JOSIAH, THE GOOD KING The sitting of Josiah, the good king on Juda’s throne, was the last chance given by God to Judah, that was utterly corrupted during the 57 years of the reigns of the evil kings Manasseh and his son Amon. Yes, the good Hezekiah preceded them; but, as we saw, despite the huge reforms made by him, many of the leaders and the people, who did not fear God, were not faithful in their response to Hezekiah’s reforms; that once he died , they hastened to adopt a movement of corruption, through their influence upon the young king. The extent of evil reached by the kingdom of Judah, was shown in that the temple was completely deserted; no one knew where the book of he law was kept; and finding it was a huge surprise, even to Hilkiah the high priest, as well as to the king, and his scribe. Despite the uprightness of Josiah’s heart, he had no knowledge even of the broad lines of the book of the law; and when he heard what came in it, he tore his clothes, and sought from some leaders like Hilkiah the high priest, to go to ‘Huldah’ the prophetess, to ask the Lord what they should do. Knowing the unfaithfulness of the people and of many pf the leaders, the Lord proclaimed the captivation of Judah; after gathering the king to his fathers in peace; so that his eyes will not see all the calamity that will dwell upon this place. 1- The kid Josiah reigns over Judah 1 – 2 2- Josiah repairs the Lord’s house 3 - 7 3- The book of the law discovered in the Lord’s house 8 - 9 4- The king reads the book, and his reaction to it 10 - 11 5- The king sends an envoy to ‘Hulda’ the prophetess 12 - 14 6- The wrath of the Lord proclaimed over the kingdom 15 - 17 7- A divine proclamation that king Josiah will be gathered to his fathers 18 – 20 1- THE KID JOSIAH REIGNS OVER JUDAH: “Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned thirty-one years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Jedidah the daughter of Adaiah of Bozkat” (1). The word ‘Josiah’ in Hebrew means (Jehovah heals) or (The Lord helps); the same as the word ‘Cyrus’ (Isaiah 44: 28; 45: 1). Despite sitting on the throne while still a kid, Josiah was not influenced by the wickedness of his father Amon, nor by that of his grandfather Manasseh. God opened his eyes, and gave him the grace to learn from their faults. On him apply the words of the Lord to the prophet Ezekiel: “Yet you say: Why should the son not bear the guilt of the father? Because the son has done what is lawful and right; and has kept all my statutes and observed them, he shall surely live” (Ezekiel 18: 19). That amazing king came to be a magnificent role model; he did not become haughty, even though he received the reign while still a little kid; probably on account of that he was surrounded by the few remnant holy for the Lord, to whose counsel he listened and responded; among whom was most probably Zephaniah the prophet. He was one of the good king; if not the best king in Israel and Judah, since king David. He started good, continued to be good, and ended his life holy for the Lord. Speaking about the importance of giving honor to a young bishop, St. Agnatius of Antioch presented certain examples of young personalities who were worthy of every reverence and honor; he said: [“There is a spirit in man, and the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding; Great men are not always wise; nor do the aged always understand justice” (Job 32: 8-9). The wise Daniel, while 12 years old, had the divine Spirit, by which he muted the white-haired elders, who were false witnesses, adulterers who were guilty to desire the beauty of other men’s wives (Daniel 12). … Samuel, while still a little kid, rebuked Eli the priest who was 90 years old, for honoring his sons more than God (1 Samuel 3: 1). …Jeremiah received his mission from the Lord, who said to him: “Do not say I am a youth (a kid)” (Jeremiah 1: 7)……….So did Solomon and Josiah: The former, when he became a king when he was 12 years old, issued an awesome verdict in the case of the two women concerning the disputed infant (1 kings 3: 16); and the later, who became king when he was 8 years old (2 kings 22: 23), destroyed the altars and temples of the idols. Young age, therefore should not be despised, if it is dedicated to God; ……….But, whoever has an evil mind, is despised, even though he is an elder and full of days. To Timothy, the young bishop, bearer of Christ, his mentor St. Paul said: “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct,…” (1 Timothy 4: 12). In the by-laws of the saintly apostles, it came that it is possible to ordain a young bishop, if he is of good conduct, and has a good testimony by his neighbors: + Solomon became king over Israel when he was 12 years old (1 kings 12 LXX); Josiah, when he was 8 years old, reigned with righteousness; and Joash, when he