2 Chronicles 34:22-30
Josiah acknowledged Judah’s troubles were due to the failure to live according to God’s Word. So, he commanded Hilkiah to inquire of God for all who remained and were suffering His wrath (21). Hilkiah went to a prophetess (Huldah). “Then she said to them, ‘This is what the LORD, the God of Israel says:…” (23a). Many seek analysis from experts, but wise men seek God for His word. She declared all the evil God spoke of in Scripture would become reality because they abandoned Him and serve others. But to Josiah the king of Judah, God spoke a very different word: “Because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before God when you heard His words against this place and its inhabitants, and because you humbled yourself before Me, tore your clothes, and wept before Me, I have indeed heard you,’ declares the LORD.” (27) Clothing is a basic earthly need, so by tearing his clothes Josiah was putting the priority God’s Word above earthly needs. Then Josiah is promised the mercy of dying before God’s judgement is poured out on Judah. Repentance is seen in prioritizing God’s word over our most basic earthly needs. Turning from God’s word brings disaster, so only by turning back to God and His word is their any remedy! Then Josiah gathered all the leaders to God’s house and “…read in their presence all the words of the Book of the Covenant which was found in the house of the LORD.” (30d) May we have the wisdom to do the same!