2 Chronicles 34-35

Josiah was a wonderfully faithful ruler.  He obeyed God’s command and server no other god.  Though his rule began when he was 8 years old the good that he did for 31 years out weighted the good of the previous two kings.  Yet it is amazing that he completed much of his reform while in ignorance of God’s Word.  From the age of 8 to 26 the Bible doesn’t reveal what motivated Josiah’ pious actions. The book of the Law was read to him during the eighteenth year of his reign.  When he heard the Law and realized how terribly Judah had sinned he was overwhelmed with sorrow and grief (34:26-27).  Did one of the priest tutor Josiah during those early years of his reign?  Was he influenced by the writings of Isaiah, or David, or some other prophet?  Maybe Zephaniah taught the young king how to follow God.  His heart was receptive but how did he learn about the God of Israel instead of lord Baal?  What we can see in the life of Josiah is a boy and a man who connected with God and never let go, just like his ancestor king David.  He did not hide behind the excuse that he had a terrible example in his father and grandfather.  Josiah forsook everything, and everyone, else in order to follow God.

Stuart