The Reformation Under Josiah

Jim Butler2 Kings 23:1–30

Second Kings 23 records the sweeping reformation under King Josiah of Judah, in which the rediscovered book of the law became the instrument of comprehensive covenant renewal and the purging of idolatry from the land. This sermon traces the three decisive movements of that reformation: the public reading of Scripture, the solemn covenant renewal before the Lord, and the thorough removal of all false worship from Jerusalem, Judah, and even the northern territories. Though Josiah's obedience is unrivaled among Israel's kings, the passage closes with the sobering reality that no human reformation, however thorough, can avert the covenant wrath accumulated by persistent apostasy. The abiding lesson is that the word of God received must become the word of God obeyed — hearers must become doers.