Right Words

Some brief comments on this topic, which could be longer…and may be later.

One of the most noteworthy aspects of King Josiah’s character is his thoroughness. Everything he initiates, he does thoroughly: cleansing Judah and adjoining Israel of idolatry; repairing the temple; enlisting his subjects to serve the LORD, etc. In support of this point, note the frequent use of the word “all” in connection with Josiah:

2 Kings 23:25. “And like unto him was there no king before him, that turned to the LORD with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses; neither after him arose there any like him.”

2 Chron. 34:7. “…and cut down all the idols throughout all the land of Israel…”

2 Chron. 34:29-33. “…all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem…all the men of Judah…all the people…all the words of the book…with all his heart, and with all his soul…all that were present…all the abominations out of all the countries…all that were present…all his days” (11 uses in five verses!)

So it’s safe to say that Josiah was the most “all in” of any Israelite king, even David, who didn’t always pay attention to detail like Josiah did (1 Chron. 15:12-13, 2 Chron. 35:18). And that’s not to say that other kings didn’t excel him in certain graces; for example, Hezekiah’s faith outshines all his predecessors and successors (2 Kings 18:5), David’s faith faltering numerous times, Jehoshaphat allying with Israel twice, and Josiah meddling with Necho when he should’ve stayed home (cf. 2 Chron. 25:19). But for thoroughness in obeying the law of Moses, no one matched Josiah, though even his obedience wasn’t 100% perfect (2 Chron. 36:21 – no king ever observed the seventh- year sabbath or jubilee)…that was reserved for Israel’s final king (Rom. 10:4)!