Imagine a time when God’s people had drifted so far from His ways that His very words had been forgotten. The temple, once the center of worship and guidance, had become neglected and overrun with idolatry. The nation of Judah was lost, spiritually blind, and heading toward destruction. Yet, in the midst of this darkness, a young king named Josiah sat on the throne, a king with a heart that sought after God.
The turning point of this story, and indeed the nation’s history, began with a simple discovery. In the eighteenth year of King Josiah’s reign, the high priest Hilkiah made a discovery that would change everything. While overseeing the repairs of the temple, Hilkiah found something that had been lost for generations—the Book of the Law. This ancient scroll, containing the very words of God, had been buried under years of neglect, hidden away as the people’s hearts had grown cold.
What followed was nothing short of a miraculous revival, sparked by the rediscovery of God’s Word. The nation that had forgotten its covenant with God was about to experience the greatest Passover celebration since the days of the judges. But this revival didn’t happen overnight; it unfolded through a series of faithful steps taken by Josiah and those around him.
Let’s walk through those steps and see how this forgotten book led to one of the greatest revivals in history:
1. Finding the Book (II Kings 22:8)
Hilkiah, the high priest, discovered the Book of the Law in the temple. This was more than just a historical artifact; it was the voice of God, speaking to a nation that had long stopped listening. The first step in any revival is always the same—returning to the Word of God. Where is God’s Word in your life? Is it buried under the distractions and cares of this world, or is it a central part of your daily walk?
2. Reading the Book (II Kings 22:8)
After finding the book, Hilkiah didn’t keep it to himself. He handed it to Shaphan, the scribe, who read it. The words that had been forgotten for so long were now being spoken aloud, and their power began to work in the hearts of those who heard them. We must not only find God’s Word but also read it, letting its truth penetrate our hearts and minds. How can we know anything about God if we don’t read what He has written to us?
3. Sharing the Book (II Kings 22:10)
Shaphan didn’t stop with reading the book for himself. He took it to King Josiah and shared what he had read. The Word of God is not meant to be kept to ourselves; it is meant to be shared. When we discover the life-changing truths of Scripture, we should be eager to tell others, spreading the light of God’s Word into the darkness around us.
4. Responding to the Book (II Kings 22:11)
When King Josiah heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes in grief. He was deeply moved, recognizing how far the nation had strayed from God’s commands. Responding to God’s Word means more than just hearing it; it means allowing it to change us, to convict us of sin, and to lead us to repentance.
5. Inquiring of the Book (II Kings 22:13)
Josiah didn’t stop at his own understanding. He sent his officials to inquire of the Lord, seeking guidance from those wiser than himself. Inquiring of God’s Word involves seeking deeper understanding and wisdom from others who can help us grow in our faith. We should never be too proud to ask for help when it comes to understanding God’s Word.
6. Doing All That Is in the Book (II Kings 22:13; 23:24-25)
Finally, Josiah didn’t just hear the Word; he did everything that was written in it. He led a nationwide reform, tearing down idols, renewing the covenant, and leading the people in a Passover celebration that was unlike any other. This is the ultimate goal of reading and sharing God’s Word—to do all that it commands, living out our faith in obedience to God.
In this story, we can see ourselves at various stages. Maybe you need to rediscover God’s Word in your life, or perhaps you’re being called to share what you’ve found with others. Wherever you are, remember that revival begins with a return to the Word of God. Let it guide you, change you, and lead you to do all that is written within its pages.
