Reading: II Kings 21-23:20
Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Hephzi-bah. And he did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord, after the abominations of the heathen, whom the Lord cast out before the children of Israel (II Kings 21:1-2). Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned thirty and one years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Jedidah, the daughter of Adaiah of Boscath. And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in all the way of David his father, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left (II Kings 22:1-2).
The southern kingdom of Judah differed from the northern kingdom of Israel in that she occasionally was blessed with a truly righteous king in the midst of her evil, worldly rulers. Here in today’s reading, we meet Manasseh, the most evil king to ever rule over the southern kingdom (II Kings 21:1-9), and Josiah, who was quite possibly the most righteous king ever to sit on the throne of David (23:25). As we compare and contrast the reigns of these two monarchs, we are given insight into the consequences of personal choice and the power of the Word of God in our own lives and the lives of those over whom we have influence.
Manasseh and Josiah both came to the throne as children, Manasseh at 12 and Josiah at the tender age of 8. Very early in each of their reigns it became apparent that they had turned deaf ears to the teachings of their fathers. Manasseh had utterly rejected the righteous nature of his father, Hezekiah, and Josiah had closed his mind to the evil machinations of his father, Amon, and his grandfather, Manasseh.
From the moment he assumed power, Manasseh actively despised the Lord. He made it his life’s mission to undo all the spiritual reform that his father had enacted throughout Judah. Manasseh was the worst kind of apostate. Not only did he turn his back on the Lord he had been raised to know, but he also went out of his way to destroy the faith of all those under his rule. It was most likely during this time that the Book of the Law became ‘lost’. Scripture does not tell us how this happened, but it is painfully obvious that its loss was not mourned, or even noticed. Moreover Manasseh shed innocent blood very much, till he had filled Jerusalem from one end to another; beside his sin wherewith he made Judah to sin, in doing that which was evil in the sight of the Lord (21:16).
In direct contrast to his grandfather Manasseh, Josiah made the conscious choice to turn his back to the idols of his youth and seek out the God of his ancestor, David. Where Manasseh had sought to destroy, Josiah was single-minded in his desire to restore. He purged the land of the trappings of idol worship (II Chr. 34:3-7) and set into motion the restoration of the Temple of God (II Kings 22:4-7). It was through his urgings that the Temple of God was scoured from top to bottom and the Book of the Law was found. After hearing the Word of God, Josiah became inconsolable. Even though he had been trying his best, he and his people were still living outside of the will of God. Ironically, it was only now, after what was lost had been found, that the loss was mourned.
It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life (John 6:63).
Thought For TodayEarthly opposition to God cannot hinder His will; however, capitulating to its presence can dull our faith.
Christ Portrayed : By the prophets (II Kings 21:10). God, who . . . spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son (Heb. 1:1-2).
Word Studies: 21:6 observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits = practiced witchcraft, fortune-telling, devil worship, black magic; 21:12 ears shall tingle = will be astonished with horror; 23:17 title = monument, grave marker.
Pray for Staff:Ryan McCrary • Country: Micronesia, Federated States of (106,104) North Pacific Ocean • Major Language: English • Religious Freedom • 52.7% Roman Catholic; 41.7% Protestant; 3.8% Other; 1.8% None/Unspecified • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to give you mercy and compassion for others (Jude 1:21-22).
Optional Reading: Romans 12.