2Ch 34 | MHM | STEP | The Reign of Josiah This section introduces Josiah, one of the good kings of Judah. He became king when he was just eight years old and reigned for thirty-one years. Even though he was a child at first and probably let others rule for him, Josiah started to seek God while he was still young. In his twelfth year, he began to remove all the idols and false worship from the land. Josiah’s story shows that young people can choose to follow God, and that true reform sometimes takes time and effort, especially after a period of evil leadership. v. 1 : Josiah became king at the age of eight. He ruled in Jerusalem for thirty-one years .

‏ 2 Chronicles 34

The Reign of Josiah

This section introduces Josiah, one of the good kings of Judah. He became king when he was just eight years old and reigned for thirty-one years. Even though he was a child at first and probably let others rule for him, Josiah started to seek God while he was still young. In his twelfth year, he began to remove all the idols and false worship from the land. Josiah’s story shows that young people can choose to follow God, and that true reform sometimes takes time and effort, especially after a period of evil leadership.

v. 1: Josiah became king at the age of eight. He ruled in Jerusalem for thirty-one years .

v. 2: Josiah did what was right in the eyes of the ORD. He followed the example of King David and did not turn aside to the right or to the left .

v. 3: When Josiah was sixteen years old, he began to seek after the God of David. At the age of twenty, in the twelfth year of his reign, he started to get rid of the idols and places of false worship in Judah and Jerusalem .

v. 4: Josiah destroyed the altars of the Baals and tore down the incense altars above them. He broke the idols into pieces and scattered the dust on the graves of those who had sacrificed to them (2 Chronicles 34:4 ^a).

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The Repair of the Temple

This section describes how King Josiah ordered the repair of the temple after he had removed all the idols and false worship from the land. He wanted the temple to be clean and ready for true worship. Josiah showed his love for God by caring for God’s house. The people worked together faithfully and honestly, each using their different skills for the good of the temple and the nation. This teaches us that God gives everyone different gifts, and all are needed for His work.

v. 8: Josiah gave orders to repair the temple of the ORD his God. After cleaning out the idols, he wanted the temple to be restored so it could be used for worship again. The Levites collected money from all the people and brought it to the leaders in charge of the repairs .

v. 9: The Levites brought the money to Hilkiah the high priest. Together with the leaders, he gave the money to the workmen who were repairing and restoring the temple .

v. 10-11: The money was used to pay the builders and carpenters, and to buy materials for the repairs. The workers were trusted to do the job well and to use the money honestly (2 Chronicles 34:10-11 ^b).

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v. 12: The workmen did their job faithfully. Skilled leaders, some of whom were also talented in music and mathematics, supervised the work. Each person used their own gifts to help, whether they were carrying loads or directing others. Everyone worked together for the glory of God and the good of the temple (2 Chronicles 34:12 ^c).

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The Finding of the Book of the Law

This section tells how the Book of the Law was found during the repairs of the temple in Josiah’s reign. The story is also found in 2 Kings 22:8-20 ^d. We are reminded to thank God that we have the Bible freely available to us today. When Josiah heard the words of God’s law, his heart was deeply moved and he humbled himself before God. This teaches us that we should always take God’s Word seriously and let it change our hearts. When we feel convicted by God’s Word, we should seek Him and ask what we must do to be right with Him. The passage also warns that rejecting God brings judgment, but those who humble themselves and seek Him will find mercy and peace.

v. 14: While they were bringing out the money collected for the temple repairs, Hilkiah the priest found the Book of the Law of the ORD given through Moses .

v. 15-18: Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan the scribe, who read it and then took it to King Josiah, reporting what was written in it (2 Chronicles 34:15-18 ^e).

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v. 19: When Josiah heard the words of the law, he tore his clothes in sorrow and fear. He realized how far the people had turned from God’s commands .

v. 20-21: Josiah commanded his officials to go and ask the ORD what they should do, since God’s anger was great because the people had not obeyed His word. He wanted to know how to respond and what God required of them (2 Chronicles 34:20-21; Acts 2:37 ^f; Acts 16:30 ^g).

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v. 22-25: The officials went to Huldah the prophetess, who told them that disaster would come upon Judah because they had abandoned God and worshipped idols. God’s judgment was certain for those who refused to repent (2 Chronicles 34:22-25 ^h).

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v. 26-28: But Huldah also gave a message of hope to Josiah. Because he humbled himself and was sorry for his sins and the sins of his people, God promised that Josiah would die in peace and not see the coming disaster. God shows mercy to those who humble themselves before Him (2 Chronicles 34:26-28 ⁱ).

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Josiah's Reformation and the Covenant Renewal

This section shows Josiah’s efforts to lead his people in renewing their covenant with God after hearing the words of the Book of the Law. Josiah did not force the people to obey without first teaching them God’s commands. He personally led by example and ensured that the people understood their responsibilities to God. However, while Josiah was sincere, many of the people followed only outwardly, without true repentance in their hearts. This reminds us that real reformation must begin with a change of heart, not just external actions.

v. 29-30: Josiah called all the leaders and people of Judah and Jerusalem, both great and small, to the temple. There, he read aloud the words of the Book of the Covenant to the people. By doing this himself, Josiah showed that he was personally moved by God’s Word and wanted others to take it seriously (2 Chronicles 34:29-30 ^j).

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v. 31: Standing before the people, Josiah made a covenant to follow the ORD and to obey His commands with all his heart and soul. He committed to keeping everything written in the Book of the Law .

v. 32: Josiah encouraged all who were present to join in this covenant. The people agreed to follow the covenant and pledged themselves to God. Josiah was determined to lead them in serving the ORD faithfully .

v. 33: Josiah removed all the idols and false worship from the land. He made the people serve the ORD and follow His commands. As long as Josiah lived, the people did not turn away from God. However, their obedience was often superficial, as many still longed for their idols in their hearts (2 Chronicles 34:33; Jeremiah 3:6 ^k).