Weekly Meditations: 2 Kings

2 Kings 22  

In this chapter, the Book of the Law is found. We are not sure even today on what exactly was in this book. It’s possible it was the entire Torah or maybe all of Deuteronomy or a part of it. What we do know is that it had God’s commands within it. When the king Josiah heard the words written in it, he was so upset he tore his clothes and called for a prophetess to be found to see what should be done. Huldah was the prophetess they went to and she declared that God would still send the curses of the covenant, meaning exile was still coming. However, Josiah would not see this disaster because he was responsive to the Law. 

Josiah tried to get the kingdom back on track in this chapter and the following one but God’s anger still burned against Judah because of a previous king’s sins. It seems harsh that God would not relent after a faithful king was established but God had already made up his mind. The people had broken the covenant many times over so judgment was the proper response. We see in this chapter the theme of judgment, even though Josiah brought in renewal with the covenant. The natural consequences of sin flow into the next generations whether they want it to or not. The judgment coming on Judah was pronounced during Manasseh’s reign who brought in idolatry to the core and destroyed the morale of the people. 

Application 

Judgment is coming for all of us. At the end of all our lives we face the judgment seat of Christ and give an account to all we have done and not done. Josiah probably received a favorable judgment because his actions were honorable before God. Manasseh probably did not as he boasted of idolatry during his reign. When Jesus talks about judgment, he talks about our actions and interactions with people. He talks about how we treat people is a reflection of how we would treat him personally. If we help the poor, provide for someone in need, we are actually helping Jesus. If we reject or avoid these situations then we are rejecting the Messiah and what he stands for. Judgment is certain and unavoidable and so we need to act with intention in whatever we do. In all we do, let us do it as to the Lord.