Josiah: The Devoted King

2 Kings 22

March 14, 2010

This morning we return to our study of Kings

And we once again find one of the true gems of the book.

We are talking about Josiah.

2 Kings 23:25 “Before him there was no king like him who turned to the LORD with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses; nor did any like him arise after him.”

We recently studied Hezekiah and saw that in regard to trust,

There was never another king like him.

But if you want to talk about kings who are devoted to God,

Then for that list we must crown Josiah.

And this morning as we study the life of Josiah,

I want to show you what devotion to God looks like,

I also want you to see the benefits of such devotion.

We can break this chapter down into 4 points.

#1 JOSIAH’S DEVOTION

2 Kings 22:1-2

“Josiah was eight years old when he became king,”

You would assume that a boy as young as Josiah

Would be an absolute push over, but he was not.

Furthermore we read that “he reigned thirty-one years in Jerusalem.”

That of course means that he died at the age of 39.

(You will see why later)

Then we see the appraisal of Josiah.

(2) “He did right in the sight of the LORD and walked in all the way of his father David, nor did he turn aside to the right or to the left.”

The interesting thing is that he ALWAYS did right.

He never strayed.

He never backslid.

He never got off course.

“nor did he turn aside to the right or to the left.”

We find that statement frequently used

Both in the book of Deuteronomy and in the book of Joshua.

Deuteronomy 5:32-33 "So you shall observe to do just as the LORD your God has commanded you; you shall not turn aside to the right or to the left. "You shall walk in all the way which the LORD your God has commanded you, that you may live and that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which you will possess.”

Joshua 1:7 "Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go.”

And there are many others.

BUT WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

That statement was a sort of figure of speech used in those days.

Listen to this passage which does not refer to obedience.

2 Samuel 2:19 “Asahel pursued Abner and did not turn to the right or to the left from following Abner.”

And there we learn what the statement means.

It speaks of one who is focused.

It speaks of one who is not distracted from his calling or purpose.

Ann Richards said that George Bush, “He never gets off course.”

And that is what is true of Josiah in regard to obedience.

He was the epitome of one who walked the narrow way.

He never strayed.

He never got off course.

He never lost focus.

“nor did he turn aside to the right or to the left.”

Josiah’s Devotion

#2 JOSIAH’S DISCOVERY

2 Kings 22:3-10

“Now in the eighteenth year of King Josiah,”

That means that the writer decided to skip everything

That happened in his reign prior to that point.

The writer of Chronicles fills in the gap.

2 Chronicles 34:1-3 “Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned thirty-one years in Jerusalem. He did right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the ways of his father David and did not turn aside to the right or to the left. For in the eighth year of his reign while he was still a youth, he began to seek the God of his father David; and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of the high places, the Asherim, the carved images and the molten images.”

At 16 years old he started seeking God.

At 20 years old he started removing idolatry.

But the writer of kings does not mention that here,

Not because it isn’t important,

But because the writer of kings has an obvious agenda.

HE IS MAKING A THEOLOGICAL POINT

He wanted you to know what happened during “the eighteenth year” When he was 26 years old.

READ VERSES 3-7

It is obvious that the temple had again fallen into disrepair.

That is no surprise given the type of king that Manasseh was.

For 55 years Manasseh had neglected the temple and even desecrated it, And so it was obviously in need of repair.

And so Josiah sets out to restore the temple.

But it is during this venture to restore the temple

That a marvelous and unexpected thing occurred.

READ VERSES 8-10

While the temple cleaning and renovations are underway,

The high priest came across something that had been apparently missing

“I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD.”

God’s word had disappeared.

(Many assume Manasseh had destroyed them)

And that helps us to understand the miserable state of Judah.

Here was a nation with no access to God’s written word.

Certainly the prophets were still available.

We know Isaiah had been preaching,

And presently Zephaniah, and Jeremiah were preaching.

But His written revelation had been lost

To the king, the priest, and to the people.

No wonder the nation was sliding so quickly into judgment.

But now the book of the Law has been discovered,

And the scribe has taken it and read it to the king.

IT DOES NOT SPECIFICALLY SAY WHICH BOOK WAS FOUND.

(Based on the text, many have assumed it was the book of Deuteronomy)

Deuteronomy 28:15-20 "But it shall come about, if you do not obey the LORD your God, to observe to do all His commandments and His statutes with which I charge you today, that all these curses will come upon you and overtake you: "Cursed shall you be in the city, and cursed shall you be in the country. "Cursed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl. "Cursed shall be the offspring of your body and the produce of your ground, the increase of your herd and the young of your flock. "Cursed shall you be when you come in, and cursed shall you be when you go out. "The LORD will send upon you curses, confusion, and rebuke, in all you undertake to do, until you are destroyed and until you perish quickly, on account of the evil of your deeds, because you have forsaken Me.”

