2 Kings 22
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1Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned thirty-one years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Jedidah the daughter of Adaiah of Bozkath. 2He did that which was right in Yahweh’s eyes, and walked in all the way of David his father, and didn’t turn away to the right hand or to the left. 3In the eighteenth year of king Josiah, the king sent Shaphan, the son of Azaliah the son of Meshullam, the scribe, to Yahweh’s house, saying, 4“Go up to Hilkiah the high priest, that he may count the money which is brought into Yahweh’s house, which the keepers of the threshold have gathered of the people. 5Let them deliver it into the hand of the workmen who have the oversight of Yahweh’s house; and let them give it to the workmen who are in Yahweh’s house, to repair the damage to the house, 6to the carpenters, and to the builders, and to the masons, and for buying timber and cut stone to repair the house. 7However there was no accounting made with them of the money that was delivered into their hand; for they dealt faithfully.” 8Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the scribe, “I have found the book of the law in Yahweh’s house.” Hilkiah delivered the book to Shaphan, and he read it. 9Shaphan the scribe came to the king, and brought the king word again, and said, “Your servants have emptied out the money that was found in the house, and have delivered it into the hands of the workmen who have the oversight of Yahweh’s house.” 10Shaphan the scribe told the king, saying, “Hilkiah the priest has delivered a book to me.” Then Shaphan read it before the king. 11When the king had heard the words of the book of the law, he tore his clothes. 12The king commanded Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam the son of Shaphan, Achbor the son of Micaiah, Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah the king’s servant, saying, 13“Go inquire of Yahweh for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that is found; for great is Yahweh’s wrath that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not listened to the words of this book, to do according to all that which is written concerning us.” 14So Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, Achbor, Shaphan, and Asaiah, went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe (now she lived in Jerusalem in the second quarter); and they talked with her. 15She said to them, “Yahweh the God of Israel says, ‘Tell the man who sent you to me, 16“Yahweh says, ‘Behold, I will bring evil on this place, and on its inhabitants, even all the words of the book which the king of Judah has read. 17Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense to other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the work of their hands, therefore my wrath shall be kindled against this place, and it will not be quenched.’” 18But to the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of Yahweh, tell him, “Yahweh the God of Israel says, ‘Concerning the words which you have heard, 19because your heart was tender, and you humbled yourself before Yahweh, when you heard what I spoke against this place, and against its inhabitants, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and have torn your clothes, and wept before me; I also have heard you,’ says Yahweh. 20‘Therefore behold, I will gather you to your fathers, and you will be gathered to your grave in peace. Your eyes will not see all the evil which I will bring on this place.’”’” So they brought this message back to the king.
World English Bible (public domain)
““But to the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the Lord, thus shall you say to him: ‘Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Regarding the words that you have heard,””
2 Kings 22:18
Summary
In 2 Kings chapter 22, King Josiah of Judah, who ascended to the throne at just eight years old, becomes a pivotal figure in the nation's religious restoration. As he matures, he undertakes significant reforms to restore proper worship of Yahweh. During the eighteenth year of his reign, a project is initiated to repair the temple, and in the course of this work, the Book of the Law—likely Deuteronomy—is discovered by the high priest Hilkiah. This moment is critical, as it reveals the neglect of God's commandments among the people and underscores a turning point in Israel's spiritual trajectory. Upon hearing the words of the book, Josiah tears his clothes in grief and conviction, recognizing the judgment that is imminent due to the people's disobedience. He seeks counsel from the prophetess Huldah, who confirms the severity of God's judgment against Judah but also assures that because of Josiah's humble response, he himself will be spared from witnessing this calamity. This chapter exemplifies the theme of repentance and the seriousness of adhering to God’s Word, highlighting how true leadership involves humility and an earnest desire to pursue righteousness. The chapter emphasizes the importance of God's Word as a spiritual anchor for His people. The discovery of the Book of the Law leads to communal renewal and revival, showcasing the transformative power of Scripture when it is treated with reverence and obedience. Additionally, Josiah's actions resonate with the call for leadership to promote not only civic reform but also spiritual awakening in their communities, establishing a paradigm for what faithful governance should look like in light of divine truth.
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