Verses 1-7- Josiah became the king of Judah at the age of eight. He ruled for thirty-one years and did what was right in the eyes of the Lord like king David. At the age of eighteen, ten years later he started the repair of the temple. He sent Shaphan the secretary to tell Hilkiah the high priest to take the money collected from the people and give it to the workers doing the repair work of the temple. He did not need them to account for the usage as he trusted them because they were honest and trustworthy men. Are we honest and trustworthy?

Verses 8-13 – Hilkiah was told of Josiah’s instruction. He told Shaphan that he found the Book of the Law in the temple and gave it to him. After reading it, he returned to the king. He reported how the money was given to the workers and what Hilkiah gave him, the book he found in the temple, and read to the king. When Josiah heard what was read, he tore his clothes and wept before the Lord. He then commanded Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam the son of Shaphan, Achbor the son of Micaiah, Shaphan the secretary, and Asaiah the king’s servant to inquire God for him, for the people, and all Judah about God’s judgment of His people because their fathers had disobeyed the words of God as was written in this book. Would you tell someone the word of God even if it were not something they would like to hear?

Verses 14-20 – So, the five men went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum, the son of Tikvah, son of Harhas. keeper of the wardrobe to speak with her. She told them to tell the king that God would do as He had said in the book against the inhabitants of this land as their fathers had turned to worship other gods and provoked His anger with all that they did. However, God would spare Josiah during the time of his reign as king. He would delay it until he has passed away. This was because Josiah was repentant as he humbled himself before God after hearing His word as he tore his clothes and wept before Him. Would you consult another person for help in understanding the word of God?

In embarking to repair the house of God Josiah was led to a spiritual reformation in his life and experienced the mercy of God to him. Hilkiah the high priest had found the Book of the Law in the temple and gave it to Shaphan who read it to Josiah. Josiah upon hearing it, repented. He tore his clothes and wept before the Lord in repentance of the sins of their fathers. God has declared His judgment against them because of the sins of their fathers for turning to worship other gods and disobeying His commands.

Josiah then sent five men to seek God to show mercy to him, the people, and all of Judah. They went to the prophetess Huldah for help. Huldah affirmed that God would certainly judge them, but He would delay it until Josiah’s reign was over because Josiah had responded with a repentant heart and a humble spirit upon hearing God’s word read to him.

How would you respond to God’s word when you hear it in your daily reading of God’s word or the word of God being preached to you every week? If you are convicted by His word, how would respond? Would be like Josiah, humble yourselves before Him, and repent of your sins? Would seek God to show mercy as Josiah did?

Prayer : Lord, give me a sensitive heart and a humble spirit in reading and listening to Your word. If we have any sin in us individually and corporately, please show Your mercy to us. Do not forsake us but forgive us as we repent before You this day!