Session 13 2 Kings 22:8-20
2 KINGS 22:8-20
MEMORY VERSE: 2 KINGS 22:19B
The Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered by Bedouin shepherds in the late 1940s. They found what became recognized as the oldest copies of parts of the Old Testament. Other writings were also found that shed light on life during the times of Jesus. These scrolls continue to be studied and reviewed, giving renewed interest in examining the truths found on those manuscripts.
(In PSG, p. 118)
Josiah initiated significant spiritual reform early in his reign (2 Kings 22:1-2; 2 Chron. 34:1-7). He commis-sioned work on the temple to repair the damage that had occurred for various reasons (2 Kings 22:3-7). During the temple repairs, Hilkiah the high priest found the book of the law in the temple (22:8).
King Josiah heard the words of the scroll, tore his clothes, and asked Hilkiah to inquire of the Lord on behalf of God’s people (22:9-13). Huldah, a prophetess in Jerusalem, told Josiah God’s judgment was coming on Judah for the people’s persistent sin. Yet, God would not bring Jerusalem down in Josiah’s day (22:14-20).
Josiah made a covenant with the elders of Jerusalem and Judah to follow the Lord (23:1-3). Josiah commanded Hilkiah to cleanse the temple of all remnants of Baal worship from the days of earlier kings (23:4-6). He also re-instituted the Passover celebration at a level the people had not experienced since the days of the judges (23:21-23; 2 Chron. 35:1-19). Tragically, Josiah died in battle with Neco, king of Egypt (23:26-30). Josiah’s son, Jehoahaz, succeeded Josiah, but reigned only three months before Neco deposed him and deported him to Egypt (23:31-33). Neco appointed Jehoiakim, another of Josiah’s sons, king over Judah, but Jehoiakim did evil in God’s sight (23:34-37). In his days, Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, attacked Judah, but Jehoiakim died before the battle ended (24:1-7). Jehoiachin his son became king at age eighteen but surrendered to Nebuchadnezzar after reigning only three months (24:8-15).
Zedekiah, a third son of Josiah, became king over Judah, but also committed evil (24:17-20). In response to Zedekiah’s rebellion, Nebuchadnezzar attacked Judah a third time, and the city fell (25:1-4). The Babylonian army overtook the fleeing Zedekiah, slaughtered his sons, blinded him, and led him in chains into exile (25:5-7). A month later, Nebuchadnezzar’s officials came to Jerusalem, burned the temple and palace, and broke down Jerusalem’s walls (25:8-10). The Babylonians took with them anything of value from the Lord’s temple (25:13-17). Nebuchadnezzar appointed Gedaliah as Judah’s governor, but Gedaliah was assassinated after only two months (25:22-26).
When Evil-merodach succeeded Nebuchadnezzar as Babylon’s king, he released Jehoiachin from prison and allowed him to eat at the king’s table the rest of his life (25:27-30). Many exiles probably saw in this act a glimmer of hope for Judah’s future.
EXPLORE THE TEXT
8 The high priest Hilkiah told the court secretary Shaphan, “I have found the book of the law in the LORD’s temple,” and he gave the book to Shaphan, who read it. 9 Then the court secretary Shaphan went to the king and reported, “Your servants have emptied out the silver that was found in the temple and have given it to those doing the work — those who oversee the LORD’s temple.” 10 Then the court secretary Shaphan told the king, “The priest Hilkiah has given me a book,” and Shaphan read it in the presence of the king.
In Josiah’s eighteenth year, when he was twenty-six years old, he conferred with his high priest through his court secretary (22:3-7). Josiah, as Joash who ruled generations earlier (12:4-16), wanted damage to the temple repaired as soon as possible.
The high priest Hilkiah met with the court secretary Shaphan. We may assume the two met regularly so Shaphan could keep Josiah apprised of temple work progress. At any rate, Hilkiah informed Shaphan of a remarkable discovery: I have found the book of the law in the LORD’s temple.
