined toward the Lord, and he sought to lead his nation back to covenant faithfulness. Discovery of the Book of the Law A pivotal moment in Josiah's reign occurred in the eighteenth year of his rule. During temple repairs, Hilkiah the high priest discovered the Book of the Law, believed to be a form of the Deuteronomic code (2 Kings 22:8). When Shaphan the scribe read the book to Josiah, the king was deeply moved and tore his clothes in distress, recognizing the nation's disobedience to God's commands (2 Kings 22:11). Consultation with Huldah the Prophetess In response to the discovery, Josiah sent a delegation to consult Huldah the prophetess. She confirmed the impending judgment on Judah due to its idolatry but assured Josiah that because of his humility and repentance, the disaster would not occur during his lifetime (2 Kings 22:14-20). Religious Reforms Josiah initiated comprehensive reforms to eradicate idolatry and restore proper worship. He ordered the removal and destruction of pagan altars, Asherah poles, and high places throughout Judah and even into the territories of the former northern kingdom of Israel (2 Kings 23:4-20). The king also reinstituted the Passover, which had not been observed with such fervor since the days of the judges (2 Kings 23:21-23). Covenant Renewal 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 His commands wholeheartedly, and the people pledged themselves to the covenant as well (2 Kings 23:1-3). This public commitment marked a national return to the worship of Yahweh. Legacy Josiah's revival is characterized by a sincere return to the Word of God and a zealous effort to purify the nation from idolatry. The Berean Standard Bible highlights Josiah's unique devotion: "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). Despite Josiah's efforts, the revival was short-lived, as subsequent kings led Judah back into idolatry, ultimately resulting in the Babylonian exile. Nevertheless, Josiah's reign remains a powerful example of how a leader's commitment to God's Word can bring about significant spiritual renewal. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 22:1Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned thirty and one years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Jedidah, the daughter of Adaiah of Boscath. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 23:1 2 Chronicles 34:1 2 Chronicles 35:1 Library The Kingdom of Judah. Author's Preface. The General Conference of 1804, and of the Annual Conferences of ... Woman's Position in the Army The General Conference of 1828 General Index. Resources What is revivalism? | GotQuestions.orgSummary of the Book of Jonah - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org What is the Assemblies of God Church, and what do they believe? | GotQuestions.org Revival: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |