Theory question 102
Religious ReformsDescribe Josiah's immediate response to the discovery of the Book of the Law in the temple. In what two ways is the religious situation today similar to that of Josiah's time?
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In Josiah's eighteenth year, Hilkiah found the book of the law while the temple was being repaired and gave it to Shaphan, who read it to the king (2 Kings 22:3-10).
Josiah tore his clothes in distress (2 Kings 22:11).
He sent Hilkiah, Shaphan and others to inquire of the Lord about the book, for God's wrath was great because their fathers had not obeyed it (2 Kings 22:12-13).
They consulted Huldah the prophetess, who said disaster would come on Judah, but not in Josiah's lifetime because he humbled himself (2 Kings 22:14-20).
He gathered the elders and all the people, read the book of the covenant to them in the temple, and made a covenant before the Lord to keep it; the people joined (2 Kings 23:1-3).
He removed Baal and Asherah vessels, deposed idolatrous priests, broke down the houses of cult prostitutes and defiled the high places and Topheth (2 Kings 23:4-14).
He kept the Passover as written in the book (2 Kings 23:21-23).
Similarities today (any two): widespread idolatry and occult practices; neglect of God's word; corruption and immorality, even among religious people; syncretism of Christianity with traditional worship; outward religion without obedience.
Show his immediate actions, then two similarities with today.