Deuteronomy 28:45-48 "So all these curses shall come on you and pursue you and overtake you until you are destroyed, because you would not obey the LORD your God by keeping His commandments and His statutes which He commanded you. "They shall become a sign and a wonder on you and your descendants forever. "Because you did not serve the LORD your God with joy and a glad heart, for the abundance of all things; therefore you shall serve your enemies whom the LORD will send against you, in hunger, in thirst, in nakedness, and in the lack of all things; and He will put an iron yoke on your neck until He has destroyed you.”

It was Deuteronomy that explicitly prohibited worship on the high places.

It was Deuteronomy that explicitly prohibited worship of other gods.

It was Deuteronomy that explicitly prohibited living like the pagan nations.

And it was Deuteronomy that outlined the specific judgments

One could expect to receive if any of those commands were violated.

In fact Deuteronomy even gave this pointed invitation.

Deuteronomy 30:19-20 "I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants, by loving the LORD your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding fast to Him; for this is your life and the length of your days, that you may live in the land which the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them."

And it was this type of warning that had been read to Josiah.

And please realize that this was the first time

Josiah ever heard the written word of God.

Although he had sought God and even began to remove idolatry,

He had never had the privilege of reading God’s Word.

Josiah had discovered God’s Word.

Josiah’s Devotion, Josiah’s Discovery

#3 JOSIAH’S DECISION

2 Kings 22:11-13

(11) “When the king heard the words of the book of the law, he tore his clothes.”

It was a sign of utter contempt.

(Men would tear their clothes when they thought God had been blasphemed)

Josiah is torn apart by what he is hearing.

It is obvious to him that Judah has neglected the warnings of God.

This was a man who heard God’s word and headed it.

And we are reminded of the type of heart we must have

When we read the Word of God.

So many of us read God’s Word with an eye to self-justification.

We apply all the good stuff to ourselves

And all the bad stuff to other people.

When God’s word condemns sin in someone else’s life we give a hearty “Thus saith the Lord!”

When God’s word condemns sin in our own lives we say, “I just don’t understand what God is trying to say.”

But Josiah reveals the way a heart should read God’s word.

He and all Israel were condemned by what the Law said,

And Josiah offered no excuses.

James 1:19-25 “This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does.”

2 Peter 1:19-21 “So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts. But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.”

That was the heart of Josiah.

He decided to humble himself under God’s Word.

(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, "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 knew that he and all Judah were in grave danger.

God’s word said that God was angry and Josiah believed it.

THAT IS WHAT DEVOTION TO GOD AND HIS WORD LOOKS LIKE

Josiah’s Devotion, Josiah’s Discovery, Josiah’s Decision

#4 JOSIAH’S DELIVERANCE

2 Kings 22:14-20

The first thing that most people immediately notice is that

These men when to a prophet and that the prophet was a woman.

It’s hardly significant to the story, but some will ask me about it later.

WHAT ABOUT WOMEN PREACHERS?

The fact that God spoke through this women

Has absolutely no bearing on the fact that in the New Testament

He forbids women to teach or have authority over men in the church.

Can God speak through women?

Obviously.

Does God speak through women?

Obviously.

But that doesn’t change the command as to leadership in the church.

Don’t let this be one of those incidents that allows you to

Dismantle one truth because you think you have found a different one.

The point here is that Josiah sought God and God answered.

And the immediate answer is expected.

VERSES 15-17

That answer is absolutely expected.

She reveals a coming judgment that cannot be undone.

WHY IS THAT EXPECTED?

Because that is what the book said would happen.

If she had stood up and negated the judgment that God had clearly said would happen in Deuteronomy then she would have been a false prophet.

Instead she confirmed God’s written word as true.

(16) “Behold, I bring evil on this place and on its inhabitants, even all the words of the book”

God’s prophets don’t have a right to undo what God’s word says.

They enforce it.

If they don’t, then they are not true prophets.

Judah had worshiped other gods, followed the pattern of the nations,

And worshiped on the high places.

God’s word said that if you do those things you will perish

And be removed from the land.

And so, that is precisely what will happen.

It is a sobering reminder to us of the authority of God’s word

And that God always honors His word.

