2 Kings 22 Devotional

A Tender Heart Before the Word

“because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before the LORD when you heard what I spoke against this place and against its people, that they would become a desolation and a curse, and because you have torn your clothes and wept before Me, I have heard you,’ declares the LORD.”2 Kings 22:19 (BSB)

Josiah becomes king as a boy and walks in all the ways of David (22:1-2). While the temple is being repaired, the high priest Hilkiah finds the Book of the Law in the house of the LORD (22:8). The word of God had been lost inside the very place built for his worship. When it is read to the king, Josiah tears his clothes. He knows the LORD's wrath burns against Judah, because their fathers had not obeyed what was written (22:11-13).

The prophetess Huldah confirms that judgment is coming. But she also has a word for Josiah. Because Josiah's heart was soft toward the LORD, because he humbled himself and wept when he heard, the LORD has heard him, and he will die in peace before the disaster falls (22:18-20). Through Isaiah the LORD says he honors the humble person who trembles at his word (Isaiah 66:2). God does not wait for perfection before he listens. He draws near to those who let his word humble them.

To think about: When you read God's word, what would it look like to let it humble you rather than simply inform you?