was seven years old (2 Chronicles 24: 1; 2 Chronicles 11: 3, 4); and all of them reigned with righteousness. Therefore, if the one chosen for a position of leadership, is a young man, he should be meek, gentle, and tranquil; for God, through Isaiah, says: “On this one I look: on him who is poor, and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at my word” (Isaiah 66: 2). And according to the same concept, it came in the gospel: “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5: 5). (The by-laws of the saintly apostles) Josiah’s mother, was mentioned, most probably, because she had a vital role in raising the little kid in his childhood and youth. Her name ‘Jedidah’ is feminine of ‘Jedidiah’, the second name of Solomon (2 Samuel 12: 25), given to him by the Lord through the prophet Nathan, meaning (beloved by Jehovah).; That woman (beloved by Jehovah), who bore the spirit of the church of Christ, His beloved bride, fed her infant suckling Josiah, the pure milk of faith; whose fruits were: 1- Even though many of the leaders and the people were corrupt, yet he did not follow their lead, but, remaining faithful in his love for the Lord; he came to be like a shining star in the middle of a xxxxxxxx dark generation. By his glory inside, he challenged evil, and never made truce with it. 2- He was preoccupied with repairing the house of the Lord, whatever the cost would be. 3- Having discovered the Book of the Law, he honored it, by turning his own heart into a secure safe to accommodate it. He did not tear it off to calm his conscience, like what another king did, but tore his own royal clothes, to receive instead, by the grace of God, the attire of righteousness that sin would not be able to corrupt. 4- Having lived by his heart with his saintly father, king David, he was qualified by the Lord, even in the time of great tribulation, to be gathered together with his fathers; to save him from seeing what was to dwell upon the kingdom of great calamity. So, the son beloved by God was gathered to the saints beloved in the Lord. “And he did what was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in all the ways of his father David; he did not turn aside to the right hand or to the left” (2) Even though Josiah received the reign while still 8 years old, yet we find no other king who utterly obeyed the Lord the way he did.. The new generations are usually accused of being non-committal and immature; a view as old as man, since his fall. But Josiah, and the like, confirm that many of the new generations are wiser, more pure and holy than some of the present generation. The pure infant Josiah was not to be compared to his evil father Amon or to his grandfather Manasseh. He began his reforms when he was 26 years of age; but his holy life in his childhood and youth, was a deposit that supported him in his great achievements. Josiah walked in the upright way of the Lord; and kept on longing to consummate the holy will of God; never to divert outside God’s love and grace to the right or to the left. 2- JOSIAH REPAIRS THE HOUSE OF THE LORD: “Now it came to pass, in the eighteenth year of King Josiah, that the king sent Shaphan the scribe, the son of Azaliah, the son of Meshullam, to the house of the LORD, saying…” (3): In the eighteenth year of his reign (622 BC), Josiah began his mission to repair the house of the Lord (4-7; 2 Chronicles 34: 8-33). In 2 Chronicles 34: 3- 7………… But it came that in his eighth year of age, he began seeking the God of his father David; and in the eighteenth year of age, he began to cleanse Judah and Jerusalem of the high places, the wooden images and statutes; as well as the altars in Manasseh, Ephraim, Simon, and up to Nephtali. At that time, the prophet Jeremiah, starting his mission (1 Jeremiah 2), came to support the young king in his endeavor. Shaphan; the official scribe of the State, under the reign of Josiah, helped the king in his efforts; was mentioned in the Book of Jeremiah; and his son ‘Ahikam’ stood on Jeremiah’s side to save him from those who sought to put him to death (Jeremiah 26: 24; 39: 14). If that was the same ‘Shaphan’ mentioned in Jeremiah 25: 24, ‘Gamrieh’ would be the brother pf Ahikam. The name ‘Gamrieh’ has been rather common in the seventh century BC; One of the messages of ‘Lachish’ (the first tablet) mentioned ‘Gamrieh’’ in the year 519 BC. Shaphan unfortunately gave birth to a corrupt son who led idol-worship in the era of Ezekiel. + Josiah removed the idol-worship introduced by his grandfather Manasseh, and broke down the pagan temples and altars.. And at the eighteenth year of his reign, he gave the command to the priests to atone for the temple, and to start repairing it. He hired workers to gather together stones and other building materials; and set aside the necessary funds for the expected expenses. In