V.1-.2 A new story. What a tender heart Josiah has. How careful he is to obey the Word of God.
V.3 He is only 16 years old. It may be that some who read these words are this age. What a grand thing it is to turn to the Lord when we are young. Many years so often are wasted. Josiah’s life can be a real encouragement to us.
V.4-7 By the time Josiah is king, the other kingdom (of Israel) has been carried away captive. Only the kingdom of Judah is left in the land. Josiah goes himself throughout the land of Israel to cut down the idols. Then he returns to Jerusalem — God’s center.
V.8-13 Now he is 26 years old. A complete repair of the Lord’s house is necessary.
V.14-18 God had hidden a book in the temple. It was His Word. It is passed from one to another. Each seems to realize it is something important.