The king stood by the column and made a covenant in the presence of the LORD to follow the LORD and to observe his commandments, statutes, and decrees with his whole heart and soul, and to re-establish the words of the covenant written in this book. And all the people stood by the covenant. 2 Kings 23:3 NABRE
King Josiah ascends to the throne of Judah entering a new era in the development of faith in Yahweh. Josiah revives the polices of his ancestors fulfilling the letter and spirit of the law established in the Book of Deuteronomy, the book of the law. The community reestablishes its covenant to honor God and sacrifice to Him in the sanctuary alone. Found during temple repairs, the book of the law, the Book of Deuteronomy becomes Josiah’s chief instrument in revitalizing Judah’s’ national religion. We read both the king and the people where unfamiliar with the laws and curses of the Mosaic legacy and notes holding Passover ceremonies, so important in the Exodus account, are regarded as innovation. No Passover celebration like Josiah’s enactment of Deuteronomy’s command had ever been observed throughout the entire period of the kings of Israel and Judah (2 Kings 23:21-23.) Though the political environment changes Josiah continues to try to establish Judah, ultimately, he dies in battle and his Deuteronomistic reforms come to a premature end leaving Judah in the hands of weak and incompetent rulers.
Over several hundred years the Hebrew’s connection to God slowly falls away. When the book of the law is found the king reestablishes the covenant and the people strengthen their commitment to God, following His way. God may have slowly faded away but God never leaves and we witness a new beginning where God again leads His people.
Are there times when God is out of your heart? Do you know God is always with you?
The king reestablishes the covenant and the people strengthen their commitment to God, following His way. God may have slowly faded away but God never leaves and we witness a new beginning where God again leads His people. Click To Tweet#bible #godisgreat #jesus #christianity #dailybibleverse @youversion #BeAnEncourager #renewal #faith #Kings #everybodyalways#god#jesuschrist#jesussaves#godisgood#dailydevotion#biblestudy#scripture#bibleverse#verseoftheday#cross#last#gospels#loveeachother#godisgreat#thisVineyard#youversion#everythingalways