“Americans revere the Bible--but, by and large, they don't read it. And because they don't read it, they have become a nation of Biblical illiterates." This was the conclusion drawn by researcher George Gallup in 2016, and the problem is only getting worse each year. Fewer than half of all adults can name the four gospels. Many Christians cannot identify more than two or three of the disciples. And it’s no wonder people so often break the Ten Commandments: 60% of Americans can't name even name five of them. 2 Kings 22 bears witness to how quickly a nation can descend into complete Biblical ignorance. Josiah is now the King of Judah, and his great-grandfather was Hezekiah, who led a great spiritual awakening in the land. But 75 years have passed. The nation has languished under the long, wicked reign of Manasseh—and the short, wicked reign of his son Amon. After Amon is assassinated, Josiah comes to the throne as an eight-year-old boy (v 1). Somehow the lad learned to walk in the way of David, his godly ancestor. Josiah’s steadfastness put him in a league with Hezekiah, for he did not turn from doing what was right in God’s eyes (18:6). Initially he would have been under the guidance and control of others. But in the eighteenth year of his reign, at age 26, Josiah initiated a clean-up and repair of the temple (v 2-7). As rooms were organized and closets emptied, Hilkiah the high priest just happened to rediscover the “Book of the Law.” Probably this refers to the book of Deuteronomy. When the book was read in Josiah’s presence, he received it with a humble and repentant heart. He trembled at God’s Word, recognizing how thoroughly it had been neglected and rejected (v 8-13). Further insight is sought from Huldah the prophetess, who responds with two points. First, there is no hope. Disaster is coming, and it is too late to avert it. The inferno of God’s rage will not be put out. Yet second, there is some mercy. Since Josiah’s heart was soft when he heard the warnings of God’s law, and since he humbled himself and wept in God’s presence, Josiah will go his grave in peace and will not see the disaster with his own eyes (v 14-20). So judgment was certain, but judgment was not yet —thanks to one man’s repentance. If the day of reckoning could not finally be removed, at least it could be delayed. The Word of the LORD can make a tremendous impression on a soft heart, and God always hears the cries of those who are broken and contrite over sin. For all His just wrath, He is a God who delights in mercy. For further meditation: