Seminary
Lesson 87: 2 Kings 21–23—King Josiah and the Book of the Law
King Josiah reads the book of the law to the people

2 Kings 16–25: Lesson 87

2 Kings 21–23

King Josiah and the Book of the Law

Visit “Studying the Scriptures” to help prepare yourself spiritually to learn.

Have you ever stopped to consider how your life might be different without access to the scriptures? In ancient times, when the kingdom of Judah turned away from God, the sacred “book of the law” (see 2 Kings 22:8, 11) was neglected and eventually lost. Once found, it played a pivotal role in leading both King Josiah and his subjects back to the Lord. This lesson can help you see the importance of having and studying the scriptures.

Study the Scriptures

Think about a common item or activity that could complete the question:

  • What would my life be like without ?

How would it affect your life? Would your life be harder or easier without it?

Reflect on your personal experiences as you ponder the following question:

  • What would your life be like without the scriptures?

Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught about our need for the scriptures:

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

Those who either don’t have or ignore the recorded word of God eventually cease to believe in Him and forget the purpose of their existence. (“The Blessing of Scripture,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2010, 33)

Over time the scriptures were lost, and the kingdom of Judah forgot about God. Kings Manasseh and Amon led the people to do bad things, like worshipping idols and even sacrificing children (see 2 Kings 21). When Amon died, his son Josiah became king when he was only eight. Josiah was a good king. After ruling for 18 years, he paid workers to fix the temple in Jerusalem (see 2 Kings 22:1–7).

In 2 Kings 22:8–13, Hilkiah finds the “book of the law,” or the scriptures, in the temple. King Josiah decided to read the book to all the people of Jerusalem (see 2 Kings 22:14–20;23:1–2).

mark iconRead 2 Kings 23:1–3. Mark what the people did after Josiah read them the scriptures.

If available, watch “King Josiah” (1:36).

1:36

As Josiah and his people learned from the scriptures and turned to the Lord, they were inspired to make changes in their lives.

Review the following study options. Complete one or more. Then complete the “Now What?” section at the end of the lesson.

Option A

How can scripture study help me turn toward God?

mark iconRead 2 Kings 23:3–4, 21, 24–25. Mark what King Josiah did to restore true worship of the Lord and obedience to the law of Moses.

Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

Elder Dale G. Renlund

God invites us to cast our old ways completely out of reach and begin a new life in Christ. (“Unwavering Commitment to Jesus Christ,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2019, 23)

Ponder the following:

  • Why do you think the people needed to destroy all their idols to turn to the Lord with all their hearts?

  • What are some things you feel the Savior might want you to cast out of your life so you can better follow Him?

  • How can scripture study help us remember the Savior and live His gospel?

Identify a scripture passage that has helped (or could help) you turn to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. You may want to look through the tags and markings you’ve made for seminary. You may also want to explore the doctrinal mastery passages.

share iconShare that scripture with a friend or family member. Explain how that verse has helped you focus on and turn to God.

Option B

What effect can God’s word have on my life?

link iconRead 2 Kings 23:1–3 and Mosiah 5:1–5. King Benjamin from the Book of Mormon was another king who gathered his people to teach them God’s word. Compare the account of King Benjamin’s people with King Josiah’s people. Link 2 Kings 23:3 to Mosiah 5:5.

President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985) taught of the influence scripture study had on his life:

President Spencer W. Kimball

I find that when I get casual in my relationships with divinity and when it seems that no divine ear is listening and no divine voice is speaking, that I am far, far away. If I immerse myself in the scriptures the distance narrows and the spirituality returns. (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball [2006], 67)

notebook iconIn your notebook, record your thoughts on the following:

  • Similarities you found between King Benjamin’s people and the people in King Josiah’s day

  • Connections you saw between the people’s hearts and their willingness to make and keep covenants with the Lord, and how those connections can be applied in your life

Now What?

President Spencer W. Kimball shared:

President Spencer W. Kimball

I am convinced that each of us, at some time in our lives, must discover the scriptures for ourselves—and not just discover them once, but rediscover them again and again. …

I feel strongly that we must all of us return to the scriptures just as King Josiah did and let them work mightily within us, impelling us to an unwavering determination to serve the Lord. (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball [2006], 62, 63)

notebook iconRecord your responses in your notebook:

  • Do you feel your current scripture study goal is helping you fully turn to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ? If so, how have you seen this happen? If not, what adjustments will you make?

  • What meaningful experiences have you had with reading the assigned Old Testament chapters? What will you do to ensure you complete the assigned readings?

Share Your Thoughts

Lesson Purpose: To help you see the importance of having and studying the scriptures.

share iconShare one or more of the following with your teacher or class:

  • Your scripture study goal and thoughts from the “Now What?” section.

  • The scripture you shared and your explanation.

  • Something specific you did to achieve the purpose of this lesson.

  • Any questions this lesson raised for you. How will you try to find answers to your questions?