Topical Bible: The Law of Moses: Good Kings Enforced

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Law of Moses, also known as the Mosaic Law, is a central element of the Old Testament, encompassing the commandments, statutes, and ordinances given by God to the Israelites through Moses. This body of law is primarily found in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Throughout the history of Israel and Judah, the enforcement and adherence to the Law of Moses were pivotal in determining the spiritual and moral direction of the nation. The Bible records that the kings who enforced the Law of Moses were often regarded as "good" kings, leading their people in righteousness and obedience to God.

Josiah: A Model of Reform

One of the most notable kings who enforced the Law of Moses was King Josiah of Judah. His reign is detailed in 2 Kings 22-23 and 2 Chronicles 34-35. Josiah ascended to the throne at a young age and, upon discovering the Book of the Law during temple repairs, initiated a comprehensive religious reform. The Berean Standard Bible records Josiah's response: "When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes" (2 Kings 22:11). This act of repentance led to the removal of idolatrous practices and the restoration of proper worship. Josiah's reforms were characterized by a return to the covenantal principles outlined in the Mosaic Law, including the observance of the Passover, as noted in 2 Kings 23:21-23.

Hezekiah: A Return to Covenant Faithfulness

Another exemplary king was Hezekiah, who reigned over Judah and is remembered for his commitment to the Law of Moses. Hezekiah's reign is chronicled in 2 Kings 18-20 and 2 Chronicles 29-32. Hezekiah is praised for his trust in the Lord and his efforts to cleanse the temple and restore proper worship. The Berean Standard Bible states, "Hezekiah trusted in the LORD, the God of Israel. No king of Judah was like him, either before him or after him" (2 Kings 18:5). Hezekiah's reforms included the destruction of high places, sacred stones, and Asherah poles, aligning the nation's worship practices with the commandments given to Moses.

Jehoshaphat: Judicial and Religious Reforms

King Jehoshaphat of Judah also stands out as a ruler who enforced the Law of Moses. His reign is described in 1 Kings 22 and 2 Chronicles 17-20. Jehoshaphat is noted for his judicial reforms and efforts to educate the people in the Law. He appointed judges and Levites to teach the Law of the Lord throughout the cities of Judah, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 17:7-9. The Berean Standard Bible highlights his dedication: "He appointed judges in the land, in each of the fortified cities of Judah" (2 Chronicles 19:5). Jehoshaphat's commitment to the Law of Moses fostered a period of peace and prosperity for Judah.

Asa: Zeal for the Lord's Commands

King Asa of Judah is another example of a ruler who enforced the Law of Moses. His reign is detailed in 1 Kings 15 and 2 Chronicles 14-16. Asa is commended for his zeal in removing idolatry and promoting the worship of the Lord. The Berean Standard Bible notes, "Asa did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, as his father David had done" (1 Kings 15:11). Asa's reforms included the removal of male shrine prostitutes and the destruction of idols, demonstrating his commitment to the commandments given to Moses.

Conclusion

The enforcement of the Law of Moses by these kings underscores the importance of adherence to God's commandments in the life of Israel and Judah. These rulers are remembered for their efforts to lead their nations in righteousness, aligning their governance with the divine statutes given through Moses. Their reigns serve as examples of the blessings that follow obedience to God's law and the spiritual renewal that can occur when leaders prioritize covenant faithfulness.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 23:24,25
Moreover the workers with familiar spirits, and the wizards, and the images, and the idols, and all the abominations that were spied in the land of Judah and in Jerusalem, did Josiah put away, that he might perform the words of the law which were written in the book that Hilkiah the priest found in the house of the LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 31:21
And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Covenanting Enforced by the Grant of Covenant Signs and Seals.
... "For what nation," said Moses to them ... that hath statutes and judgments as all this
law, which I ... was delivered the command, so indicative of good,""Three times ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter xi covenanting enforced by.htm

Of Civil Government.
... malignant were it, and invidious of the public good, to be ... The allegation, that insult
is offered to the law of God ... not deliver it by the hand of Moses to be ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of civil government.htm

Human Government.
... disciples, "The scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses' seat ... it is demanded to promote
the highest public good. ... be needed; but still, if there were law, there must ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xx human government.htm

Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ...
... The same law that was given by Moses became grace ... understand, call the typical
institutions of the law disfigurements and ... He envies the good of none, for He is ...
/.../faustus states his objections to.htm

Homilies on the Gospel of John.
... 371]151; showed His freedom from the Law, by absenting ... of the sea superior to that
of Moses, [384]156 ... timely severity, [385]157; really requires good works, [386 ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homilies on the gospel of.htm

The Hebrew Prophecies.
... from many sources and revised by many editors, could be called the law of Moses;
how his ... am sorry to say, they have been diligently engaged for a good while ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter v the hebrew prophecies.htm

Synagogues: their Origin, Structure and Outward Arrangements
... Of its builder, the good centurion, Canon Williams thus writes ... chest, like that in
which Noah and Moses were saved ... in which the rolls of the law were deposited. ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 16 synagogues their origin.htm

V. ...
... you, do ye even so to them; for this is the law and the prophets." Besides, Moses
and the ... with us as it will, we will yet press onward through good and ill ...
/.../the epistles of st peter and st jude preached and explained/chapter i v .htm

Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility
... Hymenaeus, [867]400. Idol sacrifices, show contempt of God and carelessness of others'
good, [868]141; St. ... Law of Moses, mystical meaning of, [1012]121. ...
/.../abraham his trial in egypt.htm

The Duty of Self-Denial.
... If we have good health, and are in easy circumstances, let us beware of high-mindedness,
self-sufficiency, self ... or Moses, who gave the Law, and died in the ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon vii the duty of.htm