II Chronicles 35-36

"Put the holy ark in the house that Solomon the son of David, king of Israel, built” (35:3).  King Josiah’s temple restoration and religious reforms were the last bright era in Israel’s history before everything collapsed.  Briefly, Josiah glimpsed what God had intended for Israel – a peaceful, productive society centered on the worship of the One God in Jerusalem’s temple.  The ark was put in the holy place, and the people celebrated Passover together.  It was a time of revival and peace before the coming turmoil (ch 36).

During Israel’s dark, rebellious years, God had “sent persistently to them by his messengers” (36:15).  King Josiah heard God’s call to repentance and used his lifetime to call others.