2 Chronicles 35:26

KJV

Now the rest of the acts of Josiah, and his goodness, according to [that which was] written in the law of the LORD,

KJV (with Strong's)

Now the rest {H3499} of the acts {H1697} of Josiah {H2977}, and his goodness {H2617}, according to that which was written {H3789} in the law {H8451} of the LORD {H3068},

Complete Jewish Bible

Other activities of Yoshiyahu and all his good deeds in keeping with what is written in the Torah of ADONAI,

Berean Standard Bible

As for the rest of the acts of Josiah, along with his deeds of loving devotion according to what is written in the Law of the LORD—

American Standard Version

Now the rest of the acts of Josiah, and his good deeds, according to that which is written in the law of Jehovah,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse serves as a concise and profound epilogue to the reign of King Josiah, one of Judah's most righteous monarchs. Following the tragic account of his death, it encapsulates his life and legacy by emphasizing that his "acts" and "goodness" were not merely human achievements but were meticulously aligned with the divine standard revealed in the "law of the LORD." It highlights the Chronicler's central theological conviction that true righteousness and successful kingship are measured by unwavering obedience to God's revealed will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 2 Chronicles 35:26 concludes the Chronicler's extensive and largely positive account of King Josiah's reign, immediately following the detailed description of his fatal encounter with Pharaoh Neco at Megiddo in [2 Chronicles 35:20-25](/2_chronicles/35-20 "2 Chronicles 35:20-25 - Josiah's Death at Megiddo"). As an epilogue, it functions as a final summary statement, akin to the concluding remarks often found in the accounts of other kings in both Kings and Chronicles. Its placement underscores the Chronicler's desire to leave the reader with a definitive theological assessment of Josiah, emphasizing his unparalleled devotion to the LORD, even in the face of his untimely death. This verse sets Josiah apart as a unique example of covenant faithfulness in a lineage often marked by apostasy.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Josiah reigned over Judah from 640-609 BC, a period immediately preceding the Babylonian exile. His reign is historically significant for its widespread religious reforms, which aimed to eradicate idolatry and restore exclusive worship of Yahweh. The catalyst for these reforms was the [discovery of the Book of the Law](/2_chronicles/34-14 "2 Chronicles 34:14 - Discovery of the Book of the Law") (likely a form of Deuteronomy) in the Temple during its renovation. This discovery profoundly impacted Josiah, leading to a national covenant renewal, the destruction of pagan altars and high places, and the celebration of an unprecedented Passover, as detailed in [2 Chronicles 34-35](/2_chronicles/34 "2 Chronicles 34 - Josiah's Reforms"). Culturally, Josiah's actions represented a radical departure from the syncretistic practices that had plagued Judah for generations, reflecting a return to the foundational covenant principles established at Sinai.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully reinforces several key themes prevalent in the book of Chronicles. First, it highlights **Righteous Leadership**, presenting Josiah as the ideal king whose rule was genuinely aligned with God's will, in stark contrast to many of his predecessors. Second, the phrase "according to that which was written in the law of the LORD" underscores the paramount theme of **Obedience to God's Law**. The Chronicler consistently measures the success and "goodness" of kings by their adherence to the Torah, making divine instruction the ultimate standard for all human action, particularly for those in authority. Finally, despite his tragic end, Josiah's life is presented as a testament to **Lasting Legacy of Faithfulness**. His "acts" and "goodness" are not arbitrary but are rooted in his diligent obedience to God's covenant, establishing a standard for future generations and emphasizing that true impact stems from conformity to divine truth, as seen in the unparalleled [Passover celebration](/2_chronicles/35-18 "2 Chronicles 35:18 - Josiah's Unprecedented Passover") he led.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **goodness (Hebrew, _tovah'_):** This word, derived from the root `טוֹב` (tov), signifies not merely a subjective sense of kindness but an objective moral excellence, uprightness, and that which is pleasing or right in God's eyes. In the context of Josiah, it refers to his righteous character, his devotion to Yahweh, and his actions that brought about spiritual restoration. It implies a quality of life that is inherently good because it aligns with divine standards, contrasting sharply with the "evil" (`רַע`, _ra'_) often attributed to other kings who strayed from God's commands.
* **law of the LORD (Hebrew, _Torat Yahweh'_):** This phrase refers to God's divine instruction, encompassing His commandments, statutes, and judgments, primarily as revealed in the Pentateuch (the Torah). It is not merely a legal code but the comprehensive revelation of God's will for His people, guiding their worship, ethics, and societal structure. Josiah's commitment to this "law" after its rediscovery marked the defining characteristic of his reign, signifying a return to the covenant relationship with God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now the rest of the acts of Josiah,"**: This is a common formula used by the Chronicler and the authors of Kings to indicate that not all of a king's deeds are recorded, but that a more extensive record exists (often referring to royal annals). It serves to summarize his overall reign and achievements, pointing to a broader scope of his activities beyond what is detailed in the biblical narrative.
* **"and his goodness,"**: This phrase specifically highlights the moral and spiritual quality of Josiah's reign. It emphasizes his righteous character, his devotion to God, and the positive impact of his actions, particularly his religious reforms and efforts to cleanse the land of idolatry. This "goodness" is presented as a defining characteristic of his kingship.
* **"according to [that which was] written in the law of the LORD,"**: This is the crucial qualifying clause that provides the theological lens through which Josiah's "acts" and "goodness" are to be understood. It means that his entire life and reign were measured by, and conformed to, the divine standard revealed in the Torah. This phrase underscores the Chronicler's central message: true righteousness and legitimate authority are found in faithful obedience to God's revealed Word, making Josiah an exemplar of covenant fidelity.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. It functions as an **Epilogue** or **Summary Statement**, providing a concise theological conclusion to the detailed narrative of Josiah's reign. This serves to encapsulate his entire life's work and character within a single, definitive assessment. The phrase "according to that which was written in the law of the LORD" acts as a powerful **Thematic Emphasis**, reiterating the Chronicler's overarching message that adherence to God's covenant and His revealed Law is the ultimate measure of a king's righteousness and the nation's well-being. This creates an implicit **Juxtaposition** between Josiah and many other kings of Judah who failed to live up to this divine standard, thereby highlighting Josiah's unique faithfulness. The verse also uses **Conciseness** to deliver a profound theological statement, packing significant meaning into a few carefully chosen words.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 35:26 powerfully articulates the biblical principle that true "goodness" is not a subjective human construct but is defined by conformity to God's revealed will. Josiah's life serves as a prime example of a ruler whose actions and character were intentionally shaped by the divine standard found in the "law of the LORD." This theological conviction resonates throughout Scripture, asserting that God's Word is the ultimate plumb line for righteousness, guiding individuals and nations in their conduct, worship, and relationship with the Creator. The Chronicler, writing for a post-exilic community, uses Josiah's example to remind them that their restoration and future well-being depended not on political power or worldly wisdom, but on a renewed commitment to the covenant and diligent obedience to God's commands.

