The End of Josiah’s Reign

And the deeds of Josiah were upright in the sight of the Lord, for his heart was full of godliness.

Although King Nebuchadnezzar had made him swear by the name of the Lord, he broke his oath and rebelled; he stiffened his neck and hardened his heart and transgressed the laws of the Lord, the God of Israel.

their neighbors helped them with everything, with silver and gold, with horses and cattle, and with a very great number of votive offerings from many whose hearts were stirred.

It makes all hearts feel rich, forgets kings and satraps, and makes everyone talk of extravagant sums.

Ezra Praises God

Then Ezra the scribe said, “Blessed be the Lord alone, who put this into the heart of the king, to glorify his house that is in Jerusalem,