April 27th

April 27th -- 2 Kings 22:1-23:3 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Kings%2022:1-23:3&version=NLT)

Josiah rules in Judah ; Hilkiah discovers God's law ; Josiah's religious reforms

Josiah was eight when he became king, and he ruled for thirty one years in Jerusalem. He followed God and did what was pleasing to Him, following David's example (David was an ancestor). In his eighteenth year in power, he sent some men to the high priest of the Lord's temple and tell him to count the money that the gatekeepers collected from people at the temple. He said to then have that money entrusted to those in charge of the Temple's restoration, so that those restoring the temple can be paid with it. He says workers will need to be hired and supplies will need to be bought. He also says that the construction supervisors don't need to keep track of the money they get, because they're honest and trustworthy men.

Hilkiah, the high priest, then finds the Book of the Law in the Temple. He gave it to the court secretary, Shaphan, who read it and then gave it to the king. He tells the king that the officials have turned over the money as they were to, and also that Hilkiah gave him the scroll he brought and then reads it to the king. When the king hears what it says, he tears his clothes in despair. He tells a bunch of people (read the passage if you wish to know who) to go to the Temple and speak to God on behalf of him and all of Judah. He tells them to ask about the words in the scroll, explaining that God's anger is burning against them because their ancestors did not obey the words in the scroll - they haven't been doing all it says to do. The people he asked went to Huldah, the prophet, and spoke with her. She tells them that God has spoken, and they must tell the king that God has said that the city will face disaster and everything written in the scroll will happen because the people abandoned Him and worshipped pagan gods, so his anger burns against them. She then adds, though, they are to tell the king that God says that concerning what he has just heard, God knows that when he heard what was said against the city, he was sorry and humbled, tearing his clothes in despair and wept in repentance, so God has heard him and the disaster will not come until you have died and been buried in peace. The men take the message back to the king.

The king then summons the elders of Judah and Jerusalem. They go up to the temple with the priests and prophets and all the people, from least to greatest. The king then read them the entire Book of the Covenant. The king then takes his place of authority, beside the pillar, and renewed the covenant in the Lord's presence. He pledges to keep the Lord's commands, laws, and decrees with all his heart and soul. By doing that he confirmed everything in the covenant and the people also pledged themselves to the covenant.

This, I think, is yet another good example of how although God must act as judge, He is also merciful. He recognized how truly repentant Josiah was, and He rewarded him for that. However, it's also interesting that the punishment would have been due to sins of the generations before them. In the Bible, consequences of sins could affect generations to come. I think it may still work like that (I'm not sure, and there's a lot of debate on the matter... but I guess in this case better safe than sorry?). If it does, well, we need to watch our actions. Would you want your grandkids to suffer consequences for your mistakes? Doubt it.

Also, I just like that Josiah trusts the men with the money, no questions asked. I really honestly like that. The fact that there was so much trust back then is just beautiful. Our society has become so deceitful (among other things) and it's frustrating. I know I am someone who very openly trusts, and only don't when I am given reason not to. However, it seems most people don't trust anyone fully, much less most people at all. I mean, look at stores - we have alarms to catch people stealing, and the saddest part is, they're only there because it happens. Our society lacks the same level of trust... and I wish it did not.

Well, that will be all for this evening! God bless! Shalom!