Isaiah 55:11 “So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.”

Isaiah 40:8 “The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.”

When Jesus arrived He said:

Matthew 5:18 "For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished.”

Matthew 24:35 "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.”

If God’s word says it, don’t go looking for some

New fangled prophet that will tell you otherwise.

God’s word stands forever.

And therefore this woman’s message is not surprising.

“But” Her message is not finished.

VERSES 18-20

Because Judah had sinned against God, Judah had to be destroyed.

National judgment was coming.

However individuals could still be saved

If they would humble themselves under God’s mighty hand.

Josiah did not stop the judgment that God had promised,

But Josiah did deliver himself.

(20) “Therefore behold, I will gather you to your fathers, and you will be gathered to your grave in peace, and your eyes will not see all the evil which I will bring on this place.”

I told you when we got started that I wanted to show you

What devotion to God looked like.

I think we have seen that in Josiah.

He humbled himself under God’s word.

But I also wanted to show you the benefits of devotion to God

And here we see that as well.

You and I must understand that there is a judgment coming.

God’s Word has promised that judgment is coming.

God’s Word has promised that the elements will be destroyed.

God’s Word has promised that during the battle of Armageddon the blood will run in the streets for a distance of 300 miles.

The judgment is coming.

And there is not a thing you can do to stop that from happening.

God’s Word spoke it and so it must be done.

BUT

You can personally be delivered from that coming judgment

If you will humble yourself under the Word of God like Josiah did.

Matthew 7:24-27 "Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. "And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. "Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. "The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell — and great was its fall."

Jesus taught us that those who not only heard His word

But who acted on it would be delivered through the coming judgment.

Consider what the Psalmist said.

Psalms 19:7-14 “The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether. They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them Your servant is warned; In keeping them there is great reward. Who can discern his errors? Acquit me of hidden faults. Also keep back Your servant from presumptuous sins; Let them not rule over me; Then I will be blameless, And I shall be acquitted of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer.”

I love his question.

“Who can discern his errors?”

He is saying that it is not possible for me to know

All the areas that I may be displeasing to God.

And isn’t that true with Josiah.

He didn’t know just how much danger Judah was in

Until God’s word revealed it.

God’s Word is a great resource made available to us

That can be used in our life in all circumstances.

GOD’S WORD IS ALWAYS RELEVANT

Let me illustrate that for you this morning.

TURN TO: PSALMS 119

But when you read each section you also find that

Each section finds the writer in a different emotional state.

And in each and every state he finds himself in,

He still recognizes that seeking God’s word is the answer.

(25-32) – From a broken man in the midst of repentance

(33-40) – From a heart that seeks to be more committed to God

(57-64) – From a heart that recently recommitted to God

(65-72) – From a heart recently disciplined by God’s word

(73-80) – From a heart in agony waiting on God

(81-88) – From a discouraged heart

(97-104) – From a heart that has heard from God and experienced victory

(145-152) – From a heart desperate for God

(169-176) – From a heart longing to return to God

It doesn’t matter if you are sad, happy,

Discouraged, or on top of the world.

The thing to do when in any of those states is to seek God’s word.

There is ALWAYS blessing found in seeking God’s word

And in applying it to your life, and in obeying what it says.

Josiah did not stop the judgment, but he did deliver himself.

And so it is for you.

You will not stop the judgment, but you can deliver yourself.

God’s Word is clear.

Romans 10:8-13 “But what does it say? "THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART" — that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, "WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED." For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; for "WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED."

Psalms 1 “How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, But they are like chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the wicked will perish.”

God’s word gives the outline

For how you can be delivered from the coming judgment.

Josiah followed that outline.

When God’s word said he was a sinner he humbled himself.

When God’s word told him he was wrong he repented.

And when he realized God was angry, he sought Him ought.

And God responded!

(19-20) “because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before the LORD when you heard what I spoke against this place and against its inhabitants that they should become a desolation and a curse, and you have torn your clothes and wept before Me, I truly have heard you,” declares the LORD. “Therefore, behold, I will gather you to your fathers, and you will be gathered to your grave in peace, and your eyes will not see all the evil which I will bring on this place.”

This morning I encourage you to devote yourself like Josiah did.

Be devoted to God and His word.

Do not stray to the right or to the left.

For there is blessing found in obeying God’s Word.

Deuteronomy 30:19-20 "I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants, by loving the LORD your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding fast to Him; for this is your life and the length of your days, that you may live in the land which the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them."