Scripture to Read: 2 Kings 22:8-13
The temple restoration was underway, and we find in 2 Kings 22:8 that Hilkiah, the high priest, found the book of the law in the house of the Lord. Hilkiah gave it to Shaphan the scribe, and Shaphan read it. Then, Shaphan read it in the presence of King Josiah. Although we know that King Josiah walked in the ways of his father David, he had never had the actual book of the law read to him. King Josiah only knew what had been taught to him by his parents and others based on what had been taught to them over the years. When King Josiah heard the words from the book of the law, he tore his clothes. In Israelite culture, tearing one’s clothes was a visible sign of deep grief and brokenness. Then, we read this in 2 Kings 22:12–13, “Then the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam the son of Shaphan, Achbor the son of Micaiah, Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah the king’s servant saying, 13 ‘Go, inquire of the Lord for me and the people and all Judah concerning the words of this book that has been found, for great is the wrath of the Lord that burns against us, because our fathers have not listened to the words of this book, to do according to all that is written concerning us.’” Josiah wanted to know, from the Lord, what he and the people of Judah must do to get right with God, because he knew that they had not been following God’s commands. Obedience to our Lord is a must.
Challenge & Application
Why did Josiah tear his clothes when he heard from the book of the law for the first time?
How are you allowing God to speak to you through His Word so that you stay in right fellowship with Him?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!