Moreover, he made allwho were presentin Jerusalemand Benjaminto stand[with him]. So the inhabitantsof Jerusalemdidaccording to the covenantof God,the Godof their fathers.
"For I have chosenhim, sothat he may commandhis childrenand his householdafterhim to keepthe wayof the LORDby doingrighteousnessand justice,sothat the LORDmay bringupon AbrahamwhatHe has spokenabouthim."
and commandedJudahto seekthe LORDGodof their fathersand to observethe lawand the commandment.
They enteredinto the covenantto seekthe LORDGodof their fatherswith alltheir heartand soul;
Now at the completionof the burntofferings,the kingand allwho were presentwith him boweddownand worshiped.
The handof Godwas alsoon Judahto givethem oneheartto dowhatthe kingand the princescommandedby the wordof the LORD.
He setup the altarof the LORDand sacrificedpeaceofferingsand thankofferingson it; and he orderedJudahto servethe LORDGodof Israel.
Then the kingstoodin his placeand madea covenantbeforethe LORDto walkafterthe LORD,and to keepHis commandmentsand His testimoniesand His statuteswith allhis heartand with allhis soul,to performthe wordsof the covenantwrittenin thisbook.
Josiahremovedallthe abominationsfrom allthe landsbelonging to the sonsof Israel,and made allwho were presentin Israelto servethe LORDtheir God.Throughouthis lifetimethey did not turnfrom followingthe LORDGodof their fathers.
"So nowlet us makea covenantwith our Godto putawayallthe wivesand their children,according to the counselof my lordand of those who trembleat the commandmentof our God;and let it be doneaccording to the law.
I say, "Keepthe commandof the kingbecauseof the oathbefore God.
"Yetin spite of allthisher treacheroussisterJudahdid not returnto Me with allher heart,but ratherin deception,"declaresthe LORD.
