What is the meaning of 2 Kings 23:28? As for the rest of the acts of Josiah Josiah’s story in Kings already highlights his sweeping reforms (2 Kings 22:3–20; 23:1–27). Yet the phrase signals that what we’ve read is only a sampling. Scripture often summarizes a godly ruler this way (compare 1 Kings 14:19; 15:7), reminding us that God’s record is fuller than the narrative before us. By pointing beyond the text, it invites us to remember other moments—such as Josiah’s early seeking of the LORD at age sixteen and his demolition of idolatry in Judah and Israel, recorded in 2 Chronicles 34:3–7—that showcase his lifelong devotion. and all his accomplishments Josiah’s “accomplishments” go beyond tearing down pagan altars. Consider: • Restoring the temple, which led to the rediscovery of the Book of the Law (2 Kings 22:8–13). • Leading the people in covenant renewal (2 Kings 23:1–3), echoing Joshua’s assembly at Shechem (Joshua 24:1–25). • Cleansing the land from Geba to Beersheba (2 Kings 23:8), fulfilling Deuteronomy 12:2–4. • Reestablishing the Passover with unmatched zeal (2 Kings 23:21–23; 2 Chronicles 35:1–19). Each act reflects wholehearted obedience described in Deuteronomy 6:5, and together they explain why no king before or after turned to the LORD “with all his heart” as Josiah did (2 Kings 23:25). are they not written This rhetorical question underscores the reliability of Israel’s royal archives. Similar wording appears in 1 Kings 11:41 and 2 Kings 1:18, assuring readers that the narrator’s summary rests on verifiable history. For us, it teaches that faith is rooted in trustworthy testimony, paralleling Luke’s orderly account based on eyewitness sources (Luke 1:1–4). Scripture is not myth; it appeals to documented fact. in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah? The now-lost annals of Judah preserved civil records, whereas the inspired Chronicles we possess (1–2 Chronicles) present a theological history. Mentioning the royal book reinforces that God observes every deed (Psalm 139:1–4) and that earthly records, though temporary, once testified to Josiah’s faithfulness. The contrast also hints at the limits of human archives; only God’s Word endures forever (Isaiah 40:8), and the ultimate ledger is His own (Revelation 20:12). summary 2 Kings 23:28 reminds us that: • Josiah’s life overflowed with godly action beyond the brief account before us. • His accomplishments flowed from a heart fully given to the LORD, exemplifying covenant obedience. • The historical record of his reign was both extensive and publicly accessible, underscoring the factual nature of biblical history. • Human books fade, but God’s enduring Word preserves what truly matters, assuring believers that every faithful act is remembered by Him. |
    |