* [Deuteronomy 6:25](/deuteronomy/6-25 "Deuteronomy 6:25 - Righteousness through Obedience")
* [Psalm 119:1-2](/psalm/119-1 "Psalm 119:1-2 - Blessed are those who walk in the Law of the LORD")
* [Romans 7:12](/romans/7-12 "Romans 7:12 - The Law is Holy, Righteous, and Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Josiah's life, summarized in this concise verse, offers profound lessons for believers today. His "goodness" was not self-defined but was measured "according to that which was written in the law of the LORD." This challenges us to consider the ultimate standard for our own lives. In a world that often defines "good" by personal preference, societal norms, or fleeting trends, Josiah reminds us that true moral excellence and spiritual integrity are found in aligning our thoughts, words, and deeds with the unchanging, authoritative Word of God. Just as the discovery of the Law transformed Josiah's reign, a renewed engagement with Scripture can transform our lives, guiding us in our decisions, shaping our character, and empowering us to live a life that genuinely pleases God. Our legacy, whether in our families, communities, or vocations, should similarly be marked by a deep commitment to live "according to that which was written in the law of the LORD," reflecting His character and advancing His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Josiah's commitment to the "law of the LORD" challenge our own engagement with Scripture in our daily lives?**
* **In what ways do we tend to measure "goodness" in our lives, and how does God's Word provide the ultimate, unchanging standard?**
* **What practical steps can we take to ensure that our "acts" and "goodness" are increasingly "according to that which was written in the law of the LORD"?**
* **Considering Josiah's legacy, what kind of enduring impact or "goodness" do we hope to leave behind, rooted in our faithfulness to God's Word?**

### FAQ
**Why is Josiah's "goodness" specifically tied to the "law of the LORD" in this summary verse?**

Answer: The Chronicler, writing from a post-exilic perspective, consistently emphasizes covenant obedience as the foundational principle for national well-being and individual righteousness. For the Chronicler, a king's success or failure was directly tied to his adherence to God's Law. Josiah's reign was uniquely defined by the [rediscovery of the Book of the Law](/2_chronicles/34-14 "2 Chronicles 34:14 - Discovery of the Book of the Law") and his subsequent radical reforms, which were explicitly carried out "according to all that was written in the Book of the Covenant" ([2 Chronicles 34:31](/2_chronicles/34-31 "2 Chronicles 34:31 - Josiah's Covenant Renewal")). Therefore, tying his "goodness" to the "law of the LORD" is not merely a descriptive statement but a theological affirmation. It signifies that Josiah's righteousness was not a human invention or a matter of popular opinion, but a divinely defined quality, rooted in his faithful response to God's revealed will. This highlights the Chronicler's central message: true blessing and legitimate authority flow from obedience to God's Word.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While King Josiah stands as a remarkable example of a righteous monarch who diligently sought to live "according to that which was written in the law of the LORD," his life ultimately points to the perfect fulfillment found in Jesus Christ. Josiah, though devout, was still an imperfect human king whose reign ended tragically, and whose people eventually fell back into apostasy, leading to exile. Jesus, however, is the perfectly righteous King, the true Son of David, who not only lived "according to that which was written in the law of the LORD" but perfectly embodied and fulfilled it. He declared, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them" ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Unlike Josiah, whose goodness was a striving after God's standard, Christ's goodness is inherent and absolute; He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), the one who was "in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin" ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sinless High Priest")). Our "goodness" and righteousness before God are not achieved by our imperfect adherence to the Law, but by faith in Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the Law on our behalf, becoming "the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes" ([Romans 10:4](/romans/10-4 "Romans 10:4 - Christ, the End of the Law")). In Him, we are made the "righteousness of God" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Made Righteous in Christ")), receiving a perfect standing that Josiah, despite all his efforts, could never achieve.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Chronicles 32:32

Now the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and his goodness, behold, they [are] written in the vision of Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, [and] in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel.

2 Chronicles 31:20

And thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah, and wrought [that which was] good and right and truth before the LORD his God.