Bulletins
Humbling Ourselves
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). He ordered the repairing of the temple (v. 3-7). Hilkiah the high priest led this repair. In the temple, Hilkiah found the book of the Law (v. 8). The book was read to Josiah (v. 9-10), after which the king tore his clothes in remorse upon recognizing his people’s sin (v. 11).
Josiah commanded his servants to inquire of God when he recognized his kingdom’s severe disobedience (v. 12-13). His servants did so and learned of impending doom against Judah (v. 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” (v. 19).
In the Bible, “humility” is used as a noun to describe a characteristic we should be “clothed with” (1 Pet 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 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.
Notice Matthew 23:12a: 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’s heart was tender, instead of hardened. He showed a resolve to make things right.
God knows He deserves all honor, glory, and praise. He wants us, like Josiah, to recognize this and humbly take our place under His mighty hand.
1 Peter 5:6: Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.
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