Waging War Against Wandering
Scripture Reading: 2 Chronicles 35:20-27
Without question, Josiah was one of the best kings of Judah. He brought about much-needed spiritual and political reform. His reign lasted thirty-one years and it was characterized by a consistent pursuit of that which was holy and good in the sight of God.
His death came in battle with the armies of Neco, king of Egypt. Neco warned Josiah to drawback, that he didn’t have a dog in the fight, and that by joining the battle he was opposing God. I think it is fair to say that Josiah didn’t give much credibility to the idea that Neco could be speaking the truth of God. It is also fair to say that Josiah had some nagging suspicion that Neco might be right. We know that because when he went into battle he disguised himself (as if that might fool God). Against the warning of Neco, Josiah engaged in the war and was fatally wounded by a random archer.
The Scriptures tell us that Josiah “did not listen to the words of Neco from the mouth of God…” (37:22). This great and godly king saw his life and his reign come to a tragic end because he didn’t listen to God. Even the best of men fall prey to presumption and pride.
We should pray as John Calvin did, “Let us not…be deaf to your warnings; and whenever we deviate from the right way, grant that we may immediately awake when you warn us, and return to the right path, and deign also to embrace us and reconcile us to yourself through Christ our only Lord.”