King Josiah instituted major religious reforms in ancient Israel. When he became king at a young age, he saw that the people had turned to idolatry and evil practices. He destroyed idolatrous objects and shrines. He deposed priests who led idolatrous worship. He also abolished witchcraft and divination. Josiah extended these reforms to the northern kingdom as well. During repairs to the temple, the Book of Law was discovered, motivating Josiah to do more reform. The prophetess Huldah confirmed God's approval of Josiah's efforts but said judgment was still coming due to past sins, though Josiah would not see it due to his tender heart before God. Students are asked to analyze religious

1. Religious
Reforms
2KINGS 22: 17 – 46
2 KINGS 23: 4- 30

2. Learning Objectives;
Students should be able to:
Describe King Josiah’s reforms
Point out religious evils at the time of king Josiah
Identify possible reforms in Nigeria and in
personal lives.

3. KING JOSIAH RELIGIOUS REFORMS
Josiah was one of the youngest kings in Israel; he was
only 8 years old when he began to reign and he reigned
for 31 years in Jerusalem. It was recorded that he did
right in the sight of God because he worked in the way of
his father David. The Bible records before him there was
no king like him who returned to the Lord with all his
heart and soul according to the law of Moses nor did any
arise after him.

4. Josiah showed much interest in the things of
God. He detested the evil practices that were
done before his ascension to the throne. He
broke the houses of male prostitutes. He
deposed the idolatrous priests whom the
king of Judea had ordained to burn incense
in the high places of the city of Judah and
Jerusalem.

5. He also brought out Asherah from
the house of the lord and burnt it.
He abolished witchcraft, sorcery,
soothsaying, divination and their
idols. Josiah carried out his reforms
to the northern kingdom, he
removed the shrines of the high
places that were in the city of
Samaria which the King of Israel
had made. He ordered the priest to
bring out all the vessels made for
Baal and Asherah and burnt them.

6. He started the renovation and repair of the
temple and in the process, the book of the
law was found in the temple by Hilkiah, the
high priest. The book of the law was read
to him and when he heard the content he
rent his clothes as a sign of repentance
because they knew that they had
transgressed. This encouraged him to carry
out more reforms. The prophetess Huldah
was consulted to help in inquiring of the
Lord.

7. Huldah, the prophetess brought the
word of the Lord to Josiah saying that
says the lord,
” Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, and upon the
inhabitants thereof, even all the words of the book
which the king of Judah hath read. Because they have
forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods,
that they might provoke me to anger with all the works
of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be kindled
against this place, and shall not be quenched.” 2 Kings
22:16-17.

8. However, the narrative was different
for Josiah the word of the Lord for
Josiah says,
“Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself
before the Lord, when thou hearest what I spake against this place,
and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a
desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes and wept before me;
I also have heard thee, saith the Lord. Behold, therefore, I will gather
thee unto thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered into thy grave in
peace; and thine eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring upon
this place.” 2 Kings 22:19-20.

9. Plenary
Highlight two significant lessons that
can be learnt from Josiah’s refusal to
follow the path of his ancestors.
What were the important decisions that
were taken by Josiah that led to the
religious reform of his time?

10. Assignment
Take a look at Nigeria and write a full
page analysis of several religious
atrocities and the necessary reforms
possible. (Include at least 1 that
involves you and needs to change).