Josiah did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and followed completely the ways of his father David, not turning aside to the right or to the left. – 2 Kings 22:2
Bible Verses About King Josiah
The Righteous Reign of Josiah
In our exploration of King Josiah, we recognize a powerful example of righteousness and devotion. Josiah ascended to the throne at a young age and chose to walk in the ways of his ancestor David. His reign represented a return to the core beliefs that God had laid out for His people, and we see how his commitment to righteousness helped to restore Israel’s faith. Just like Josiah, we too have the opportunity to choose righteousness in our lives and stand firm in our faith despite the influences around us, seeking to please God in everything we do.
2 Kings 22:2
“Josiah did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and followed completely the ways of his father David, not turning aside to the right or to the left.” – 2 Kings 22:2
2 Kings 23:25
“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
2 Chronicles 34:2
“He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and followed the ways of his father David, not turning aside to the right or to the left.” – 2 Chronicles 34:2
2 Kings 22:1
“Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years.” – 2 Kings 22:1
2 Chronicles 34:25
“This is what the Lord says: I am going to bring disaster on this place and its people, all the curses written in the book that has been read in the presence of the king of Judah.” – 2 Chronicles 34:25
Josiah’s Discovery of the Law
One of the most pivotal moments in Josiah’s reign was the discovery of the Book of the Law in the temple. This discovery transformed not just his life, but the lives of all in Judah. It reminds us of the importance of God’s Word in our lives. When we approach Scripture with open hearts, we may become aware of truths we had missed or forgotten. King Josiah showcased how, upon reading the Word, he took immediate action to correct and align his kingdom with God’s instructions. As we read and meditate on the Scriptures, we too should seek to apply its teachings in meaningful ways.
2 Kings 22:8
“Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the secretary, ‘I have found the Book of the Law in the temple of the Lord.’ He gave it to Shaphan who read it.” – 2 Kings 22:8
2 Chronicles 34:14
“While they were bringing out the money that had been taken into the temple of the Lord, Hilkiah the priest found the Book of the Law of the Lord that had been given through Moses.” – 2 Chronicles 34:14
2 Kings 22:11
“When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his robes.” – 2 Kings 22:11
2 Chronicles 34:19
“When the king heard the words of the Law, he turned his face to the ground and worshiped.” – 2 Chronicles 34:19
2 Chronicles 34:30
“The king went up to the temple of the Lord with the people of Judah, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the priests and the Levites—all the people from the least to the greatest.” – 2 Chronicles 34:30
The Reformation Under Josiah
Josiah’s desire for reform is an exciting example of how change can start from a place of sincerity and faith. He didn’t just read the Law; he acted upon it with great diligence. He understood that true leadership is about guiding others in the ways of the Lord. By removing idols and restoring proper worship in the temple, King Josiah demonstrated that he was not content with mere words but was determined to lead by example. In our lives, we should reflect on how we can encourage reform and righteousness in our communities and families, striving for unity and a shared dedication to God.
2 Kings 23:4
“The king ordered Hilkiah the high priest and the priests next in rank to remove from the temple of the Lord all the articles made for Baal and Asherah and all the starry hosts.” – 2 Kings 23:4
2 Kings 23:24
“Furthermore, Josiah expelled the mediums and spiritists, the household gods, the idols and all the detestable things seen in Judah and Jerusalem.” – 2 Kings 23:24
2 Kings 23:21
“The king gave this order to all the people: ‘Celebrate the Passover to the Lord your God, as it is written in this Book of the Covenant.’” – 2 Kings 23:21
2 Chronicles 34:33
“Josiah removed all the detestable idols from all the territory belonging to the Israelites and made all who were present in Israel serve the Lord their God.” – 2 Chronicles 34:33
2 Kings 23:25
“Neither before nor after Josiah was there a king like him who turned to the Lord as he did.” – 2 Kings 23:25
Josiah’s Commitment to Prayer and Worship
Prayer and worship are essential elements of our relationship with God. King Josiah recognized their importance and led his people back to God through sincere worship. His commitment was seen in the way he dedicated the temple and reinstated the Passover celebration. In our daily lives, we too can commit ourselves to prayer and worship, drawing closer to God and encouraging others to do the same. When we cultivate a worshipful spirit, we create an atmosphere where God’s presence can dwell and bring transformation.
