Nehemiah 4

Nehemiah 4:1

Care for the House of the LORD

In these verses we see the third phase of the revival and that is the restoration of the temple. After the cleansing, what we can call negative, something is removed, now comes the restoration, what we can call positive, something is built up. We are “in the eighteenth year of his reign” (2 Chronicles 34:8). Josiah is then twenty-six and no longer a new convert (1 Timothy 3:6). He can take care of the temple. Josiah has his own relationship with God, Who is called “his God”.

He who knows and loves God in this way also loves His house. Such a person will listen to the instructions about his behavior in the house of God. Restoring the house of God has to do with behaving in God’s house in a way that befits Him of Whom the house is and Who has set His rules of conduct for His house (1 Timothy 3:15). Confusion in the house of God is the result of people making rules. Where that is the case, it must be corrected.

This behavior in God’s house concerns all of us. Correcting what has gone wrong is the concern of all. For example, the Levites collected money from all over the land to restore the temple (2 Chronicles 34:9). The house of God is not the property or the care of a small group in Judah.

This also applies to us. The spiritual health of a local church depends on what the individual members contribute. If everyone provides a good contribution, the temple as the dwelling place of God will be fully dedicated to God again.

Faithful people go to work to restore the house of the LORD. There are two kinds of workmen (2 Chronicles 34:10). There are workmen who supervise and there are workmen who restore and repair. These two categories can be recognized in the New Testament in the overseers or shepherds and the teachers. These workmen provide the craftsmen and builders with the necessary materials (2 Chronicles 34:11).

The temple has fallen into decay. The kings of Judah are responsible for this (2 Chronicles 34:11b). For us, the temple is a picture of the church (1 Corinthians 3:16) and of the body of the believer (1 Corinthians 6:19). From both must be removed everything that contradicts Him Who dwells in it, that is God the Holy Spirit. After the cleansing of the land – daily life – the meeting of the believers as a church and the heart of the believers must be cleansed.

The materials are quarried stones and timber. In the stones we can see a picture of the believers, who are called “living stones” (1 Peter 2:5). They are incorporated into the temple. It indicates that believers are being taught about their place in the church. The timber is used for “couplings” or “joints”. Here we can see a picture of the growth of the believers in connection with other believers.

The timber is also used ”to make beams” (for the ceiling, according to the Dutch translation) of the decayed houses. This points us to the way we think. As kings – that is what we have become by faith (Revelation 1:6) – we have to have an eye for the open spots in our thinking. It is about recognizing the danger that evil powers from the heavenly places influence our thinking. That is why we must put “the helmet of salvation” (Ephesians 6:17) on our heads, on our thinking.

The decay of God’s house has been caused by man’s unfaithfulness. Only faithful people can provide a valuable contribution to the restoration of God’s house (2 Chronicles 34:12). The apostle Paul is such a faithful worker. He can say that the Lord “considered me faithful” (1 Timothy 1:12). Timothy is also such a faithful worker. Paul calls him his “faithful child in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 4:17).

The leaders are Levites “who were skillful with musical instruments”. Here we see a beautiful harmony between the service to God – honoring Him in a melodious way – and the service to the saints – leading them in their occupation with God’s house. These Levites with their melodious music are especially connected with “the burden bearers” and “all the workmen from job to job” (2 Chronicles 34:13). Heavy burdens and all kinds of work become lighter when we think about Whom we are doing our work for. When the Lord Jesus stands before us in our work, we become happy and thankful that we may serve Him. We then experience the truth of His words: “My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:30).

Levites do not only give guidance. There are also those who are directly involved in the ministry as “scribes and officials and gatekeepers”. Some write down everything that happens, others supervise the building, and others guard. It is the tragedy of professing Christianity that the overseership has become a status above other believers. We see this in the church hierarchy in both protestantism and roman-catholicism. Overseers have a task in the midst of or among God’s people and not above them (Matthew 23:9-10; Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2-3).

Nehemiah 4:2

Care for the House of the LORD

In these verses we see the third phase of the revival and that is the restoration of the temple. After the cleansing, what we can call negative, something is removed, now comes the restoration, what we can call positive, something is built up. We are “in the eighteenth year of his reign” (2 Chronicles 34:8). Josiah is then twenty-six and no longer a new convert (1 Timothy 3:6). He can take care of the temple. Josiah has his own relationship with God, Who is called “his God”.

He who knows and loves God in this way also loves His house. Such a person will listen to the instructions about his behavior in the house of God. Restoring the house of God has to do with behaving in God’s house in a way that befits Him of Whom the house is and Who has set His rules of conduct for His house (1 Timothy 3:15). Confusion in the house of God is the result of people making rules. Where that is the case, it must be corrected.

This behavior in God’s house concerns all of us. Correcting what has gone wrong is the concern of all. For example, the Levites collected money from all over the land to restore the temple (2 Chronicles 34:9). The house of God is not the property or the care of a small group in Judah.

This also applies to us. The spiritual health of a local church depends on what the individual members contribute. If everyone provides a good contribution, the temple as the dwelling place of God will be fully dedicated to God again.

Faithful people go to work to restore the house of the LORD. There are two kinds of workmen (2 Chronicles 34:10). There are workmen who supervise and there are workmen who restore and repair. These two categories can be recognized in the New Testament in the overseers or shepherds and the teachers. These workmen provide the craftsmen and builders with the necessary materials (2 Chronicles 34:11).

The temple has fallen into decay. The kings of Judah are responsible for this (2 Chronicles 34:11b). For us, the temple is a picture of the church (1 Corinthians 3:16) and of the body of the believer (1 Corinthians 6:19). From both must be removed everything that contradicts Him Who dwells in it, that is God the Holy Spirit. After the cleansing of the land – daily life – the meeting of the believers as a church and the heart of the believers must be cleansed.

The materials are quarried stones and timber. In the stones we can see a picture of the believers, who are called “living stones” (1 Peter 2:5). They are incorporated into the temple. It indicates that believers are being taught about their place in the church. The timber is used for “couplings” or “joints”. Here we can see a picture of the growth of the believers in connection with other believers.

The timber is also used ”to make beams” (for the ceiling, according to the Dutch translation) of the decayed houses. This points us to the way we think. As kings – that is what we have become by faith (Revelation 1:6) – we have to have an eye for the open spots in our thinking. It is about recognizing the danger that evil powers from the heavenly places influence our thinking. That is why we must put “the helmet of salvation” (Ephesians 6:17) on our heads, on our thinking.

The decay of God’s house has been caused by man’s unfaithfulness. Only faithful people can provide a valuable contribution to the restoration of God’s house (2 Chronicles 34:12). The apostle Paul is such a faithful worker. He can say that the Lord “considered me faithful” (1 Timothy 1:12). Timothy is also such a faithful worker. Paul calls him his “faithful child in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 4:17).