this he was imitating his great grandfather Joash in his religious endeavors, and his godly zeal (2 kings 12: 4-16). Repairing the temple at that time, was not a simple matter, after 55 years of neglect and misuse of its sanctuaries (2 Kings 21: 1-18). (St. (Mar) Ephraim the Syrian). ““Go up to Hilkiah the high priest, that he may count the money which has been brought into the house of the LORD, which the doorkeepers have gathered from the people” (4). Hilkiah the priest played a main role in the religious reform efforts of the young king; and the repair of the temple was under his supervision. As the house of the lord was neglected for so many years, particularly in the days of his grandfather Manasseh, whose reign extended for 55 years, as well as in the days of his father Amon, no one was preoccupied with worshipping the living God, nor with His house; And most probably a large sum of money offered to the house accumulated, without any interest to care for the building along the years. The king, therefore sent to the high priest to use the accumulated money to repair the house. Within the period since starting his reign when he was eight years old, until he reached 26 years of age, the king, together with his guardians, carried out many reforms concerning on several aspects; including the removal of all traces of idol-worship. We can say that it was a period of preparation for the repair the temple, and to care for the worship of the living God. “And let them deliver it into the hand of those doing the work, who are the overseers in the house of the LORD; let them give it to those who are in the house of the LORD doing the work, to repair the damages of the house” (5) Even though it is well known that with every good work, the devil would stir up oppressors; yet, on another aspect, it gives every man according to the worthiness of his heart, As Josiah’s heart was pure, and he cleansed his kingdom of all traces of idol-worship; we heard nothing about any oppression worth mentioning; for God granted him and those working together with him, grace; and the oppression was counted as nothing, to be mentioned by the book; and God provided them with workers to repair the house of the Lord, of those who work with holy zeal and faithfulness (7) We often plan and set accounts, that would seem difficult, if not impossible, when we seek reform; But there is an important element that controls all those things. If we sanctify ourselves, truly and secretly, to the account of the kingdom of God; We would let the Holy One, Himself, lead the movement of repair; and provide faithful men who work with strong and holy zeal. 6 to carpenters and builders and masons—and to buy timber and hewn stone to repair the house” (6) “However there need be no accounting made with them of the money delivered into their hand, because they deal faithfully.” (7) 3- THE DISCOVERY OF THE BOOK OF THE LAW IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD: “Then Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the scribe, “I have found the Book of the Law in the house of the LORD.” And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he read it” (8) According to some, by the book of the law, most probably, is meant the five books of Moses; the book of Deuteronomy, or parts thereof (Deuteronomy 28 to Deuteronomy 31); which include the renewal of the covenant with God in the plains of Moab; by which He strongly warns those who corrupt the Word and the worship of God. This book, which was usually put beside the Ark of the Covenant (Deuteronomy 31: 26), was either hidden, or was moved to another location during the reign of the evil kings Manasseh and Amon, to protect it against their evil.. Because of a long series of evil kings, the book of the law of God was forgotten. At that time there were only few copies of the written law; which were disregarded by the evil kings; and even the priests and the Levites did their religious services without a book. It could have been be taken by someone, lest if the people happen to see and read it, they might cry on their multitude of sins. Through God’s care it was discovered in the days of Josiah, who was full of zeal toward the worship of God, the temple, and the law; ………For if it was discovered in the days of any other king, he probably would tore it off or burned it; the way king Zedekiah did with the prophesies of the prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 36: 23). And God allowed for its discovery in that particular time, for captivity was close at hand, but was temporarily postponed for Josiah’s sake (19- 20). It was important to let the whole people at that time hear it, to perceive that the only way to return from captivity was through repentance and the return to God, and not through any human planning or military power. For captivity