Today’s passage: 2 Kings 23:1-37
Helpful thoughts:
- The “Book of the Covenant” is the first five books of the Old Testament. Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.
- “From Geba to Beersheba” in verse 8 is representative of all Judah. Josiah cleared out all pagan idolatry all over Judah.
- Josiah’s cleansing went as far back as Solomon’s building of idolatrous structures and as far north as the altars which Jeroboam, the first king of Israel had built to prevent the people from going to worship in Jerusalem. He even had the northern priests who were still practicing this false worship executed.
- The Valley mentioned in verse 10 is what Jesus refers to when speaking of Gehenna, or the “hell of fire” (Matthew 5:22). This valley came to be used as an illustration of eternal hell.
- The northern nation of Israel was now an Assyrian province and referred to as “Samaria.”
Questions to consider:
- According to verse 25, what other king loved the Lord and loved his neighbors more than Josiah (Including David)? What evidences of this truth are found in this chapter?
- Why is it important to remember that Josiah knew that God had already decided to judge Judah? Was Josiah just doing these things to try to get God to change His mind? Why is it only right for all of us to honor the Lord and love Him with our whole heart?
- What does the ending of this chapter remind us of the heart of man? Why is this so sad? What had God’s chosen people failed to be faithful to do? Why must we remember that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23)?