The leaders are Levites “who were skillful with musical instruments”. Here we see a beautiful harmony between the service to God – honoring Him in a melodious way – and the service to the saints – leading them in their occupation with God’s house. These Levites with their melodious music are especially connected with “the burden bearers” and “all the workmen from job to job” (2 Chronicles 34:13). Heavy burdens and all kinds of work become lighter when we think about Whom we are doing our work for. When the Lord Jesus stands before us in our work, we become happy and thankful that we may serve Him. We then experience the truth of His words: “My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:30).

Levites do not only give guidance. There are also those who are directly involved in the ministry as “scribes and officials and gatekeepers”. Some write down everything that happens, others supervise the building, and others guard. It is the tragedy of professing Christianity that the overseership has become a status above other believers. We see this in the church hierarchy in both protestantism and roman-catholicism. Overseers have a task in the midst of or among God’s people and not above them (Matthew 23:9-10; Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2-3).

Nehemiah 4:3

Care for the House of the LORD

In these verses we see the third phase of the revival and that is the restoration of the temple. After the cleansing, what we can call negative, something is removed, now comes the restoration, what we can call positive, something is built up. We are “in the eighteenth year of his reign” (2 Chronicles 34:8). Josiah is then twenty-six and no longer a new convert (1 Timothy 3:6). He can take care of the temple. Josiah has his own relationship with God, Who is called “his God”.

He who knows and loves God in this way also loves His house. Such a person will listen to the instructions about his behavior in the house of God. Restoring the house of God has to do with behaving in God’s house in a way that befits Him of Whom the house is and Who has set His rules of conduct for His house (1 Timothy 3:15). Confusion in the house of God is the result of people making rules. Where that is the case, it must be corrected.

This behavior in God’s house concerns all of us. Correcting what has gone wrong is the concern of all. For example, the Levites collected money from all over the land to restore the temple (2 Chronicles 34:9). The house of God is not the property or the care of a small group in Judah.

This also applies to us. The spiritual health of a local church depends on what the individual members contribute. If everyone provides a good contribution, the temple as the dwelling place of God will be fully dedicated to God again.

Faithful people go to work to restore the house of the LORD. There are two kinds of workmen (2 Chronicles 34:10). There are workmen who supervise and there are workmen who restore and repair. These two categories can be recognized in the New Testament in the overseers or shepherds and the teachers. These workmen provide the craftsmen and builders with the necessary materials (2 Chronicles 34:11).

The temple has fallen into decay. The kings of Judah are responsible for this (2 Chronicles 34:11b). For us, the temple is a picture of the church (1 Corinthians 3:16) and of the body of the believer (1 Corinthians 6:19). From both must be removed everything that contradicts Him Who dwells in it, that is God the Holy Spirit. After the cleansing of the land – daily life – the meeting of the believers as a church and the heart of the believers must be cleansed.

The materials are quarried stones and timber. In the stones we can see a picture of the believers, who are called “living stones” (1 Peter 2:5). They are incorporated into the temple. It indicates that believers are being taught about their place in the church. The timber is used for “couplings” or “joints”. Here we can see a picture of the growth of the believers in connection with other believers.

The timber is also used ”to make beams” (for the ceiling, according to the Dutch translation) of the decayed houses. This points us to the way we think. As kings – that is what we have become by faith (Revelation 1:6) – we have to have an eye for the open spots in our thinking. It is about recognizing the danger that evil powers from the heavenly places influence our thinking. That is why we must put “the helmet of salvation” (Ephesians 6:17) on our heads, on our thinking.

The decay of God’s house has been caused by man’s unfaithfulness. Only faithful people can provide a valuable contribution to the restoration of God’s house (2 Chronicles 34:12). The apostle Paul is such a faithful worker. He can say that the Lord “considered me faithful” (1 Timothy 1:12). Timothy is also such a faithful worker. Paul calls him his “faithful child in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 4:17).

The leaders are Levites “who were skillful with musical instruments”. Here we see a beautiful harmony between the service to God – honoring Him in a melodious way – and the service to the saints – leading them in their occupation with God’s house. These Levites with their melodious music are especially connected with “the burden bearers” and “all the workmen from job to job” (2 Chronicles 34:13). Heavy burdens and all kinds of work become lighter when we think about Whom we are doing our work for. When the Lord Jesus stands before us in our work, we become happy and thankful that we may serve Him. We then experience the truth of His words: “My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:30).

Levites do not only give guidance. There are also those who are directly involved in the ministry as “scribes and officials and gatekeepers”. Some write down everything that happens, others supervise the building, and others guard. It is the tragedy of professing Christianity that the overseership has become a status above other believers. We see this in the church hierarchy in both protestantism and roman-catholicism. Overseers have a task in the midst of or among God’s people and not above them (Matthew 23:9-10; Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2-3).

Nehemiah 4:4

Care for the House of the LORD

In these verses we see the third phase of the revival and that is the restoration of the temple. After the cleansing, what we can call negative, something is removed, now comes the restoration, what we can call positive, something is built up. We are “in the eighteenth year of his reign” (2 Chronicles 34:8). Josiah is then twenty-six and no longer a new convert (1 Timothy 3:6). He can take care of the temple. Josiah has his own relationship with God, Who is called “his God”.

He who knows and loves God in this way also loves His house. Such a person will listen to the instructions about his behavior in the house of God. Restoring the house of God has to do with behaving in God’s house in a way that befits Him of Whom the house is and Who has set His rules of conduct for His house (1 Timothy 3:15). Confusion in the house of God is the result of people making rules. Where that is the case, it must be corrected.

This behavior in God’s house concerns all of us. Correcting what has gone wrong is the concern of all. For example, the Levites collected money from all over the land to restore the temple (2 Chronicles 34:9). The house of God is not the property or the care of a small group in Judah.

This also applies to us. The spiritual health of a local church depends on what the individual members contribute. If everyone provides a good contribution, the temple as the dwelling place of God will be fully dedicated to God again.

Faithful people go to work to restore the house of the LORD. There are two kinds of workmen (2 Chronicles 34:10). There are workmen who supervise and there are workmen who restore and repair. These two categories can be recognized in the New Testament in the overseers or shepherds and the teachers. These workmen provide the craftsmen and builders with the necessary materials (2 Chronicles 34:11).

The temple has fallen into decay. The kings of Judah are responsible for this (2 Chronicles 34:11b). For us, the temple is a picture of the church (1 Corinthians 3:16) and of the body of the believer (1 Corinthians 6:19). From both must be removed everything that contradicts Him Who dwells in it, that is God the Holy Spirit. After the cleansing of the land – daily life – the meeting of the believers as a church and the heart of the believers must be cleansed.

The materials are quarried stones and timber. In the stones we can see a picture of the believers, who are called “living stones” (1 Peter 2:5). They are incorporated into the temple. It indicates that believers are being taught about their place in the church. The timber is used for “couplings” or “joints”. Here we can see a picture of the growth of the believers in connection with other believers.

The timber is also used ”to make beams” (for the ceiling, according to the Dutch translation) of the decayed houses. This points us to the way we think. As kings – that is what we have become by faith (Revelation 1:6) – we have to have an eye for the open spots in our thinking. It is about recognizing the danger that evil powers from the heavenly places influence our thinking. That is why we must put “the helmet of salvation” (Ephesians 6:17) on our heads, on our thinking.

