Question 1

Why did Josiah tear his clothes when he heard the book of the law?

Accepted Answer

When Josiah heard the words of the book of the law, he realized how badly he and his people had failed to keep God’s commands. Tearing his clothes was a common way in that time to show deep grief and horror. He understood that God’s anger was real and deserved, because generations had ignored God’s Word. So his reaction was not just emotion, it showed a soft heart that took God seriously. It was his way of confessing, “We are guilty, and judgment is right,” and it led him to seek God’s mercy.

Question 2

What is the book of the law that Hilkiah found in the temple?

Accepted Answer

The passage calls it “the book of the law,” found in the house of the Lord during the temple repairs. It was a written record of God’s commands for Israel, which had been neglected for a long time. When it was read to Josiah, it clearly included warnings of judgment for disobedience, because the king immediately feared God’s wrath. Faithful readers have debated exactly which sections it contained, but in any case it was enough to show how far Judah had drifted from God’s will.

Question 3

Who was Huldah the prophetess and why did Josiah’s men go to her?

Accepted Answer

Huldah was a prophetess living in Jerusalem, married to Shallum, who cared for the royal wardrobe. Josiah’s officials went to her after the king heard the book of the law and was shaken by it. Josiah wanted to “inquire of the Lord” about what the warnings meant for him, the people, and all Judah. God spoke through Huldah, confirming that judgment would come because of long‑standing idolatry, but also giving a special word of mercy and peace for Josiah because of his humble response.

Question 4

What message did God give through Huldah about Judah and Josiah?

Accepted Answer

Through Huldah, God said He would bring disaster on the place and its people, just as the book of the law had warned, because they had forsaken Him and burned incense to other gods. Their actions had stirred up His anger, and that judgment would not be turned aside. But God also spoke directly about Josiah. Because Josiah’s heart was tender, he humbled himself, tore his clothes, and wept when he heard God’s words, God promised to gather him to his grave in peace and spare him from seeing the coming evil.

Question 5

What does this passage teach about God’s response to humility and repentance?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows that God takes sin and idolatry very seriously and does not ignore long‑term disobedience. At the same time, it shows how God responds to a soft, humble heart. Josiah does not argue, excuse, or blame others. He mourns, admits guilt, and urgently seeks God’s word. God still brings judgment on the nation, but He gives Josiah personal mercy and peace. This helps us see that even when consequences remain, God “hears” those who humble themselves before Him and takes their repentance to heart.

Question 6

Why was the discovery of the book of the law during temple repairs so important?

Accepted Answer

The finding of the book of the law came while Josiah was already trying to honor God by repairing the temple. Yet even with good intentions, the people had been living without clear attention to God’s written Word. When the book was found and read, it exposed how far they had strayed and revealed the coming judgment. This shows that real renewal is not only about fixing outward worship spaces, but about coming back to what God has actually said. God used that discovery to wake the king and the nation up.

Question 7

What does this passage show about the role of leaders when God’s Word exposes sin?

Accepted Answer

Josiah models how a leader should respond when confronted with God’s Word. He does not hide the message or soften it. He listens, is personally moved, admits guilt for the nation, and quickly seeks God’s guidance. He sends trusted officials to inquire of the Lord, not just for himself but “for the people and for all Judah.” This passage shows that leaders should let Scripture correct them, take responsibility for past unfaithfulness, and lead others in turning back to God rather than pretending everything is fine.

Question 8

How can this story of Josiah and the book of the law apply to believers today?

Accepted Answer

This story encourages believers not to take God’s Word lightly or let it sit ignored. When Scripture is read and it exposes sin or drift, the right response is like Josiah’s: a tender heart, honest sorrow, and a desire to change. It also reminds us that outward religious activity is not enough if God’s commands are forgotten. Turning back to what God has actually said, asking for His guidance, and humbling ourselves under His warnings are still needed today, both for individuals and for whole communities.

2 Kings 22:1

Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned thirty and one years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Jedidah, the daughter of Adaiah of Boscath.

Josiah Reigns in Judah

Funding the Temple Repairs

Hilkiah Finds the Book of the Law

Huldah’s Prophecy

Josiah Reigns in Judah

Cross References

2 Kings 22:1

Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned thirty and one years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Jedidah, the daughter of Adaiah of Boscath.

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Josiah Reigns in Judah

Funding the Temple Repairs

Hilkiah Finds the Book of the Law

Huldah’s Prophecy

Josiah Reigns in Judah

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