After the wickedness of Manasseh and Amon there once more comes a ray of light in the form of Josiah who becomes king at the age of eight and would reign 31 years (v1). It says of Josiah that he would do right and not turn from it to the left or to the right (v2). What a wonderful testimony to leave behind, are you so determined to do right by the Lord?

Josiah’s love for the Lord is seen in repairing the temple (v3-7). The place of worship must always be central in the life of a child of God.

In doing the repairs the book of the law is found, which speaks of how it had been lost and forgotten for many years. It is brought to and read to Josiah (v8-10). He responds by ripping his clothes as he realises the guilt of his people before the Lord (v11-13). The bible is not always a comfortable read and we need to take its judgments seriously.

Huldah the prophetess tells the king that judgment will come on Judah, but because of his repentant heart it would not happen during his life time (v14-20). When we are guilty of sin hope is found only when we have a repentant heart.