The decay of God’s house has been caused by man’s unfaithfulness. Only faithful people can provide a valuable contribution to the restoration of God’s house (2 Chronicles 34:12). The apostle Paul is such a faithful worker. He can say that the Lord “considered me faithful” (1 Timothy 1:12). Timothy is also such a faithful worker. Paul calls him his “faithful child in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 4:17).

The leaders are Levites “who were skillful with musical instruments”. Here we see a beautiful harmony between the service to God – honoring Him in a melodious way – and the service to the saints – leading them in their occupation with God’s house. These Levites with their melodious music are especially connected with “the burden bearers” and “all the workmen from job to job” (2 Chronicles 34:13). Heavy burdens and all kinds of work become lighter when we think about Whom we are doing our work for. When the Lord Jesus stands before us in our work, we become happy and thankful that we may serve Him. We then experience the truth of His words: “My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:30).

Levites do not only give guidance. There are also those who are directly involved in the ministry as “scribes and officials and gatekeepers”. Some write down everything that happens, others supervise the building, and others guard. It is the tragedy of professing Christianity that the overseership has become a status above other believers. We see this in the church hierarchy in both protestantism and roman-catholicism. Overseers have a task in the midst of or among God’s people and not above them (Matthew 23:9-10; Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2-3).

Nehemiah 4:5

The Book of the Law Found

The fourth phase in the revival is the finding of the book of the law. This discovery is made while they are busy with the money for the house of the LORD (2 Chronicles 34:14). When we are busy with the interests of God’s house, God will open our eyes to His Word, that is, He will speak to our hearts through His Word. The Word is going to be to us the living Word.

The finder of the book, the priest Hilkiah, gives the book to Shaphan with the words: “I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD” (2 Chronicles 34:15). In the application to us, this testimony can be recited by many. Many believers have discovered the truth of God’s Word through teaching in the local church. This is the customary ‘finding place’ of the Word. In the church the Word is proclaimed and explained. It does not mean that the church teaches, because the teaching is given by the teachers whom the Lord Jesus has given, while everyone who listens to it has to examine the Word to see whether those things are so (Acts 17:11).

“The apostles’ teaching” is taught in the first church in Jerusalem (Acts 2:42). In one of the first churches of the Gentiles in Antioch, teaching is also given for one year from God’s Word (Acts 11:26). Teaching God’s Word in a church is important in order to grow in faith. This in no way excludes the personal study of God’s Word, but rather promotes it.

Shaphan takes the found book of the law to Josiah (2 Chronicles 34:16a). First he reports on the work (2 Chronicles 34:16b-17). He reports of the servants that they do obediently what they have to do. That is a beautiful testimony. Hopefully it can also be testified of us before the Lord Jesus and others that we are doing what is “delivered into our hands” (cf. 1 Timothy 4:15). It is important that we work with what the Lord has entrusted to us. This is noticed by others.

After the account of the faithfulness of the workers, Shaphan tells Josiah about the book that the priest Hilkiah has given him and begins to read from it (2 Chronicles 34:18). It is the first time in his life that Josiah hears God’s Word. Here he comes for the first time into contact with the power of the Word, which has a tremendous effect on him. How important it is for us every time we read God’s Word to do it so, as if it were for the first time. Then we will experience the power of it each time and it will have the same effect that it has on Josiah.

Nehemiah 4:6

The Book of the Law Found

The fourth phase in the revival is the finding of the book of the law. This discovery is made while they are busy with the money for the house of the LORD (2 Chronicles 34:14). When we are busy with the interests of God’s house, God will open our eyes to His Word, that is, He will speak to our hearts through His Word. The Word is going to be to us the living Word.

The finder of the book, the priest Hilkiah, gives the book to Shaphan with the words: “I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD” (2 Chronicles 34:15). In the application to us, this testimony can be recited by many. Many believers have discovered the truth of God’s Word through teaching in the local church. This is the customary ‘finding place’ of the Word. In the church the Word is proclaimed and explained. It does not mean that the church teaches, because the teaching is given by the teachers whom the Lord Jesus has given, while everyone who listens to it has to examine the Word to see whether those things are so (Acts 17:11).

“The apostles’ teaching” is taught in the first church in Jerusalem (Acts 2:42). In one of the first churches of the Gentiles in Antioch, teaching is also given for one year from God’s Word (Acts 11:26). Teaching God’s Word in a church is important in order to grow in faith. This in no way excludes the personal study of God’s Word, but rather promotes it.

Shaphan takes the found book of the law to Josiah (2 Chronicles 34:16a). First he reports on the work (2 Chronicles 34:16b-17). He reports of the servants that they do obediently what they have to do. That is a beautiful testimony. Hopefully it can also be testified of us before the Lord Jesus and others that we are doing what is “delivered into our hands” (cf. 1 Timothy 4:15). It is important that we work with what the Lord has entrusted to us. This is noticed by others.

After the account of the faithfulness of the workers, Shaphan tells Josiah about the book that the priest Hilkiah has given him and begins to read from it (2 Chronicles 34:18). It is the first time in his life that Josiah hears God’s Word. Here he comes for the first time into contact with the power of the Word, which has a tremendous effect on him. How important it is for us every time we read God’s Word to do it so, as if it were for the first time. Then we will experience the power of it each time and it will have the same effect that it has on Josiah.

Nehemiah 4:7

The Book of the Law Found

The fourth phase in the revival is the finding of the book of the law. This discovery is made while they are busy with the money for the house of the LORD (2 Chronicles 34:14). When we are busy with the interests of God’s house, God will open our eyes to His Word, that is, He will speak to our hearts through His Word. The Word is going to be to us the living Word.

The finder of the book, the priest Hilkiah, gives the book to Shaphan with the words: “I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD” (2 Chronicles 34:15). In the application to us, this testimony can be recited by many. Many believers have discovered the truth of God’s Word through teaching in the local church. This is the customary ‘finding place’ of the Word. In the church the Word is proclaimed and explained. It does not mean that the church teaches, because the teaching is given by the teachers whom the Lord Jesus has given, while everyone who listens to it has to examine the Word to see whether those things are so (Acts 17:11).

“The apostles’ teaching” is taught in the first church in Jerusalem (Acts 2:42). In one of the first churches of the Gentiles in Antioch, teaching is also given for one year from God’s Word (Acts 11:26). Teaching God’s Word in a church is important in order to grow in faith. This in no way excludes the personal study of God’s Word, but rather promotes it.

Shaphan takes the found book of the law to Josiah (2 Chronicles 34:16a). First he reports on the work (2 Chronicles 34:16b-17). He reports of the servants that they do obediently what they have to do. That is a beautiful testimony. Hopefully it can also be testified of us before the Lord Jesus and others that we are doing what is “delivered into our hands” (cf. 1 Timothy 4:15). It is important that we work with what the Lord has entrusted to us. This is noticed by others.

