The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein

Episode: Josiah & The Burning Gods
Date: September 12, 2025
Host: Yael Eckstein, Pray.com

Episode Overview

This episode of The Chosen People immerses the listener in the story of King Josiah, one of Judah’s most righteous leaders, set against the backdrop of ancient idolatry and divine judgment. Through evocative narration and dialogue, we witness Josiah’s struggle to bring his people back to God, to purge the land of false gods, and to reckon with the tragic inevitability of Judah's fate. The episode explores timeless themes of repentance, justice, faithfulness, and the profound heartbreak of unheeded warnings.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Josiah's Spiritual Turmoil and the Discovery (00:00–05:16)

• The episode opens with Josiah, now a young adult, struggling with doubt and an aching search for God amidst Judah’s idolatrous decline.
• The rediscovery of a hidden scroll (the Book of the Law) beneath the temple marks a dramatic turning point. The weight of past covenants, betrayals, and God’s love and wrath press on Josiah as he seeks prophetic counsel.

2. The Prophetess Huldah’s Message (05:17–10:28)

• Josiah summons Huldah, a prophetess known for her unflinching truth.
• Huldah delivers a grave, unyielding prophecy: disaster is inevitable due to generations of idolatry and injustice.
  • Huldah (06:06): “I am going to bring disaster on this place and its inhabitants...My anger will be poured out on this place and will not be quenched.”
• Despite Josiah’s desperation, Huldah emphasizes the limits of one person’s righteousness amidst collective disobedience:
  • Huldah (07:10): “You think one righteous man can erase the sins of a thousand?”
• Yet, she affirms Josiah’s sincerity and offers God's compassion for his humility:
  • Huldah (09:55): “Because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before God...I have heard you, declares the Lord. Behold, I will gather you to your fathers... Your eyes will not see all the disaster.”

3. Josiah’s Righteous Fury and Purging Idolatry (10:29–15:33)

• In a vivid, harrowing scene, Josiah destroys the altars and idols of Molech in the Valley of Hinnom, avenging the innocent children sacrificed there.
  • Josiah (13:38): “I have no father but the Lord.”
• Deeply personal trauma emerges as Josiah confronts the legacy of his own father’s sins. This culminates in a symbolic act: casting a priest of Molech into the fire, declaring full allegiance to God.
• Josiah extends his purification campaign to Bethel, fulfilling ancient prophecy by burning the bones of false priests atop Jeroboam’s altar.
  • Josiah (16:10): “Then leave it untouched.” (instructing his men to spare the tomb of the long-dead prophet who foretold Josiah’s actions)

4. The Solemn Passover and the Limits of Atonement (16:13–17:22)

• For the first time in generations, Judah celebrates Passover in sincerity, free of pagan rituals.
  • Josiah (17:06): “We do not feast tonight to escape death. We feast because we have delayed it for a moment.”
  • Josiah (17:18): “May this blood cover more than it did then.”
• The tone is somber—atonement and deliverance are fleeting; judgment still approaches.

5. Josiah Faces Pharaoh Neco and Huldah’s Counsel (17:23–19:04)

• Josiah receives a warning from Pharaoh Neco, who claims divine command in his march through Judah.
  • Pharaoh’s message (17:42): “God has commanded me to hurry. Stop opposing God who is with me, or he will destroy you.”
• Huldah advises caution:
  • Huldah (18:50): “Vengeance is not your calling. Restoration is. Stay out of this war.”
• Yet Josiah, driven by conviction and anger at past injustices, chooses to fight.

6. The Death of Josiah: Faith and Tragedy (19:05–24:29)

• Amid chaotic battle, Josiah is mortally wounded by a stray Egyptian arrow.
• In his final moments, Josiah reflects on his orphaned youth and his adoption by God, reciting Psalm 23:
  • Josiah (22:49): “The Lord is my shepherd…I shall not want…Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil…for my father is with me.”
• His death is deeply mourned; even Huldah acknowledges his sincerity:
  • Huldah (24:32): “He tried with all his heart, but no man can save Judah. Not yet.”

7. Foreshadowing Future Redemption (24:39–25:00)

• Huldah offers hope: a prophecy of a future king who will bear the fire and judgment himself, pointing towards the messianic hope.
  • Huldah (24:44): “One day another king will come, not with sword but with speech. He will not burn the idols. He will burn in their place. The fire will fall on him instead, and he will declare it to be good.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Huldah’s Stark Prophecy (06:06):
  “I am going to bring disaster on this place and its inhabitants... My anger will be poured out on this place and will not be quenched.”

• Josiah’s Defiant Vow (09:37):
  “Then I will burn their gods before they burn my people.”

• Josiah’s Identity in God (13:38):
  “I have no father but the Lord.”

• Huldah’s Recognition of Josiah (24:32):
  “He tried with all his heart, but no man can save Judah. Not yet.”

• Prophecy of a Greater King (24:44):
  “One day another king will come, not with sword but with speech. He will not burn the idols. He will burn in their place. The fire will fall on him instead, and he will declare it to be good.”

Important Timestamps

• 00:00–05:16: Josiah’s search for God, discovery of the scroll, calling for Huldah.
• 05:17–10:28: Huldah delivers her prophecy; Josiah’s reaction.
• 10:29–15:33: The destruction of idols at Hinnom and Bethel; confrontation with Molech’s priest.
• 16:13–17:22: The solemn Passover.
• 17:23–19:04: Message from Pharaoh Neco and Huldah’s warning.
• 19:05–24:29: Josiah’s final battle, death, and burial.
• 24:29–25:00: Huldah’s prophecy of a future redeemer.

Tone and Language

The episode is narrated in a dramatic, contemplative style—rich in sensory detail and emotion, blending biblical imagery, historical weight, and poetic reflection. The dialogue between Josiah and Huldah, and Josiah’s internal monologue, is raw and honest, capturing both agony and hope.

Conclusion

This episode powerfully dramatizes the story of Josiah, emphasizing the cost of generational sin, the agonizing limits of personal righteousness, and the unending patience and heartbreak of God. Though Josiah cannot ultimately save Judah, his faithfulness stands as a beacon—and points listeners towards hope in a greater future redemption.