The Rediscovery of the Law refers to a pivotal event in the history of Judah during the reign of King Josiah, as recorded in the Old Testament. This event is primarily documented in 2 Kings 22-23 and 2 Chronicles 34-35. It marks a significant moment of religious reform and national revival, as the people of Judah returned to the covenantal laws given by God through Moses.

Historical Context

The rediscovery occurred in the 18th year of King Josiah's reign, around 622 BC. Josiah, a descendant of King David, ascended to the throne of Judah at the tender age of eight following the assassination of his father, King Amon. His reign was characterized by a sincere commitment to the worship of Yahweh, in stark contrast to the idolatrous practices of his predecessors, Manasseh and Amon.

Discovery of the Book of the Law

The narrative begins with Josiah's initiative to repair the temple of the Lord in Jerusalem. During the restoration process, Hilkiah the high priest found the Book of the Law in the house of the Lord. This book is widely believed to be a form of Deuteronomy or a collection of Mosaic laws. Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan the scribe, who read it and then brought it to King Josiah.

2 Kings 22:8 states, "Then Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the scribe, 'I have found the Book of the Law in the house of the LORD.' And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, who read it."

Josiah's Response

Upon hearing the words of the Law, King Josiah was deeply moved and tore his clothes, a traditional expression of mourning and repentance. Recognizing the gravity of Judah's deviation from God's commandments, Josiah sought guidance from the prophetess Huldah. She confirmed that the curses written in the book would come upon Judah due to their disobedience, but she also conveyed God's message that Josiah would be spared from witnessing the impending disaster because of his humility and repentance.

2 Kings 22:19-20 records God's response: "Because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before the LORD when you heard what I spoke against this place and its inhabitants... I have heard you, declares the LORD. Therefore, I will indeed gather you to your fathers, and you will be gathered to your grave in peace."

Religious Reforms

In response to the rediscovery, Josiah initiated a series of religious reforms aimed at purging idolatry and restoring proper worship. He gathered all the people of Judah and Jerusalem to the temple, where the Book of the Law was read aloud. Josiah then renewed the covenant in the presence of the Lord, committing himself and the people to follow the Lord and keep His commandments.

2 Kings 23:3 describes this covenant renewal: "So the king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the LORD to follow the LORD and to keep His commandments, decrees, and statutes with all his heart and all his soul, to carry out the words of this covenant that were written in this book."

Josiah's reforms included the removal of pagan altars and idols, the destruction of high places, and the reinstitution of the Passover celebration, which had been neglected for generations. His actions were comprehensive, affecting not only Jerusalem but also the broader regions of Judah and even parts of the former northern kingdom of Israel.

Significance

The rediscovery of the Law under Josiah's reign is a testament to the enduring power of God's Word to bring about repentance and transformation. It underscores the importance of Scripture in guiding the moral and spiritual life of God's people. Josiah's reforms, though unable to avert the eventual judgment on Judah, served as a powerful reminder of the covenantal relationship between God and His people and the blessings of obedience to His commands.