(REFLECTIONS ON 2 Kings 22:1-20)

Similar to his ancestor, and former king of Judah, Joash, Josiah king of Judah sent messengers to Hilkiah the high priest in order to have money collected to repair the house of the Lord.

In the process of the repairs, Hilkiah the hight priest found the book of the law. In addition to reporting about the repairs to the house of the Lord, Shaphan the scribe told the king, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.” Shaphan then read it to Josiah king of Judah.

11 When the king heard the words of the book of the law, he tore his clothes.

The king then commanded,

13 “Go, inquire of the Lord for me and the people and all Judah concerning the words of this book that has been found, for great is the wrath of the Lord that burns against us, because our fathers have not listened to the words of this book, to do according to all that is written concerning us.”

The kings men then went to Huldah the prophetess to inquire of the Lord. What came back from the prophetess was a message of judgment against Judah because they forsook the Lord and burned incense to other gods. However, for Josiah king of Judah, because his heart was tender, humbled himself, tore his clothes and wept before the Lord when the book of the law was read to him, peace was promised to him.

Brothers and sisters, do we notice where and when the book of the law was found? It was found in the house of the Lord, while repairs were being made to it. His word is in His house! Isn’t that in itself already a strong reason why we are to worship the Lord together?

Additionally, this all happened when repairs were being made to the house of the Lord, reminding us that as we meet to worship together as the people of God, that we are to go with a heart to be moved, changed, repaired, and restored by Him.

His word is in His house! No, this isn’t just talking about the church building, but the house of the Lord is our place of worship with other believers, and whether it is in small group, at someone’s house, or in the physical church building, that is where we will find Him.

Not only that, but what saved Josiah from the judgment given to the rest of Judah, was his tender and humble heart, and his tears that he wept before the Lord. Yes, let us go to the house of the Lord, we will find Him and His word there, and let His word pierce our hearts, and may our tears flow out of being touched by His Spirit once again.

Pastor Michael Lu
Enduring Word Bible Commentary: 2 Kings 22