What scriptural connections exist between Josiah's actions and Deuteronomy 17:18-20? The Pattern for Every King “18 When he sits on the throne of his kingdom, he is to write for himself on a scroll a copy of this law, taken from that of the Levitical priests. 19 It is to remain with him, and he is to read it all the days of his life, so that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to observe faithfully all the words of this law and these statutes, 20 so that his heart will not be exalted above his brothers and he will not turn aside from the commandment to the right or to the left, in order that he and his descendants may reign many years in the midst of Israel.” Discovery and Immediate Response • 2 Kings 22:8-13—Hilkiah finds “the Book of the Law” and brings it to King Josiah. • Verse 11: “When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes.” ⤷ A visible sign of fearing the LORD, just as Deuteronomy prescribes. Hearing, Reading, and Owning the Law • 2 Kings 22:19 – Josiah’s tender heart and humility parallel Deuteronomy 17:19-20. • 2 Kings 23:2—Josiah gathers “all the people” and “read in their hearing all the words of the Book of the Covenant.” ⤷ He treats the law as his personal responsibility, echoing “it is to remain with him.” • Though Scripture does not record him physically copying the scroll, his actions—public reading, covenant renewal, and lifelong adherence—fulfill the intent of Deuteronomy 17:18-19. Humility Instead of Exaltation • Deuteronomy 17:20 warns the king not to let “his heart be exalted above his brothers.” • 2 Kings 22:19—“Because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before the LORD…” ⤷ Josiah embodies the required humility, seeking God’s verdict instead of asserting royal privilege. Whole-Hearted Obedience • Deuteronomy 17:19 urges the king to “observe faithfully all the words of this law.” • 2 Kings 23 lists reforms that mirror major Torah commands: – Removal of high places and idols (23:4-14) – Defilement of Topheth to end child sacrifice (23:10; cf. Deuteronomy 12:31) – Restoration of the Passover in exact accord with the Law (23:21-23; cf. Exodus 12; Deuteronomy 16:1-8) • 2 Kings 23:25—“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 strength, according to all the Law of Moses.” Staying on the Straight Path • Deuteronomy 17:20 cautions against turning “to the right or to the left.” • 2 Chronicles 34:2 echoes the same language about Josiah: he “did what was right in the sight of the LORD and walked in the ways of his father David, not turning aside to the right or to the left.” Blessing and Longevity—Yet Limited by Judah’s Sin • Deuteronomy 17:20 promises long reign for obedience. • 2 Kings 22:20—God spares Josiah from seeing Judah’s coming judgment: “You will be gathered to your grave in peace.” ⤷ Even amid national sin, Josiah personally receives the blessing for covenant faithfulness. Key Takeaways • Josiah’s reforms illustrate Deuteronomy 17:18-20 in living color—he hears, internalizes, obeys, and humbles himself under Scripture. • His life underscores the timeless principle that a leader’s fidelity to God’s written Word shapes both personal destiny and national direction. |
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