August 5

2 Kings 22-23; 2 Chronicles 34-35 (biblegateway.com)

Revival in the Ruins: Josiah’s Heart for God and the Power of Returning

In a time of deep national decline and spiritual neglect, the reign of King Josiah shines like a bright light. Today’s passages, 2 Kings 22–23 and 2 Chronicles 34–35, are parallel accounts that record one of the most remarkable revivals in Judah’s history. Ascending to the throne at just eight years old, Josiah sought the Lord from a young age. By the time he was in his twenties,  he initiated a widespread purge of idolatry from Judah and Jerusalem.

These events follow the dark and tragic legacies of his predecessors: Manasseh, who led Judah into deep idolatry and spiritual corruption, and Amon, who continued in his father’s wicked ways and was assassinated after only two years on the throne. In contrast, Josiah’s reign marks a dramatic spiritual turnaround. He stands out as one of Judah’s most faithful and reform-minded kings, leading the nation back toward covenant faithfulness in a time of widespread moral collapse.

Josiah’s Early Reforms (2 Kings 22:1-2; 2 Chronicles 34:1-7)

Josiah became king at just eight years old, in c. 641 BC, and reigned for thirty-one years in Jerusalem (2 Kings 22:1; 2 Chronicles 34:1). Despite the spiritual climate of earlier reigns, he “walked in the ways of David” and avoided idolatry, which was a rare virtue for a young king  (2 Kings 22:2; 2 Chronicles 34:2). By the age of sixteen (in the eighth year of his reign), Josiah began seeking the God of David. Four years later, in his twelfth year, he began purging Judah and Jerusalem of high places, Asherah poles, carved idols, and metal images (2 Chronicles 34:3-7). He even extended his reforms into the northern territories, including Ephraim and Manasseh, underscoring both his spiritual zeal and political consolidation of centralized worship (2 Chronicles 34:6). This phase isn’t mentioned in 2 Kings, but Chronicles shows the proactive effort to cleanse the land before the Law was even rediscovered.

The Book of the Law Found (2 Kings 22:3-13; 2 Chronicles 34:8-21)

In Josiah’s eighteenth year (c. 622 BC), at the age of 26, he launched a major project to repair the Temple of the Lord (2 Kings 22:3‑7; 2 Chronicles 34:8-13). This was a pivotal moment in his reign. He sent Shaphan the secretary, Maaseiah the governor, and Joah the recorder to oversee the work. While the work was underway, Hilkiah the high priest discovered a significant artifact during the renovation, “the Book of the Law of the Lord given through Moses” (2 Kings 22:8; 2 Chronicles 34:14). Scholars widely believe this refers to Deuteronomy or a portion of the Torah.

When Shaphan the scribe read it to Josiah, the king tore his clothes (2 Kings 22:11; 2 Chronicles 34:19), a sign of mourning and repentance. Josiah recognized how far Judah had strayed and feared the judgment due to them under the covenant curses (Deuteronomy 28). His response was not political or superficial but spiritual and heartfelt. He commanded Hilkiah, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Abdon son of Micah, Shaphan the secretary, and Asaiah, the king’s servant, saying: “Go and seek the Lord on my behalf and on behalf of the remaining people of Israel and Judah concerning the words of this book that has been found. The Lord’s anger burns greatly against us, because our ancestors did not obey the word of the Lord or live according to everything written in this book” (2 Kings 22:12-13; 2 Chronicles 34:20-21).

Consulting the Prophetess Huldah (2 Kings 22:14-20; 2 Chronicles 34:22-28)

Recognizing the imminent danger under God’s covenant curses, Josiah sent a delegation to Huldah the prophetess, who confirmed the coming judgment on Judah due to its long history of idolatry. However, because of Josiah’s humility and repentance, God promised that the destruction would not occur during his lifetime. Huldah’s words affirmed both the certainty of God’s justice and the mercy extended to the contrite.

