MAY 28, 2026 – JOSIAH

READ: 2 Kin. 22:1–20: … he did not turn aside to the right or to the left …

God-fearing kings are rare, but of Josiah, after Hezekiah, an entirely positive judgment is given without reservation: “He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD and walked in all the way of his father David; he did not turn aside to the right or to the left.”

This last description reminds us of the command that the LORD gave to Joshua when, after Moses, he had to lead Israel into the promised land, a command that also applies to all kings (Josh. 1:7–8): “Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.  This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night… then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”

We also see this in the law of the king (Deut. 17:18–20): he must write for himself a copy of the law… and read in it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God… that his heart may not be lifted above his brethren, that he may not turn aside from the commandment to the right hand or to the left…

Josiah gives the command to restore the temple of the LORD. During these works the Book of the Law of the LORD is found. Its contents are shocking because of all the abominable sins that are thereby exposed. It also becomes clear why so much calamity has come.

King Josiah tears his clothes as a sign of distress and sorrow. The LORD now declares through the prophetess Huldah that the calamities written in the book are unavoidable.

But the believing Josiah will not have to experience them.

Is not turning aside to the right or to the left legalistic?

Singing: Ps. 16:2,4