happens, not because of any lack or a decrease in the military possibilities, but because of the persistence upon evil, whether by the leaders or the people. According to the statute, a copy of he law had to be kept beside the ark of the covenant in the most holy place (Deuteronomy 31: 25-26). But it disappeared during the reign of the evil kings, particularly Manasseh and Amon, for one of the following reasons: a- As the temple and the worship in it was neglected, and no one was preoccupied with it……; it could have been discarded in a corner, for not knowing its value; and with time no one would remember where it was put. b- One of the evil kings might intentionally got rid of it, not through tearing or burning it, but b simply hiding it in a secure place, lest anyone might think of reading it. And with time it will no longer see the light. c- With the spreading of idol-worship, one of the faithful might have intentionally hidden, lest if it falls into the king’s hand, he would tear or burn it. d- Any way, by God and His exalted care, He allowed for it to be kept hidden, for some reason or another, to appear in the days of Josiah the good king, to be read before the kingdom come to fall into captivity. “So Shaphan the scribe went to the king, bringing the king word, saying, “Your servants have gathered the money that was found in the house, and have delivered it into the hand of those who do the work, who oversee the house of the LORD.” (9) 4- READING THE BOOK, AND THE KING’S REACTION TO IT: “Then Shaphan the scribe showed the king, saying, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.” And Shaphan read it before the king” (10). Listening to the Word of God for the first time in his life, the young king tore his clothes in true repentance. He did not intend to keep walking in his life according to his human mind, but to start walking according to the Word of God. “Now it happened, when the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, that he tore his clothes” (11) The Word of God has its activity in the life of the believer. Hearing the Word of God, and perceiving its might, the king tore his clothes, and instantly began to reform, and to correct the way the people were going. The saintly fathers give us their experience with the Word of God. The king, rejoicing to find the copy of the book of the law of God, he did not intend just to keep it in his royal palace as a king of blessing; nor to keep it in the archives of the State, as a valuable original document; but he commanded his scribe Shaphan to read it before him; Hearing its contents, he tore his clothes, and kept what he heard in his heart and mind, to enjoy repentance, and the renewal of the covenant with God. + The knowledge of the holy books strengthens the spirit, purifies the conscience, takes away the tyrant evil desires, deepens the virtue, exalts the mind, provides the ability to confront the unexpected surprises, protects against the strokes of the devil, moves us to heaven itself, liberates man from the body, and grants him wings to fly. + Great is the benefit of the holy books. Its helps bring to us every satisfaction, as proclaimed by the apostle Paul, saying: “For whatever things were written before, were written for our learning, … upon whom the ends of the ages have come” (Romans 15: 4; 1 Corinthians 10: 11). The divine sayings are a treasure, a rich source of medications, by which man – if he so chooses – would quench the fire of pride, enjoy peaceful sleep, tread upon the love of Money underneath his feet, despise sufferings, enjoy confidence, and acquire perseverance. + If the devil cannot approach our house when the Holy Book is put in it; how much more would any evil spirit be able to enter into, or approach, a soul that bears evangelical feelings. You, therefore should sanctify your soul and body. Let that be in your heart and on your tongue. (St. John Chrysostom) + Your learning is full of eyes on every side; to cleanse your way of offenses. By his humility, the king enjoyed the activity of the Word of the Lord in his life. + We should not read the holy books, full of humility, when we have the spirit of pride; Unless the soul, plunges by humility, underneath the dust, it will not be able to appreciate the beauty of the holy Books. As the books of the divine Son teaches you humility, do not read it, while puffed up with pride; The Son of the One High up, came down from heaven; and while being above all, He was seen as the lowest of people; and He says to you: “Learn from Me; for I am meek and humble in heart”. + Before Your Word, I am like a learner; and by Your teaching I can reach the Truth. (St. (Mar) Jacob El-Serougi) 5- THE KING SENDS AN ENVOY TO ‘HOLDA’ THE PROPHETESS: “Then the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam the son of Shaphan, Achbor the son of