v1-2: Josiah was a man committed to following the Lord. This is the only basis for our lives if we are seeking to serve God. He began to follow God in a difficult environment.

It is striking that, following a king (Manasseh) who had indulged in child sacrifices, a new king arises who is himself only an eight year old child.

v3-7: See also 12.4-16. Josiah's first desire was to see the temple restored. Like Joash he wanted to repair what was damaged. Faithful men were involved, even after the dreadful reigns of Manasseh and Amon, there was still a faithful remnant. It must be significant that Jeremiah began his ministry in the 13th year of Josiah's reign (Jer 1.1).

v8-13: While repairing the temple, a copy of the Book of the Law was found. This had clearly been neglected for many years. Listening to God's word convinced Josiah of the seriousness of the nation's sins. The experience of their lives was tested against the standards of Scripture.

Josiah's response was quite different to that of Jehoiakim (Jer 36) who, instead of tearing his clothes, tore up the scroll containing God's words.

The Lord's anger against the nation was great, and the people were guilty of great sins. Josiah was anxious to know the mind of the Lord.

v14-17: The answer from Huldah, the prophetess, was clear; judgment against Judah was now inevitable. Again the scriptures provided the basis of what was to come.

v18-20: Promises to Josiah, since the Lord will never judge the righteous with the wicked. His heart was tender, he humbled himself; the Lord respected such spiritual desires. Josiah would not see the calamity that was to come.

"When you heard what I have spoken;" a reference to the written word, which carried no less authority than the spoken word. God has still spoken, and His word is to be obeyed.