Josiah-God Sees Our Heart

By Mary Vee
Ii Kings 22, II Chronicles 34

From the Journals of Shaphan, the secretary

Photo Courtesy

King Josiah sent the priest Hilkiah, and a few others from his staff, including me, to the prophetess Huldah. He wanted us to ask her a question.

She lived here in Jerusalem, so we didn't have far to walk.

We went to her small home and showed her the parchment that had been found in the temple. She read it then sat down. "You realize what this is, don't you? This is the Book of the Law."

"Yes," we all answered. "The king has sent us to you. He wants you to ask the Lord what is meant by the words in this book." I shuffled my feet remembering King Josiah's concern. She most likely will give us some bad news.

She left us alone for a time and went outside. We waited, hoping that the Almighty would not  send his anger for the country's disobedience of His law. 

The prophetess Huldah opened the door and walked into the room. She didn't smile. "This is what the Lord, the God of Israel says, 'I am going to bring disaster on this place and its people. All the curses written in the book that has been read to King Josiah will come true because the people have turned away from me. 

"'The men and women of Judah have burned incense to other gods and have done evil with their hands. I will punish them. 

"'Tell the king this message: Because your heart listened to my words and was humble when you heard the words, and because you showed how sorry you were by tearing your robe and crying in my presence, I have heard you. You will not see the punishment I will bring on the people of Judah. It will happen after you die.'"

She folded her hands together and shook her head. "I wish I had better news to share. The Lord has spoken."

She walked us to the door. We talked about the message all the way back to the palace. It would be my duty to report to the king. How I wish the news was different.

*******************************************
1. Where did the king send his messengers?
2. Why did he send them?
3. What did the messengers have with them?
4. What news did they hear?
5. Why did God spare King Josiah?

Josiah-The Lost Scroll Read

By Mary Vee
Ii Kings 22, II Chronicles 34

From the Journals of Shaphan, the secretary

Photo Courtesy

I had never touched anything so important before in my life.

I am but the secretary, yet in my hands rested the missing Book of the Law given by the Almighty God, Himself. 

For years no one knew where it had been placed. For years the people of Jerusalem and Judah had been persuaded to worship Baal, Molech and other false gods. For years--the people, God's people, had walked away from Him.

I'm not exactly sure why the scroll was found at this time. I suppose it might have something to do with King Josiah's willingness to restore the temple and to encourage the people to worship God. 

I surrounded myself with the best guards and paraded the parchment to the palace, where King Josiah was. I tried to plan ahead what to say, but couldn't find the words to prepare. This scroll in my hands had the very words of God written on it.

I walked down the corridor to the king's chamber, trembling with excitement. A guard announced my arrival. King Josiah gave me permission to enter his chamber.

He sat on his throne in the midst of a crowded room, no doubt citizens bringing their issues to his attention. He stopped his work to invited me to speak. His tutors and advisors stood on both sides of his chair, ready to offer their comments. Josiah may have been a young king, but had shown his gift as a leader already.

I bowed. "King Josiah, Your officials are doing everything you told them to do. They have paid out the money that was in the temple of the Lord and have given it to the supervisors and workers." I showed him the scroll. "Hilkiah the priest has given me a book."

I carefully unwrapped the parchment and read the words written on it.

I had barely finished the last word when the king stood and tore his robe. A person tears their clothes when they are very sad about something. "Go," he said. "Go to Hilkiah and the other priests and tell them to talk to the Lord for me, the remnant in Israel, and Judah. Ask Him about the words written in this book that has been found." 

He closed his eyes and cried out. "Great is the Lord's anger that is poured out on us because our fathers have not kept the word of the Lord. They have not obeyed all that is written in this book."

I left right away to do what he said. Even as I walked down the corridor, I could hear him cry out. What terrible things have we done? How could he know to ask God for help at such a young age?

*******************************************
1. What did the high priest, Hilkiah, find?
2. Where did he find it?
3. Why did Shaphan, the secretary feel so honored?
4. Who did Shaphan show the missing item to?
5. After Shaphan read, what did King Josiah do? Why?
6. What did King Josiah tell Hilkiah, the high priest to do?
7. Why did King Josiah cry?