What does 2 Kings 23:1 Mean?

Context Summary

Josiah's fears were deeply stirred by the evils which the Law of the Lord clearly indicated as imminent, and he immediately sent for advice to the prophetess Huldah, who was held in great veneration. Her answer was full of gentle kindness. Though the king's punishment could not be averted, it should nevertheless be postponed. How quick is God to notice the tears of genuine contrition and to meet the soul that seeks to do His will! If only the whole nation had been equally repentant, its fate would have doubtless been altered.

It is remarkable, however, that even in Josiah's case the prediction of the prophetess was not realized. He died in battle, and his dead body was brought to Jerusalem amid mourning that became proverbial, 2 Kings 23:30; Zechariah 12:2. Why this apparent breach of promise? The answer is suggested by our Lord's temptation. He refused to make bread of stones, because of His absolute faith in God, and when Satan tempted him still further to manifest that faith by casting Himself from the beetling Temple crag, he again refused because such an act was not in the scope of the Father's plan. On the other hand, Josiah, disregarding all counsels to the contrary, needlessly flung himself into the fray between Egypt and Babylon and there lost his life. "Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God!" [source]

Chapter Summary: 2 Kings 23

¹  Josiah causes the book to be read in a solemn assembly
³  He renews the covenant of the Lord
⁴  He destroys idolatry
¹⁵  He burns dead men's bones upon the altar of Bethel, as was prophesied
²¹  He keeps a most solemn Passover
²⁴  He puts away witches and all abomination
²⁶  God's final wrath against Judah
²⁹  Josiah, provoking Pharaoh Neco, is slain at Megiddo
³¹  Jehoahaz, succeeding him,
³³  is imprisoned by Pharaoh Neco, who makes Jehoiakim king
³⁶  Jehoiakim's wicked reign