This and the previous chapter show us the influence of a godly sovereign. This prince at the age of twenty-six begins to repair the house of God. This leads to the discovery of the long-lost book of the law. At once Josiah obeys its teaching. He consults Huldah, and receives the Lord’s message. Finding himself exempted from vengeance on account of his repentance, he endeavours to lead his people to obtain the same exemption, and for this purpose institutes a thorough national reformation. This, we read, consisted of
(1) purifying the temple of idolatrous vessels;
(2) putting down all idolatrous teachers;
(3) defiling all idol altars throughout the land;
(4) keeping the Passover in a solemn manner. From this we may learn--
I. That personal reformation springs from a knowledge of God’s word applied to the heart by faith. It was this that influenced Josiah (Psa_119:130). “The entrance of Thy word giveth light” (Act_17:11-12). “Therefore many believed.”
II. That true personal reformation consists of doing and undoing.
1. Undoing old associations, by--
(1) Looking sin in the face, and comparing ourselves with our pattern, by the light of God’s written Word (Php_2:5, etc.).
(2) Cleansing the temple of God (2Co_6:16) of all that defiles.
(3) Giving up all people, practices, and places which tempt to sin; e.g. cards, novels, balls, etc.: let each conscience decide for itself.
2. Doing, by--
(1) Entering into a solemn covenant with God to obey Him, etc.; confirmation.
(2) Publicly, aswell as privately, keeping His commandments and wishes; Holy Communion.
III. That personal reformation has results:
1. Comfort and peace to those who carry it out. For thirty years Josiah’s reign was a peaceful and happy one to himself. So soul-reformation brings peace to the believer.
2. A blessing, though it may be only a temporary one, to those who, even outwardly, take part init. The punishment pronounced upon the land was deferred (2Ki_22:20) till after Josiah’s death, and a believer brings blessings on those around him.
3. The fulfilment of God’s word (2Ki_23:16 and Isa_5:11). The Christian rejoices in the fulfilment of Mat_11:28-30. But notice two warnings:
1. No personal reformation can be effected without the guidance and grace of the Holy Spirit (Joh_16:8, etc.; Zec_4:6).
2. Personal piety cannot stop national punishment (of. Zec_3:2). Josiah has a grand epitaph written over him (verse 25) by the finger of God. May much be ours! (J. W. Mills, M. A.)
