Sermon - Audio2 Kings 22-23 2 Chronicles 34-35 - Audio
2 Kings 22-23 2 Chronicles 34-35 - Reading
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- 2 Chronicles 34: The reign of Josiah took place during a time of shifting power (see box). This could cause a sense of disease and fear. The question of Josiah’s reign is where he will turn in this time of uncertainty.
- 34.3: In the eighth year of his reign would make him 16 years old. It is possible that he begins to seek God (meaning he began to turn the nation toward God) at this time because he finally has the power in his hands as an “adult” to make the religious changes. The word “seek” means to seek with care. The idea would be that Josiah wants to know how to rightly follow God and goes down that path. He isn’t seeking God how he wants to, but how God calls him to follow Him.
- 34.4: To scatter the dust defiled the graves.
- 34.4: Evidence of the return to Yahweh and the purging of foreign gods have been found by archeologists in stamp seals from the time. Stamps from earlier days that contain images of idols are replaces with those that reflect an honoring of Yahweh.
- 34.5-8: The influence of Josiah is seen as reaching into the former Northern Kingdom. The reach of Josiah goes all the way to Naphtali. The Chronicler wants us to see that the Davidic line not only is faithful, but also has the right to rule over both the Northern and Southern kingdoms.
- 34.8 The temple and its repair is always a central action of renewal. As the Chronicler writes to a people who have reestablished the temple, the importance of this part of being faithful to God is highlighted.
- 34.9: The temple represented the religious, cultural and economic center of the nation. As such its restoration is the responsibility of all people of the nation.
- 2 Chronicles 34.14: The Book of the Law is most likely the book of Deuteronomy or a part of it. This book speaks of a people and a leader who are called to faithful covenant living.
- 34.21: Josiah knows that things are bad because of their failure to keep God’s ways. He wants to know how bad things are and if there is any way to make things right. His command to inquire of the LORD also shows that he desires to follow after God. The word for inquire is the same word in Hebrew as “seek” in 34.3.
- 34.29-30: The words of Huldah about the certain fall of Judah do not stop Josiah from recommitting the nation to Yahweh. This shows Josiah’s true commitment to Yahweh. There is nothing to be gained by faithfulness, yet he not only remains faithful but also seeks to bring the people back to God.
- 34.31-32: These verses are very telling. While Josiah is committed, the people are not. He makes them follow God’s ways, but their heart is not in it.
- 2 Chronicles 35.1: Josiah’s Passover celebration is different than that great celebration of Hezekiah because he does everything when it is supposed to be done, exactly as it is supposed to be done. Hezekiah had to make adjustments because of the situation he was in.
- 35.3: Here we find one of the central parts of being a Levite, namely, teaching the people. The word for “teach” means one who gives discernment to his students. As such it is more that knowledge that is being given, it is the ability to discern right paths in life. The Chronicler gives us a bit of other information here as well. The Levites are teaching “all Israel”. There is a sense in which Israel is once again seen as one people and one nation.
- 35.16: The power of a godly leader is emphasized. When a leader leverages his power for God’s ends great things can happen.
- 35.19: Josiah is 26 years old when this celebration happens. The Chronicler uses this celebration as a model to follow for those who have returned from exile. In other words, if you want to know how to celebrate the Passover, look at how Josiah did it.
- 35.24: The mourning for Josiah reflects that he was a king well loved, respected and a good king.
- 35.26: The final words on Josiah connect to his faithfulness in listening to God’s voice and Law. The only time he fails to do this is in the case of King Neco and it leads to his death.
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