2 Chronicles 34
Josiah was the last king of Judah who ruled in a godly manner in the manner of King David. Like David, he was zealous for the Lord, for the priesthood, for right worship and for the purity of the Temple. Yet for all his religious reforms, his good deeds, and his repentance in response to God’s Law, he was unable to stop God’s judgment from falling on Judah or prevent the Jews from being carried off into exile. This ultimate result was revealed by the prophetess Huldah who interpreted for him and the priests the meaning of the book Hilkiah had found. This book was probably the book of Deuteronomy for it spelled out the provisions of God’s covenant including the curses and punishments for disobedience. These would fall on Judah.
Josiah led Judah in widespread repentance knowing that this change of heart would not prevent the ultimate exile. They knew that the Lord had sworn to punish the sin of His people. They knew that although the Lord is merciful and forgiving, He is also just and true to His word. He promises to reward our faithfulness but also to punish our evil deeds. He will always forgive those who come to Him with sincere humility and sorrow for sin, but He does not always remove the consequences of our sinfulness. Despite that, like Josiah and Judah, repentance is still the only right course of action.
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