2 Kings 23:22
“The Passover had not been observed like this in Israel since the days of the judges who led Israel, nor throughout the days of the kings of Israel and the kings of Judah.” – 2 Kings 23:22
2 Chronicles 35:1
“Josiah celebrated the Passover to the Lord in Jerusalem, and the Passover lamb was slaughtered on the fourteenth day of the first month.” – 2 Chronicles 35:1
2 Chronicles 35:16
“So at the service of the Lord, they made the Passover offerings and they offered to the Lord according to the rule.” – 2 Chronicles 35:16
2 Chronicles 35:18
“The Passover had not been observed like this in Israel since the days of Samuel the prophet.” – 2 Chronicles 35:18
2 Chronicles 34:27
“Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before God when you heard what he spoke against this place and its people… I have heard you,” declares the Lord. – 2 Chronicles 34:27
The Legacy of King Josiah
The legacy of King Josiah is one of faithfulness and courage. His actions reverberated throughout the kingdom, showing the importance of loyalty to God. We can draw inspiration from his legacy, knowing that even in the face of challenges, we can strive to embody faith. Josiah became an avenue for God’s grace to flow through, and we can, too, by living lives that honor Him. As we reflect on our own legacies, we should aim to leave behind a love for God and a steadfast commitment to spreading His Word.
2 Kings 23:26
“Although the Lord had not turned from the fierceness of his great wrath, he turned from his fierce anger because of what Josiah had done.” – 2 Kings 23:26
2 Kings 24:1
“During Jehoiakim’s reign, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon invaded the land, and Jehoiakim became his vassal for three years. But then he changed his mind and rebelled against him.” – 2 Kings 24:1
2 Chronicles 35:20
“After all this, when Josiah had set the temple in order, Necho king of Egypt went up to fight at Carchemish on the Euphrates, and Josiah marched out to meet him.” – 2 Chronicles 35:20
2 Chronicles 35:24
“The archers shot King Josiah, and he told his officers, ‘Take me away; I am badly wounded.’” – 2 Chronicles 35:24
2 Chronicles 35:25
“Jeremiah chanted a lament for Josiah, and to this day all the male and female singers commemorate Josiah in the lamentations.” – 2 Chronicles 35:25
Lessons from Josiah’s Life
The life of King Josiah offers many lessons we can apply to our own lives. From his faithfulness to his courageous decisions, we can see how important our relationship with God is. We can learn from his quick responses to the Lord’s Word and his understanding of the need to return to spiritual basics. It challenges us to examine what we hold dear and realign our lives according to God’s Word. Each day is a fresh opportunity for us to grow in faith and influence others positively.
2 Kings 22:12
“He gave these orders to Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Abdon son of Micah and Shaphan the secretary, and Asaiah the king’s attendant.” – 2 Kings 22:12
2 Chronicles 34:30
“The king went up to the temple of the Lord with the people of Judah, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the priests and the Levites—all the people from the least to the greatest.” – 2 Chronicles 34:30
2 Chronicles 34:28
“The God of Israel has expressed His wrath upon this place. But He will not let I spread through calamity towards you, my people.” – 2 Chronicles 34:28
Jeremiah 1:4
“The word of the Lord came to me, saying, ‘Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.’” – Jeremiah 1:4
Jeremiah 22:15
“Does it make you a king to have more and more cedar? Did not your father have food and drink? He did what was right and just, so all went well with him.” – Jeremiah 22:15
Final Thoughts
The story of King Josiah stands out as a remarkable reminder of how one individual can impact an entire nation. Through his commitment to righteousness, discovery of God’s Word, and the reformation he led, he teaches us the importance of staying true to God in our personal lives. Josiah exemplified how true leaders inspire change, engage in heartfelt worship, and leave behind valuable legacies. It is our hope that as we read these verses and consider King Josiah’s example, we will be motivated to take bold steps toward a life committed to God.
As each of us takes a step in faith, we can also encourage others in their journeys. Like Josiah, we can actively seek to reform our communities through the love of Christ, leading them to a deeper understanding of God’s Word. I also invite you to explore more about related topics, including the life of various kings and the essential nature of repentance. Together, we can strive to walk in His ways and share His light with the world.