Religious Reforms SS2 Christian Religious Studies (CRS) Lesson Note

JOSIAH’S RELIGIOUS REFORM II Kings 22

Josiah was the grandson of King Manasseh of Judah who was notorious for his introduction of many other religious beliefs and doctrines into the orthodox mode of worship. Manasseh was succeeded by his son Amon who walked in the ways of his father by serving idols. After his death, his eight year old son, Josiah was crowned King. 

Unlike his father, Josiah is rated one of the best kings of Judah as he served God, putting away his father and grandfather’s gods. When he was twenty- six years, he embarked on a repair of the temple so as to put in a better focus, the true worship of God.He reigned for thirty—one years in Jerusalem. At twelve years of his reign, he began to purge Judah of idolatry. The book of the law was found by Hilkiah, the prophet and this was read to the king. Prophetess Huldah told him that God will surely bring judgment upon the land because of their sin of idolatry. 

Josiah summoned all the people after this was revealed to him. He renewed his covenant with God promising to be faithful as all the people joined him in pledging their readiness to serve God.

ASPECTS OF JOSIAH’S REFORMS

1. He ordered the removal and burning of all vessels and ritual objects installed by his fore- father king Manasseh.

2. Priests of all the foreign gods were demoted; their idols destroyed and their altars pulled down.

3. The houses of cult prostitutes were destroyed.

4. Josiah restored the feast of Passover which was abandoned prior to Josiah’s time.

5. He abolished witchcraft, sorcery, sooth- saying and divination and banished their practitioners.

6. He extended his reform to the Northern kingdom. In Samaria and  Bethel, he destroyed the shrines built by Jeroboam, son of Nebat; as well as slaughtered their priest.

7. He brought out the Asherah from the temple and burnt it. 

RECONSTRUCTION OF THE TEMPLE

Part of the religious reforms carried out by Josiah was the repair of the temple so as to put is a better focus, the true worship of God. He began to purge Judah of idolatry. Later, when the book of the law was found in the temple by Hilkiah, the high priest, Josiah engaged in other reforms. 

The book was read to the king and when he heard the content, he rented his clothes as a sign of repentance because he knew they transgressed. His reforms were geared towards streamlining the real paths to worship God as well as rid this path of distortions.However, since the king had repented, his eyes would not see the punishment. He would die peacefully and be buried in peace.

SIGNIFICANCE OF JOSIAH’S REFORMS

1. Josiah’s reforms brought about spiritual revival in Israel.The temple in Jerusalem was repaired and established as the center of worship in Israel.

2. The reforms made the people re- dedicate themselves to God.

3. The ordinances and the statutes were now made clearer to the people.

 LESSONS TO LEARN 

1. We should endeavour to obey God’s laws and his words no matter how hard it may seem to be.

2. There is need to change our ways, cleanse our heart, etc so that we can worship God in purity

 ASSIGNMENT

1. How old was Josiah when he began to rule?  A. 8years   B. 9 years  C. 10 years D.7 years

2. The high priest in the temple who discovered  the book of the law was –. A. Ahikam    B. Acbar   C. Hilkiah  D. Jehu

3. The prophetess through whom God delivered his message to Judah during the reign of Josiah was —.A.Huldah   B. Deborah   C. Jael D. Nasra

4. Which of these was not an aspect of Josiah’s reforms?A. Restoration of the Passover’s festival B. Changing of the days of worship C. Burning of vessels and ritual objects. D. He puts away the mediums and the wizards

5. Reading the contents of the book of the law books and discovering the extent of Judah’s transgression, Josiah’s immediate reaction was —.A. Summon all the people B. Proclaim a fast C. Declare a day of mourning D. he rent his clothes in anger