Interpreters disagree on exactly what the expression book of the law describes. Some have suggested it was the book of Deuteronomy, which contains the essence of the stipulations Josiah enacted (23:4-20; 2 Chron. 35:1-19). On the other hand, 2 Chronicles 34:14 states that Hilkiah found “the book of the law of the LORD written by the hand of Moses,” which may imply up to all of Genesis through Deuteronomy. Moses had committed the words of the law to the priests before he died and encouraged them to keep a copy of it in God’s holy dwelling place (Deut. 31:24-26).
Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, who read it. Shaphan must have recognized the significance of Hilkiah’s find. He served a king who was zealous to follow God’s ways, but apparently God’s written Word had fallen out of use. Shaphan knew Josiah needed to learn of this scroll as soon as possible.
The court secretary Shaphan went to the king and reported on the progress on God’s house. The secretary’s report contained in verses 9-10 specifically contained two items. First, Shaphan told the king, your servants have emptied out the silver that was found in the temple and have given it to those doing the work. During King Joash’s days, a similar approach was employed to accomplish repair of temple damage. Second Chronicles 34:10-13 highlights the various jobs the workmen performed, as well as the names of those who oversaw the work. The project included people who needed to oversee the LORD’s temple work. They were Levites, who normally oversaw spiritual matters (2 Chron. 34:12-13).
Second, the court secretary Shaphan told the king the most significant news. He informed Josiah, the priest Hilkiah has given me a book. Shaphan also likely explained the nature of the book Hilkiah had found and the circumstances under which he had found it. Josiah naturally would have been eager to learn of this discovery, and at his request, Shaphan read it in the presence of the king. He shared the words of God that apparently had remained hidden from the people for some time.
All people should read and study God’s Word. The Bible says people who meditate on God’s Word regularly will find God’s blessing and become all God wants them to be (Ps. 1:2-3). Indeed, the Bible will guide our path through life as we follow its teaching (Ps. 119:105). When we allow the Holy Spirit to take God’s Word and shape our lives with it, we become the people He wants us to be.
(In PSG, p. 121)
11 When the king heard the words of the book of the law, he tore his clothes.
The king heard the words of the book of the law as Shaphan read them to him and tore his clothes. Tearing one’s clothes indicated mourning, humility, or deep distress. Joshua and Caleb, the two faithful spies Moses sent into the promised land, tore their clothes in response to the people’s unbelief when the other ten spies brought a bad report (Num. 14:6). The apostle Paul and co-laborer Barnabas also tore their clothes when the people of Lystra thought the two men were gods and tried to worship them (Acts 14:14). A generation later, when Josiah’s son Jehoiakim burned the prophet Jeremiah’s written words, the court officials did not tear their clothes, which indicated the king’s actions didn’t bother them (Jer. 36:24).
When Josiah heard the actual words of God from the scroll, he realized how far the people had strayed and the consequences of continued disobedience. Thus, 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.”
Josiah gathered a group of trusted officials to enact his command. Hilkiah the high priest is known only from this passage and the parallel passage in 2 Chronicles 34:14-28. Finding the long-lost scroll in the temple was the primary accomplishment for which Scripture remembers him. Ahikam son of Shaphan also appears in the book of Jeremiah, where he defended Jeremiah against those who sought the prophet’s life (Jer. 26:24). Ahikam’s son Gedaliah ended up ruling Judah as governor after King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon conquered Jerusalem and Judah (2 Kings 25:22). Unfortunately, Gedaliah was assassinated only two months into his service (Jer. 41:1-3). Ahikam’s father Shaphan was a different person than Shaphan, Josiah’s court secretary.
Achbor son of Micaiah is only mentioned here and in the parallel Chronicles passage (2 Chron. 34:20). His specific role is not known, though some have identified him as the father of El-nathan, who served Josiah’s son Jehoiakim (Jer. 36:12). The court secretary Shaphan had brought Josiah the scroll Hilkiah had found. Finally, the text mentions the king’s servant Asaiah. The term king’s servant designates an important court official whose particular functions are not certain.
