2 KINGS 23
The temple was really in bad shape when Josiah began his reformation. The priests had lost the Word of God in the temple (22:8) and had permitted idolatrous things to accumulate there. When God’s truth is neglected, it is easy for the false to move in and take over. Perhaps our lives and our churches could use a good “housecleaning” occasionally!
Josiah’s work was the fulfillment of the prophecy that had been made years before (1 Kings 13:1–5). As he obeyed the Word of God, he removed what was evil and practiced what was good. The observance of Passover reminded the people that they belonged to the Lord and must put evil out of their lives.
It is sad that Josiah became proud and dared Pharaoh to fight him (2 Chron. 35:20–25). That led to his death and the ultimate downfall of the kingdom of Judah. Amaziah had made the same mistake (