2Ch 34:33 | KingComments | STEP | The effect of the divine message on the heart of Josiah is that he leads the whole people to renew the covenant relationship with the LORD. He calls all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem to come ( ). Then he, the king, goes first to the house of the LORD ( ). All the people, in all their ranks and of all ages, follow him. Josiah reads the whole Word that is found. He takes the time for it, and so do the people. Again it is emphasized that the book “was found in the house of the LORD”. The time before the final judgments is characterized by organizing meetings around the Word ( ). Everyone, young and old, always needs the Word, but especially in times of crisis. The house of the LORD is not only the place of worship but also the place of teaching (cf. ). After reading in their hearing all the words of the book of the covenant, the king stands “in his place” (cf. ), where we may think of the platform made by Solomon ( ). First Josiah himself makes a covenant before the LORD ( ). In doing so he commits himself to follow the LORD and to obey Him with all his heart and with all his soul. Then he involves Jerusalem and Benjamin in the covenant ( ) and also obliges everyone who dwells in Israel to serve the LORD ( ). The origin of the revival is in the heart of Josiah. The people are obliged by him to take a stand and to serve. The difference between the heart of Josiah and the heart of the people becomes clear after the death of Josiah. It is always Josiah who acts for the people. He brings all of the twelve tribes under his authority into that covenant. However, it only works for as long as he lives. In the book of Jeremiah it becomes clear that the reformation of Josiah only did an outward work in the lives and homes of the members of God’s people. That the people do not deviate is not a matter of their hearts. They are hypocrites. In reality they are far away from the LORD ( ). Josiah therefore represents in his person the remnant that remains faithful in a time of apostasy. Yet an outward restoration is better than no restoration. An outward restoration has an impact on public life. We see that Josiah removes all abominations from Israel. As long as Josiah’s inspiring leadership is there, the people follow. After his death it becomes clear how even his own family has not been touched by God’s Spirit. Good kings are a picture of the great Son of David. In them we also see examples of true spiritual leadership to bring the people to a walk in agreement with God.

‏ 2 Chronicles 34:33

Reaction of Josiah

The effect of the divine message on the heart of Josiah is that he leads the whole people to renew the covenant relationship with the LORD. He calls all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem to come (2Chr 34:29). Then he, the king, goes first to the house of the LORD (2Chr 34:30). All the people, in all their ranks and of all ages, follow him.

Josiah reads the whole Word that is found. He takes the time for it, and so do the people. Again it is emphasized that the book “was found in the house of the LORD”. The time before the final judgments is characterized by organizing meetings around the Word (Heb 10:25). Everyone, young and old, always needs the Word, but especially in times of crisis. The house of the LORD is not only the place of worship but also the place of teaching (cf. Lk 21:37a).

After reading in their hearing all the words of the book of the covenant, the king stands “in his place” (cf. 2Kgs 23:3), where we may think of the platform made by Solomon (2Chr 6:13). First Josiah himself makes a covenant before the LORD (2Chr 34:31). In doing so he commits himself to follow the LORD and to obey Him with all his heart and with all his soul. Then he involves Jerusalem and Benjamin in the covenant (2Chr 34:32) and also obliges everyone who dwells in Israel to serve the LORD (2Chr 34:33). The origin of the revival is in the heart of Josiah. The people are obliged by him to take a stand and to serve. The difference between the heart of Josiah and the heart of the people becomes clear after the death of Josiah.

It is always Josiah who acts for the people. He brings all of the twelve tribes under his authority into that covenant. However, it only works for as long as he lives. In the book of Jeremiah it becomes clear that the reformation of Josiah only did an outward work in the lives and homes of the members of God’s people. That the people do not deviate is not a matter of their hearts. They are hypocrites. In reality they are far away from the LORD (Jer 3:10). Josiah therefore represents in his person the remnant that remains faithful in a time of apostasy.

Yet an outward restoration is better than no restoration. An outward restoration has an impact on public life. We see that Josiah removes all abominations from Israel. As long as Josiah’s inspiring leadership is there, the people follow. After his death it becomes clear how even his own family has not been touched by God’s Spirit. Good kings are a picture of the great Son of David. In them we also see examples of true spiritual leadership to bring the people to a walk in agreement with God.