2 Kings 22
2 Kings 22 covers the process beginning with the accession of King Josiah of the southern kingdom of Judah and his religious reforms. Josiah becomes king at eight years old and is described as a king who “did what was right in the eyes of the Lord.” In his eighteenth year on the throne, he orders the repair of the temple, and during this process the Book of the Law is found. The high priest Hilkiah gives the Book of the Law to the scribe Shaphan, and when Shaphan reports the contents of the book to the king, an important turning point is set in motion. When King Josiah hears the words of the Law, he tears his clothes and sends people to the prophetess Huldah to ask what God’s will is.
1verseJosiah 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.
2verseHe did that which was right in the LORD’s eyes, and walked in all the ways of David his father, and didn’t turn away to the right hand or to the left.
3verseIn the eighteenth year of King Josiah, the king sent Shaphan, the son of Azaliah the son of Meshullam, the scribe, to the LORD’s house, saying,
4verse“Go up to Hilkiah the high priest, that he may count the money which is brought into the LORD’s house, which the keepers of the threshold have gathered of the people.
5verseLet them deliver it into the hand of the workers who have the oversight of the LORD’s house; and let them give it to the workers who are in the LORD’s house, to repair the damage to the house,
6verseto the carpenters, and to the builders, and to the masons, and for buying timber and cut stone to repair the house.
7verseHowever, no accounting shall be asked of them for the money delivered into their hand, for they deal faithfully.”
8verseHilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the scribe, “I have found the book of the law in the LORD’s house.” Hilkiah delivered the book to Shaphan, and he read it.
9verseShaphan 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 the LORD’s house.”
10verseShaphan the scribe told the king, saying, “Hilkiah the priest has delivered a book to me.” Then Shaphan read it before the king.
11verseWhen the king had heard the words of the book of the law, he tore his clothes.
12verseThe 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,
13verse“Go 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 LORD’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.”
14verseSo 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.
15verseShe said to them, “The LORD the God of Israel says, ‘Tell the man who sent you to me,
16verse“The LORD 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.
17verseBecause 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.’”
18verseBut to the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the LORD, tell him, “The LORD the God of Israel says, ‘Concerning the words which you have heard,
19versebecause 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 should become a desolation and a curse, and have torn your clothes and wept before me, I also have heard you,’ says the LORD.
20verse‘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.
Key Events and Their Meaning
- Command to Repair the Temple: Josiah begins a restoration of faith and a spiritual awakening by ordering the repair of God’s house.
- The Discovery of the Book of the Law: The discovery of the Book of the Law in the temple shows the reality that God’s people of Judah had moved away from God’s word. At the same time, the rediscovery of the word becomes the starting point for reform.
- A Response of Repentance: When Josiah hears the words of the Law, he tears his own clothes and shows a deep attitude of repentance. This makes it clear that it is an important faith posture—one that can shape the future of the individual and, in Josiah’s case, delay the announced disaster during his lifetime.
- God’s Response: The prophetess Huldah says that because of Judah’s sin, judgment had been foretold, but that because of Josiah’s humility and repentance, God’s will is that no disaster will come during Josiah’s lifetime.
Meditation Points
- When we rediscover God’s word, what changes begin in our lives?
- You can think about how genuine repentance and obedience affect our relationship with God.
- Take a moment to meditate on the impact that an individual’s decisions and faith can have on the whole community.
Apply It to Me
- Check whether the “book of the word,” which even you may have passed by carelessly, is not left neglected.
- When you encounter the word anew, you can reflect on whether your response is as honest and humble as Josiah’s.
- With the hope for the positive changes that a small decision can bring to your life and your community, decide on one thing you will practice in front of today’s word.
