2 Chronicles 34:2
And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, and walked in the ways of David his father; and he did not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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It's easy to see Josiah as simply following in his dad's footsteps, but the verse highlights his deliberate choice to walk in David's ways and his commitment to not stray "to the right hand or to the left." This wasn't passive inheritance, but an active pursuit of faithfulness that demanded intentionality and constant correction.
King Josiah is a young boy when he ascends to the throne of Judah, following the wicked reign of his father, Amon. This verse introduces Josiah, highlighting his commitment to following God's path, setting the stage for his monumental rediscovery of the Law and his sweeping religious reforms across the kingdom. His early faithfulness is directly contrasted with the idolatry that had corrupted his nation.
It's easy to think doing 'right' just means following rules. But Josiah's story shows us something deeper.
Josiah's reign is marked by a profound commitment to God. The text says he 'did what was right in the eyes of the LORD.' This wasn't just about avoiding sin; it was an active pursuit of God's will. His actions were pleasing to God, indicating a heart fully devoted, not just a life going through the motions. It’s about alignment with God’s character and desires, not just outward conformity.
What does it truly mean to 'walk' in someone's ways, especially God's?
Josiah didn't just follow a set of rules; he 'walked in the ways of David his father.' This points to adopting a lifestyle and a pattern of devotion that had been set by a righteous predecessor. For us, this means learning from the faithful examples in Scripture and in the lives of mature believers. It’s about inheriting and continuing a legacy of faith, making conscious choices to follow the path God has laid out.
In a world of shifting opinions and compromises, what does it take to stay true?
The final clause, 'and he did not turn aside to the right hand or to the left,' paints a picture of unwavering commitment. It signifies a resolute focus on God's path, refusing to be swayed by popular culture, personal desires, or the compromises others might make. This wasn't a passive stance but an active determination to stay on the straight and narrow, the path of righteousness defined by God's Word.
Understand the original words
Yahweh · Hebrew Proper Noun
The covenant name of the Creator and Redeemer God of Israel, emphasizing His faithfulness to His people and His holiness. It is the name revealed to Moses and central to Israel's identity.
derek · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the moral and spiritual path that aligns with God's commands and character. To walk in these ways signifies a lifestyle of obedience, covenant faithfulness, and imitation of godly examples.
Josiah's reign is set against the backdrop of deep spiritual decline in Judah, a stark contrast to the preceding reigns of his grandfather Hezekiah and his father Amon. His story is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest times, one faithful leader can initiate profound change.
722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The Northern Kingdom of Israel was conquered by the Assyrian Empire. This event served as a stark warning to Judah about the consequences of disobedience to God.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Invasion of Judah
King Sennacherib of Assyria invaded Judah, capturing many fortified cities. King Hezekiah, though able to protect Jerusalem, had to pay a heavy tribute, highlighting the precarious political situation.
c. 697-642 BC
Reign of Manasseh
King Manasseh's long reign was marked by extreme idolatry and apostasy, undoing much of the religious reform of his father, Hezekiah. He promoted pagan worship and even sacrificed his own sons to foreign gods.
c. 642-640 BC
Reign of Amon
Manasseh's son, Amon, continued his father's wicked ways, leading the people further into sin and idolatry.
This verse describes Asa, another good king who 'did what was right in the eyes of the LORD,' showing a consistent pattern of godly leadership.
Deuteronomy 5:32This passage from the Law commands Israel to 'be careful to do as the LORD your God has commanded you; you shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left,' directly echoing Josiah's faithful adherence.
Proverbs 4:27This proverb offers wisdom on the importance of staying on the righteous path, stating, 'Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil,' which highlights the integrity of Josiah's walk.
Psalm 119:1The psalmist declares, 'Blessed are the blameless in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD,' providing a beautiful picture of the blessedness that comes from walking the straight path Josiah followed.
It's easy to see Josiah as simply following in his dad's footsteps, but the verse highlights his deliberate choice to walk in David's ways and his commitment to not stray "to the right hand or to the left." This wasn't passive inheritance, but an active pursuit of faithfulness that demanded intentionality and constant correction.
King Josiah is a young boy when he ascends to the throne of Judah, following the wicked reign of his father, Amon. This verse introduces Josiah, highlighting his commitment to following God's path, setting the stage for his monumental rediscovery of the Law and his sweeping religious reforms across the kingdom. His early faithfulness is directly contrasted with the idolatry that had corrupted his nation.
King Josiah is a young boy when he ascends to the throne of Judah, following the wicked reign of his father, Amon. This verse introduces Josiah, highlighting his commitment to following God's path, setting the stage for his monumental rediscovery of the Law and his sweeping religious reforms across the kingdom. His early faithfulness is directly contrasted with the idolatry that had corrupted his nation.
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c. 640-609 BC— this verse
Reign of Josiah
Josiah became king at the young age of eight. He would become known as one of Judah's most righteous kings, initiating a sweeping religious reformation throughout the land.
c. 622 BC
Discovery of the Book of the Law
During extensive repairs to the Temple, the high priest Hilkiah discovered a scroll containing the Law of Moses. This discovery catalyzed Josiah's fervent reforms.
609 BC
Death of Josiah
Josiah was killed in battle at Megiddo while attempting to intercept the Egyptian army. His death was a tragic loss for Judah, and his reforms were not fully sustained by his successors.
"And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, and walked in the ways of David his father; and he did not turn aside to the right hand or to the left." — It's easy to see Josiah as simply following in his dad's footsteps, but the verse highlights his deliberate choice to walk in David's ways and his commitment to not stray "to the right hand or to t…