After the account of the faithfulness of the workers, Shaphan tells Josiah about the book that the priest Hilkiah has given him and begins to read from it (2 Chronicles 34:18). It is the first time in his life that Josiah hears God’s Word. Here he comes for the first time into contact with the power of the Word, which has a tremendous effect on him. How important it is for us every time we read God’s Word to do it so, as if it were for the first time. Then we will experience the power of it each time and it will have the same effect that it has on Josiah.

Nehemiah 4:8

The Book of the Law Found

The fourth phase in the revival is the finding of the book of the law. This discovery is made while they are busy with the money for the house of the LORD (2 Chronicles 34:14). When we are busy with the interests of God’s house, God will open our eyes to His Word, that is, He will speak to our hearts through His Word. The Word is going to be to us the living Word.

The finder of the book, the priest Hilkiah, gives the book to Shaphan with the words: “I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD” (2 Chronicles 34:15). In the application to us, this testimony can be recited by many. Many believers have discovered the truth of God’s Word through teaching in the local church. This is the customary ‘finding place’ of the Word. In the church the Word is proclaimed and explained. It does not mean that the church teaches, because the teaching is given by the teachers whom the Lord Jesus has given, while everyone who listens to it has to examine the Word to see whether those things are so (Acts 17:11).

“The apostles’ teaching” is taught in the first church in Jerusalem (Acts 2:42). In one of the first churches of the Gentiles in Antioch, teaching is also given for one year from God’s Word (Acts 11:26). Teaching God’s Word in a church is important in order to grow in faith. This in no way excludes the personal study of God’s Word, but rather promotes it.

Shaphan takes the found book of the law to Josiah (2 Chronicles 34:16a). First he reports on the work (2 Chronicles 34:16b-17). He reports of the servants that they do obediently what they have to do. That is a beautiful testimony. Hopefully it can also be testified of us before the Lord Jesus and others that we are doing what is “delivered into our hands” (cf. 1 Timothy 4:15). It is important that we work with what the Lord has entrusted to us. This is noticed by others.

After the account of the faithfulness of the workers, Shaphan tells Josiah about the book that the priest Hilkiah has given him and begins to read from it (2 Chronicles 34:18). It is the first time in his life that Josiah hears God’s Word. Here he comes for the first time into contact with the power of the Word, which has a tremendous effect on him. How important it is for us every time we read God’s Word to do it so, as if it were for the first time. Then we will experience the power of it each time and it will have the same effect that it has on Josiah.

Nehemiah 4:9

The Book of the Law Found

The fourth phase in the revival is the finding of the book of the law. This discovery is made while they are busy with the money for the house of the LORD (2 Chronicles 34:14). When we are busy with the interests of God’s house, God will open our eyes to His Word, that is, He will speak to our hearts through His Word. The Word is going to be to us the living Word.

The finder of the book, the priest Hilkiah, gives the book to Shaphan with the words: “I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD” (2 Chronicles 34:15). In the application to us, this testimony can be recited by many. Many believers have discovered the truth of God’s Word through teaching in the local church. This is the customary ‘finding place’ of the Word. In the church the Word is proclaimed and explained. It does not mean that the church teaches, because the teaching is given by the teachers whom the Lord Jesus has given, while everyone who listens to it has to examine the Word to see whether those things are so (Acts 17:11).

“The apostles’ teaching” is taught in the first church in Jerusalem (Acts 2:42). In one of the first churches of the Gentiles in Antioch, teaching is also given for one year from God’s Word (Acts 11:26). Teaching God’s Word in a church is important in order to grow in faith. This in no way excludes the personal study of God’s Word, but rather promotes it.

Shaphan takes the found book of the law to Josiah (2 Chronicles 34:16a). First he reports on the work (2 Chronicles 34:16b-17). He reports of the servants that they do obediently what they have to do. That is a beautiful testimony. Hopefully it can also be testified of us before the Lord Jesus and others that we are doing what is “delivered into our hands” (cf. 1 Timothy 4:15). It is important that we work with what the Lord has entrusted to us. This is noticed by others.

After the account of the faithfulness of the workers, Shaphan tells Josiah about the book that the priest Hilkiah has given him and begins to read from it (2 Chronicles 34:18). It is the first time in his life that Josiah hears God’s Word. Here he comes for the first time into contact with the power of the Word, which has a tremendous effect on him. How important it is for us every time we read God’s Word to do it so, as if it were for the first time. Then we will experience the power of it each time and it will have the same effect that it has on Josiah.

Nehemiah 4:10

The Effect

When Josiah hears the Word of God, he is immediately impressed (2 Chronicles 34:19). Josiah shows the true spirit of the Reformation. He who has been touched by the Word will ask what he should do (Acts 2:37). If the Word of God comes to us and we see that there are things in our lives that are not right, let us not respond as Josiah’s son, Jehoiakim, does. He cuts the Word into pieces, he tears the Word and not his clothes (Jeremiah 36:23-24). Josiah reacts differently. He tears his clothes. The Word works in him (1 Thessalonians 2:13).

The Word given eight hundred years ago by Moses (2 Chronicles 34:14) has lost nothing of its power. It has its full effect on Josiah. That is because Josiah bows down before it. He does not say: ‘This is out of date, it has nothing to say to us anymore.’ No, it convinces him and he knows it still has its full meaning.

Josiah takes immediate action. If God’s Word comes to us and we are aware of it, it will move us to action. Josiah wants to know what the LORD wants and gives some servants the command to go and consult Him (2 Chronicles 34:20-21). We read his motivation (2 Chronicles 34:21b). Josiah sees that God must judge because of the unfaithfulness of the people. That unfaithfulness is the result of not paying careful attention to God’s Word. Because judgment is spoken of, it maybe they have read from the book of Deuteronomy (cf. Deuteronomy 31:16-19; Deuteronomy 32:16-43).

The judgments are no reason for Josiah to be down. There is a way of restoration. He knows this can be pointed out to him by the prophetess Huldah (2 Chronicles 34:22). The spiritual strength lies with a woman, as in the time of the Judges with Deborah (Judges 4:4-5). If that is the situation, it means that God’s people have deviated far from Him.

Huldah lives in Jerusalem in the Second Quarter, probably in an inconspicuous house, perhaps in what we call a “terraced house”. She is married to “the keeper of the wardrobe”. Garments speak of our customs, what people see of us. Doesn’t this speak of how the Word of God is to become visible in our lives, that Christ is manifested in our lives? It is God’s purpose that we adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect of our lives (Titus 2:10b).

Nehemiah 4:11

The Effect

When Josiah hears the Word of God, he is immediately impressed (2 Chronicles 34:19). Josiah shows the true spirit of the Reformation. He who has been touched by the Word will ask what he should do (Acts 2:37). If the Word of God comes to us and we see that there are things in our lives that are not right, let us not respond as Josiah’s son, Jehoiakim, does. He cuts the Word into pieces, he tears the Word and not his clothes (Jeremiah 36:23-24). Josiah reacts differently. He tears his clothes. The Word works in him (1 Thessalonians 2:13).

