In 2 Chronicles 34, we read about the reign of King Josiah, who became king of Judah at the young age of eight. He was a godly king who sought to follow the ways of King David and “did what was right in the eyes of the Lord” (v. 2). In his twelfth year, Josiah began to cleanse Judah and Jerusalem of idolatry, destroying altars, idols, and places of pagan worship throughout the land (vv. 3-7).

In his eighteenth year as king, Josiah ordered the repair of the temple of the Lord. During the repairs, the high priest Hilkiah found the Book of the Law, which had been lost and forgotten (v. 14). When the book was read to Josiah, he tore his clothes in grief, recognizing how far Judah had strayed from God’s commands (vv. 18-19).

Josiah sought guidance from the prophetess Huldah, who relayed a message from God: Judah would face disaster due to its disobedience, but because of Josiah’s humble and repentant heart, he would not witness this disaster in his lifetime (vv. 23-28). In response, Josiah gathered the people and renewed their covenant with God, pledging to follow His commandments and leading the nation to do the same (vv. 29-33).

Life Applications from 2 Chronicles 34

1. Seek God Early and Wholeheartedly

• Josiah began seeking God while he was young (v. 3). His commitment shows the importance of dedicating our lives to God early, or as soon as we realize the need. Whether young or old, seeking God with a sincere heart sets a foundation for a life centered on His will.

2. Take Action Against Sin

• Josiah’s purge of idolatry (vv. 4-7) reminds us that following God involves actively removing anything in our lives that competes with Him. It’s a call to identify and turn away from habits, attitudes, or relationships that draw us away from God’s will.

3. Prioritize God’s House and His Word

• Josiah’s focus on repairing the temple (v. 8) and responding to the reading of the Book of the Law (vv. 18-19) shows a commitment to God’s presence and His word. We are encouraged to value God’s Word and to allow it to shape our lives, reminding us of His will and leading us to repentance when necessary.

4. Respond to God’s Word with Humility

• When Josiah heard the words of the Law, he responded with humility and repentance (v. 19). Like Josiah, we should be humble and willing to change when confronted with God’s truth, seeking His forgiveness and guidance.

5. Influence Others to Follow God

• Josiah didn’t just repent personally; he led the entire nation to renew their covenant with God (vv. 29-33). This illustrates the powerful influence we can have on those around us by living out our faith and encouraging others to seek God.

6. Trust God’s Mercy and Timing

• God promised Josiah that he would not see the coming disaster because of his faithfulness (vv. 26-28). We can take comfort that God sees our hearts, and He is merciful. Even when facing difficult times, we can trust His timing and rest in His compassion.

These lessons encourage us to live with conviction, humility, and dedication to God’s Word, allowing it to transform our lives and influence others positively.