Session 13 2 Kings 22:8-20

RESPONSE (2 KINGS 22:11-13)

reflect on the king’s emotional response to hearing the book of the law read aloud.

11 When the king heard the words of the book of the law,
he tore his clothes.

12 Then he commanded the priest Hilkiah,
Ahikam son of Shaphan, Achbor son of Micaiah,
the court secretary Shaphan, and the king’s servant Asaiah,
13 “Go and inquire of the LORD for me,
for the people, and for all Judah about the words in this book that has been found.
For great is the LORD’s wrath that is kindled against us
because our ancestors have not obeyed the words of this book in order to do everything written about us.”

List:

Focus on verse 12
and the delegation Josiah named to inquire of God how they should respond.

Add Ahikam, Achbor, and Asaiah
Include a brief description of each one.

Note:

Josiah’s grief expressed in tearing his clothes
indicates this was the first time he had heard these words Shaphan was reading.

Highlight:

Shaphan’s every word served only to highlight further the people’s neglect of
and disobedience to God’s Word.

Discuss:

• How does God use the Bible to move people to obedient action? (p. 111)

Transition:

Notice that Josiah doesn’t try to deflect the blame or make excuses.
Hearing God’s words read, Josiah moved with prompt obedience to discern how to respond.