Josiah And Jehoiakim: A Righteous King And His Wicked Son

In 2 Chronicles we read of Josiah and how the prophet Jeremiah and the singers lamented for him.

“And Jeremiah lamented for Josiah: and all the singing men and the singing women spake of Josiah in their lamentations to this day, and made them an ordinance in Israel: and, behold, they are written in the lamentations.” - 2 Chronicles 35:25

Written in what Lamentations?

Some say this refers to Lamentations 4:20 and some say this refers to a book which is no longer extant. Below is Lamentations 4:20 which is clearly speaking of Josiah, as we will see when we realize who Josiah was, and the peace the Lord granted to the Kingdom of Judah for the sake of Josiah’s righteous acts (which showed Josiah’s Faith).

“The breath of our nostrils, the anointed of the LORD, was taken in their pits, of whom we said, Under his shadow we shall live among the heathen.” - Lamentations 4:20

If this verse refers to King Josiah, which I believe it does, why is he called “anointed” and what does it mean by “of whom we said under his shadow we shall live among the heathen.”

We can find out much about King Josiah in 2 Kings chapter 22 and 23. First, in 2 Kings 22:1-2 we find that Josiah began to reign when he was only 8 years old and he “did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in all the ways of David his father, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left.” 1 Timothy 4:12 comes to mind when we consider young Josiah and his example.

King David: A Man After God's Own Heart

To really understand why Josiah is considered “righteous enough” to be called “anointed” let us look to David in whose footsteps Josiah followed.

Of King David we read that he was a man after God’s own heart. Why? Because he did the will of God. See Acts 13:22. In 1 Samuel 13:13-14 we see that Saul disobeyed God and Saul’s disobedience cost him his kingship. The prophet Samuel, under God’s direction went looking to anoint one to be King who would obey God. The Lord said unto Samuel “Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” Finally Samuel found David the youngest son of Jesse of the tribe of Judah “And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he.” See 1 Samuel 16:7-13.

In both Ezekiel 37:24-25 and Jeremiah 30:8-9 we see a future time described when David will again reign and be the King of the people Israel. The people under this future rule of David are described in these verses as being cleansed, saved, freed from bondage, obedient to God’s teachings, and as having one shepherd. Jesus Christ is that one shepherd (John 10:1-16) The Shepherd of Jews and Gentiles (John 10:16, Hebrews 2:9).

Now when these verses were written, the flesh of the literal person of King David was rotted in the grave. But Christ came in the flesh as a descendant of David, and as the Son of God, and the creator and Saviour of the world (Matthew 1:1-25, John 1:1-14). So then, in these verses the prophets are describing the future reign of Christ, which has now come to pass (at least partially) as Christ rules over spiritual Israel (which is comprised of both believing Jews and Gentiles (Romans 2:28-29)).

Now look at this. Of Josiah we read; “And like unto him was there no king before him, that turned to the LORD with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses; neither after him arose there any like him.” - 2 Kings 23:25

In essence Josiah kept the first and greatest commandment as we can see by the words of Christ in the gospel of Mark.

“And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.” - Mark 12:29-30

What did King Josiah do to be described in this manner?

First, when he heard the words of the Law he realized the sins of Israel.

What was Josiah’s response to sin?

1. He recognized it for what it was by being much grieved, rending his cloths and saying “great is the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us.” (2 Kings 22:11-13)

2. He shared the truth with others, by having the Law read aloud in the presence of “all the inhabitants of Jerusalem … the priests… the prophets, and all the people, both small and great: and he read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant which was found in the house of the LORD.” (2 Kings 23:1-3)

3. He set to work destroying the wickedness that was in the kingdom.

“Moreover the workers with familiar spirits, and the wizards, and the images, and the idols, and all the abominations that were spied in the land of Judah and in Jerusalem, did Josiah put away, that he might perform the words of the law which were written in the book that Hilkiah the priest found in the house of the LORD.” - 2 Kings 23:24

Specifically;

- He destroyed the idols (the vessels made for the worship of Baal and the other false gods (demons)) by burning them into a pile of ashes (2 Kings 23:4,6).

