Restoration Principle 2 Kings 22:8-13

Setting the Context 2 Kings 22:1-7Early reign of Josiah “Did that which was right in the eyes of Jehovah… and turned not aside…” He urged the repair of the temple when 26 Provided workers with money needed to do the work All were faithful in doing their tasks

Lost Book of the Law Is Found 2 Kings 22:8-13Found the book of the law   People were not living by the law   Had not even read the law   Apostasy had been the result of ignorance   Recognized wrath of God was result of their sin Same principles are true for all times:   Ignorance of God’s word leads to sinful practice   Ignorance of God’s word does not excuse sin   Sins of ignorance bring condemnation

First Step to Solution Needed to read the book of the law   Shaphan read it (22:8)   Shaphan read it to king Josiah (22:10)   King Josiah read it to all the people (23:2) Saw need to heed “the words of this book” or “all that which is written” Hearers understood things said in the book They saw ignorance as a problem & hearing as the first step to resolve it

Problem & Solution Confirmed God confirmed condemnation of evil doers:   Destruction of inhabitants foretold (22:16-17)   “I will bring evil upon this place & upon the inhabitants, even all the words of the book…” Mercy extended to Josiah (22:18-20)   Josiah showed great concern in inquiring of God   “Because thy heart was tender…”   “And thou didst humble thyself before God”   Rent clothes, wept & prayed unto God (repented)   Josiah promised peace during his life before end

Restoration from the Law

Instruction of the People (2 Kings 23:1-3) Everyone was gathered for the instruction “He read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant” Josiah made a covenant before God “To walk after Jehovah” “To keep His commandments… with all his heart & all his souls” “To perform the words of the covenant” All the people stood to the covenant

Things Which Were NOT Heard from Crowd “We couldn’t understand that law” “It’s just a matter of interpretation” “As long as you are honest & sincere it doesn’t matter what you believe or do” “Just join to the covenant of your choice” “All paths lead to the same place anyway” “A loving God would never condemn us” All recognized need to obey same law

Application of Law - 1 Kgs 23:4f Removed vessels of idolatry (4) Removed idolatrous priest (5) Destroyed the idols (6, 14) Got rid of the sodomites (7) Defiled idolatrous places of worship (8, 13, 16) Destroyed the altars of idolatry (12, 15, 19) Killed the idolatrous priests (20) Commanded to keep Passover (21-23) Put away occult practices (24) “That he might perform the words of the law…”

Result of Josiah’s Actions? And like unto him was there no king before him, that turned to God with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might according to all the law of Moses (2 Kings 23:25)

Result of Josiah’s Actions? And like unto him was there no king before him, that turned to God with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might according to all the law of Moses (2 Kings 23:25)

How Can People Restore Today? Many people now are ignorant of God’s word   Great number have never read; more rarely read Must preach the word to all people   Those of tender, humble, penitent heart will hear Obedient make covenant to keep all the word   Focus on complete truth obeyed from whole heart False practices & beliefs must be put away Must leave association with teachers of error Restoration pleas always go back to Bible