The Word given eight hundred years ago by Moses (2 Chronicles 34:14) has lost nothing of its power. It has its full effect on Josiah. That is because Josiah bows down before it. He does not say: ‘This is out of date, it has nothing to say to us anymore.’ No, it convinces him and he knows it still has its full meaning.

Josiah takes immediate action. If God’s Word comes to us and we are aware of it, it will move us to action. Josiah wants to know what the LORD wants and gives some servants the command to go and consult Him (2 Chronicles 34:20-21). We read his motivation (2 Chronicles 34:21b). Josiah sees that God must judge because of the unfaithfulness of the people. That unfaithfulness is the result of not paying careful attention to God’s Word. Because judgment is spoken of, it maybe they have read from the book of Deuteronomy (cf. Deuteronomy 31:16-19; Deuteronomy 32:16-43).

The judgments are no reason for Josiah to be down. There is a way of restoration. He knows this can be pointed out to him by the prophetess Huldah (2 Chronicles 34:22). The spiritual strength lies with a woman, as in the time of the Judges with Deborah (Judges 4:4-5). If that is the situation, it means that God’s people have deviated far from Him.

Huldah lives in Jerusalem in the Second Quarter, probably in an inconspicuous house, perhaps in what we call a “terraced house”. She is married to “the keeper of the wardrobe”. Garments speak of our customs, what people see of us. Doesn’t this speak of how the Word of God is to become visible in our lives, that Christ is manifested in our lives? It is God’s purpose that we adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect of our lives (Titus 2:10b).

Nehemiah 4:12

The Effect

When Josiah hears the Word of God, he is immediately impressed (2 Chronicles 34:19). Josiah shows the true spirit of the Reformation. He who has been touched by the Word will ask what he should do (Acts 2:37). If the Word of God comes to us and we see that there are things in our lives that are not right, let us not respond as Josiah’s son, Jehoiakim, does. He cuts the Word into pieces, he tears the Word and not his clothes (Jeremiah 36:23-24). Josiah reacts differently. He tears his clothes. The Word works in him (1 Thessalonians 2:13).

The Word given eight hundred years ago by Moses (2 Chronicles 34:14) has lost nothing of its power. It has its full effect on Josiah. That is because Josiah bows down before it. He does not say: ‘This is out of date, it has nothing to say to us anymore.’ No, it convinces him and he knows it still has its full meaning.

Josiah takes immediate action. If God’s Word comes to us and we are aware of it, it will move us to action. Josiah wants to know what the LORD wants and gives some servants the command to go and consult Him (2 Chronicles 34:20-21). We read his motivation (2 Chronicles 34:21b). Josiah sees that God must judge because of the unfaithfulness of the people. That unfaithfulness is the result of not paying careful attention to God’s Word. Because judgment is spoken of, it maybe they have read from the book of Deuteronomy (cf. Deuteronomy 31:16-19; Deuteronomy 32:16-43).

The judgments are no reason for Josiah to be down. There is a way of restoration. He knows this can be pointed out to him by the prophetess Huldah (2 Chronicles 34:22). The spiritual strength lies with a woman, as in the time of the Judges with Deborah (Judges 4:4-5). If that is the situation, it means that God’s people have deviated far from Him.

Huldah lives in Jerusalem in the Second Quarter, probably in an inconspicuous house, perhaps in what we call a “terraced house”. She is married to “the keeper of the wardrobe”. Garments speak of our customs, what people see of us. Doesn’t this speak of how the Word of God is to become visible in our lives, that Christ is manifested in our lives? It is God’s purpose that we adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect of our lives (Titus 2:10b).

Nehemiah 4:13

The Effect

When Josiah hears the Word of God, he is immediately impressed (2 Chronicles 34:19). Josiah shows the true spirit of the Reformation. He who has been touched by the Word will ask what he should do (Acts 2:37). If the Word of God comes to us and we see that there are things in our lives that are not right, let us not respond as Josiah’s son, Jehoiakim, does. He cuts the Word into pieces, he tears the Word and not his clothes (Jeremiah 36:23-24). Josiah reacts differently. He tears his clothes. The Word works in him (1 Thessalonians 2:13).

The Word given eight hundred years ago by Moses (2 Chronicles 34:14) has lost nothing of its power. It has its full effect on Josiah. That is because Josiah bows down before it. He does not say: ‘This is out of date, it has nothing to say to us anymore.’ No, it convinces him and he knows it still has its full meaning.

Josiah takes immediate action. If God’s Word comes to us and we are aware of it, it will move us to action. Josiah wants to know what the LORD wants and gives some servants the command to go and consult Him (2 Chronicles 34:20-21). We read his motivation (2 Chronicles 34:21b). Josiah sees that God must judge because of the unfaithfulness of the people. That unfaithfulness is the result of not paying careful attention to God’s Word. Because judgment is spoken of, it maybe they have read from the book of Deuteronomy (cf. Deuteronomy 31:16-19; Deuteronomy 32:16-43).

The judgments are no reason for Josiah to be down. There is a way of restoration. He knows this can be pointed out to him by the prophetess Huldah (2 Chronicles 34:22). The spiritual strength lies with a woman, as in the time of the Judges with Deborah (Judges 4:4-5). If that is the situation, it means that God’s people have deviated far from Him.

Huldah lives in Jerusalem in the Second Quarter, probably in an inconspicuous house, perhaps in what we call a “terraced house”. She is married to “the keeper of the wardrobe”. Garments speak of our customs, what people see of us. Doesn’t this speak of how the Word of God is to become visible in our lives, that Christ is manifested in our lives? It is God’s purpose that we adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect of our lives (Titus 2:10b).

Nehemiah 4:14

Message From Huldah

Huldah begins her message by pointing directly to the origin of her message (2 Chronicles 34:23). What she says are not her words, but the words of “the LORD, the God of Israel”. That can only be said by someone who really speaks the words of the LORD. Unfortunately, it often happens today that those words are uttered by people who are only seeking their own benefit (Ezekiel 13:7).

Huldah addresses the words of the LORD to “the man who sent you to Me”. Josiah is spoken of as a ‘man’, not as a king. In the presence of the LORD there is no place for the importance of man.

In 2 Chronicles 34:24 Huldah pronounces the words “thus says the LORD” for the second time. Now they are the introduction to what the LORD is going to do and why He is going to do it (2 Chronicles 34:25). Although Josiah restored the temple, the people did not turn to the LORD from their hearts and with repentance for their idolatry. The people have forsaken the LORD, and therefore the judgment is unavoidable.

Then she has a personal word for Josiah (2 Chronicles 34:26). She notes that Josiah sent his servants “to inquire of the LORD”. Such actions are greatly appreciated by the LORD, and He notes them with joy. The personal word for Josiah is introduced with the words Hulda has already spoken twice before. The LORD not only appreciates the fact that Josiah wants to inquire of Him, but He also sees the mind of his heart (2 Chronicles 34:27; cf. 1 Kings 21:20-29). The mind of Josiah became manifest when he heard the words of the LORD.

It has brought him to humble himself before God. Of this he has shown the outward sign in the tearing of his clothes and weeping before God. A heart that is tender before Him also shows that softness and humiliation. We can tear our clothes and cry without real repentance. With Josiah everything is real.

