2 Kings 22

11-13 When the secretary read to Josiah from the Book of the Law, Josiah tore his robes in grief (verse 11). Why? Because also written in this book were the curses that would fall on God’s people if they continued to break His covenant laws (Deuteronomy 28:58-61; 29:21). Josiahrealized that Judah was in great danger. He immediately sent Hilkiah, together with his secretary and other officials, to inquire of the LORD about His intentions regarding these curses: would they fall upon Judah or not?

14-17 The men went to a prophetess named Huldah, and through her the Lord gave His answer: Judah’s fate was sealed; the curses would indeed fall. Because the people of Judah had persisted in their idolatry for so long, the Lord’s anger had reached its peak and could no longer be quenched (verse 17). The Lord’s words spoken by Huldah were similar to words spoken by other prophets during the reign of Manasseh (2 Kings 21:10-15)words that the people had not heeded. Now the final judgment was about to fall.

18-20 However, once again the judgment on Judah would be postponed; it would not fall during Josiah’s lifetime. Because of his humility and grief, Josiah would be buried in peace⁸⁵ (verse 20). Only after his death would the final disaster strike.

Notice that by one man’s repentance—Josiah’s (verse 11)—an entire generation was spared. But God doesn’t listen only to the prayers of kings and priests; He listens to the sincere prayers of every believer. Our prayers too can make an enormous difference, not only in our own life but also in the life of our church and our nation.