The Beginning:
Josiah becomes king of Judah and seeks to restore faithful worship of the LORD. In his reign he orders repairs to the temple in Jerusalem, organizing funds and workers for the work. During this restoration effort, a significant discovery is made in the temple.
The Middle:
Hilkiah the high priest finds “the Book of the Law” and gives it to Shaphan the scribe, who reads it and brings it to King Josiah. When Josiah hears the words, he tears his clothes in grief, recognizing how far Judah has departed from the covenant. He sends officials to inquire of the LORD, and the prophetess Huldah announces that judgment will come upon Judah for its long-standing unfaithfulness, yet Josiah will be spared seeing this disaster because he humbled himself. Josiah then gathers the people, reads the book publicly, and leads the nation in renewing the covenant to follow the LORD.
The End:
Josiah acts decisively to remove idolatry and corrupt practices, purifying worship in Judah and reaffirming the centrality of the LORD’s commands. He also restores the Passover in a renewed national act of covenant worship. The story closes with Judah’s reforms under Josiah, while also affirming that coming judgment—already announced—remains tied to persistent covenant breaking in prior generations.
This story highlights God’s covenant faithfulness and the authority of God’s word for guiding worship and national life. The rediscovered Book of the Law confronts sin, calls for repentance, and leads to covenant renewal—showing that genuine reform begins with hearing and submitting to God’s revelation. It also holds together two truths: God responds to humility and repentance, yet divine justice addresses entrenched unfaithfulness across time. Josiah’s reign illustrates that renewal is possible, even late, when God’s word is received with reverence and obedience.
In the ancient Near East, royal building projects commonly included temple maintenance and public religious reforms, but Judah’s narrative uniquely centers reform on a written covenant text read aloud to the king and people. The “Book of the Law” is presented as an authoritative document preserved within the temple precincts, consistent with the temple’s function as both a religious and administrative center where important records could be safeguarded.
“Great is the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book.” — 2 Kings 22:13
Answer the questions below. When you choose an option, you will see the result and an explanation.
1. Who found “the Book of the Law” during the temple repairs in Jerusalem?
2. What did Josiah do when he heard the words of the Book of the Law read to him?