Read 2 Kings 21
Highlights:
The Book of the Law discovered; true worship restored; idolatry destroyed by one of the most godly of all the kings. Don't miss his covenant with the Lord (II Kin. 23:3).
King Josiah did that which was right in the sight of the Lord (II Kin. 2:2). He commanded Hilkiah the high priest to see to it that the silver which is brought into the House of the Lord . . . (was used) to repair the House (22:3-6). When the laborers are faithful in doing their work, the high priest in directing it, and the king in commanding it, the House of God cannot fail to further reveal His will through His Word. Hilkiah the high priest said unto Shaphan the scribe, I have found the Book of the Law in the House of the Lord (22:8). The discovery of the Word of God was a confirmation of the indestructibility of the only inspired written revelation of God, which had gone unnoticed during the years of apostasy.
When the king had heard the words of the Book of the Law . . . he . . . rent his clothes. And the king commanded Hilkiah . . . inquire of the Lord . . . for great is the wrath of the Lord . . . because our fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this Book, to do according unto all that which is written. . . . So Hilkiah (and others) went unto Huldah the prophetess (22:11-14).
Though little is known of Huldah, she had great influence in Jerusalem. The high priest and the king recognized her prophetic gift and sought spiritual guidance from her. Only two other prophetesses are mentioned in the Old Testament — Miriam (Ex. 15:20), who sang spiritual songs, and Deborah (Judg. 4:4), who aroused the enthusiasm of the people to win a war. But neither appears to prophesy like Huldah. God is no respecter of persons or sex in the distribution of His precious gifts. Unlike religions which disregard the equality of women, the Bible reveals a respect and regard for them. The New Testament reveals that the four daughters of Philip the evangelist propehesied (Acts 21:8-9). Earlier God had said: Your daughters shall prophesy (2:17; Joel 2:28).
Huldah acknowledged the authority of the Book which was discovered in the House of the Lord, and announced that punishment would be imposed because the people in Judah had abandoned Jehovah and turned to false gods.
Some Christians do not search for opportunities to serve the Lord; in fact, if opportunity comes to them without having been sought, they may look on it as an interruption, instead.
He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the Body of Christ (Eph. 4:11-12).
Thought for Today:
For who is God save the Lord? or who is a Rock save our God (Ps. 18:31)?
Christ Portrayed:
By the prophets (II Kin. 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.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Lillian Conley Ousley • Staff: Clarence Rathbone • Country: France (59.1 million) in western Europe • Major language: French • Religious freedom • 80% Roman Catholic; 7% Islam; 1.22% Protestant; 1.18% Jewish; 1% Buddhist; .2% Orthodox; .2% Eastern Catholic; .2% Jehovah's Witness; 9% Other/None • Prayer Suggestion: Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up (James 4:10).
Optional Reading: Romans 12
Memory Verse for the Week: 1 John 3:22
