2 Kings, Chapter 22

- מ י כ -

Josiah Renovates the Temple, Finds the Lost Book of the Law

Like Hezekiah before him, Josiah follows God’s commandments and finds favor in His eyes. Josiah orders that the Temple be restored. While the project is being carried out, Hilkiah, the high priest, finds a copy of the lost Book of the Law and brings it to the king. Josiah is elated to see this precious relic, but is concerned regarding the evil foretold in the scroll for non-observance of its instructions.. He sends envoys to consult the prophetess Huldah, who confirms his suspicions-a great tragedy will befall his kingdom. However, the destruction will not occur during Josiah’s lifetime. Josiah strives to reveal God’s hidden treasures. He finds the lost Book of the Law, a discovery that enables him to further spread God’s light in the world.

“And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in all the way of David his father, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left” (2 Kings 22:22)

“And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the book of the law, that he rent his clothes” (2 Kings 22:11)

 “For great is the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this book, to do according unto all that which is written concerning us” (2 Kings 22:13)

Awe is the experience of perceiving the presence of the Creator; also known as “fear of God”, or reverence.