2 Kings 22: Avoiding Punishment
Verses 19-20:
"Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I have spoken against this place and its people—that they would become a desolation and a curse—and because you tore your robes and wept in my presence, I also have heard you, declares the Lord. Therefore I will gather you to your ancestors, and you will be buried in peace. Your eyes will not see all the disaster I am going to bring on this place." So they took her answer back to the king.
◇ After the fall of the northern kingdom of Israel, the southern kingdom of Judah began to decline, increasingly tainted by idolatry, much like the northern kingdom had been. God reminded them of the warnings He had given, invoking the covenant with Moses. He declared that those who engaged in idolatry and failed to keep His decrees would become wanderers without a home. He spoke of their expulsion from the land He had given and promised them.
King Josiah, while repairing the temple, discovered the Book of the Law and realized their wrongdoings. King Josiah tore his robes and wept in repentance. Seeking God's will, he sent messengers to the prophetess Huldah. Huldah proclaimed God's wrath over the idolatry and wicked actions of the people of Judah. However, King Josiah, who had sought the Lord's will, was told he would be allowed to die in peace and join his ancestors. While Judah would face punishment, King Josiah would be spared and forgiven.
God clearly explained why He would not bring punishment upon Josiah. It was because the king had a responsive and humble heart before the Lord. It was his humility in kneeling, tearing his robes, and weeping before God. It was his repentance and turning back to God from idolatry and wickedness.
God is angered by idolatry and evil deeds, and He brings punishment, but He also clearly shows the way to escape that punishment. The way is to kneel humbly, weep, and turn back to God. There is no other way. It is simply to surrender and return to God with humility, weeping, and outstretched hands.
Lord, let us always kneel humbly before You! Keep us from making excuses for our wrongs! Let us confess our worthlessness and rely on You! Help us to live today in humble service! Holy Spirit, lead us in truth!