2 Kings

2 Kings 22: The LORD hears Josiah's tears

Begin in prayer

Before we read about Josiah and the book found in the house of the LORD, let us seek the Lord together. Ask Him to make our hearts tender before His Word, and to show us Jesus, the Word of God.

I sought your favor with my whole heart. Be merciful to me according to your word.

Psalm 119:58

Father in heaven, please open our eyes as we read Your Word. Show us how Josiah's heart was tender before You. Help us to hear Your Word and to humble ourselves before You. Make us more like Jesus. And please bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

Josiah becomes king at eight and does what is right, walking in the way of David his father. In his eighteenth year, he sends Shaphan the scribe to count the money for the repairs. Hilkiah the high priest finds the book of the law in the LORD's house, and Shaphan reads it to the king. When the king hears the words of the book, he tears his clothes. He sends the priest and others to inquire of the LORD, and they go to Huldah the prophetess. She says the LORD will bring evil on the place. But because Josiah's heart was tender, he will be gathered to his grave in peace.

As you read 2 Kings 22, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

The LORD heard Josiah's tender heart and promised him peace in his days.

Josiah became king at eight, after Manasseh and Amon, and he did right and walked in David's way (verses 1 and 2). While the LORD's house was being repaired, Hilkiah the high priest found the book of the law (verses 5 and 8). Shaphan read it to the king, and the king tore his clothes (verses 10 and 11). The king said the LORD's wrath was kindled against Judah, because their fathers had not listened to the book (verse 13). Huldah the prophetess said the LORD would bring evil on that place, because the people had forsaken Him (verses 15 to 17). To Josiah the LORD said that his heart was tender and he had humbled himself (verse 19). The LORD heard him, and said he would be gathered to his grave in peace (verses 19 and 20). His eyes would not see all the evil that the LORD would bring on that place (verse 20). This shows that the LORD hears a humble heart, and that His word against the place still stood.

How does 2 Kings 22 show us that the LORD heard Josiah's tender heart, and promised him peace in his days?

The book of the LORD's law is found.

Hilkiah the high priest found the book of the law in the LORD's house (verse 8). Shaphan read it to the king, and the king heard its words (verses 10 and 11). The money for the repairs was being counted when the book was found (verses 4 and 8).

Josiah's heart was tender before the LORD.

When the king heard the words of the book, he tore his clothes (verse 11). He sent to inquire of the LORD for himself and for all Judah (verses 12 and 13). The LORD said that Josiah's heart was tender, and he humbled himself before Him (verse 19).

The LORD promised Josiah peace in his days.

The LORD had heard Josiah, and He said he would be gathered to his grave in peace (verses 19 and 20). Parents, you may want to explain verses 15 to 17 in your own words, without details. Jesus blessed those who are poor in spirit (Matthew 5 verse 3).

Memorise

I will gather you to your fathers, and you will be gathered to your grave in peace.

2 Kings 22:20

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, is my heart tender before the LORD, and do I come to Jesus?

The priest found the book of the law in the house of the LORD, and the king heard its words. Josiah tore his clothes, and the LORD heard him. Jesus is the Son of God who speaks the words of His Father.

Every heart has turned from God's word, and no tears can earn peace with Him. Jesus died on the cross in His people's place, and His work there needs nothing added. He made peace by His blood (Colossians 1 verse 20). He was buried, and on the third day He rose again.

So turn from your sin, and come to Jesus with a humble heart. All who trust Him have peace with God (Romans 5 verse 1), and forgiveness is given to everyone who comes to Him.

Parent's note

Tell your children that the LORD heard Josiah's tender heart, and that Jesus is the Word of God who gives peace. Parents, please explain verses 15 to 17 in your own words, without details. Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, and pray that God would give them a new heart.

Pray together

Now please close your time together in prayer. Thank God that He hears a tender heart, and bring the heart question to Him. Every child can pray, so let each one say a short prayer if they want to.

For though Yahweh is high, yet he looks after the lowly.

Psalm 138:6

Father, thank You that You hear a tender heart and give peace. Thank You for Jesus, the Word of God, who made peace by His blood and rose again. Give each child grace to turn from sin and trust Him, and give them a tender heart. Help us to hear Your Word this week. Amen.