Michaiah, Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah a servant of the king, saying, …” (12) “Go, inquire of the LORD for me, for the people and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that has been found; for great is the wrath of the LORD that is aroused against us, because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book, to do according to all that is written concerning us” (13) It is obvious here that the book of the law was there at the time of their fathers, then recently lost. Hearing the words of the law, and perceiving that his kingdom had utterly perverted from God; king Josiah took practical steps toward reform. According to the apostle Paul: “By the law is the knowledge of sin” (Romans 3: 20). The practical treatment is to encounter the Savior, the Forgiver of sins; saying: “The law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith” (Galatians 3; 24). “So Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, Achbor, Shaphan, and Asaiah went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe . (She dwelt in Jerusalem in the Second Quarter.) And they spoke with her” (14) Huldah the prophetess: The Holy Book mentioned a number of prophetesses, given holy gifts, like Miriam, sister of Aaron, who took the timbrel in her hand, among the women, and sang the song of conquest after crossing over the Red Sea (Exodus 15: 20) ; Deborah who judged Israel; the wife of Isaiah (Isaiah 8: 3), Huldah the prophetess, (14); ‘Ana’ the daughter of Phanuel (Luke 2: 36), and the four daughters of Philip the preacher (Acts 21: 9). Talking, as well, about false prophetess; who turned the word of God into trade and material profit, the prophet Ezekiel says: “Thus says the Lord God: ‘Will you hunt the souls of My people, and keep yourselves alive? And will you profane Me among My people for handfuls of barley, and for pieces of bread; killing people who should not die, and keeping people alive, who should not live, by your lying to My people who listen to lies?” (Ezekiel 13: 18, 19). The Holy Book referred to Huldah the prophetess only here, and in 2 Chronicles 34: 22-28). But it is obvious how the spiritual leaders cherished her views and thoughts in the Lord. She was flared with the holy zeal, talked to God, who revealed to her the secrets of His plans for the kingdom. She prophesied in the days of the prophets Jeremiah and Zephaniah; and it is claimed that her husband Shallum was a relative of the prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 22: 7-12). The scholar Origen wonders, if the apostle Paul commands the women to keep silent in the church; How could there be prophetesses in both the old and the new covenants. + If the four daughters of Philip the preacher prophesied? (Acts 21: 9); why are our prophetesses not allowed to do the same? We can answer this by saying: a- To be allowed to talk, our prophetesses should show signs of prophecy in them b- Even though the four daughters of Philip the preacher prophesied, they, however, did not do it in the church. Deborah, as well, in the old covenant, even though she was a prophetess (Judges 4: 4), there was no reference to that she ever addressed the people, like Isaiah or Jeremiah; and the same thing applies to Huldah (2 kings 22: 14) + (A prayer recited in the rite of the ordinance of deacons) [O eternal God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Creator of man and woman; Who provided the Holy Spirit to Miriam, Deborah, Ana, and Huldah (Exodus 15: 20; Judges 4: 4; Luke 2: 36; 2 kings 22: 14); Who allowed it for His only begotten Son to be born by a woman … (The by-laws of the saintly apostles) + Women prophesied in the old, like Miriam the sister of Moses and Aaron (Exodus 15: 20), Deborah (Judges 4: 4; Huldah (14); Judith (Judith 8), (the former in the days of Josiah, and the later in the days of Darius); So did St. Mary, mother of God, her relative Elizabeth, and Ana (Luke 1, 2); and in our days, the four daughters of Philip the preacher (Acts 21: 9). But those women, however, did not despise their men, but kept their honor. Now, if there are, among you those who were granted a certain gift – whether man or woman – let him be humble to please God. (The by-laws of the saintly apostles) + We should not marvel to hear that Josiah king of Judah, sought the counsel of Huldah the prophetess, wife of Shallum; when the captivity was close, and the wrath of God was about to fall upon Jerusalem; for so is in the Holy Book; when the saintly men fail, women are commended to put men to shame. (St. Jerome) According to some, the king’s command to the high priest, the scribe, and the other leader, to go to inquire from Huldah the prophetess, in his name, about how to avoid the curses included in the book of the law, is unique; when there were other prophets at the time. Yet Jeremiah