2 Chronicles 35:26-27 Commentary: A King Measured by the Law

Josiah ruled Judah from approximately 640 to 609 BC. He ascended the throne at age eight after his father Amon was assassinated. The account in 2 Chronicles 34, 35 details his sweeping reforms: purging idolatry, repairing the temple, rediscovering the Book of the Law, and renewing the covenant with an extraordinary Passover celebration. These verses (35:26, 27) close his reign.

The phrase “first and last” (hārīšōnîm wᵊhā’aḥărōnîm) is a standard chronological formula in the Chronicler’s sources, framing the entire scope of a king’s actions. The “book of the kings of Israel and Judah” is one of several source documents the Chronicler cites; scholars such as Edersheim identify it as a lost official chronicle that encompassed both kingdoms. Citing such a work lends authority to the account and invites readers to verify the record.

The Hebrew term rendered “good deeds” (ḥăsādāyw) is the plural of chesed, often translated “loving devotion” or “covenant loyalty.” It is the same word used for Hezekiah’s good deeds in 2 Chronicles 32:32. Using chesed goes beyond mere obedience; it suggests that Josiah’s actions flowed from a relationship of faithful commitment to Yahweh and his covenant. The Chronicler makes this explicit by adding “according to that which is written in the law of Yahweh”, a phrase that ties Josiah’s character directly to the Torah found during the temple repair.

This concluding formula stands in contrast to the surrounding context of Josiah’s death. In verse 22, Josiah ignored Pharaoh Necho’s claim that God had commanded him to make haste, and he died from battle wounds. The Chronicler does not moralise that death. Instead, he places the king’s obedience to the law as the last word on his reign. For the Chronicler’s post-exilic audience, who knew that judgment had fallen on Judah, this emphasis was powerful: faithfulness to God’s word is what defines a life, regardless of the outcome.

The supplied sources note no significant textual variants for these verses. The Masoretic Text is stable across manuscripts. The Greek Old Testament (LXX) renders the passage similarly, with minor differences in word order but no change in meaning.

These verses have received less direct attention in church history than the dramatic narrative of Josiah's reforms and death. Early Christian writers, such as Jerome in his commentary on Chronicles, saw Josiah as a model of youthful piety and wholehearted devotion to the law, a type of the faithful believer who follows Scripture even when political expediency suggests otherwise. The passage has been used in Reformed and Puritan sermons to illustrate the principle that God’s law is the sole standard for evaluating a ruler’s reign. In Jewish tradition, the Targum expands the verses with a list of Josiah’s deeds from his childhood, emphasising his lifelong commitment. The reference to “first and last” has been taken as a reminder that God sees the whole arc of a person’s life, not just its ending. In modern preaching, these verses often serve to comfort those who face tragic circumstances despite faithful living.

Three-point outline

1. Faithfulness measured by the law. Josiah’s “good deeds” are not listed in detail here; instead they are summarised by their conformity to “that which is written in Yahweh’s law.” The Chronicler’s audience knew the story, the reforms, the covenant, the Passover. This is a verdict, not a new narrative. The law is the standard, not personal success or public opinion.
2. An entire reign framed by the record. “First and last” covers everything from Josiah’s childhood when he began seeking God (2 Chronicles 34:3) to his final act of going to war. The Chronicler refuses to isolate one mistake or one tragedy. He sees the whole arc of a life committed to God.
3. Trusting the written record to speak. The Chronicler points to the “book of the kings of Israel and Judah”, a source his readers could consult. He does not feel the need to explain every detail or defend God’s ways. Sometimes faithfulness means leaving the final evaluation to the pages of history and to God himself.

Five-point outline

1. Conclusion after catastrophe. Josiah has just died from his wounds; the nation mourns. Yet the epilogue does not dwell on tragedy. It looks to what was written in the law.
2. The language of covenant love. The word chesed is rich, it implies loyalty, kindness, steadfastness. Josiah’s reign is remembered not merely for correct policies but for a heart devoted to God.
3. Scripture as the test. “According to that which is written” is the Chronicler’s refrain. It echoes the rediscovery of the law in chapter 34. The king himself was subject to that book.
4. No blame, no explanation. Unlike 2 Kings, the Chronicler does not say Josiah’s death was because of Manasseh’s sins. He simply records. That silence is loud: some questions are left for God to answer.
5. A legacy that endures. The book of the kings has long since perished. But the Chronicler’s testimony has outlasted it. God ensures that the faithful are not forgotten.

Illustration hooks

• Year-end review. An employee who missed a quarterly target is reviewed. The manager skips the one miss and instead highlights the year’s consistent performance and adherence to company values. That is the Chronicler’s move: he focuses on the whole picture of faithfulness.
• A running race. The crowd remembers the athlete who tripped at the final hurdle. But the coach, watching the entire training season, praises the runner’s commitment and discipline. Which verdict matters more?
• Family legacy. A grandparent leaves behind a life of service and a well-worn Bible. The obituary does not mention their one financial mistake decades ago; it tells of their consistent love for God and neighbour. That is this passage’s approach.

Questions your congregation is asking

• Does God count our faithfulness even when our story ends in disappointment?
• How do we measure a life, by outcomes, by public opinion, or by obedience to Scripture?
• When bad things happen to good people, is it wrong to simply stay silent and trust God’s record?

These two verses close the story of King Josiah with a quiet, powerful verdict. The Chronicler does not defend God or explain why this faithful king died young in battle. Instead, he points to Josiah’s obedience to the law and refers readers to the historical record. Before you discuss, take a moment to read the whole chapter, especially verses 20, 25, so you feel the weight of the tragedy the Chronicler steps past.

Discussion questions

1. What stands out to you about the way the Chronicler ends Josiah’s story? What does he choose to highlight and what does he leave out?
2. The Hebrew word chesed (translated “good deeds” or “loving devotion”) is rich. How does your understanding of Josiah change when you read that his reign was marked by covenant loyalty, not just rule-keeping?
3. Compare this conclusion with 2 Kings 23:25, 27, which says God did not turn from his fierce wrath because of Manasseh. Why do you think the Chronicler omits that explanation? What might he want his readers to focus on?
4. Why does the Chronicler add “according to that which is written in Yahweh’s law”? What does that phrase tell you about the role of Scripture in evaluating a person’s life?
5. The Chronicler refers to “the book of the kings of Israel and Judah,” a source his readers could check. How does that affect the way you read this summary? What does it say about the Chronicler’s view of history and truth?
6. Think of a situation where someone you know was faithful but the outcome was painful. How does this passage help you think about that? What does it not try to do that might be tempting for us to try?
7. If someone were to write your “first and last” today, what would you want the summary to say? Does your life match that desire? Are there areas where you need to realign with “that which is written in Yahweh’s law”?