For this reason, Josiah gets a personal promise from the LORD (2 Chronicles 34:28). The promise is that he will see nothing of all the mischief that the LORD is going to bring upon Jerusalem (cf. Isaiah 57:1-2; 2 Chronicles 32:26). Before the judgments come, Josiah will be gathered to his fathers by the LORD, and will be buried in peace. We can apply this to the rapture of the church from the earth before God will let His judgments come upon the earth (Revelation 3:10; 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10).

When Huldah has finished speaking, the servants report to Josiah. This brings him to act again. From this we see that Josiah accepts the words of Hulda as the words of the LORD. She has said “thus says the LORD” three times and Josiah acknowledges that.

Nehemiah 4:15

Message From Huldah

Huldah begins her message by pointing directly to the origin of her message (2 Chronicles 34:23). What she says are not her words, but the words of “the LORD, the God of Israel”. That can only be said by someone who really speaks the words of the LORD. Unfortunately, it often happens today that those words are uttered by people who are only seeking their own benefit (Ezekiel 13:7).

Huldah addresses the words of the LORD to “the man who sent you to Me”. Josiah is spoken of as a ‘man’, not as a king. In the presence of the LORD there is no place for the importance of man.

In 2 Chronicles 34:24 Huldah pronounces the words “thus says the LORD” for the second time. Now they are the introduction to what the LORD is going to do and why He is going to do it (2 Chronicles 34:25). Although Josiah restored the temple, the people did not turn to the LORD from their hearts and with repentance for their idolatry. The people have forsaken the LORD, and therefore the judgment is unavoidable.

Then she has a personal word for Josiah (2 Chronicles 34:26). She notes that Josiah sent his servants “to inquire of the LORD”. Such actions are greatly appreciated by the LORD, and He notes them with joy. The personal word for Josiah is introduced with the words Hulda has already spoken twice before. The LORD not only appreciates the fact that Josiah wants to inquire of Him, but He also sees the mind of his heart (2 Chronicles 34:27; cf. 1 Kings 21:20-29). The mind of Josiah became manifest when he heard the words of the LORD.

It has brought him to humble himself before God. Of this he has shown the outward sign in the tearing of his clothes and weeping before God. A heart that is tender before Him also shows that softness and humiliation. We can tear our clothes and cry without real repentance. With Josiah everything is real.

For this reason, Josiah gets a personal promise from the LORD (2 Chronicles 34:28). The promise is that he will see nothing of all the mischief that the LORD is going to bring upon Jerusalem (cf. Isaiah 57:1-2; 2 Chronicles 32:26). Before the judgments come, Josiah will be gathered to his fathers by the LORD, and will be buried in peace. We can apply this to the rapture of the church from the earth before God will let His judgments come upon the earth (Revelation 3:10; 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10).

When Huldah has finished speaking, the servants report to Josiah. This brings him to act again. From this we see that Josiah accepts the words of Hulda as the words of the LORD. She has said “thus says the LORD” three times and Josiah acknowledges that.

Nehemiah 4:16

Message From Huldah

Huldah begins her message by pointing directly to the origin of her message (2 Chronicles 34:23). What she says are not her words, but the words of “the LORD, the God of Israel”. That can only be said by someone who really speaks the words of the LORD. Unfortunately, it often happens today that those words are uttered by people who are only seeking their own benefit (Ezekiel 13:7).

Huldah addresses the words of the LORD to “the man who sent you to Me”. Josiah is spoken of as a ‘man’, not as a king. In the presence of the LORD there is no place for the importance of man.

In 2 Chronicles 34:24 Huldah pronounces the words “thus says the LORD” for the second time. Now they are the introduction to what the LORD is going to do and why He is going to do it (2 Chronicles 34:25). Although Josiah restored the temple, the people did not turn to the LORD from their hearts and with repentance for their idolatry. The people have forsaken the LORD, and therefore the judgment is unavoidable.

Then she has a personal word for Josiah (2 Chronicles 34:26). She notes that Josiah sent his servants “to inquire of the LORD”. Such actions are greatly appreciated by the LORD, and He notes them with joy. The personal word for Josiah is introduced with the words Hulda has already spoken twice before. The LORD not only appreciates the fact that Josiah wants to inquire of Him, but He also sees the mind of his heart (2 Chronicles 34:27; cf. 1 Kings 21:20-29). The mind of Josiah became manifest when he heard the words of the LORD.

It has brought him to humble himself before God. Of this he has shown the outward sign in the tearing of his clothes and weeping before God. A heart that is tender before Him also shows that softness and humiliation. We can tear our clothes and cry without real repentance. With Josiah everything is real.

For this reason, Josiah gets a personal promise from the LORD (2 Chronicles 34:28). The promise is that he will see nothing of all the mischief that the LORD is going to bring upon Jerusalem (cf. Isaiah 57:1-2; 2 Chronicles 32:26). Before the judgments come, Josiah will be gathered to his fathers by the LORD, and will be buried in peace. We can apply this to the rapture of the church from the earth before God will let His judgments come upon the earth (Revelation 3:10; 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10).

When Huldah has finished speaking, the servants report to Josiah. This brings him to act again. From this we see that Josiah accepts the words of Hulda as the words of the LORD. She has said “thus says the LORD” three times and Josiah acknowledges that.

Nehemiah 4:17

Message From Huldah

Huldah begins her message by pointing directly to the origin of her message (2 Chronicles 34:23). What she says are not her words, but the words of “the LORD, the God of Israel”. That can only be said by someone who really speaks the words of the LORD. Unfortunately, it often happens today that those words are uttered by people who are only seeking their own benefit (Ezekiel 13:7).

Huldah addresses the words of the LORD to “the man who sent you to Me”. Josiah is spoken of as a ‘man’, not as a king. In the presence of the LORD there is no place for the importance of man.

In 2 Chronicles 34:24 Huldah pronounces the words “thus says the LORD” for the second time. Now they are the introduction to what the LORD is going to do and why He is going to do it (2 Chronicles 34:25). Although Josiah restored the temple, the people did not turn to the LORD from their hearts and with repentance for their idolatry. The people have forsaken the LORD, and therefore the judgment is unavoidable.

Then she has a personal word for Josiah (2 Chronicles 34:26). She notes that Josiah sent his servants “to inquire of the LORD”. Such actions are greatly appreciated by the LORD, and He notes them with joy. The personal word for Josiah is introduced with the words Hulda has already spoken twice before. The LORD not only appreciates the fact that Josiah wants to inquire of Him, but He also sees the mind of his heart (2 Chronicles 34:27; cf. 1 Kings 21:20-29). The mind of Josiah became manifest when he heard the words of the LORD.

It has brought him to humble himself before God. Of this he has shown the outward sign in the tearing of his clothes and weeping before God. A heart that is tender before Him also shows that softness and humiliation. We can tear our clothes and cry without real repentance. With Josiah everything is real.

