It was around 605 BC in Jerusalem. 

A fire blazing on the hearth insulated the king and his closest advisors from the bitter cold. But staying warm was the least of their concerns. 

A man who called himself a prophet was proclaiming that God’s judgment would soon fall on the nation. In so doing, the king believed that this prophet undermined the nation’s patriotic spirit. 

Upon hearing the scroll, the king’s advisors brought to the king. At first, the king seemed to listen. 

The book of Jeremiah describes what happened next: “And it came to pass, that when Jehudi had read three or four leaves, he [the king] cut it with the penknife, and cast it into the fire that was on the hearth, until all the roll was consumed in the fire that was on the hearth. Yet they were not afraid, nor rent their garments, neither the king, nor any of his servants that heard all these words” (Jeremiah 36:23-24).

The king demonstrated remarkable indifference to God’s Words, simply cutting up the precious leaves for kindling. 

In short, the king was unwilling to adjust his life to the reality of scripture. 

A Different Response from a Different King

Seventeen years previously, another king (his father) was presented with the long-lost book of God’s law. It had been found, in the temple, of all places! 

As this king listened to God’s Words, he realized how far he and his people had strayed from God’s instructions. 2 Chronicles 34:19 says, “And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the law, that he rent his clothes.” By tearing his garment, the king demonstrated sincere sorrow for his sins and those of his people. 

The prophetess Huldah assured the king with these words: “Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard thee also, saith the Lord” (2 Chronicles 34:27). 

Next, the king called for a public reading of God’s Word, followed by a national covenant to keep it. Through this king’s humility, God mercifully spared the nation for another 35 years. 

Josiah vs. Jehoiakim

The first individual was Judaean king Jehoiakim. The second, more familiar character, was his father Josiah.

In contrast to his son Jehoiakim, Josiah humbled himself before God’s Word. He intently listened, repented, and then adjusted his life accordingly. 

Sadly, his son Jehoiakim did not do the same. 

When Jehoiakim was 25, the Egyptians carried off his younger brother Jehoahaz and installed Jehoiakim as king in his brother’s stead.  

Ascending to the throne in a time of massive upheaval, Jehoiakim desperately needed the strength and wisdom of Jehovah to lead his people. 

But instead of turning to God (as had his father Josiah), Jehoiakim trusted his own abilities. In so doing, he led his nation further down the road of judgment. His father’s response, by contrast, gave the nation mercy for a few more years. 

In simple terms, Josiah responded to God’s Word with humility. Jehoiakim responded in pride. Two kings, father and son, made two decisions with drastically different outcomes for themselves and their nation. 

Our Response to Scripture Today

Someone once said, “What you do with God’s Word determines what God will do with you.” As DL Moody stated, “This book will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from this book. 

Truly, our attitude towards God’s Word massively impacts our relationship with God, our eternal effectiveness, and the people in our lives.

As did Josiah and Jehoiakim, we too live in times of massive upheaval and uncertainty. As individuals and as a nation, we face a choice. We can continue worshipping the gods of our pride, or we can humbly yield before the truth of scripture.

All of us are following the example of one of these kings. Which king best describes you? 

To answer that question, ask yourself this: When you open God’s Word, do you read it with a heart of humility or a heart of pride?

Question: What does it mean to respond in humility to God’s Word?