2 Chronicles 35:26

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

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},

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

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 LORDโ€”

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

Commentary

2 Chronicles 35:26 serves as a concise epilogue to the reign of King Josiah, one of Judah's most righteous monarchs. This verse, following the account of his untimely death in battle, summarizes his life and legacy by highlighting his commitment to God's commands.

Context

This verse concludes the Chronicler's detailed account of King Josiah's reign, immediately after describing his fatal encounter with Pharaoh Neco at Megiddo (see 2 Chronicles 35:20-25). Unlike many kings of Judah, Josiah is consistently portrayed in both Kings and Chronicles as a devoted follower of the LORD. His reign was marked by significant religious reforms, most notably initiated by the discovery of the Book of the Law in the temple (also recorded in 2 Kings 22:8). This discovery profoundly impacted Josiah, leading him to cleanse the land of idolatry and restore proper worship, culminating in an unprecedented Passover celebration (2 Chronicles 35:18).

Key Themes

  • Righteous Leadership: Josiah is presented as an exemplar of a king who genuinely sought to align his rule and his life with God's will. His "goodness" is directly tied to his adherence to divine instructions.
  • Obedience to God's Law: The phrase "according to that which was written in the law of the LORD" is central. It underscores that Josiah's actions and character were measured by, and conformed to, the divine standard revealed in the Torah. This highlights the importance of God's Word as the guide for life and leadership.
  • Lasting Legacy of Faithfulness: Despite his tragic end, Josiah's life is remembered as one of profound faithfulness. The Chronicler emphasizes that his "acts" and "goodness" were not arbitrary but were rooted in his diligent obedience to God's covenant.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "goodness" here is primarily related to tov (ื˜ื•ึนื‘), signifying moral excellence, uprightness, and that which is pleasing to God. It contrasts sharply with the "evil" (ืจึทืข - ra') often attributed to other kings. The "law of the LORD" (ืชึผื•ึนืจึทืช ื™ึฐื”ื•ึธื” - Torat Yahweh) refers to God's divine instruction, encompassing His commandments, statutes, and judgments, which Josiah committed himself to follow after its rediscovery.

Practical Application

Josiah's life, summarized in this verse, offers several enduring lessons for believers today:

  • The Standard of Goodness: Our true "goodness" is not determined by human opinion but by how closely our lives align with God's Word. Just as Josiah measured his actions by the "law of the LORD," so too should believers strive to live according to the Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:16).
  • Importance of God's Word: This verse reinforces the transformative power of God's law when it is truly embraced and obeyed. Josiah's commitment reminds us of the necessity of studying and applying the Bible in our daily lives (Psalm 119:105).
  • A Legacy of Obedience: While our lives may not involve ruling a kingdom, we can still leave a legacy of faithfulness. Living "according to the law of the LORD" means striving for obedience in our sphere of influence, knowing that such a life is pleasing to God and has eternal impact.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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