What role does humility play in Josiah's response to God's word in 2 Kings 22:13? The Scene in 2 Kings 22:13 “Go and inquire of the LORD for me, for the people, and for all Judah about the words of this book that has been found. For great is the wrath of the LORD that burns against us, because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book, to do all that is written concerning us.” (2 Kings 22:13) Humility on Display • Immediate acknowledgment of guilt—Josiah doesn’t debate, justify, or delay. • Recognition of God’s authority—he treats the rediscovered Law as final and binding. • Submission to prophetic counsel—he sends messengers to Huldah the prophetess, showing he knows he needs God’s authoritative interpretation. • Personal ownership—“for me and for the people”; he identifies himself with the nation’s sin instead of standing aloof. Why Humility Matters • Invites God’s mercy: “Because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before the LORD… I have indeed heard you” (2 Kings 22:18-19). • Aligns the heart with God’s favor: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6; cf. 1 Peter 5:5). • Positions a leader to lead reform rather than merely issue decrees (see 2 Kings 23). • Fulfills God’s stated delight: “To this one will I look: to the humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word” (Isaiah 66:2). Fruit of Josiah’s Humility for Israel • National repentance: the king gathers everyone to hear the Book of the Covenant (2 Kings 23:1-3). • Covenant renewal: he personally “made a covenant before the LORD to follow the LORD and keep His commandments” (v. 3). • Idolatry purge: humility fuels the bold action of tearing down high places, removing idols, and restoring true worship (vv. 4-20). • Delayed judgment: God promises Josiah will be gathered to his grave in peace, sparing him from impending disaster (22:20). Lessons for Us Today • God’s Word still exposes hidden sin; humble hearts respond with obedience rather than excuses. • True revival starts when leaders first humble themselves before Scripture. • Humility is not weakness but the doorway to God’s strongest works of reform (Micah 6:8; Proverbs 3:34). • Corporate blessing often hinges on individual humility; one contrite king altered a nation’s trajectory. |
    |