King Josiah’s spiritual reformation continued to rid the nation of idolatrous practices. It was to fulfill the requirements of the law written in the book that had been discovered in the temple of the Lord (v. 24).

Not only did Josiah express his and his nation’s repentance by ridding the land of idolatrous practices, he also expressed his faith in God’s sovereign purpose for the nation by celebrating the Passover (Dt 16:1), which commemorated God’s deliverance of Israel from its slavery in Egypt. When the nation was in turmoil and foreign invasion was at the threshold, they needed a sense of God’s history, remembering what God had done for the nation in the past.

King Josiah turned to the LORD with all his heart, soul, and strength through repentance and faith. It was in accordance with all the Law of Moses (v.25).

His efforts for spiritual reformation could not turn the whole nation away from the looming disaster and judgment of God, and yet at least he himself did not see it happen during his life time (v. 26-30). God disciplined His people according to His sovereign purpose.
Application: Father, I and my people have committed the sin of idolatry, loving things of this world more than you. Forgive us our sins and help us put our trust in your love and sovereign purpose for us. Amen.
One Word: Repent and believe in the LORD