King Josiah loved God as his father David did (v. 2). His love compelled him to initiate repair work of the temple of the LORD (V. 6). One good thing after another, the repair work caused finding of the Book of the Law in the temple of the Lord (v. 8). It might be a copy of the entire Pentateuch or just a copy of part or all of Deuteronomy alone (cf. Dt 31:24,26; 2Ch 34:14).

When the Book of the Law was found, Josiah did not have it sent to a royal museum for display but had it read in his presence (v. 10). “When the king heard the word of the Book of the Law, he tore his robes” (v. 11). Tearing his robes was his expression of a contrite heart. He was contrite over his and his people’s sin of disobedience to God’s word. He also sought to further understand the meaning of what was written in the Book of the Law by inquiring a prophet about it (v.13). True repentance comes when we hear, understand, and accept God’s word.
Application: Father, thank you for King Josiah’s contrite heart over his sin and that of his people before God’s word. Please give me and the people of this nation humble and contrite hearts to repent of our sins as reflected in the mirror of God’s word. Amen.
One Word: Repentant heart before God’s word