For this reason, Josiah gets a personal promise from the LORD (2 Chronicles 34:28). The promise is that he will see nothing of all the mischief that the LORD is going to bring upon Jerusalem (cf. Isaiah 57:1-2; 2 Chronicles 32:26). Before the judgments come, Josiah will be gathered to his fathers by the LORD, and will be buried in peace. We can apply this to the rapture of the church from the earth before God will let His judgments come upon the earth (Revelation 3:10; 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10).

When Huldah has finished speaking, the servants report to Josiah. This brings him to act again. From this we see that Josiah accepts the words of Hulda as the words of the LORD. She has said “thus says the LORD” three times and Josiah acknowledges that.

Nehemiah 4:18

Message From Huldah

Huldah begins her message by pointing directly to the origin of her message (2 Chronicles 34:23). What she says are not her words, but the words of “the LORD, the God of Israel”. That can only be said by someone who really speaks the words of the LORD. Unfortunately, it often happens today that those words are uttered by people who are only seeking their own benefit (Ezekiel 13:7).

Huldah addresses the words of the LORD to “the man who sent you to Me”. Josiah is spoken of as a ‘man’, not as a king. In the presence of the LORD there is no place for the importance of man.

In 2 Chronicles 34:24 Huldah pronounces the words “thus says the LORD” for the second time. Now they are the introduction to what the LORD is going to do and why He is going to do it (2 Chronicles 34:25). Although Josiah restored the temple, the people did not turn to the LORD from their hearts and with repentance for their idolatry. The people have forsaken the LORD, and therefore the judgment is unavoidable.

Then she has a personal word for Josiah (2 Chronicles 34:26). She notes that Josiah sent his servants “to inquire of the LORD”. Such actions are greatly appreciated by the LORD, and He notes them with joy. The personal word for Josiah is introduced with the words Hulda has already spoken twice before. The LORD not only appreciates the fact that Josiah wants to inquire of Him, but He also sees the mind of his heart (2 Chronicles 34:27; cf. 1 Kings 21:20-29). The mind of Josiah became manifest when he heard the words of the LORD.

It has brought him to humble himself before God. Of this he has shown the outward sign in the tearing of his clothes and weeping before God. A heart that is tender before Him also shows that softness and humiliation. We can tear our clothes and cry without real repentance. With Josiah everything is real.

For this reason, Josiah gets a personal promise from the LORD (2 Chronicles 34:28). The promise is that he will see nothing of all the mischief that the LORD is going to bring upon Jerusalem (cf. Isaiah 57:1-2; 2 Chronicles 32:26). Before the judgments come, Josiah will be gathered to his fathers by the LORD, and will be buried in peace. We can apply this to the rapture of the church from the earth before God will let His judgments come upon the earth (Revelation 3:10; 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10).

When Huldah has finished speaking, the servants report to Josiah. This brings him to act again. From this we see that Josiah accepts the words of Hulda as the words of the LORD. She has said “thus says the LORD” three times and Josiah acknowledges that.

Nehemiah 4:19

Message From Huldah

Huldah begins her message by pointing directly to the origin of her message (2 Chronicles 34:23). What she says are not her words, but the words of “the LORD, the God of Israel”. That can only be said by someone who really speaks the words of the LORD. Unfortunately, it often happens today that those words are uttered by people who are only seeking their own benefit (Ezekiel 13:7).

Huldah addresses the words of the LORD to “the man who sent you to Me”. Josiah is spoken of as a ‘man’, not as a king. In the presence of the LORD there is no place for the importance of man.

In 2 Chronicles 34:24 Huldah pronounces the words “thus says the LORD” for the second time. Now they are the introduction to what the LORD is going to do and why He is going to do it (2 Chronicles 34:25). Although Josiah restored the temple, the people did not turn to the LORD from their hearts and with repentance for their idolatry. The people have forsaken the LORD, and therefore the judgment is unavoidable.

Then she has a personal word for Josiah (2 Chronicles 34:26). She notes that Josiah sent his servants “to inquire of the LORD”. Such actions are greatly appreciated by the LORD, and He notes them with joy. The personal word for Josiah is introduced with the words Hulda has already spoken twice before. The LORD not only appreciates the fact that Josiah wants to inquire of Him, but He also sees the mind of his heart (2 Chronicles 34:27; cf. 1 Kings 21:20-29). The mind of Josiah became manifest when he heard the words of the LORD.

It has brought him to humble himself before God. Of this he has shown the outward sign in the tearing of his clothes and weeping before God. A heart that is tender before Him also shows that softness and humiliation. We can tear our clothes and cry without real repentance. With Josiah everything is real.

For this reason, Josiah gets a personal promise from the LORD (2 Chronicles 34:28). The promise is that he will see nothing of all the mischief that the LORD is going to bring upon Jerusalem (cf. Isaiah 57:1-2; 2 Chronicles 32:26). Before the judgments come, Josiah will be gathered to his fathers by the LORD, and will be buried in peace. We can apply this to the rapture of the church from the earth before God will let His judgments come upon the earth (Revelation 3:10; 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10).

When Huldah has finished speaking, the servants report to Josiah. This brings him to act again. From this we see that Josiah accepts the words of Hulda as the words of the LORD. She has said “thus says the LORD” three times and Josiah acknowledges that.

Nehemiah 4:20

Reaction of Josiah

The effect of the divine message on the heart of Josiah is that he leads the whole people to renew the covenant relationship with the LORD. He calls all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem to come (2 Chronicles 34:29). Then he, the king, goes first to the house of the LORD (2 Chronicles 34:30). All the people, in all their ranks and of all ages, follow him.

Josiah reads the whole Word that is found. He takes the time for it, and so do the people. Again it is emphasized that the book “was found in the house of the LORD”. The time before the final judgments is characterized by organizing meetings around the Word (Hebrews 10:25). Everyone, young and old, always needs the Word, but especially in times of crisis. The house of the LORD is not only the place of worship but also the place of teaching (cf. Luke 21:37a).

After reading in their hearing all the words of the book of the covenant, the king stands “in his place” (cf. 2 Kings 23:3), where we may think of the platform made by Solomon (2 Chronicles 6:13). First Josiah himself makes a covenant before the LORD (2 Chronicles 34:31). In doing so he commits himself to follow the LORD and to obey Him with all his heart and with all his soul. Then he involves Jerusalem and Benjamin in the covenant (2 Chronicles 34:32) and also obliges everyone who dwells in Israel to serve the LORD (2 Chronicles 34:33). The origin of the revival is in the heart of Josiah. The people are obliged by him to take a stand and to serve. The difference between the heart of Josiah and the heart of the people becomes clear after the death of Josiah.

It is always Josiah who acts for the people. He brings all of the twelve tribes under his authority into that covenant. However, it only works for as long as he lives. In the book of Jeremiah it becomes clear that the reformation of Josiah only did an outward work in the lives and homes of the members of God’s people. That the people do not deviate is not a matter of their hearts. They are hypocrites. In reality they are far away from the LORD (Jeremiah 3:10). Josiah therefore represents in his person the remnant that remains faithful in a time of apostasy.

