Then Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the scribe, "I have found the Book of the Law in the house of the LORD!" And he gave it to Shaphan, who read it. Then Hilkiah the high priestHilkiah, whose name means "my portion is Yahweh," served as the high priest during the reign of King Josiah. The role of the high priest was crucial in maintaining the spiritual integrity of Israel, especially during times of reform. Historically, the high priest was the chief religious leader, responsible for the temple and its services. Hilkiah's discovery marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history, as it leads to a national religious revival. said to Shaphan the scribe Shaphan, a scribe, was an official in King Josiah's court. The role of a scribe was significant in ancient Israel, as they were responsible for recording, preserving, and interpreting the law. Shaphan's involvement indicates the importance of the written word and its role in governance and religious life. His position allowed him to influence the king directly, highlighting the interconnectedness of religious and political spheres. I have found the Book of the Law The "Book of the Law" likely refers to a portion of the Torah, possibly Deuteronomy. Its discovery suggests that the Law had been neglected or lost during previous reigns, particularly under the idolatrous kings Manasseh and Amon. The Hebrew term for "found" (מָצָא, matsa) implies a rediscovery, indicating that the Law was not newly written but had been forgotten. This finding underscores the theme of returning to God's covenant and the importance of Scripture in guiding the nation. in the house of the LORD The "house of the LORD" refers to Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem, the central place of worship for Israel. The temple's condition had deteriorated under previous kings, and Josiah's reforms aimed to restore it. The discovery of the Book of the Law within the temple signifies a return to true worship and the centrality of God's word in the life of the nation. It also highlights the temple as a place not only of sacrifice but of divine revelation. And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan The act of giving the book to Shaphan signifies the transfer of responsibility and the beginning of a chain of events leading to national reform. It reflects the collaborative effort between religious and secular authorities to bring about change. This handover emphasizes the importance of stewardship of God's word and the need for leaders to be guided by Scripture. who read it Reading the Book of the Law was a transformative act. In ancient Israel, reading was often done aloud, making it a communal experience. The Hebrew word for "read" (קָרָא, qara) also means to proclaim or call out, suggesting that Shaphan's reading was a public declaration. This act of reading initiates a revival, as the word of God convicts and inspires the people to return to covenant faithfulness. It underscores the power of Scripture to bring about personal and societal transformation. Persons / Places / Events 1. HilkiahThe high priest during the reign of King Josiah, responsible for the spiritual oversight of the temple and its activities. 2. ShaphanA scribe and royal secretary under King Josiah, tasked with administrative duties and communication between the king and the temple. 3. The Book of the LawLikely a scroll containing the Torah, possibly Deuteronomy, which had been lost or neglected in the temple. 4. The House of the LORDRefers to Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem, the central place of worship for the Israelites. 5. King JosiahThe king of Judah who initiated religious reforms and sought to restore the worship of Yahweh. Teaching Points The Importance of ScriptureThe rediscovery of the Book of the Law underscores the necessity of God's Word in guiding personal and communal life. Just as it was pivotal for Josiah's reforms, Scripture should be central in our lives today. Neglect and RediscoveryThe fact that the Book of the Law was lost in the temple serves as a warning against neglecting God's Word. We must regularly engage with Scripture to prevent spiritual drift. Role of LeadershipHilkiah and Shaphan's roles highlight the responsibility of spiritual and administrative leaders to prioritize and facilitate access to God's Word. Leaders today should ensure that Scripture is accessible and central in their communities. Personal and Communal RenewalThe reading of the Law led to significant religious reforms under Josiah. Similarly, personal and communal engagement with Scripture can lead to spiritual renewal and transformation. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the discovery of the Book of the Law in the temple suggest about the spiritual state of Judah before Josiah's reforms? 2. How can we ensure that God's Word remains central in our personal and communal lives today? 3. In what ways can spiritual leaders today emulate Hilkiah and Shaphan's commitment to rediscovering and sharing God's Word? 4. Reflect on a time when engaging with Scripture led to a significant change in your life. How did it impact your actions or beliefs? 