Sermon Central
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Character Study Of Josiah Series
Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Mar 24, 2025 (message contributor)
Summary: Josiah was a godly king who brought revival to Judah, restoring worship and leading the people back to God. His life shows that one person can make a difference in a nation. However, his story also reminds us of the dangers of acting without seeking God's guidance.
CHARACTER STUDY OF JOSIAH – GODLY REFORMER KING
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text:. 2 Kings 23:25
"And like unto him was there no king before him, that turned to the Lord with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses; neither after him arose there any like him." –
Supporting Texts:
2 Kings 22-23, 2 Chronicles 34-35
INTRODUCTION
King Josiah was one of the most remarkable kings of Judah. He became king at a young age and led a nationwide spiritual reformation. His life stands as a testimony of how one person’s commitment to God can bring transformation to an entire nation.
Despite inheriting a corrupt kingdom filled with idolatry, Josiah chose to follow God wholeheartedly. He restored true worship, re-established the observance of God's laws, and destroyed false altars. However, his life also reminds us of the importance of seeking God's direction before making major decisions.
1. JOSIAH’S RISE TO POWER
a) He became king at a young age (2 Kings 22:1)
He ascended the throne at only eight years old after the assassination of his father, Amon.
b) He inherited a spiritually corrupt nation (2 Chronicles 33:22-23)
His father and grandfather had led Judah into deep idolatry.
c) He chose to seek the Lord from an early age (2 Chronicles 34:3)
At 16, he began to pursue God with all his heart.
d) He demonstrated strong moral character (2 Kings 22:2)
He did what was right in the sight of the Lord, refusing to follow the wicked ways of his ancestors.
e) Biblical Example: King Hezekiah also chose to follow God despite his father's idolatry (2 Chronicles 29:1-2).
2. JOSIAH’S SPIRITUAL REFORMS
a) He cleansed Judah of idolatry (2 Chronicles 34:3-7)
He destroyed the high places, idols, and altars to false gods.
b) He repaired the temple of the Lord (2 Kings 22:3-7)
He prioritised restoring the house of God.
c) He restored true worship (2 Kings 23:21-23)
He reinstituted the Passover, which had been neglected for generations.
d) He removed false priests and prophets (2 Kings 23:5)
He cleansed the land of those who promoted idolatry.
e) Biblical Example: King Jehoshaphat also removed idolatry and taught the people God's ways (2 Chronicles 17:3-9).
3. JOSIAH AND THE DISCOVERY OF THE LAW
a) The Book of the Law was found in the temple (2 Kings 22:8)
While repairing the temple, Hilkiah the priest discovered the lost scrolls of God's Word.
b) Josiah humbled himself upon hearing the Law (2 Kings 22:11)
He tore his clothes in repentance, realising how far Judah had strayed.
c) He sought God’s guidance through the prophetess Huldah (2 Kings 22:12-14)
He inquired about Judah’s fate and God’s will.
d) God promised judgment but spared Josiah (2 Kings 22:15-20)
Because of his humility, God delayed the destruction of Judah.
e) Biblical Example: The people of Nineveh also repented when they heard God's word, and He delayed judgment (Jonah 3:5-10).
4. JOSIAH’S NATIONAL COVENANT WITH GOD
a) He gathered the people to hear the Law (2 Kings 23:1-2)
He ensured everyone, from the greatest to the least, heard God's commands.
b) He made a public covenant to follow God (2 Kings 23:3)
He and the people pledged to obey the Lord fully.
c) He abolished idol worship completely (2 Kings 23:4-14)
He left no trace of pagan worship in Judah.
d) He destroyed false altars even outside Judah (2 Kings 23:15-20)
He extended his reforms into the former northern kingdom of Israel.
e) Biblical Example: Nehemiah also led the people to renew their covenant with God after returning from exile (Nehemiah 9:38).
5. STRENGTHS OF JOSIAH
a) He had a heart fully devoted to God (2 Kings 23:25)
He followed God with all his heart, soul, and strength.
b) He was a courageous leader (2 Chronicles 34:5)
He boldly destroyed idols and confronted sin.
c) He prioritised God’s Word (2 Kings 22:11)
He took action as soon as he heard the Scriptures.
d) He sought God’s will through His prophets (2 Kings 22:13)
He was humble enough to ask for guidance.
e) Biblical Example: David was also a king after God’s heart who sought His will (Acts 13:22).
6. WEAKNESSES OF JOSIAH
a) He was zealous but sometimes impulsive (2 Kings 23:19-20)
He aggressively removed idolatry, but some reforms may have lacked wisdom.
b) He did not always seek God’s counsel before acting (2 Chronicles 35:20-22)
He engaged in a battle with Pharaoh Necho without divine direction.
c) His untimely death weakened Judah (2 Chronicles 35:23-24)
His premature death led to a series of weak and wicked kings.
d) His reforms did not permanently change the people’s hearts (Jeremiah 3:10)
Despite his efforts, Judah returned to sin after his reign.
e) Biblical Example: King Asa also failed to seek God in his later years and suffered consequences (2 Chronicles 16:7-10).
