A Repentant Heart
6/30/26 Bible Thought (2 Kings 22)
Main Idea: God’s people should readily hear and submit to His Word.
A Look at the Text:
Much had changed in Judah over just a few generations. While Hezekiah was, overall, a righteous king, known for His service to the Lord, both his son and grandson were wicked rulers who abandoned Yahweh in favor of other gods.
Then, Josiah came on the scene. Josiah was young when he inherited the throne because his father was murdered in a conspiracy. Although young, we are quickly shown that he was altogether different, and that he faithfully served Yahweh (2 Kings 22:2).
In the eighteenth year of his reign, he commissioned repairs on the temple in Jerusalem that Solomon, his ancestor, had erected. In so doing, the book of the law was found.
When the words of the law were read before the king, he tore his clothes. He inquired of the prophets. He immediately recognized that God’s wrath towards them was going to be great for their disobedience.
Yet, when the word came from the Lord, it came with assurance. Destruction awaited a different generation because of Josiah’s repentant heart:
“because your heart was penitent, and you humbled yourself before the Lord, when you heard how I spoke against this place and against its inhabitants, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and you have torn your clothes and wept before me, I also have heard you, declares the Lord” (2 Kings 22:19).
Bringing it Home:
One of the most shocking realities we read in the story of King Josiah is that God’s people had lost God’s law. In his day, the law was “found” as if they didn’t know where it was. Perhaps it was hidden during the reigns of the wicked Manasseh or Amon. Or, perhaps, it was simply where they left it when they abandoned God.
God’s people had forsaken His instruction and His worship in favor of whatever their hearts led them to do. Contrast this with the king. When he heard the law, he responded in humility. He rent his royal clothes. He acknowledged that there was another King yet above him.
Having a softened heart that yearns to hear God’s Word and do God’s will is the mark of a healthy Christian. At times, Scripture will make us uncomfortable. There will be moments when we will find our sins revealed to us plain as day in its pages. Our response is very telling as to the condition of our hearts.
Do we rend our clothes and come in humble repentance before the God whom we have transgressed? Are we sorry for our sin, or do we try to move the mark, believing that God has not said what He has said?
Let us always keep our hearts with all vigilance (Pro. 4:23), acknowledging that His ways are right and that His Word is without error. If we don’t like what the Bible says, it is we who need to change, not the Bible.
Challenge:
Does God’s Word go missing in my life? Or am I diligent to pick it up, study it, and learn what God desires of me?
Even when I fail to do so, my desire is to always live in His Word. Every day!