◄ 2 Kings 22:2 ►
And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD and walked in all the ways of his father David; he did not turn aside to the right or to the left.
Study Bible
And he did what was right
This phrase underscores the moral and spiritual integrity of King Josiah. The Hebrew word for "right" is "yashar," which conveys a sense of uprightness and righteousness. In the context of the kings of Judah, doing what was "right" often meant adhering to the covenantal laws and commandments given by God. Josiah's reign is marked by a return to these divine standards, setting him apart from many of his predecessors who led the nation into idolatry and sin.

in the eyes of the LORD
This expression emphasizes that Josiah's actions were evaluated by God's standards, not human ones. The Hebrew word for "eyes" is "ayin," which can also imply perception or understanding. It suggests that God sees beyond outward actions to the heart's intentions. Josiah's reforms and dedication to God were not just superficial but were deeply rooted in a genuine desire to please the Lord.

and walked in all the ways of his father David
The phrase "walked in all the ways" indicates a lifestyle or pattern of behavior. The Hebrew word "halak" means to walk or to live, implying a continuous, habitual action. David, though imperfect, is often seen as the ideal king because of his heart for God. By aligning Josiah with David, the text highlights Josiah's commitment to following a godly example, emphasizing continuity with the Davidic covenant and the promise of a righteous ruler.

not turning aside to the right or to the left
This phrase is a Hebrew idiom that signifies unwavering commitment and focus. The imagery of not turning "to the right or to the left" suggests a straight path, symbolizing faithfulness and obedience. In Deuteronomy 5:32, this same language is used to describe adherence to God's commandments. Josiah's steadfastness in following God's law is a testament to his dedication and serves as an inspirational model for believers to remain focused on God's will, avoiding distractions and deviations.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Josiah
The king of Judah who began his reign at a young age and is noted for his righteousness and reforms. He is a central figure in this passage, exemplifying faithfulness to God.

2. David
The former king of Israel, often seen as the standard for righteous kingship. Josiah is compared to David, highlighting his commitment to following God's ways.

3. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, where Josiah reigned. This context is important as Judah was often led astray by idolatry, making Josiah's reforms significant.

4. The LORD
The covenant God of Israel, whose standards and commandments Josiah sought to uphold.

5. The Book of the Law
Although not mentioned directly in this verse, it plays a crucial role in the broader account of Josiah's reforms, discovered during his reign and prompting a national return to covenant faithfulness.
Teaching Points
Righteous Leadership
Josiah's example shows the impact of a leader committed to God's ways. Leaders today can learn from his dedication to righteousness and reform.

Faithfulness to God's Word
Josiah's adherence to the Book of the Law underscores the importance of Scripture in guiding our lives. We should prioritize reading and applying God's Word.

Legacy of Faith
Josiah is compared to David, illustrating the importance of leaving a legacy of faithfulness. Our actions today can influence future generations.

Avoiding Distractions
The phrase "not turning aside to the right or to the left" teaches us to remain focused on God's path, avoiding distractions that lead us away from His will.

Repentance and Reform
Josiah's reign was marked by repentance and reform. This encourages us to continually seek personal and communal renewal in alignment with God's standards.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Josiah's commitment to doing what is right in the eyes of the LORD challenge our own daily decisions and actions?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are not turning aside "to the right or to the left" in our spiritual walk?

3. How can the legacy of faithfulness seen in Josiah's comparison to David inspire us to impact future generations?

4. What practical steps can we take to prioritize God's Word in our lives, similar to Josiah's adherence to the Book of the Law?

5. How can we apply the principles of repentance and reform in our personal lives and communities today, following Josiah's example?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 5:32-33
This passage emphasizes the importance of walking in the ways of the LORD without turning aside, similar to Josiah's commitment.

1 Kings 15:5
David's faithfulness is highlighted, providing a benchmark for Josiah's actions.

2 Chronicles 34:2
A parallel account of Josiah's reign, reinforcing his dedication to God.

Psalm 119:1-3
Speaks to the blessings of walking in the law of the LORD, which Josiah exemplified.