- He “put down” the idolatrous priests who burnt incense to false gods (Baal, demons, the host of heaven) (2 Kings 23:5)).

- He broke down the house of the sodomites (2 Kings 23:7).

- He stopped the offering of children by fire to Molech (2 Kings 23:10).

- He broke down alters, high places, groves, and images which were used and made to worship the false gods of other nations (2 Kings 23:11-15).

- He slew the priests of the false gods (2 Kings 23:20).

We can read below how the Lord promised to let the kingdom of Judah dwell peacefully while King Josiah reigned. And that the land would not be destroyed until after Josiah died, so that Josiah would not see all the evil that God would bring upon Judah for its sins.

“But to the king of Judah which sent you to enquire of the LORD, thus shall ye say to him, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, As touching the words which thou hast heard; Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the LORD, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before me; I also have heard thee, saith the LORD. Behold therefore, I will gather thee unto thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered into thy grave in peace; and thine eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring upon this place. And they brought the king word again.” - 2 Kings 22:18-20

This also brings to mind the verse in Isaiah in which we read how sometimes the Lord lets the righteous perish so that they may not experience the evils which are to come in this world.

The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come. - Isaiah 57:1

After Josiah died his son Jehoahaz was made king in his stead. And Jehoahaz “did which was evil in the sight of the Lord.” See 2 Kings 23:30-32.

But Jehoahaz was taken away by Pharaohnechoh to Egypt where he died, and Pharaohnechoh made “Eliakim the son of Josiah king in the room of Josiah his father, and turned his name to Jehoiakim.” (2 Kings 23:34) But Jehoiakim also did evil in the Lord’s sight.

Jehoiakim's Wickedness

In fact, Jehoiakim was so wicked, that the LORD had something specific to say of him which he spoke through the prophet Jeremiah.

“Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah; They shall not lament for him, saying, Ah my brother! or, Ah sister! they shall not lament for him, saying, Ah lord! or, Ah his glory! He shall be buried with the burial of an ass, drawn and cast forth beyond the gates of Jerusalem. Go up to Lebanon, and cry; and lift up thy voice in Bashan, and cry from the passages: for all thy lovers are destroyed. I spake unto thee in thy prosperity; but thou saidst, I will not hear. This hath been thy manner from thy youth, that thou obeyedst not my voice. The wind shall eat up all thy pastors, and thy lovers shall go into captivity: surely then shalt thou be ashamed and confounded for all thy wickedness.” - Jeremiah 22:18-22

Do Not Be Deceived: God Is Not Mocked

In this post on the righteous and the wicked king, we can learn much from their examples. We saw why the righteous king was righteous, and why the wicked was wicked.

1. They were either righteous or wicked based on how God judged them (hence, in the eyes of the Lord) They were not righteous or wicked based on their own reasoning or awareness, but by the Word of God (2 Kings 22:13, John 12:48)

2. In the portions of scripture we looked at we can see that they were judged by their actions, by their obedience, or disobedience to the will of God. They did what they did because of their faith in and fear of God (or lack of faith in and lack of fear of God). And we saw them both get their just reward (Isaiah 3:11)(also see 1 Peter 1:17).

In these days, our reward/punishment may only partially come in this life, as we see exampled by the many wicked men that prosper for a time (Psalm 37:1-2).

But, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” - Galatians 6:7-10

The Day For Atheists: "Fool's Day"

A Day For Atheists?

If there was a day specifically for Atheists what should that day be called? It should be called “Fool’s Day.” This is evident seeing that the *prophet David wrote; “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God.” (Psalm 14:1, Psalm 53:1) It is true that all atheists are fools (by biblical definition) but not all fools are professed atheists.

The atheist's say they "evolved" from the smallest of organisms just as is described in the verse in Jeremiah below. Though that still does not explain how the "something" they evolved from came into being. See Dr. Kent Hovind.

who say to a stock, Thou art my father; and to a stone, Thou hast brought me forth: for they have turned their back unto me, and not their face; but in the time of their trouble they will say, Arise, and save us. - Jeremiah 2:27

So what are some other characteristics of fools?

