Topical Bible: Afflictions Made Beneficial: Josiah

Bible > Topical > Afflictions Made Beneficial

◄ Afflictions Made Beneficial: Josiah ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Josiah, the sixteenth king of Judah, is a profound example of how afflictions can be transformed into beneficial outcomes under God's providence. His reign, which began at the tender age of eight, is chronicled in 2 Kings 22-23 and 2 Chronicles 34-35. Josiah's account is marked by a series of reforms and a deep commitment to the covenant with God, despite the challenging circumstances he inherited.

Background and Early Reign

Josiah ascended to the throne following the assassination of his father, Amon, who, like his grandfather Manasseh, had led Judah into idolatry and moral decay. The spiritual state of the nation was dire, and the young king faced the daunting task of reversing the entrenched pagan practices. Despite these afflictions, Josiah's heart was inclined toward God, as noted in 2 Kings 22:2 : "And 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."

Discovery of the Book of the Law

A pivotal moment in Josiah's reign was the discovery of the Book of the Law during the temple repairs, as recorded in 2 Kings 22:8-11. This discovery was both a revelation and an affliction, as it exposed the extent of Judah's departure from God's commandments. Josiah's response was one of humility and repentance. He tore his clothes and sought guidance from the prophetess Huldah, demonstrating his earnest desire to align the nation with God's will.

Reforms and Covenant Renewal

Josiah's afflictions became a catalyst for significant religious reforms. He initiated a thorough cleansing of the land, purging it of idolatrous practices and restoring the worship of Yahweh. 2 Kings 23:25 highlights his unparalleled 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."

The king's reforms culminated in a national covenant renewal ceremony, where the people pledged to follow the LORD and keep His commandments. This event not only revitalized the spiritual life of Judah but also served as a testament to the transformative power of afflictions when met with faith and obedience.

Passover Celebration

Josiah's commitment to the LORD was further exemplified in his observance of the Passover, as detailed in 2 Chronicles 35:18 : "No such Passover had been observed in Israel since the days of Samuel the prophet; none of the kings of Israel had ever celebrated such a Passover as Josiah did, with the priests, the Levites, all Judah and Israel who were there with the people of Jerusalem." This celebration was a profound act of worship and a reminder of God's deliverance, reinforcing the nation's identity as God's chosen people.

Lessons from Josiah's Afflictions

Josiah's life illustrates how afflictions, when approached with a heart devoted to God, can lead to spiritual renewal and national transformation. His account encourages believers to seek God's guidance in times of trial and to remain steadfast in their commitment to His commandments. Through Josiah, we see that even in the face of overwhelming challenges, God's purposes can be fulfilled, and His people can be drawn closer to Him.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 22:19
Because your heart was tender, and you have humbled yourself before the LORD, when you heard what I spoke against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and have rent your clothes, and wept before me; I also have heard you, said the LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The General Conference of 1804, and of the Annual Conferences of ...
... What added to the beneficial influence of these meetings ... filling up what remained
of the afflictions of Christ ... that no effectual efforts had been made since his ...
/.../chapter 6 the general conference.htm

Of Civil Government.
... and hurt; but to avenge the afflictions of the ... by leagues, the alliances which are
made by neighbouring ... the laws which it judges to be beneficial, still these ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of civil government.htm

The General Conference of 1828
... Loring Grant, James Hall, George Harmon, Jonathan Huestis, Josiah Keyes, Gideon ... is
room, and pressing calls for much greater enlargement are constantly made. ...
/.../chapter 9 the general conference.htm