Proverbs 4:25-27
Advises not to turn to the right or left, echoing the steadfastness seen in Josiah's reign.
Sermons
Early Piety2 Kings 22:2
Example for RoyaltyT. Hughes.2 Kings 22:2
Josiah an Example for Young MenFrederic Walstaff.2 Kings 22:2
Traits of Youthful ReligionE. Monte.2 Kings 22:2
Josiah: the Temple Again RepairedJ. Orr 2 Kings 22:1-7
A Monarch of Rare Virtue, and a God of Retributive JusticeDavid Thomas, D. D.2 Kings 22:1-20
A Monarch of Rare Virtue, and a God of Retributive JusticeD. Thomas 2 Kings 22:1-20
Josiah and the Book of the LawMonday Club Sermons2 Kings 22:1-20
Josiah's ReformationAlex. Whyte, D. D.2 Kings 22:1-20
People
Achbor, Adaiah, Ahikam, Asahiah, Asaiah, Azaliah, David, Harhas, Hilkiah, Huldah, Jedidah, Josiah, Meshullam, Micaiah, Michaiah, Shallum, Shaphan, Tikvah
Places
Bozkath, Jerusalem, Second Quarter
Topics
Aside, David, Didn't, Sight, Turn, Turning, Walked, Walketh, Walking
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Kings 22:2

     8253   faithfulness, examples
     8315   orthodoxy, in OT

2 Kings 22:1-2

     5658   boys

Library
The Rediscovered Law and Its Effects
'And Hilkiah the high priest said unto Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the Lord: and Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he read it. 9. And Shaphan the scribe came to the king, and brought the king word again, and said, Thy servants have gathered the money that was found in the house, and have delivered it into the hand of them that do the work, that have the oversight of the house of the Lord. 10. And Shaphan the scribe shewed the king, saying, Hilkiah the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Josiah, a Pattern for the Ignorant.
"Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the Lord, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before Me; I also have heard thee, saith the Lord. Behold therefore, I will gather thee unto thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered into thy grave in peace; and thine eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring upon this place."--2 Kings …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII

A Traveler's Note-Book
A tourist who roams for a brief while through some great country like England or Russia may jot down a few of the impressions which come home to him, making no pretense at completeness or symmetry of description. So, one who has journeyed like a hasty traveler over some passages in that vast tract of years which we describe as the classic and Christian civilizations, notes down in the following pages a few of the salient features that have impressed him. He has already prefaced this with a sort …
George S. Merriam—The Chief End of Man

Whether Determinate Things are Required for a Sacrament?
Objection 1: It seems that determinate things are not required for a sacrament. For sensible things are required in sacraments for the purpose of signification, as stated above [4343](A[4]). But nothing hinders the same thing being signified by divers sensible things: thus in Holy Scripture God is signified metaphorically, sometimes by a stone (2 Kings 22:2; Zech. 3:9; 1 Cor. 10:4; Apoc. 4:3); sometimes by a lion (Is. 31:4; Apoc. 5:5); sometimes by the sun (Is. 60:19,20; Mal. 4:2), or by something …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

The Instrumentality of the Wicked Employed by God, While He Continues Free from Every Taint.
1. The carnal mind the source of the objections which are raised against the Providence of God. A primary objection, making a distinction between the permission and the will of God, refuted. Angels and men, good and bad, do nought but what has been decreed by God. This proved by examples. 2. All hidden movements directed to their end by the unseen but righteous instigation of God. Examples, with answers to objections. 3. These objections originate in a spirit of pride and blasphemy. Objection, that …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
THE FALL OF NINEVEH AND THE RISE OF THE CHALDAEAN AND MEDIAN EMPIRES--THE XXVIth EGYPTIAN DYNASTY: CYAXARES, ALYATTES, AND NEBUCHADREZZAR. The legendary history of the kings of Media and the first contact of the Medes with the Assyrians: the alleged Iranian migrations of the Avesta--Media-proper, its fauna and flora; Phraortes and the beginning of the Median empire--Persia proper and the Persians; conquest of Persia by the Medes--The last monuments of Assur-bani-pal: the library of Kouyunjik--Phraortes …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8

The First Blast of the Trumpet
The English Scholar's Library etc. No. 2. The First Blast of the Trumpet &c. 1558. The English Scholar's Library of Old and Modern Works. No. 2. The First Blast of the Trumpet &c. 1558. Edited by EDWARD ARBER, F.S.A., etc., LECTURER IN ENGLISH LITERATURE, ETC., UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, LONDON. SOUTHGATE, LONDON, N. 15 August 1878. No. 2. (All rights reserved.) CONTENTS. Bibliography vii-viii Introduction …
John Knox—The First Blast of the Trumpet

