Josiah begins his thirty-one year reign at age eight, doing right like David, not turning aside. In his eighteenth year, he sends Shaphan the secretary to Hilkiah the high priest to count the silver for temple repairs. Hilkiah reports finding the Book of the Law in the temple; Shaphan reads it to the king. Hearing the words, Josiah tears his clothes in anguish, sending officials to inquire of the LORD through Huldah the prophetess about this book, since their fathers have not obeyed it. Huldah declares disaster is coming on this place as written in the book, because they have forsaken the LORD and burned incense to other gods; but because Josiah's heart was tender, he humbled himself, tore his clothes, and wept before the LORD, he will be gathered to his grave in peace and not see the disaster.
Read 2 Kings Chapter 22 Summary
Original
Characters in This Chapter
Elisha
Elijah's successor who performed many miracles and ministered to Israel's kings
Hezekiah
Faithful king of Judah who trusted God against Assyria and was healed from illness
Josiah
Reforming king who rediscovered the Law and led Judah in renewal
Naaman
Syrian commander healed of leprosy by Elisha, demonstrating God's grace to Gentiles
Manasseh
Wicked king of Judah who led the nation into deep idolatry
David
King of Israel
Micah
Prophet who Foretold Bethlehem
Judah
Son of Jacob, Ancestor of David and Christ
Places in This Chapter
Position in Book
Elisha's MinistryChapters 1-8
Decline of Both KingdomsChapters 9-16
Fall of IsraelChapters 17
Judah AloneChapters 18-25
Hezekiah's faithfulness, Manasseh's wickedness, Josiah's reforms, fall of Jerusalem to Babylon.