Covenant Renewal and National Reform (2 Kings 23:1-20; 2 Chronicles 34:29-33)

Josiah gathered all the people and read the Law aloud (2 Kings 23:1-2; 2 Chronicles 29:30). He renewed the covenant before the Lord and led the nation in recommitting to the covenantal commandments (2 Kings 23:3; 2 Chronicles 29:31-32). The reforms that followed were unparalleled in their scope and zeal. Josiah destroyed all pagan altars and shrines, even those Solomon had erected centuries earlier (2 Kings 23:13; 2 Chronicles 29:33). He defiled Topheth in the Valley of Hinnom to abolish child sacrifice (v. 10), removed the horses and chariots dedicated to the sun (v. 11), and tore down high places in Samaria, just as he had done in Judah (v. 19-20). This purging of idolatry reached both heart and structure.

Celebration of the Passover (2 Kings 23:21-23; 2 Chronicles 35:1-19)

Both accounts emphasize Josiah’s grand observance of Passover in Jerusalem (2 Kings 23:21-23; 2 Chronicles 35). He commanded the people to keep the Passover “as it is written in the Book of the Covenant” (2 Kings 23:21), reflecting his desire to conform precisely to Scripture. 2 Chronicles 35:1-19 adds far more detail: the priests were stationed properly (v. 2), the Levites prepared the Passover lambs (v. 6, 11), and Josiah personally contributed 30,000 lambs and 3,000 cattle from his own possessions (v. 7). Other leaders followed his generosity, indicating a widespread return to proper worship.

This Passover was unprecedented. According to 2 Kings 23:22 and 2 Chronicles 35:18, such a celebration had not occurred since the days of Samuel the prophet. The level of national unity and adherence to Mosaic law made it a spiritual high point in Judah’s history. It symbolized both remembrance of redemption and renewal of a covenant relationship with God.

Josiah’s Death and Aftermath (2 Kings 23:28-30; 2 Chronicles 35:20-27)

Tragically, Josiah’s life ended in war. Both accounts record that he confronted Pharaoh Neco of Egypt at Megiddo (2 Kings 23:29; 2 Chronicles 35:20). Chronicles adds crucial theological context: Neco claimed that God had sent him to fight at Carchemish and warned Josiah not to interfere (2 Chronicles 35:21). Josiah disguised himself and went anyway, and was fatally wounded by archers (v. 23). He died in Jerusalem and was deeply mourned (2 Kings 23:30; 2 Chronicles 35:24-25). The prophet Jeremiah composed laments for him (v. 25), reflecting Josiah’s profound spiritual impact on Judah.

Josiah’s death is bittersweet. Though he was faithful, he did not heed Neco’s warning (which may have truly come from God), and it cost him his life. His death marked the beginning of Judah’s decline and the beginning of Judah’s final descent toward Babylonian exile, even though God had postponed judgment during his reign (2 Kings 22:20).

Overall, the reign of Josiah reveals rich theological truths that continue to challenge and inspire today. At the heart of his story is the rediscovery of the Book of the Law, a moment that marked a spiritual awakening for a nation that had long drifted from God’s covenant. Its recovery brought conviction, clarity, and the spark of true revival, one not rooted in emotion or tradition, but in the authority of Scripture. Josiah’s immediate and humble response to God’s Word, tearing his robes and seeking the Lord, led to personal mercy and divine affirmation, showing that God honors repentance, even in the face of long-standing national sin. His obedience was not passive; he acted boldly to remove idols, restore right worship, and renew the covenant, reminding us that genuine faith demands decisive action. His leadership was transformative. What began as a personal encounter with God’s Word extended to the entire kingdom, demonstrating how godly leadership can shape spiritual direction for generations.

These truths still speak: Do we treat Scripture as central or optional? Do we respond with humility or resistance? Josiah’s example urges us to take God’s Word seriously, to lead with integrity, and to believe that even in times of deep decline, spiritual renewal is possible when God’s people return to Him with reverence and resolve.

Conclusion

Josiah’s story is both inspiring and sobering. His zeal for God led to deep and sweeping reform, yet the consequences of past generations’ rebellion still loomed. While God’s judgment was postponed, it could not be entirely undone. Still, Josiah’s faithfulness mattered deeply to God, and his life teaches us that personal obedience and reverence for God’s Word can bring real change, even in a broken world. His legacy challenges us to listen carefully to Scripture, respond with repentance, and act boldly in the face of spiritual decay. In a culture drifting from truth, Josiah shows us the beauty and urgency of wholehearted devotion, not just reforming outward structures, but returning fully to the heart of God.