When did Josiah find the Book of the Law?
The book of the law is found in the temple; King Josiah leads Judah's last great reform.
Josiah's Reform took place c. 622 BC at Jerusalem, during the Divided Kingdom period of Bible history. The account is recorded in 2 Kings 22:8 (KJV). The book of the law is found in the temple; King Josiah leads Judah's last great reform.
"And Hilkiah the high priest said unto Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD." — 2 Kings 22:8 (KJV)
While repairing the temple, Hilkiah the priest found the book of the law. When Josiah heard its words he rent his clothes, gathered the people, read it in their ears, and made a covenant to walk after the LORD with all his heart.
c. 622 BC
Key KJV Scriptures
"And Hilkiah the high priest said unto Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD."
"And like unto him was there no king before him, that turned to the LORD with all his heart… neither after him arose there any like him."
Why It Matters
Josiah's reform delayed but could not avert the coming exile, showing both the power of God's word and the depth of the nation's sin.
Key People
Frequently Asked Questions
What book did Hilkiah find?
Most scholars identify it with Deuteronomy, or with the whole Mosaic law that had been neglected for generations.
When did josiah's reform happen?
Josiah's Reform is dated c. 622 BC, placing it in the Divided Kingdom era of biblical history. See 2 Kings 22:8 (KJV).
Where did josiah's reform take place?
Scripture places josiah's reform at Jerusalem.
Who was involved in josiah's reform?
The key figures are Josiah, Hilkiah, Huldah.
Where is josiah's reform in the Bible?
You can read about it in 2 Kings 22:8, 2 Kings 23:25 (King James Version).
Why does josiah's reform matter?
Josiah's reform delayed but could not avert the coming exile, showing both the power of God's word and the depth of the nation's sin.
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