We’ve all seen adventure films where the main character searches for a lost and valuable relic. In his pursuit, our hero must overcome perilous obstacles. He recovers the priceless object but only after breathtaking twists and turns. Chapter 22 almost reads like a movie script when the 18-year-old King Josiah, orders the renovation of the Temple only to discover the Book of the Law.

While Manasseh was wicked, his grandson, Josiah, had pursued righteousness from a young age (v. 2). As he matured, he set out to cleanse the Temple. While repairing the Temple, his workmen uncovered this book that had been “lost” (an incredible testament to the depth of wickedness that ruled during the reign of Manasseh). The king’s response to the news of discovery presented a model for the nation and all who want to live righteous lives: “When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his robes” (v. 11).

Why did he respond this way? He now understood that his nation had violated the terms of the covenant they made with God at Mt. Sinai. In humility, Josiah acknowledged the reality of his situation, saying that “great is the LORD’S anger that burns against us because those who have gone before us have not acted in accordance with all that is written there concerning us” (v. 13).

Recall that during the reign of Manasseh, God told Judah that exile was inevitable. Yet, the promise of great wrath provoked the king to greater acts of righteousness. He gathered the people, reaffirmed their commitment to the covenant, cleansed the land of idol worship, and celebrated Passover on a national scale! Josiah repented and led his nation to repentance just as God’s judgment required.

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