(a) Describe King Josiah religious reforms in Israel. (b) State four ways Christians can maintain the purity of their religion.

Answer Details

(a) King Josiah's religious reforms (2 Kings 22-23; 2 Chronicles 34-35)

Josiah became king of Judah at the age of eight and did what was right in the sight of the Lord. In the eighteenth year of his reign he set out to repair the temple. During the repairs, Hilkiah the high priest found the Book of the Law, which was read before the king. When Josiah heard its words, he tore his clothes in grief and consulted the prophetess Huldah, who confirmed that judgment would come on the nation for its sins, but not in Josiah's days because his heart was tender and he had humbled himself.

Josiah then carried out thorough reforms:

• He gathered all the people, read the Book of the Covenant to them, and renewed the covenant to follow the Lord and keep His commandments with all their heart.
• He removed and destroyed the vessels made for Baal, Asherah and the host of heaven, and burned them.
• He deposed the idolatrous priests and abolished worship at the high places.
• He destroyed the shrine of the male cult prostitutes and defiled the pagan altars, including Topheth in the Valley of Hinnom where children were sacrificed to Molech.
• He broke down the altars set up by former kings and the altar at Bethel built by Jeroboam, fulfilling an earlier prophecy.
• He put away the mediums, wizards, household gods and all abominations.
• He commanded the people to keep the Passover to the Lord, and such a Passover had not been held since the days of the judges.

No king before or after him turned to the Lord so fully with all his heart, soul and might.

(b) Four ways Christians can maintain the purity of their religion

1. Studying and obeying God's word: Regular reading and application of the Scriptures as the standard for faith and conduct.
2. Rejecting idolatry and syncretism: Shunning all forms of idol worship, occultism, fetish practices and mixing pagan customs with Christianity.
3. True and sincere worship: Worshipping God in spirit and truth, avoiding hypocrisy and empty ritual.
4. Repentance and covenant faithfulness: Turning away from sin, renewing commitment to God, and living holy, obedient lives.