Why Should we not Believe These to be Angelic Operations through Dispensation of The...
16. Why should we not believe these to be angelic operations through dispensation of the providence of God, Who maketh good use of both good things and evil, according to the unsearchable depth of His judgments? whether thereby the minds of mortals be instructed, or whether deceived; whether consoled, or whether terrified: according as unto each one there is to be either a showing of mercy, or a taking of vengeance, by Him to Whom, not without a meaning, the Church doth sing "of mercy and of judgment." …
St. Augustine—On Care to Be Had for the Dead.

The Credibility of Scripture Sufficiently Proved in So Far as Natural Reason Admits.
1. Secondary helps to establish the credibility of Scripture. I. The arrangement of the sacred volume. II. Its dignity. III. Its truth. IV. Its simplicity. V. Its efficacy. 2. The majesty conspicuous in the writings of the Prophets. 3. Special proofs from the Old Testament. I. The antiquity of the Books of Moses. 4. This antiquity contrasted with the dreams of the Egyptians. II. The majesty of the Books of Moses. 5. The miracles and prophecies of Moses. A profane objection refuted. 6. Another profane …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

Authorship of the Pentateuch.
The term Pentateuch is composed of the two Greek words, pente, five, and teuchos, which in later Alexandrine usage signified book. It denotes, therefore, the collection of five books; or, the five books of the law considered as a whole. 1. In our inquiries respecting the authorship of the Pentateuch, we begin with the undisputed fact that it existed in its present form in the days of Christ and his apostles, and had so existed from the time of Ezra. When the translators of the Greek version, …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

Synagogues: their Origin, Structure and Outward Arrangements
It was a beautiful saying of Rabbi Jochanan (Jer. Ber. v. 1), that he who prays in his house surrounds and fortifies it, so to speak, with a wall of iron. Nevertheless, it seems immediately contradicted by what follows. For it is explained that this only holds good where a man is alone, but that where there is a community prayer should be offered in the synagogue. We can readily understand how, after the destruction of the Temple, and the cessation of its symbolical worship, the excessive value attached …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

The Greater Prophets.
1. We have already seen (Chap. 15, Nos. 11 and 12) that from Moses to Samuel the appearances of prophets were infrequent; that with Samuel and the prophetical school established by him there began a new era, in which the prophets were recognized as a distinct order of men in the Theocracy; and that the age of written prophecy did not begin till about the reign of Uzziah, some three centuries after Samuel. The Jewish division of the latter prophets--prophets in the more restricted sense of the …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

Of the Power of Making Laws. The Cruelty of the Pope and his Adherents, in this Respect, in Tyrannically Oppressing and Destroying Souls.
1. The power of the Church in enacting laws. This made a source of human traditions. Impiety of these traditions. 2. Many of the Papistical traditions not only difficult, but impossible to be observed. 3. That the question may be more conveniently explained, nature of conscience must be defined. 4. Definition of conscience explained. Examples in illustration of the definition. 5. Paul's doctrine of submission to magistrates for conscience sake, gives no countenance to the Popish doctrine of the obligation …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

Of the Effects of those Prerogatives.
From these prerogatives there will arise to the elect in heaven, five notable effects:-- 1. They shall know God with a perfect knowledge (1 Cor. i. 10), so far as creatures can possibly comprehend the Creator. For there we shall see the Word, the Creator; and in the Word, all creatures that by the Word were created; so that we shall not need to learn (of the things which were made) the knowledge of him by whom all things were made. The most excellent creatures in this life, are but as a dark veil …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Meditations for one that is Like to Die.
If thy sickness be like to increase unto death, then meditate on three things:--First, How graciously God dealeth with thee. Secondly, From what evils death will free thee. Thirdly, What good death will bring unto thee. The first sort of Meditations are, to consider God's favourable dealing with thee. 1. Meditate that God uses this chastisement of thy body but as a medicine to cure thy soul, by drawing thee, who art sick in sin, to come by repentance unto Christ, thy physician, to have thy soul healed …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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