Study together · The Cast

Josiah

A boy king who heard the forgotten law read aloud and tore his robes.

The story

1. King at eight 2 Kgs 22:1-2; 2 Chr 34:1-3

   He comes to the throne as a boy, and as a young man begins to seek the God of David.

2. The book is found 2 Kgs 22:8-13

   The high priest finds the book of the law in the temple. When Josiah hears it, he tears his clothes.

3. The covenant renewed 2 Kgs 23:1-3

   He reads the book to all the people and makes a covenant to follow the LORD with all his heart.

4. Clearing the land 2 Kgs 23:4-23

   He removes idols and high places and keeps a Passover like none since the judges.

5. Death at Megiddo 2 Chr 35:20-25

   He goes out against Pharaoh Neco, is wounded by archers, and dies. Jeremiah laments for him.

Key verses

“Before him there was no king like him, who turned to the LORD with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his might” 2 Kings 23:25 (ESV)

Read together: 2 Kgs 22:1-2; 2 Chr 34:1-3 · 2 Kgs 22:8-13 · 2 Kgs 23:1-3 · 2 Kgs 23:4-23 · 2 Chr 35:20-25

Questions to sit with

1. Josiah tore his clothes when he heard God's word. When did Scripture last cut you to the heart?
2. He started seeking God young, in a family that did not. What does that say about where faith can begin?

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible, © 2001 by Crossway. Used by permission.