who has already started his prophetic work, was in Anathoth, his home town, where it was difficult to communicate with him, because of the adversary attitude against him from the people there, who have accused him of national treason.; and the prophet Zephania has not yet started his prophetic work, had not yet started yet. Although the high priest and the scribe were aware of the holy issues, yet, the king feared, that because of their position, they might not dare to utter openly concerning the curses and the troubles that are to come on the kingdom. That is why the king preferred to resort to the prophetess; for the prophets were known to talk frankly, and not hide anything that will occur over the land because of the wrath of God. 6- THE WRATH OF GOD IS PROCLAIMED OVER THE KINGDOM: “Then she said to them, “Thus says the LORD God of Israel, ‘Tell the man who sent you to Me” (15), “Thus says the LORD: ‘Behold, I will bring calamity on this place and on its inhabitants—all the words of the book which the king of Judah has read” (16) “ because they have forsaken Me and burned incense to other gods, that they might provoke Me to anger with all the works of their hands. Therefore My wrath shall be aroused against this place and shall not be quenched” (17) 7- A DIVINE PROCLAMATION THAT KING JOSIAH WILL BE GATHERED TO HIS FATHERS: “But as for the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the LORD, in this manner you shall speak to him, ‘Thus says the LORD God of Israel: “Concerning the words which you have heard” (18) ““because your heart was tender, and you humbled yourself before the LORD when you heard what I spoke against this place and against its inhabitants, that they would become a desolation and a curse, and you tore your clothes and wept before Me, I also have heard you,” says the LORD (19). “ “Surely, therefore, I will gather you to your fathers, and you shall be gathered to your grave in peace; and your eyes shall not see all the calamity which I will bring on this place . So they brought back word to the king (20). Even though Josiah died in a battle (23: 29-30), yet, in the sight of God “he was gathered to his fathers in peace”, on account of that dying in battle is much better than to stay alive, and to have his soul be extremely bitter, when he sees the calamities that were to dwell upon his people; That is why it is said: “The righteous is taken away from evil” (Isaiah 57: 1). Josiah died after reigning for 31 years, was buried in the tombs of his fathers, was mourned by all Judah and Jerusalem, and lamented by the prophet Jeremiah. He left behind a good memory. -------------------------------------------- AN INSPIRATION FROM 2 KINGS 22 GATHER ME TO MY FATHERS IN YOU, O LORD + I thank You, O Lord, for granting me to be born by my mother ‘Jedidah’, beloved by You; For counting me worthy to be a son of Your church, To suckle from the sound teaching a food holy to the spirit; To anticipate reclining in Your bosoms open to me; When my depths settle down in You, I would become beloved by You; My soul would never find comfort until I get to love all humans; When will all mankind gather together in You? To carry Your Spirit, O Lover of mankind? + Let me flee to You, and hide in You, O the Stronghold of my life; Where all the forces of the devil would not be able to seduce me; Nor the ancient serpent can crawl in Eden inside me; + Josiah cared to repair Your house, neglected by the previous kings; By Your fiery Spirit, set Your holy temple in my depths; Make my soul the New Jerusalem, the icon of heaven; The book of Your law is engraved by Your Holy Spirit in my heart; Let me keep Your gospel, so that my heart would flare with an unceasing heavenly exultation. + Your Word is strong and mighty; It carries me from glory to glory; It gathers me to the choirs of the heavenlies; It grants me the deposit of heaven. + Let me join the choirs of the heavenlies, as well as the choir of the believers; I wonder if they are two choirs, or one choir for the heavenlies and the earthlies together! Gather me to my fathers, and do not let me see the evil that will dwell upon men. + Gather me to You to abide in You; So that my soul would be glad to see the abidance of the millions, and even the billions in You. + Let me not belittle myself; For in and by You, I can do anything; Grant me, together with the kid Josiah; To begin well, walk well, and depart well from the world Be for me the beginning, and walk with me all the way of my life + O my God, how much I desire the sanctification of the whole world; Who could be sanctified, when the devil puts the whole world in darkness? Grant me, O Holy One, to be sanctified; By Your Holy Spirit, You lead all the attempts for reform; You send holy people, zealous on Your kingdom.
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