5. How can the account of Josiah's reforms inspire us to pursue spiritual renewal in our own communities? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 31:24-26This passage describes Moses writing the Book of the Law and placing it beside the Ark of the Covenant, highlighting its importance and intended preservation. 2 Chronicles 34:14-15A parallel account of the discovery of the Book of the Law, providing additional context to the event. Psalm 119:105Emphasizes the significance of God's Word as a guiding light, relevant to the rediscovery of the Law. Nehemiah 8:1-3Describes a later public reading of the Law, showing the continued importance of Scripture in Israel's communal life. People Achbor, Adaiah, Ahikam, Asahiah, Asaiah, Azaliah, David, Harhas, Hilkiah, Huldah, Jedidah, Josiah, Meshullam, Micaiah, Michaiah, Shallum, Shaphan, TikvahPlaces Bozkath, Jerusalem, Second QuarterTopics Book, Chief, Delivered, Discovery, Giveth, Hilkiah, Hilki'ah, Hilkijah, Law, Priest, Readeth, Scribe, Secretary, Shaphan, TempleDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 22:8 1611 Scripture, inspiration and authority 5514 scribes 2 Kings 22:8-10 5393 literacy 2 Kings 22:8-13 4963 past, the 2 Kings 22:8-16 1640 Book of the Law Library The Rediscovered Law and Its Effects 'And Hilkiah the high priest said unto Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the Lord: and Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he read it. 9. And Shaphan the scribe came to the king, and brought the king word again, and said, Thy servants have gathered the money that was found in the house, and have delivered it into the hand of them that do the work, that have the oversight of the house of the Lord. 10. And Shaphan the scribe shewed the king, saying, Hilkiah the … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureJosiah, a Pattern for the Ignorant. "Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the Lord, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before Me; I also have heard thee, saith the Lord. Behold therefore, I will gather thee unto thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered into thy grave in peace; and thine eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring upon this place."--2 Kings … John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII A Traveler's Note-Book A tourist who roams for a brief while through some great country like England or Russia may jot down a few of the impressions which come home to him, making no pretense at completeness or symmetry of description. So, one who has journeyed like a hasty traveler over some passages in that vast tract of years which we describe as the classic and Christian civilizations, notes down in the following pages a few of the salient features that have impressed him. He has already prefaced this with a sort … George S. Merriam—The Chief End of Man Whether Determinate Things are Required for a Sacrament? Objection 1: It seems that determinate things are not required for a sacrament. For sensible things are required in sacraments for the purpose of signification, as stated above [4343](A[4]). But nothing hinders the same thing being signified by divers sensible things: thus in Holy Scripture God is signified metaphorically, sometimes by a stone (2 Kings 22:2; Zech. 3:9; 1 Cor. 10:4; Apoc. 4:3); sometimes by a lion (Is. 31:4; Apoc. 5:5); sometimes by the sun (Is. 60:19,20; Mal. 4:2), or by something … Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica The Instrumentality of the Wicked Employed by God, While He Continues Free from Every Taint. 1. The carnal mind the source of the objections which are raised against the Providence of God. A primary objection, making a distinction between the permission and the will of God, refuted. Angels and men, good and bad, do nought but what has been decreed by God. This proved by examples. 2. All hidden movements directed to their end by the unseen but righteous instigation of God. Examples, with answers to objections. 3. These objections originate in a spirit of pride and blasphemy. Objection, that … John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire THE FALL OF NINEVEH AND THE RISE OF THE CHALDAEAN AND MEDIAN EMPIRES--THE XXVIth EGYPTIAN DYNASTY: CYAXARES, ALYATTES, AND NEBUCHADREZZAR. The legendary history of the kings of Media and the first contact of the Medes with the Assyrians: the alleged Iranian migrations of the Avesta--Media-proper, its fauna and flora; Phraortes and the beginning of the Median empire--Persia proper and the Persians; conquest of Persia by the Medes--The last monuments of Assur-bani-pal: the library of Kouyunjik--Phraortes … G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8 The First Blast of the Trumpet The English Scholar's Library etc. No. 2. The First Blast of the Trumpet &c. 1558. The English Scholar's Library of Old and Modern Works. No. 2. The First Blast of the Trumpet &c. 1558. Edited by EDWARD ARBER, F.S.A., etc., LECTURER IN ENGLISH LITERATURE, ETC., UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, LONDON. SOUTHGATE, LONDON, N. 15 August 1878. No. 2. (All rights reserved.) CONTENTS. Bibliography vii-viii Introduction … John Knox—The First Blast of the Trumpet Why Should we not Believe These to be Angelic Operations through Dispensation of The... 16. Why should we not believe these to be angelic operations through dispensation of the providence of God, Who maketh good use of both good things and evil, according to the unsearchable depth of His judgments? whether thereby the minds of mortals be instructed, or whether deceived; whether consoled, or whether terrified: according as unto each one there is to be either a showing of mercy, or a taking of vengeance, by Him to Whom, not without a meaning, the Church doth sing "of mercy and of judgment." … St. Augustine—On Care to Be Had for the Dead. The Credibility of Scripture Sufficiently Proved in So Far as Natural Reason Admits. 