Jeremiah’s preaching must have had some effect. Six years earlier Josiah had purged the land of the idols and altars surrounding Jerusalem. In today’s reading he begins purging the temple. 

What a refreshing concept is recorded in the following verse concerning the workers at the temple.
II Ki 22:7
But they need not account for the money entrusted to them, because they are acting faithfully."

Mention is made of the "entire remnant of Israel". At this time, most of the people in Israel (not Judah) have either been killed by the Assyrians or taken into captivity.  Only the remnant remains, but it is a godly remnant. 

Can’t you hear the excitement in the voice of Hilkiah when he found the Book of the Law!
II Ki 22:8
Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the secretary, "I have found the Book of the Law in the temple of the LORD." He gave it to Shaphan, who read it.

Apparently the words spoke volumes to Josiah because look what happened next. He had the law read to the people, and then the covenant was renewed. Sounds like a modern day re-dedication of lives to Jesus, a spiritual revival.

Notice the Asherah worship was inside the temple. Josiah also got rid of the mediums and spiritists. Does this tell us how God feels about those things?

Mention is made numerously in Scripture of "burning incense" to other gods. Contrast this to the prayers of the faithful going up to God as sweet-smelling incense. 

Psalm 141:2
May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.

 Revelation 5:8
And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.

We are also told in today's reading that the Ark was in Josiah's possession.

There is great confirmation in today's reading of the "power of one" that we have spoken of so many times. Josiah heard the Book of the Law, humbled himself, and repented, then God withheld His hand of judgment.  The king was not only a political leader but a spiritual leader as well.  Today we look to pastors and other spiritual leaders to set the standard. 

When Josiah renewed the covenant between God and the people, he had the people pledge themselves to the covenant of living within the laws of God.  What might happen today if pastors and spiritual leaders encouraged the people to study the Bible?

What a great Passover celebration ordered by Josiah! He did things the way God said to do things. Unlike all the other kings before him who obviously did NOT do things the way God said to do them, not even David or Solomon. Isn't it much easier to do things God's way, the first time?

Even though Jeremiah at times feels betrayed by God, he still offers us these words:
Jeremiah 20:9
But if I say, “I will not mention him or speak any more in his name,” his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.
The younger (and wiser) of Job's friends thinks in a similar way.
Job 32:18-20
For I am full of words,and the spirit within me compels me; inside I am like bottled-up wine, like new wineskins ready to burst. I must speak and find relief;I must open my lips and reply.  
Paul also had similar thoughts.
1 Timothy 4:6
If you point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, brought up in the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. 
Which takes us right back to this:
Jeremiah 5:1
“Go up and down the streets of Jerusalem, look around and consider, search through her squares. If you can find but one person who deals honestly and seeks the truth, I will forgive this city. 
Just another reminder of the "power of one".