1 Josiah [was] eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned thirty and one years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name [was] Jedidah, the daughter of Adaiah of Boscath.
2 And he did [that which was] right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in all the way of David his father, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left.
3 And it came to pass in the eighteenth year of king Josiah, [that] the king sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, the son of Meshullam, the scribe, to the house of the LORD, saying,
4 Go up to Hilkiah the high priest, that he may sum the silver which is brought into the house of the LORD, which the keepers of the door have gathered of the people:
5 And let them deliver it into the hand of the doers of the work, that have the oversight of the house of the LORD: and let them give it to the doers of the work which [is] in the house of the LORD, to repair the breaches of the house,
6 Unto carpenters, and builders, and masons, and to buy timber and hewn stone to repair the house.
7 Howbeit there was no reckoning made with them of the money that was delivered into their hand, because they dealt faithfully.
8 And Hilkiah the high priest said unto Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD. And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he read it.
9 And Shaphan the scribe came to the king, and brought the king word again, and said, Thy servants have gathered the money that was found in the house, and have delivered it into the hand of them that do the work, that have the oversight of the house of the LORD.
10 And Shaphan the scribe shewed the king, saying, Hilkiah the priest hath delivered me a book. And Shaphan read it before the king.
11 And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the book of the law, that he rent his clothes.
12 And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Michaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asahiah a servant of the king’s, saying,
13 Go ye, inquire of the LORD for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that is found: for great [is] the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this book, to do according unto all that which is written concerning us.
14 So Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam, and Achbor, and Shaphan, and Asahiah, went unto Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe; (now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the college;) and they communed with her.
15 And she said unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Tell the man that sent you to me,
16 Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, and upon the inhabitants thereof, [even] all the words of the book which the king of Judah hath read:
17 Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be kindled against this place, and shall not be quenched.
18 But to the king of Judah which sent you to inquire of the LORD, thus shall ye say to him, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, [As touching] the words which thou hast heard;
19 Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the LORD, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before me; I also have heard [thee], saith the LORD.
20 Behold therefore, I will gather thee unto thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered into thy grave in peace; and thine eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring upon this place. And they brought the king word again.
Overview of 2 Kings Chapter 22
2 Kings Chapter 22 narrates a pivotal moment in the history of Judah during the reign of King Josiah. This chapter highlights themes of discovery, reform, and the importance of adhering to the covenant with God. It sets the stage for significant religious reforms that will take place in the subsequent chapters.
Key Characters
- Josiah: The king of Judah, who seeks to restore the worship of Yahweh.
- Hilkiah: The high priest who discovers the Book of the Law in the temple.
- Shaphan: The scribe who plays a crucial role in communicating the findings to the king.
- Huldah: A prophetess consulted by Josiah for guidance regarding the discovered scroll.
Summary of Events
- Josiah’s Reign: The chapter opens by stating that Josiah was eight years old when he became king and reigned for thirty-one years in Jerusalem.
- Temple Repairs: In the eighteenth year of Josiah’s reign, he commands that the temple be repaired. This indicates a desire to restore proper worship and reverence for God.
- Discovery of the Book of the Law: During the repairs, Hilkiah the high priest finds the Book of the Law in the temple. This discovery is crucial as it symbolizes the rediscovery of God’s covenant with His people.
- Reading of the Law: Shaphan reads the Book of the Law to King Josiah, leading to a profound realization of the nation’s disobedience and the consequences of straying from God’s commandments.
- Josiah’s Reaction: Upon hearing the words of the Law, Josiah tears his clothes in mourning, indicating his deep concern for the state of Judah and the impending judgment due to their sins.
- Consultation with Huldah: Josiah sends messengers to Huldah the prophetess to inquire about the meaning of the words in the book. Huldah confirms the impending disaster but also assures that Josiah will be spared from witnessing it due to his humility and repentance.
- Call to Reform: The chapter concludes with Josiah’s commitment to reforming Judah’s practices, emphasizing the need to return to the covenant and the worship of Yahweh.
Thematic Analysis
- Rediscovery of God’s Word: The finding of the Book of the Law signifies the importance of Scripture in guiding the people of God. It underscores the necessity of being rooted in God’s commandments.
- Leadership and Responsibility: Josiah exemplifies a leader who takes responsibility for the spiritual state of his nation. His immediate response to the discovery of the Law shows a willingness to align the kingdom with God’s will.
- Repentance and Humility: Josiah’s tearing of his clothes symbolizes genuine repentance. His humility before God leads to a promise of mercy, highlighting the theme that sincere repentance can avert judgment.
- Prophetic Guidance: The role of Huldah illustrates the importance of prophetic voices in guiding leaders and the community in understanding God’s will, especially in times of crisis.
Conclusion
2 Kings Chapter 22 serves as a critical turning point in Judah’s history, marked by the rediscovery of the Law and a renewed commitment to God. Josiah’s actions set the stage for significant reforms that would impact the spiritual landscape of the nation. The chapter emphasizes themes of leadership, repentance, and the centrality of God’s Word, which resonate throughout the biblical narrative.
