Free group study handout
2 Kings 22: Group Study Handout
How to use: read 2 Kings 22 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.
Overview
Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign. He ruled for thirty-one years in Jerusalem and did what was right in Yahweh’s eyes (vv. 1-2).
Key verse
“But 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,”
2 Kings 22:18 (WEB)
Outline
- 2 Kings 22:1–2 Josiah's Reign Begins
- 2 Kings 22:3–7 Temple Repairs Initiated
- 2 Kings 22:8–11 Discovery of the Law Book
- 2 Kings 22:12–13 Josiah's Response to the Law
- 2 Kings 22:14–20 Prophetic Counsel from Huldah
Discussion questions
- In v3, what project does King Josiah initiate during his eighteenth year?
- What does Hilkiah find in v8 that changes the course of events?
- Huldah's prophecy in v16 speaks of 'evil on this place': what does this suggest about the consequences of the people's actions?
- In v19, why is Josiah's heart described as 'tender' in response to the Law?
- When have you felt the weight of a truth that made you respond like Josiah, ‘torn clothes’ in grief?
Go deeper
Passages that echo 2 Kings 22: 2 Chronicles 34, Isaiah 30, Isaiah 57.
Before next time: read 2 Kings 23.