2 Kings 23:25

KJV

¶ And like unto him was there no king before him, that turned to the LORD with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses; neither after him arose there [any] like him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And like unto him was there no king {H4428} before {H6440} him, that turned {H7725} to the LORD {H3068} with all his heart {H3824}, and with all his soul {H5315}, and with all his might {H3966}, according to all the law {H8451} of Moses {H4872}; neither after {H310} him arose {H6965} there any like him.

Complete Jewish Bible

No previous king was like him; because he turned to ADONAI with all his heart, with all his being and with all his power, in accordance with all the Torah of Moshe; nor did any king like him arise afterwards.

Berean Standard Bible

Neither before nor after Josiah was there any king like him, who turned to the LORD with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength, according to all the Law of Moses.

American Standard Version

And like unto him was there no king before him, that turned to Jehovah with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses; neither after him arose there any like him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Kings 23:25 serves as a profound epitaph for King Josiah, declaring him an unparalleled monarch in Judah's history. This verse commends his singular devotion to the LORD, characterized by a complete and unreserved turning to God with all his heart, soul, and might, meticulously aligning his reign with the entirety of the Law of Moses. It highlights his exceptional commitment to covenant principles, setting him apart from all kings who preceded or succeeded him, amidst generations of spiritual decline and idolatry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 2 Kings 23:25 concludes the extensive account of Josiah's reign and reforms, which began in [2 Kings 22](/2_kings/22 "2 Kings 22 - Josiah's Reign Begins"). The preceding chapters detail his ascension at age eight, the pivotal discovery of the Book of the Law in the Temple, his immediate and profound repentance, and the subsequent nationwide purge of idolatry. This verse acts as a summarizing commendation, a divine verdict on the quality of his kingship, immediately preceding the brief account of his death and the swift decline of Judah under his successors. It stands as a stark contrast to the wickedness of his grandfather Manasseh, whose reign is detailed in [2 Kings 21:1-18](/2_kings/21-1-18 "2 Kings 21:1-18 - Manasseh's Wicked Reign"), and his father Amon, whose brief and wicked reign is found in [2 Kings 21:19-26](/2_kings/21-19-26 "2 Kings 21:19-26 - Amon's Short, Wicked Reign"), underscoring the unique nature of Josiah's devotion.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Josiah reigned during a period of significant geopolitical flux (c. 640-609 BC). The dominant Assyrian Empire, which had long exerted control over Judah, was in decline, creating a power vacuum that allowed Josiah greater autonomy to implement his reforms without immediate imperial interference. Judah itself had been steeped in syncretism and idolatry for generations, with pagan altars, astral worship, and even child sacrifice becoming entrenched practices, even within the Temple precincts, as seen in [2 Kings 21:3-7](/2_kings/21-3-7 "2 Kings 21:3-7 - Manasseh's Idolatry and Abominations"). Josiah's reforms were not merely religious but also political and social, aiming to restore Judah's national identity and covenant relationship with Yahweh, as prescribed by the Mosaic Law, particularly as found throughout [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy "Deuteronomy - The Second Law"). His actions represented a radical break from the established idolatrous norms and a bold attempt to re-center the nation on its foundational covenant.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes central to the book of Kings and the broader Deuteronomistic history. It highlights the theme of **covenant faithfulness**, emphasizing Josiah's adherence to "all the law of Moses," a direct response to the covenant stipulations laid out in [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - The Great Commandment"). The concept of **wholehearted devotion**—"with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might"—is presented as the pinnacle of true worship, echoing the Shema and serving as a divine commendation of his sincerity. Furthermore, the verse underscores the **impact of righteous leadership**, demonstrating how one king's profound commitment could instigate a widespread, albeit temporary, spiritual reformation within the nation, as detailed in [2 Kings 23:4-20](/2_kings/23-4-20 "2 Kings 23:4-20 - Josiah's Purge of Idolatry"). Ultimately, it speaks to the **divine standard of kingship**, portraying Josiah as the ideal monarch who truly "turned to the LORD," a standard unmatched by any other ruler in the divided monarchy.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Turned (Hebrew, _shûwb_):** From H7725, this verb signifies "to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively," often carrying the meaning of "repent" or "return." In 2 Kings 23:25, it denotes a radical and decisive reorientation of Josiah's entire being and his kingdom's policies back to the LORD. This implies not just a change of behavior but a profound internal shift, a turning away from the idolatry and apostasy of his predecessors and a full return to covenant obedience. It is an active, volitional turning, demonstrating a deep personal commitment.
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lêbâb_):** From H3824, this word refers to "the heart (as the most interior organ)," encompassing the mind, will, intellect, and moral character. To turn with all one's heart means to engage one's entire cognitive and volitional faculties in devotion to God, making decisions and shaping intentions according to His will. It signifies an unreserved, intelligent, and deliberate commitment that arises from the deepest part of one's being.
* **Might (Hebrew, _mᵉʼôd_):** From H3966, this term properly denotes "vehemence," implying "wholly, speedily, etc." and often used as an intensive or superlative. In the context of "loving God with all your might," it encompasses one's resources, strength, energy, and intensity. For a king, this would include the full application of his royal power, influence, and resources towards God's purposes. Josiah's devotion was not passive but active, energetic, and comprehensive in its application of all his capacities.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And like unto him was there no king before him":** This opening clause immediately sets Josiah apart, establishing his unique standing among all the kings of Judah and Israel who preceded him. It serves as a superlative commendation, highlighting the exceptional nature of his reign compared to even the most righteous kings like David or Hezekiah, in terms of the depth and scope of his turning to the LORD.
* **"that turned to the LORD with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might":** This is the core description of Josiah's unparalleled devotion. It directly echoes the language of the Shema from [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - The Great Commandment"), the foundational command to love God comprehensively. "Heart" refers to intellect and will, "soul" to life and being, and "might" to all one's resources and strength. This tri-fold emphasis signifies a total, unreserved, and holistic commitment to God, encompassing every aspect of his person and kingship.
* **"according to all the law of Moses":** This phrase clarifies the *standard* and *basis* of Josiah's turning. His devotion was not arbitrary or self-defined but was meticulously aligned with the revealed will of God as contained in the Mosaic Law. This demonstrates his profound reverence for God's Word and his commitment to restoring national life in strict adherence to divine commands, particularly following the discovery of the Book of the Law.
* **"neither after him arose there [any] like him":** This concluding clause reinforces Josiah's singular status, extending the commendation beyond his predecessors to include all future kings of Judah. It underscores the tragic reality that despite his profound reforms, no subsequent king matched his level of devotion, signaling the irreversible spiritual decline that would lead to Judah's exile. This statement serves as a final, definitive divine judgment on the kings of Judah.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey Josiah's unique stature. **Hyperbole** (or perhaps more accurately, **superlative language**) is evident in the repeated "no king before him... neither after him arose there any like him," which functions as an emphatic declaration of his unparalleled righteousness. This strong **commendation** from the narrator (and implicitly, from God) elevates Josiah above all other monarchs. There is a clear **allusion** or **echo** to [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - The Great Commandment"), where the language "with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might" is first commanded, demonstrating that Josiah uniquely embodied this foundational covenant injunction. Furthermore, the verse uses **contrast** by implicitly comparing Josiah's comprehensive devotion to the partial or flawed obedience of other kings, highlighting his exceptionalism against a backdrop of widespread spiritual failure.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Kings 23:25 is a theological anchor, emphasizing that true devotion to God is characterized by wholehearted, comprehensive commitment and unwavering obedience to His revealed Word. Josiah's example illustrates the profound biblical truth that genuine repentance and turning to the LORD must engage the entirety of one's being—intellect, emotion, will, and strength—and must be measured against the objective standard of God's Law. His reign, though ultimately unable to avert Judah's judgment, stands as a powerful testament to the ideal of covenant faithfulness and the transformative potential of a leader fully surrendered to God's will. It underscores the divine expectation for human rulers and, by extension, for all believers, to love and obey God without reservation.

