Thru the Bible in a Year
As we journey through the final chapters of 2 Kings, we’re not just reading about the fall of a kingdom—we’re witnessing the unraveling of a nation’s soul. Today’s passage (2 Kings 22:1–23:37) tells the story of three kings: Josiah, Jehoahaz, and Jehoiakim. These kings mark the final flickers of Judah’s glory and the tragic decline that followed. The contrast between them is as sharp as night and day, and the lessons they leave us are more relevant than ever.
Let’s begin with Josiah, the last righteous king of Judah. At just eight years old, Josiah came to the throne. But his youth did not hinder his heart for God. He reigned for 31 years and brought about one of the most inspiring revivals in biblical history. Scripture says of him, “Before him there was no king like him, who turned to the Lord with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his might” (2 Kings 23:25). That’s not casual praise—it’s divine commendation.
Josiah’s reign is marked by six defining “R”s: Rule, Righteousness, Repairing, Reverence, Reforms, and Reinstitution. He ruled with conviction, carried out righteous leadership, and prioritized repairing the Temple. During those repairs, something extraordinary happened—the Book of the Law was found. For a moment, imagine that: the very Word of God, lost in the house of God. When Hilkiah the high priest discovered it and it was read aloud to Josiah, the young king tore his robes in grief and awe. The realization of how far the people had strayed pierced him deeply.
In reverence for the law, Josiah sought guidance—not from his military commanders or political advisors, but from a prophetess named Huldah. That detail alone reminds us that spiritual insight often comes from unexpected sources. Josiah’s next move? He tore down idols, abolished pagan practices, destroyed the infamous altar at Bethel, and ordered a national return to Passover observance. The text tells us this Passover hadn’t been celebrated with such passion since the days of the judges—a full return to covenant identity.
But even Josiah, as faithful as he was, made a critical error. He went out to battle Pharaoh Neco at Megiddo, an unnecessary move, and he was killed. It’s a sobering reminder: even godly leaders can make rash decisions when they step outside of God’s guidance.
After Josiah’s death, we meet his son, Jehoahaz, who reigned for a mere three months. And in those 90 days, the character of the kingdom changed drastically. The Bible says Jehoahaz “did evil in the sight of the Lord” (2 Kings 23:32). What a heartbreaking turn—from one of the most faithful kings to one of the most rebellious, all within a few verses. He was soon deposed by Pharaoh Neco, shackled, and taken to Egypt. Judah was forced to pay heavy tribute—a visible sign that they had lost both independence and integrity.
Then came Jehoiakim. Appointed by Pharaoh himself, Jehoiakim ruled Judah for 11 years. His very throne was a political favor, not a divine appointment. His name was changed from Eliakim to Jehoiakim, signaling a shift in allegiance. Under his rule, Judah continued its descent. He imposed crippling taxes on the people just to satisfy Egypt’s demands. And more tragically, he “did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord” (2 Kings 23:37).
What we’re witnessing in these chapters is not just a political decline—it’s a spiritual collapse. Josiah was a restorer of covenant faithfulness. Jehoahaz and Jehoiakim were destroyers of it. Judah went from revival to ruin in just a few years. Why? Because righteousness is not inherited—it must be chosen. Each generation must choose whether it will follow God or go its own way.
Living the Lessons of Kings
So, what do we take away from these stories?
- Revival is always possible, but it must be intentional. Josiah sought the Lord with urgency and humility. His reforms didn’t happen by accident; they came through repentance and courage.
- The Word of God must be central. It’s chilling to think that God’s law was buried under temple rubble, forgotten even by priests. But is it not possible that today, even in our churches, the Word is functionally ignored? Let Josiah’s reverence stir your own hunger for Scripture.
- Godly leadership leaves a legacy—but not a guarantee. Josiah’s sons did not follow in his footsteps. Your faith can influence others, but each person must decide for themselves whom they will serve.
- Disobedience leads to bondage. Both Jehoahaz and Jehoiakim found themselves under the yoke of Egypt. The same is true spiritually—when we trade obedience for idolatry, we lose our freedom in Christ.
Insights
Scholars have long noted the tragic beauty in Josiah’s story. Dr. Paul House writes, “Josiah’s efforts delay but do not prevent judgment. His reign is a temporary dawn before the long night of exile.” In other words, revival doesn’t always reverse consequences—but it still matters.
Dr. Richard D. Patterson adds, “Josiah stands as the last bright light in Judah’s history. His response to the law and his sweeping reforms show the possibility of individual faithfulness even in times of corporate rebellion.” Josiah’s story reminds us that God always honors genuine repentance, even when surrounded by national decline.
Are you willing to be a Josiah in a Jehoiakim world? Will you let the Word of God pierce your heart, reshape your choices, and lead you to action? Whether you’re leading a household, a ministry, or just your own walk with God—revival begins with reverence. And reverence begins with opening the Book.
Take time today to reflect on your own spiritual leadership. Are you more like Josiah, tearing down idols and seeking the Lord? Or are there hints of Jehoiakim’s compromise in your life—appeasing the world while neglecting God?
Related Reading:
For a deeper dive into Josiah’s legacy and the lessons of Judah’s decline, check out this excellent article from Crosswalk:
https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/bible-study/what-can-we-learn-from-king-josiah.html
Thank you for your commitment to studying the Word of God in one year. May this journey not only inform your mind but transform your heart.
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