Josiah commanded his team go and inquire of the LORD. The expression inquire of the Lord denotes a careful seeking out of God’s specific direction on a matter. Josiah further directed that the inquiring of the Lord be made for me, for the people, and for all Judah. This colossal find had potential repercussions for all the citizens of the kingdom he ruled.
Josiah wanted inquiry about the words in this book that has been found. He had instituted many religious reforms, but the discovery of the book of the law revealed he and his people had fallen far short of God’s holy standard. Josiah affirmed, great is the LORD’s wrath that is kindled against us. He now more fully understood how far the people had strayed from the covenant’s actual terms. The people were accountable, and their disregard for God’s written Word did not excuse them. Josiah affirmed, our ancestors have not obeyed the words of this book in order to do everything written about us. When Moses gave Israel God’s law, he told the people God was putting before them the option of life or death, of blessing or curse (Deut. 30:19). God expected His people to show their faithfulness to Him through obeying His words, for His words contained all they needed to live life as He expected. However, they had failed miserably, and Josiah feared for his nation’s future.
God’s Word should move people to obedience to God. Simply affirming we believe God’s Word is not sufficient; we should demonstrate our faith through obeying His commands. If a man said, “I believe in my doctor,” but never took his doctor’s advice, people would know he didn’t really believe his doctor. Likewise, God has given us His Word for our good, and our obedience testifies that we believe it.
(In PSG, p. 122)
14 So the priest Hilkiah, Ahikam, Achbor, Shaphan, and Asaiah went to the prophetess Huldah, wife of Shallum son of Tikvah, son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe. She lived in Jerusalem in the Second District. They spoke with her. 15 She said to them, “This is what the LORD God of Israel says: Say to the man who sent you to me, 16 ‘This is what the LORD says: I am about to bring disaster on this place and on its inhabitants, fulfilling all the words of the book that the king of Judah has read, 17 because they have abandoned me and burned incense to other gods in order to anger me with all the work of their hands. My wrath will be kindled against this place, and it will not be quenched.’
The king’s delegation went to the prophetess Huldah. She is mentioned only here and in the parallel Chronicles passage (2 Chron. 34:22-28). The text lists her as the wife of Shallum son of Tiqvah, son of Harhas, but these names do not appear in connection with each other elsewhere. The text does tell us Huldah lived in Jerusalem in the Second District. This area was a newer district that lay northwest of the palace area; it had been built to accommodate Jerusalem’s growing population. The delegation spoke with her and apprised her of Hilkiah’s discovery.
Huldah’s reply, this is what the LORD God of Israel says, affirmed her message to them was from God. As God’s prophetess, she functioned as God’s messenger. Her instruction, say to the man who sent you to me, naturally referred to Josiah. Huldah does not appear in the Bible outside this account, but Josiah clearly knew of her and respected her. She was the first person to whom he turned when he realized his difficult spiritual situation.
Huldah’s repetitive words, this is what the LORD says, again stressed her messenger status. God announced through her, I am about to bring disaster on this place and on its inhabitants. Josiah had worked hard to turn the nation back to God. His grandfather Manasseh’s wickedness had sent Judah into a downward spiritual spiral (2 Kings 21:1-18; Jer. 15:4). The prophet Jeremiah, who was a contemporary of Josiah, also promised Jerusalem’s ruin, though he did prophesy that hope remained if the people fully turned back to God (Jer. 17:24-26).
Huldah affirmed that God would be fulfilling all the words of the book that the king of Judah has read. The law of Moses outlined many judgments the people would experience if they persisted in sin (Lev. 26:14-39; Deut. 28:15-68). God had given the nation time to repent, but the people had remained defiant. Consequently, they would receive the judgments of the covenant rather than its blessings.
The Lord also affirmed through Huldah regarding the people that they have abandoned me and burned incense to other gods. The priests burned temple incense to the Lord, but the people were not to do so. However, the text affirms they burned incense to other gods (2 Kings 17:11). The Lord said they did this to anger me with all the work of their hands. Their actions revealed their evil hearts. They abandoned the Lord and worshiped Baal, Asherah, and other gods instead (2 Kings 17:15-17). They became just like the nations they dispossessed from the promised land.