* [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "The Great Commandment")
* [Jeremiah 22:15-16](/jeremiah/22-15-16 "Josiah's Righteousness and Justice")
* [Matthew 22:37-38](/matthew/22-37-38 "The Greatest Commandment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Josiah's unparalleled devotion in 2 Kings 23:25 offers a timeless blueprint for authentic faith and leadership. In a world often characterized by divided loyalties and superficial commitments, Josiah's example challenges us to examine the depth of our own "turning to the LORD." Are we engaging our whole heart, mind, and strength in our relationship with God, or are we holding back portions of our lives? Like Josiah, who responded radically to the discovery of God's Word, we are called to allow Scripture to profoundly impact us, leading to genuine repentance and transformative obedience. His story reminds us that even one individual's sincere and comprehensive commitment to God can initiate significant spiritual renewal, first in our own lives, and then potentially ripple outward to influence families, communities, and even nations. It sets a high, yet attainable, standard for what it means to truly follow the LORD, emphasizing that true righteousness is not merely outward conformity but an inner disposition of complete, unreserved devotion to God and His commands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I holding back from a "wholehearted" commitment to the LORD, and what steps can I take to surrender them fully?**
* **How does my response to God's Word compare to Josiah's immediate and radical obedience, and what might God be calling me to "turn" from or "turn to" more fully today?**
* **Considering Josiah's impact, how can my personal devotion to God influence my sphere of influence, whether in my family, workplace, or community?**