1. Secondary helps to establish the credibility of Scripture. I. The arrangement of the sacred volume. II. Its dignity. III. Its truth. IV. Its simplicity. V. Its efficacy. 2. The majesty conspicuous in the writings of the Prophets. 3. Special proofs from the Old Testament. I. The antiquity of the Books of Moses. 4. This antiquity contrasted with the dreams of the Egyptians. II. The majesty of the Books of Moses. 5. The miracles and prophecies of Moses. A profane objection refuted. 6. Another profane … John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion Authorship of the Pentateuch. The term Pentateuch is composed of the two Greek words, pente, five, and teuchos, which in later Alexandrine usage signified book. It denotes, therefore, the collection of five books; or, the five books of the law considered as a whole. 1. In our inquiries respecting the authorship of the Pentateuch, we begin with the undisputed fact that it existed in its present form in the days of Christ and his apostles, and had so existed from the time of Ezra. When the translators of the Greek version, … E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Synagogues: their Origin, Structure and Outward Arrangements It was a beautiful saying of Rabbi Jochanan (Jer. Ber. v. 1), that he who prays in his house surrounds and fortifies it, so to speak, with a wall of iron. Nevertheless, it seems immediately contradicted by what follows. For it is explained that this only holds good where a man is alone, but that where there is a community prayer should be offered in the synagogue. We can readily understand how, after the destruction of the Temple, and the cessation of its symbolical worship, the excessive value attached … Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life The Greater Prophets. 1. We have already seen (Chap. 15, Nos. 11 and 12) that from Moses to Samuel the appearances of prophets were infrequent; that with Samuel and the prophetical school established by him there began a new era, in which the prophets were recognized as a distinct order of men in the Theocracy; and that the age of written prophecy did not begin till about the reign of Uzziah, some three centuries after Samuel. The Jewish division of the latter prophets--prophets in the more restricted sense of the … E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Of the Power of Making Laws. The Cruelty of the Pope and his Adherents, in this Respect, in Tyrannically Oppressing and Destroying Souls. 1. The power of the Church in enacting laws. This made a source of human traditions. Impiety of these traditions. 2. Many of the Papistical traditions not only difficult, but impossible to be observed. 3. That the question may be more conveniently explained, nature of conscience must be defined. 4. Definition of conscience explained. Examples in illustration of the definition. 5. Paul's doctrine of submission to magistrates for conscience sake, gives no countenance to the Popish doctrine of the obligation … John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion Of the Effects of those Prerogatives. From these prerogatives there will arise to the elect in heaven, five notable effects:-- 1. They shall know God with a perfect knowledge (1 Cor. i. 10), so far as creatures can possibly comprehend the Creator. For there we shall see the Word, the Creator; and in the Word, all creatures that by the Word were created; so that we shall not need to learn (of the things which were made) the knowledge of him by whom all things were made. The most excellent creatures in this life, are but as a dark veil … Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Meditations for one that is Like to Die. If thy sickness be like to increase unto death, then meditate on three things:--First, How graciously God dealeth with thee. Secondly, From what evils death will free thee. Thirdly, What good death will bring unto thee. The first sort of Meditations are, to consider God's favourable dealing with thee. 1. Meditate that God uses this chastisement of thy body but as a medicine to cure thy soul, by drawing thee, who art sick in sin, to come by repentance unto Christ, thy physician, to have thy soul healed … Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Kings The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), … John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Kings 22:8 NIV2 Kings 22:8 NLT2 Kings 22:8 ESV2 Kings 22:8 NASB2 Kings 22:8 KJV
2 Kings 22:8 Commentaries
Bible Hub |