Skip to main content

Josiah Finds the Book of the Law

Illustration of Josiah Finds the Book of the Law
Era
Divided Kingdom
Date
c. 622 BC โœ“ Historically confirmed
Reference
2 Kings 22:8-13

During the reign of King Josiah, repairs to the temple in Jerusalem led to the discovery of the long-neglected Book of the Law by the high priest Hilkiah. When the book was read to the king, he responded with deep repentance, tearing his clothes upon realizing how far Judah had strayed from God's commands. Josiah then sought guidance from the prophetess Huldah and launched sweeping reforms across the land, purging idolatry and restoring proper worship practices. This rediscovery highlighted the central role of Scripture in renewing the covenant relationship between God and His people, influencing the spiritual direction of the nation in its final years before exile.

0:00

Meanwhile in the World

Assyria becomes the world's first great empire, conquering from Egypt to Persia. Greece emerges from its Dark Age - the Olympic Games begin (776 BC). Rome is founded (753 BC). Carthage is established. This is the height of Assyrian military power and the rise of Greek city-states.

When: c. 930 โ€“ 586 BC

Key Civilizations: Neo-Assyrian Empire, Archaic Greece