Archers shot King Josiah, and he told his officers, “Take me away; I am badly wounded.” – 2 Chronicles 35:23

Today's Scripture Reading (July 8, 2026): 2 Chronicles 35

You have probably heard of populism, but you might not really know what it means. In my part of the world, the most famous populist is President Donald Trump. The term “populism” or “populist” is often used as an insult, but some have made the most of it. Populists are not confined to one part of the political spectrum. You can find them on the Right, Left, and even toward the Center of the political spectrum.

A true populist believes that society is divided into two groups. One group, and the one that they agree with, are the pure people. In actuality, these are often the ones who support the populist leader. The other group consists of the evil elite and their supporters. These are the ones who are “crooked” and want to take advantage of the government and the nation. One common belief in populism is the existence of a deep state, run by an elite group that governs to improve its own position. Populism usually promises to “drain the swamp,” remove the elite, and hand the reins of power back to the people.

In my part of the world, Donald Trump is a populist. My native Canada is flirting with populism, though it hasn’t, as of yet, succumbed to the temptation. Here, populism sits on the Right of the political spectrum, leaving some conservatives without a place in the national political debate. I admit that populism must have a place in God’s plan for our world, but I often struggle to see what that place might be. However, I trust that God has a plan, even when I can’t see it.

Josiah was a good king. He followed in the footsteps of his great-grandfather, Hezekiah. But between Hezekiah and Josiah were two kings who didn’t measure up as well: the long reign of Manasseh and the extremely short reign of Josiah’s father, Amon.

Josiah came to the throne of Judah at the age of eight after the assassination of his father, Amon. Josiah did well, but God remained angry with the people for their actions during Manasseh's reign. His anger never subsided, but he promised not to punish Judah until after Josiah’s reign was finished.  

Maybe that was a reason for Josiah to breathe a little easier, but the truth is that Josiah’s life was shortened as a random arrow cut him down. Josiah, the good king, died before his fortieth birthday. Three of his four sons would gain the throne of Judah, but none of them would walk in their father’s footsteps. During their reigns, the end of Judah began to come into focus. I am sure that many on that day wondered what God’s purpose was in ending the reign of Josiah early and allowing his sons to come to the throne.

Sometimes I don’t understand God's purposes, but I trust there is one. And in the end, I, with Josiah, will understand what that purpose is. And everything will one day make sense, even if I don’t understand at the current moment.

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: 2 Chronicles 36