Yet an outward restoration is better than no restoration. An outward restoration has an impact on public life. We see that Josiah removes all abominations from Israel. As long as Josiah’s inspiring leadership is there, the people follow. After his death it becomes clear how even his own family has not been touched by God’s Spirit. Good kings are a picture of the great Son of David. In them we also see examples of true spiritual leadership to bring the people to a walk in agreement with God.

Nehemiah 4:21

Reaction of Josiah

The effect of the divine message on the heart of Josiah is that he leads the whole people to renew the covenant relationship with the LORD. He calls all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem to come (2 Chronicles 34:29). Then he, the king, goes first to the house of the LORD (2 Chronicles 34:30). All the people, in all their ranks and of all ages, follow him.

Josiah reads the whole Word that is found. He takes the time for it, and so do the people. Again it is emphasized that the book “was found in the house of the LORD”. The time before the final judgments is characterized by organizing meetings around the Word (Hebrews 10:25). Everyone, young and old, always needs the Word, but especially in times of crisis. The house of the LORD is not only the place of worship but also the place of teaching (cf. Luke 21:37a).

After reading in their hearing all the words of the book of the covenant, the king stands “in his place” (cf. 2 Kings 23:3), where we may think of the platform made by Solomon (2 Chronicles 6:13). First Josiah himself makes a covenant before the LORD (2 Chronicles 34:31). In doing so he commits himself to follow the LORD and to obey Him with all his heart and with all his soul. Then he involves Jerusalem and Benjamin in the covenant (2 Chronicles 34:32) and also obliges everyone who dwells in Israel to serve the LORD (2 Chronicles 34:33). The origin of the revival is in the heart of Josiah. The people are obliged by him to take a stand and to serve. The difference between the heart of Josiah and the heart of the people becomes clear after the death of Josiah.

It is always Josiah who acts for the people. He brings all of the twelve tribes under his authority into that covenant. However, it only works for as long as he lives. In the book of Jeremiah it becomes clear that the reformation of Josiah only did an outward work in the lives and homes of the members of God’s people. That the people do not deviate is not a matter of their hearts. They are hypocrites. In reality they are far away from the LORD (Jeremiah 3:10). Josiah therefore represents in his person the remnant that remains faithful in a time of apostasy.

Yet an outward restoration is better than no restoration. An outward restoration has an impact on public life. We see that Josiah removes all abominations from Israel. As long as Josiah’s inspiring leadership is there, the people follow. After his death it becomes clear how even his own family has not been touched by God’s Spirit. Good kings are a picture of the great Son of David. In them we also see examples of true spiritual leadership to bring the people to a walk in agreement with God.

Nehemiah 4:22

Reaction of Josiah

The effect of the divine message on the heart of Josiah is that he leads the whole people to renew the covenant relationship with the LORD. He calls all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem to come (2 Chronicles 34:29). Then he, the king, goes first to the house of the LORD (2 Chronicles 34:30). All the people, in all their ranks and of all ages, follow him.

Josiah reads the whole Word that is found. He takes the time for it, and so do the people. Again it is emphasized that the book “was found in the house of the LORD”. The time before the final judgments is characterized by organizing meetings around the Word (Hebrews 10:25). Everyone, young and old, always needs the Word, but especially in times of crisis. The house of the LORD is not only the place of worship but also the place of teaching (cf. Luke 21:37a).

After reading in their hearing all the words of the book of the covenant, the king stands “in his place” (cf. 2 Kings 23:3), where we may think of the platform made by Solomon (2 Chronicles 6:13). First Josiah himself makes a covenant before the LORD (2 Chronicles 34:31). In doing so he commits himself to follow the LORD and to obey Him with all his heart and with all his soul. Then he involves Jerusalem and Benjamin in the covenant (2 Chronicles 34:32) and also obliges everyone who dwells in Israel to serve the LORD (2 Chronicles 34:33). The origin of the revival is in the heart of Josiah. The people are obliged by him to take a stand and to serve. The difference between the heart of Josiah and the heart of the people becomes clear after the death of Josiah.

It is always Josiah who acts for the people. He brings all of the twelve tribes under his authority into that covenant. However, it only works for as long as he lives. In the book of Jeremiah it becomes clear that the reformation of Josiah only did an outward work in the lives and homes of the members of God’s people. That the people do not deviate is not a matter of their hearts. They are hypocrites. In reality they are far away from the LORD (Jeremiah 3:10). Josiah therefore represents in his person the remnant that remains faithful in a time of apostasy.

Yet an outward restoration is better than no restoration. An outward restoration has an impact on public life. We see that Josiah removes all abominations from Israel. As long as Josiah’s inspiring leadership is there, the people follow. After his death it becomes clear how even his own family has not been touched by God’s Spirit. Good kings are a picture of the great Son of David. In them we also see examples of true spiritual leadership to bring the people to a walk in agreement with God.

Nehemiah 4:23

Reaction of Josiah

The effect of the divine message on the heart of Josiah is that he leads the whole people to renew the covenant relationship with the LORD. He calls all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem to come (2 Chronicles 34:29). Then he, the king, goes first to the house of the LORD (2 Chronicles 34:30). All the people, in all their ranks and of all ages, follow him.

Josiah reads the whole Word that is found. He takes the time for it, and so do the people. Again it is emphasized that the book “was found in the house of the LORD”. The time before the final judgments is characterized by organizing meetings around the Word (Hebrews 10:25). Everyone, young and old, always needs the Word, but especially in times of crisis. The house of the LORD is not only the place of worship but also the place of teaching (cf. Luke 21:37a).

After reading in their hearing all the words of the book of the covenant, the king stands “in his place” (cf. 2 Kings 23:3), where we may think of the platform made by Solomon (2 Chronicles 6:13). First Josiah himself makes a covenant before the LORD (2 Chronicles 34:31). In doing so he commits himself to follow the LORD and to obey Him with all his heart and with all his soul. Then he involves Jerusalem and Benjamin in the covenant (2 Chronicles 34:32) and also obliges everyone who dwells in Israel to serve the LORD (2 Chronicles 34:33). The origin of the revival is in the heart of Josiah. The people are obliged by him to take a stand and to serve. The difference between the heart of Josiah and the heart of the people becomes clear after the death of Josiah.

It is always Josiah who acts for the people. He brings all of the twelve tribes under his authority into that covenant. However, it only works for as long as he lives. In the book of Jeremiah it becomes clear that the reformation of Josiah only did an outward work in the lives and homes of the members of God’s people. That the people do not deviate is not a matter of their hearts. They are hypocrites. In reality they are far away from the LORD (Jeremiah 3:10). Josiah therefore represents in his person the remnant that remains faithful in a time of apostasy.

Yet an outward restoration is better than no restoration. An outward restoration has an impact on public life. We see that Josiah removes all abominations from Israel. As long as Josiah’s inspiring leadership is there, the people follow. After his death it becomes clear how even his own family has not been touched by God’s Spirit. Good kings are a picture of the great Son of David. In them we also see examples of true spiritual leadership to bring the people to a walk in agreement with God.