Josiah's Discovery and Personal Reflection

A Young King’s Quest

Overview

King Josiah began his reign at just eight years old. Unlike many kings before him, he sought to do what was right in the sight of the Lord. In the eighteenth year of his reign, he initiated a project to repair the temple in Jerusalem, which set the stage for a spiritual revolution.

Welcome to our study of King Josiah. At only eight years old, Josiah inherited a kingdom steeped in idolatry, yet he chose a different path. During his efforts to repair the Lord's house, a discovery was made that would change the course of history.

A Beacon in Spiritual Darkness

In a time of widespread idolatry and spiritual decay, eight-year-old Josiah ascended the throne of Judah. Unlike many of his predecessors, he sought to follow the Lord from his youth, setting the stage for one of the greatest spiritual rediscoveries in history.

Welcome to our study of King Josiah, a young leader whose reign proves that no matter how far a people have drifted, the Word of God can spark a total transformation. Imagine a kingdom filled with idols and forgotten covenants. Josiah began his reign at just eight years old, but his heart was already set on seeking the Lord.

The Discovery of the Scroll

While repairing the temple, Hilkiah the high priest made a startling discovery: the "book of the law" (likely portions of Deuteronomy). As discussed in Come, Follow Me, the scriptures had been neglected and lost for generations.

Imagine the scene. Hilkiah the high priest reaches into a dusty corner of the temple and finds a scroll. He gives it to Shaphan the scribe, who brings it to the king. Click the scroll to hear what happened next. When Shaphan read the words of the book to Josiah, the king was struck by how far his people had drifted from God's commands. The lost word of God was finally speaking to them again.

The Discovery in the Temple

During the eighteenth year of his reign, Josiah ordered repairs to the House of the Lord. It was amidst the dust and debris of the neglected temple that Hilkiah the high priest found something that would change Judah forever: the book of the law.

Eighteen years into his reign, Josiah focused on restoring the temple. Click on the scroll hidden among the stones to see what Hilkiah the high priest discovered. You've found it— 'the book of the law.' As discussed in <span class='highlight'>Come, Follow Me: 2 Kings 16-25</span>, this was likely the book of Deuteronomy. When it was read to Josiah, he realized the massive gap between the Lord’s commandments and how his people were actually living.

A Heart Rent in Humility

Upon hearing the words of the law, Josiah rent his clothes—a profound sign of deep sorrow. He recognized the gap between their lives and God's laws. He immediately sought counsel from Huldah the prophetess to understand the Lord’s will.

Josiah's reaction was not one of defensiveness, but of deep humility. He rent his clothes to show his broken heart. He then sent messengers to Huldah the prophetess. Click Huldah to see her response. Huldah confirmed that the people's disobedience would lead to judgment, but because Josiah's heart was 'tender' and he humbled himself, the Lord promised he would be gathered to his grave in peace.

The Reform: From Reading to Action

Josiah’s reaction was not just emotional; it was transformational. He initiated a nationwide spiritual revolution that serves as a blueprint for genuine repentance and covenant renewal.

True repentance requires action. Follow the steps of Josiah's reform to see how he led his people back to God. First, he gathered the people and renewed their covenant. Next, he systematically removed every idol from the land. Finally, he restored the sacred Passover feast.

Consulting the Prophetess Huldah

Seeking to understand God's will more fully, Josiah sent messengers to Huldah the prophetess. Today, we also look to living prophets to help us apply ancient scripture to modern challenges.

Josiah knew that reading the word wasn't enough; he needed to understand how to apply it. He sent for Huldah the prophetess. Speak with her now to understand the 'Josiah Process' of application.

Immediate Action and Reform

Josiah did not wait to act. He gathered the people to renew their covenant and initiated sweeping reforms to cleanse the land of idolatry.

Josiah's discovery led to immediate action. He gathered everyone—from the least to the greatest—and read the book aloud. They made a covenant together. Click the 'Cleanse' button to see how he restored the land. He broke down the altars of false gods and restored the celebration of the Passover, which had been neglected for years. Reformation was not just a feeling; it was a total change of behavior.

Scriptures as a Mirror

Josiah’s example teaches us that scriptures are a mirror for our lives. We should read with intent, humble our hearts, and act immediately on what we learn.

How do we treat the word of God? Like Josiah, we can view the scriptures as a mirror. Instead of looking at how others need to change, we should ask, 'What am I doing that is contrary to these teachings?'

Evaluating Your Response

Think of a time when you felt prompted to change after reading a scripture. Using Josiah's example, write a brief plan for immediate action.

Now it's your turn. Think of a specific truth you've found in the scriptures recently. How can you act on it today, just as Josiah did? Type your plan below.

Identifying Modern Idols

Josiah removed physical altars and statues. In our day, modern idols are often distractions, habits, or false beliefs that pull our hearts away from God.

What are the 'high places' in our lives today? Drag the modern distractions away from the center to clear the path back to the temple. Every distraction we set aside brings us one step closer to a tender heart.

Personal Reflection and Testimony

President Spencer W. Kimball called this 'one of the finest stories in all of the scriptures.' Take a moment to reflect on how the Word of God has personally impacted your life.

As we conclude, let's follow the author's guidance and dedicate this time to deep personal reflection. Think of a time when a specific verse changed your perspective or behavior. Write your reflection below.

Personal Reflection and Testimony

"How have the scriptures helped you 'turn to the Lord with all [your] heart'?" (2 Kings 23:25). Take a moment to share your testimony of the power of God's word.

As we conclude, let's follow the author's counsel to reflect deeply. Think about when you have felt the Spirit while reading. How has God's word changed your perspective? Share your thoughts with our reflection partner.

Stand to the Covenant

Like Josiah, we can choose to 'stand to the covenant' and walk after the Lord with all our heart and soul. The power of the written word is a living tool for your personal transformation.

The story of Josiah is not just history; it is a pattern for our lives. By finding, reading, and acting upon the Word of God, we can reclaim our spiritual heritage. May you always find strength in the scriptures as you strive to follow the Lord God of Israel.