2 Kings 22 recounts the reign of King Josiah of Judah, who became king at the age of eight and ruled for thirty-one years (2 Kings 22:1). Josiah was noted for doing what was right in the eyes of the Lord, following the ways of his ancestor David (2 Kings 22:2).

In the eighteenth year of his reign, Josiah ordered the repair of the temple of the Lord (2 Kings 22:3-7). During the temple repairs, Hilkiah the high priest found the Book of the Law (2 Kings 22:8). Shaphan the scribe read the book to King Josiah, who was deeply distressed upon hearing its words (2 Kings 22:10-11).

Josiah sent a delegation to consult the prophetess Huldah regarding the book’s contents (2 Kings 22:12-14). Huldah prophesied that disaster would come upon Judah because the people had forsaken the Lord and worshipped other gods (2 Kings 22:15-17). However, she also conveyed that because Josiah had humbled himself and shown genuine repentance, he would be spared from witnessing the impending calamities (2 Kings 22:18-20).

Life Applications from 2 Kings 22

1. Seek God Early and Earnestly (2 Kings 22:2)

• Application: Josiah began his reign with a commitment to following God, demonstrating the importance of seeking and serving God earnestly, regardless of age or experience. Today, we can strive to seek God early in our lives and prioritize His will in our decisions.

1. The Importance of God’s Word (2 Kings 22:8-11)

• Application: When Josiah heard the words of the Book of the Law, he was profoundly moved and took immediate action. This underscores the importance of regularly reading and reflecting on the Scriptures. In modern life, making time to read and meditate on the Bible can lead to personal growth and a deeper understanding of God’s desires for us.

1. Responsive and Repentant Heart (2 Kings 22:11, 19)

• Application: Josiah’s response to the reading of the law was one of genuine repentance and humility. This teaches us the value of having a responsive heart towards God’s Word and being willing to change our ways when we recognize we’ve strayed.

1. Consulting Spiritual Guidance (2 Kings 22:13-14)

• Application: Josiah sought guidance from the prophetess Huldah to understand God’s message. In our lives, seeking spiritual guidance from trusted mentors, pastors, or prayer groups can help us navigate complex situations and understand God’s will better.

1. God’s Mercy for the Humble (2 Kings 22:18-20)

• Application: God recognized Josiah’s humility and repentance, sparing him from witnessing the disaster prophesied for Judah. This highlights God’s mercy and grace for those who humble themselves before Him. In contemporary life, we can find comfort in knowing that God is compassionate and forgiving towards those who earnestly seek Him and repent.