Huldah then proclaimed God’s verdict: my wrath will be kindled against this place, and it will not be quenched. Josiah had used a similar expression regarding the kindling of God’s wrath in verse 13. Huldah announced God’s wrath would not only be kindled but would become a consuming fire.
18 Say this to the king of Judah who sent you to inquire of the LORD: ‘This is what the LORD God of Israel says: As for the words that you heard, 19 because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before the LORD when you heard what I spoke against this place and against its inhabitants, that they would become a desolation and a curse, and because you have torn your clothes and wept before me, I myself have heard’ — this is the LORD’s declaration. 20 ‘Therefore, I will indeed gather you to your ancestors, and you will be gathered to your grave in peace. Your eyes will not see all the disaster that I am bringing on this place.’” Then they reported to the king.
Huldah’s words, say this to the king of Judah who sent you to inquire of the LORD, preface her message she intended specifically for the king himself rather than about the people and nation God would judge. Again, her words, this is what the LORD God of Israel says, reminded Josiah she brought God’s message.
Huldah’s words, as for the words that you heard, refer to the words Shaphan had read to Josiah when Shaphan brought the scroll before the king. Huldah affirmed of Josiah, your heart was tender. Josiah made his heart soft so it could receive God’s instructions.
Huldah also affirmed of Judah’s king, you humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I spoke against this place and against its inhabitants. When Josiah heard of God’s impending judgment against Jerusalem and Judah, he did not become proud; rather, he affirmed his own weakness and took steps to discern the best path to turn aside God’s wrath. God through Huldah had said the people would become a desolation and a curse, and knew Josiah could not bear the thought of this happening. Even so, Huldah affirmed of Josiah, you have torn your clothes and wept before me. The king’s actions had indicated his deep distress and reaching out to Huldah further demonstrated his sincerity. God’s words, I myself have heard, followed by the statement, this is the LORD’s declaration, further stressed God’s personal witness of Josiah’s words and behavior.
God then issued his verdict regarding Josiah through Huldah: therefore, I will indeed gather you to your ancestors, and you will be gathered to your grave in peace. Huldah affirmed Josiah would be buried in peace; the Hebrew word is shalom, which denotes completeness. Josiah would finish his life complete and would be buried before Jerusalem’s destruction came. Huldah affirmed to Josiah God’s promise: your eyes will not see all the disaster that I am bringing on this place. God mercifully would extend the kingdom beyond Josiah’s days so Josiah would not suffer by seeing his people defeated and exiled. Josiah’s delegation returned to the palace and reported to the king all Huldah had said.
God is true to His Word, extending grace and exacting judgment. God was gracious and compassionate toward His people, but He would not tolerate their sin forever. After Josiah, four more kings of Judah reigned, all of whom did evil in God’s sight (2 Kings 23:36-37; 24:8-9,18-19). Under Zedekiah, Judah’s last king, Jerusalem fell, and the people were taken into exile (2 Kings 25:3-21). Josiah did not witness the disaster that fell on God’s people, but his successors did.
God still moves today. The Bible assures us we can count on all God’s promises through Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 1:20). Jesus affirmed that He came that we might have life in abundance (John 10:10). The Bible also affirms the necessity of knowing Jesus, lest we die in our sins (John 8:24). The consistent testimony of Scripture is that genuine repentance and humility move God’s heart. God’s Spirit also moves with power when His people obey His Word, because their obedience demonstrates the depth of their faith. God used Josiah to do many good things in Judah because Josiah’s heart was soft toward God.
(In PSG, p. 125)
The Scriptures
The Scriptures reveal the principles by which God judges us, and therefore is, and will remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and religious opinions should be tried. (See Deuteronomy 4:1-2; 2 Peter 1:19-21.)
Read, reflect on, and react emotionally to a Bible verse.
Read slowly and reflectively 2 Kings 22:11-13. Consider how Josiah may have felt knowing he was responsible for those he led to guide them in the ways of God. Who are the people in your “flock” or circle of influence? How can knowing the Word of God help you lead them more effectively?