2 Kings Chapter 23 – The Religious and Faith’s Reformation of king Josiah
King Josiah’s reformation is one of the most important events in the southern kingdom of Judah’s history. From Second Chronicles chapter 34 verse 3 that “in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of the high places, the wooden images, the carved images and the molded images” (2 Chron 34:3 ref: 2 king 22:1-2).
Hence, his reformation could have occurred in the later part of his reign.
From Second Chronicles chapter 34 verse 3ff King Josiah resolved to seek the Lord and started systematically purge of the land. From southern part of Judah to the Northern side of Israel.
King Josiah removed the places of idol worshipping. He also destroyed the altar and high places at Bethel. He took the bones out of the tombs and burned them on the altar, and defiled it according to the words of the Lord (2 King 23:15ff). His actions were prophesied long ago by a prophet who denounced Jeroboam I altar that was at Bethel (1 King 13:2;26-32).
The fulfilment of that prophecy proves that this earlier man of God was a true prophet (Deut 18:22)
Beside broke down the altars, wooden images and beaten the carved images into powder. King Josiah repair and restored the house of the Lord his God (2 Chron 34:8ff) and restores the true and proper worship of the Lord according to the regulations of Moses(2 King 23:1-23; 2 Chron 34:29 to 35:1-19.
This was made possible by the discovery of a copy of the “Book of the Law of the Lord by the hand of Moses” by Hilkiah, the high priest (2 Chr 34:14). It is probable that nearly (or even all) other copies of this scroll had been destroyed during the reign of Manasseh.
When the book of the Law was read to the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the people made a commitment to abide by the commandments of the covenant (2 King 23:1-3; 2 Chron 34:29–33).
After the book of Law is read, the people made commitment to keep the words of God. Indeed the word of God is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Ps 119:105) to guide us to lead a holy and pure life separated from other. In addition, God’s word would require for us to obey and manifest out from our daily life (Jas 1:25). The ceremony of covenant renewal was followed by a celebration of Passover (2 Chron 35:1–19).
The religious and faith’s reformation of King Josiah would continue until his death. But sad to said, none of his successors would continue in his reformation work of building up the faith of the nation.
Hence, King Josiah is the last good king of Judah, the southern kingdom.