### FAQ
**Why is Josiah considered so unique among the kings of Judah and Israel?**

Answer: Josiah is deemed unique because, according to [2 Kings 23:25](/2_kings/23-25 "2 Kings 23:25 - Josiah's Unparalleled Devotion"), no king before or after him demonstrated the same comprehensive and unreserved devotion to the LORD. While other kings like David or Hezekiah were righteous, the biblical narrative highlights Josiah's singular commitment to "all the law of Moses" with "all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might." This level of obedience was not only personal but also manifested in a sweeping national reformation, purging the land of idolatry and restoring covenant worship, a feat unmatched in its scope and sincerity by any other monarch.

**What was the "Law of Moses" that Josiah followed so strictly?**

Answer: The "Law of Moses" refers to the Torah, the first five books of the Hebrew Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy). The specific "Book of the Law" discovered during the Temple repairs, as mentioned in [2 Kings 22:8](/2_kings/22-8 "2 Kings 22:8 - Discovery of the Book of the Law"), is widely believed by scholars to have been a copy of Deuteronomy, or at least a significant portion of it. This book contains the covenant stipulations, laws, blessings, and curses that formed the basis of Israel's relationship with God. Josiah's strict adherence meant he meticulously implemented its commands regarding worship, justice, and the eradication of idolatry, as detailed throughout [2 Kings 23](/2_kings/23 "2 Kings 23 - Josiah's Reforms").

**Did Josiah's reforms bring lasting change to Judah?**

Answer: While Josiah's reforms were profound and comprehensive, bringing about a significant spiritual revival during his lifetime, the change was ultimately temporary for the nation as a whole. The verse itself hints at this by stating "neither after him arose there any like him," indicating that his successors did not maintain his level of devotion. After Josiah's death in battle, recorded in [2 Kings 23:29](/2_kings/23-29 "2 Kings 23:29 - Josiah's Death"), Judah quickly reverted to idolatry and disobedience, leading to its eventual downfall and exile to Babylon, as tragically foreshadowed in [2 Kings 23:26-27](/2_kings/23-26-27 "2 Kings 23:26-27 - Judah's Inevitable Judgment"). This highlights the truth that true, lasting spiritual transformation must be deeply rooted in the hearts of individuals, not merely enforced by a righteous leader.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
King Josiah, in his unparalleled devotion and obedience to the Law, serves as a significant type and shadow pointing to the ultimate, perfect King, Jesus Christ. While Josiah "turned to the LORD with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might" and meticulously followed "all the law of Moses," his obedience, though exceptional, remained imperfect and ultimately could not secure lasting redemption for his people. He foreshadows Christ, who perfectly embodies the Shema's command, loving God with an absolute, unblemished devotion that transcends human capacity. Jesus did not merely turn to the LORD; He *is* the LORD, perfectly united with the Father, and His entire life was one of flawless obedience to God's will, even to the point of death on the cross, as described in [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience unto Death"). Unlike Josiah, who could only bring about a temporary reformation, Christ's perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice establish a new covenant that brings about a permanent, internal transformation in the hearts of His people, as promised in [Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - The New Covenant"). He is the true King who fulfills the Law not by merely adhering to it, but by embodying its very essence and bringing its redemptive purposes to completion, as He declared in [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law"). Through Him, believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to genuinely turn to the Lord with a new heart, fulfilling the spirit of the Law that Josiah so earnestly pursued, and living out the radical devotion exemplified by the perfect King.

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 Kings 18:5

He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor [any] that were before him.

Jeremiah 29:13

And ye shall seek me, and find [me], when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

John 1:17

For the law was given by Moses, [but] grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

2 Kings 23:3

And the king stood by a pillar, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all [their] heart and all [their] soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people stood to the covenant.

1 Kings 8:48

And [so] return unto thee with all their heart, and with all their soul, in the land of their enemies, which led them away captive, and pray unto thee toward their land, which thou gavest unto their fathers, the city which thou hast chosen, and the house which I have built for thy name:

Deuteronomy 6:5

And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

John 7:19

Did not Moses give you the law, and [yet] none of you keepeth the law? Why go ye about to kill me?