The fool does not receive commandments (Proverbs 10:8). A fool slanders and “hideth hatred with lying lips” (Proverbs 10:18). A fool is right in his own eyes and does not seek advice (Proverbs 12:15). A fool despises instruction (Proverbs 15:5). Fools do not learn much from punishment (Proverbs 17:10). Fools in their folly are very undesirable to meet (Proverbs 17:12). Mother’s of fools are sorrowful and Father’s of fools have no joy (Proverbs 17:21). A fool has no delight in understanding (Proverbs 18:2). A fool’s mouth brings about contention and his own destruction (Proverbs 18:6-7). A fool returns to his folly (Proverbs 26:11). A fool trusteth in his own heart (Proverbs 28:26). Also see Proverbs 26:3-5 and Proverbs 29:11.

Eternal Perspective?

“For there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now is in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dieth the wise man? as the fool.” - Ecclesiastes 2:16

The Danger of Pride

“Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.” - Proverbs 26:12

Flee the Wisdom of the World

"Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness." - 1 Corinthians 3:18-19 (also see Job 5:13)

"And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ." - 1 Corinthians 2:1-16



*King David was a prophet; perhaps the most obvious support of this is Acts 2:25-32. The content of the many psalms he wrote attest to this fact.

The Begotten Son compared to the Adopted sons

The begotten Son compared to the adopted sons

In John 1:14,18, 3:16,18, and Hebrews 5:5 we see Jesus Christ being referred to as the only begotten Son of God.

In Acts 13:33 and Psalm 2:7 we see how David Prophesied of Christ being the only begotten Son of God.

As believers in Christ we are referred to as adopted sons of God, when we are led by the Spirit of God. We are heirs of God through and with Christ Jesus.

"Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,” -Ephesians 1:5

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. … And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” - Romans 8:14-15,17

“And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. - Galatians 4:6-7

The Godhead (Holy Trinity)

The Trinity can be defined as the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost three persons who are only one God. Two of the main verses rightly given in support of the Holy Trinity are Matthew 28:19 (“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:”) and 1 John 5:7 (KJV)

Also in Matthew 3:16-17 we see God the Father in heaven saying “This is my beloved Son (God the Son), in whom I am well pleased” God the Father says this while God the Spirit descends like a dove on Jesus.

In Colossians 2:8-9 we see that in Christ dwells the fullness of the Godhead. In Matthew 8:29, 14:33, Mark 1:1, Mark 15:39, John 3:18, Galatians 2:20, and Hebrews 4:14 we see that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

In John 10:30 we see that the Son and the Father are One.

In Matthew 1:18 and Luke 1:35 we see that Mary was “found with child of the Holy Ghost” Mary had known no man but the Holy Ghost came upon her, the power of the Highest overshadowed her, and “that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.” In contrast we read in Luke 1:15 (of John the Baptist) that he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost even while still in the womb of his mother Elisabeth. It is important to note that John was filled with the Holy Ghost from the womb, But Jesus was even “of the Holy Ghost” and in fact in existence before he was even in the womb of Mary, even in the beginning he was (John 1:1-14).

In Mark 1:8 and 13:11 we read of the Holy Ghost. In John 7:39 (also see Acts 1:1-9) we see that the Holy Ghost was not yet given since Christ had not yet been glorified (or had not yet ascended). In John 14:17, 26, 15:26, 16:13, 1 Corinthians 2:13, and 6:19 we see that the Holy Ghost is the Spirit of Truth, the Comforter, a teacher and is that which brings to our remembrance the teachings of Christ. Also we see that the Holy Spirit dwells in us and that our body is its temple. In 1 Corinthians 6:20 we read “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

There have also been instances where some have been filled with the Holy Ghost even prior to it being “officially” given. Such as was the case with John the Baptist (as was mentioned earlier) and with David as we see in Mark 12:36 and Psalm 110:1 and with Simeon (Luke 2:25-26).