2 Kings 22:1-23:30 summarizes the reign of King Josiah of Judah. Josiah “did that which was right in the sight of the Lord” (2 Kings 22:2). One thing Josiah did was order the repairing of the temple (verses 3-7). Hilkiah the high priest was charged with leading this repair. In the temple, Hilkiah found the book of the Law (verse 8). The book was read to King Josiah (verses 9-10), after which the king rent his clothes in remorse upon recognizing his nation’s sin (verse 11).
Josiah commanded his servants to inquire of God when he recognized his kingdom’s severe disobedience (verses 12-13). His servants did so, and learned of God’s impending wrath against Judah (verses 14-17). Despite God’s anger at Judah, God promised Josiah that he would not live to see the great evil that would come upon his nation. His reason for showing Josiah mercy: Josiah’s “heart was tender” when he learned God’s truth, and he “humbled [himself] before the Lord” (verse 19).
In the Bible, “humility” is used at times as a noun to describe a characteristic we should be “clothed with” (1 Peter 5:5). “Humbly” is used as an adverb to describe how one should walk with God (Micah 6:8). “Humble” is at times used as an adjective to describe the type of heart one should have (Isaiah 57:15).
As important as anything, “humble” is described as a verb teaching us something that we must do.
Matthew 23:12 says “He that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” James 4:10 commands “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord…” Philippians 2:8 says Jesus “humbled himself.”
The word translated “humble yourselves” means “to make low, bring low.” It can mean to “to assign a lower rank or place to” (see Strong G5013 & Thayer). This may not sound like an action that makes a person strong. Yet, those who humble themselves can stand strong in the Lord. They bring themselves low so that God may be exalted.
The humble acknowledge their helplessness without God and total dependence on Him. They accept and acknowledge total subjection to God.
Those who choose pride choose instead to exalt themselves. These individuals would rather maintain a feeling of superiority or prestige than risk feeling or being viewed lowly.
God warns that those who choose self-exaltation are foolish, and will be humbled by Him.
Notice the first part of Matthew 23:12: And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased…
King Josiah was spared from Jewish captivity because he chose the opposite of this. He brought himself low. He chose to allow people to see the mighty king mourn in hopelessness instead of pretending to be too “strong” to be moved by the words of Almighty God.
Josiah chose to humble himself in submissiveness to God’s will instead of exalting his own will. His heart was tender, instead of hardened. His actions showed a resolve to make things right.
This type of heart is one God has sought throughout all dispensations. His desire for humility is stressed throughout both the Old and New Testaments.
God knows He deserves all honor, praise, and glory, and mankind does not. He wants us, like Josiah, to recognize this and humbly take our place under His mighty hand.
As 1 Peter 5:6 says, “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.”
– Michael Hickox