the heart of a king

"now before him there was no king like him, who turned to the Lord with all his heart, with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the law of moses; nor after him did any arise like him." 2 kings 23:25

this is written of Josiah, king of judah who had a prosperous reign of 31 years. this is a king who ruled a nation at the age of 8 and whose heart was completely surrendered to his God for "...he did not turn to the right or to the left." (22:2) the phrase "...turned to the Lord..." could be more accurately translated "...completely turned to the Lord." there was, in essence, no room in his heart for compromise- so much so that there was never another king like him.