How does Josiah's reign connect to God's promises in Deuteronomy 17:18-20? Deuteronomy 17:18-20—God’s Royal Standard • “When he takes the throne… he is to write for himself a copy of this Instruction… ‘so that he may learn to fear the LORD his God… carefully observing all the words of this Law’ … ‘so that he may not exalt himself above his brothers… and so that he and his sons may continue long in his kingdom.’” Josiah’s Story in Brief • 2 Kings 22–23; 2 Chronicles 34–35 • Crowned at eight, reigns 31 years (640-609 BC) • Temple repaired—book of the Law discovered (likely Deuteronomy) • Tears his clothes, seeks prophetic counsel, leads sweeping reforms, renews covenant, celebrates Passover Point-by-Point Connections 1. Copying and Reading the Law • Deuteronomy 17: “write… read it all the days of his life.” • 2 Kings 22:8-10—Hilkiah finds “the Book of the Law”; Shaphan reads it to Josiah. • v. 11—Josiah responds exactly as Deuteronomy 17 anticipates: the Word shapes the king. 2. Fear of the LORD • Deuteronomy 17:19—“learn to fear the LORD.” • 2 Kings 22:13—“Great is the wrath of the LORD… our fathers have not obeyed.” Josiah’s trembling heart mirrors the commanded fear (cf. Isaiah 66:2). 3. Humility, Not Self-Exaltation • Deuteronomy 17:20—“that his heart may not be lifted up above his brothers.” • 2 Kings 23:2—Josiah stands “by the pillar” not on a throne; he reads the covenant aloud to all “from the least to the greatest.” He places himself under the same Word as the people. 4. Obedience in Detail • Deuteronomy 17:19—“carefully observe all… statutes.” • 2 Kings 23:4-20—Removes idolatry, smashes high places, defiles Topheth, tears down Jeroboam’s altar; keeps Passover “as had not been observed since the days of the judges” (v. 22). • Results echo Deuteronomy 28 blessings: revival, temporary respite from judgment (2 Kings 22:20). 5. Longevity Promise—Personal vs. Dynastic • Deuteronomy 17:20—“he and his sons may continue long.” • Josiah’s personal life extended to a “peaceful” death before Babylon’s siege (2 Kings 22:20). • Nationally, judgment still falls because Judah’s guilt pre-dated Josiah (2 Kings 23:26-27). The promise holds for the obedient king himself; dynastic continuity collapses when his sons reject that same Law (2 Kings 23:31-37; 24:8-20). What We Learn Today • God keeps His Word—both the blessings of obedience and the consequences of neglect. • A leader’s submission to Scripture can spark nationwide renewal, yet every generation must embrace the covenant personally (Jeremiah 31:29-30). • Deuteronomy 17’s ideal king prepares the way for the ultimate Law-loving King, Jesus, who perfectly fulfills the command and secures an everlasting kingdom (Psalm 40:7-8; Luke 24:44). |
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