2 Chronicles 34:14
While they were bringing out the money that had been taken into the house of the LORD, Hilkiah the priest found the Book of the Law of the LORD written by Moses.
As they brought out the money
This phrase indicates a moment of transition and action. The Hebrew root for "brought out" is "yatsa," which often implies a purposeful action or movement. In the context of the temple, this action signifies a restoration process, as King Josiah was committed to repairing the temple. The money collected was likely from the people, reflecting their dedication and support for the temple's restoration. This act of bringing out the money symbolizes a return to prioritizing God's house and His worship, a theme that resonates with the call for believers to invest in their spiritual lives and communities.

that had been brought into the house of the LORD
The "house of the LORD" refers to the temple in Jerusalem, a central place of worship and the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. The Hebrew term "bayith" for "house" underscores the temple's role as a familial and communal space, where Israel gathered to meet with God. Historically, the temple had suffered neglect and idolatry under previous kings, but Josiah's reforms aimed to restore its sanctity. This phrase reminds us of the importance of maintaining the purity and purpose of our places of worship, ensuring they remain dedicated to God's glory.

Hilkiah the priest
Hilkiah, whose name means "my portion is Yahweh," was the high priest during King Josiah's reign. His role was crucial in the spiritual leadership of Israel. As a priest, Hilkiah was responsible for the temple's operations and the spiritual well-being of the nation. His discovery of the Book of the Law highlights the priestly duty to preserve and teach God's Word. This moment serves as a reminder of the importance of godly leadership and the responsibility of spiritual leaders to guide their communities back to Scripture.

found the Book of the Law of the LORD
The discovery of the "Book of the Law" is a pivotal moment in Israel's history. The Hebrew word for "found" is "matsa," which implies an unexpected discovery. This book, likely a portion of Deuteronomy or the Pentateuch, had been lost or neglected during the reigns of previous kings. Its rediscovery signifies a divine intervention and a call to return to God's covenant. The "Book of the Law" represents God's revealed will and instructions for His people, emphasizing the necessity of Scripture in guiding faith and practice.

written by Moses
This phrase affirms the Mosaic authorship of the Law, underscoring its divine authority and historical authenticity. Moses, as God's chosen leader and prophet, received the Law directly from God on Mount Sinai. The Hebrew term "kathab" for "written" indicates a formal and enduring record. This acknowledgment of Mosaic authorship reinforces the continuity of God's revelation from the time of the Exodus to Josiah's reforms. It serves as a reminder of the enduring relevance and authority of God's Word, calling believers to uphold and adhere to its teachings throughout generations.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Hilkiah the Priest
A high priest during the reign of King Josiah, responsible for the spiritual oversight of the temple and its activities. His discovery of the Book of the Law was pivotal in the religious reforms of Judah.

2. The House of the LORD
Refers to the temple in Jerusalem, the central place of worship for the Israelites, where the Book of the Law was found during renovations.

3. The Book of the Law
Likely a scroll containing the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, traditionally attributed to Moses. Its rediscovery was crucial for the religious revival under King Josiah.

4. King Josiah
The king of Judah who initiated significant religious reforms, including the restoration of the temple and the reestablishment of covenantal worship practices.

5. The Scribes and Workers
Those involved in the temple renovations, highlighting the communal effort in restoring the worship of Yahweh.
Teaching Points
The Importance of God's Word
The rediscovery of the Book of the Law underscores the necessity of Scripture in guiding personal and communal life. It serves as a reminder to prioritize regular engagement with the Bible.

Spiritual Renewal and Reform
Josiah's response to the Book of the Law illustrates the transformative power of God's Word. It calls believers to examine their lives and align their actions with biblical teachings.

Leadership and Responsibility
Hilkiah's role in finding the Book of the Law and Josiah's subsequent reforms highlight the responsibility of leaders to seek and uphold God's truth, influencing others towards righteousness.

The Role of the Community
The collective effort in temple restoration and the communal response to the Book of the Law demonstrate the importance of community in spiritual growth and accountability.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the discovery of the Book of the Law in 2 Chronicles 34:14 challenge us to prioritize Scripture in our daily lives?

2. In what ways can we, like Josiah, respond to God's Word with a heart of repentance and a desire for reform?

3. What role does leadership play in guiding others towards spiritual renewal, as seen in the actions of Hilkiah and Josiah?

4. How can we foster a community that values and upholds the teachings of the Bible, similar to the communal efforts in temple restoration?

5. Reflect on a time when engaging with Scripture led to a significant change in your life. How can this experience encourage others in their faith journey?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 31:24-26
This passage describes Moses writing the Book of the Law and placing it beside the Ark of the Covenant, which connects to the rediscovery of the same book in 2 Chronicles 34:14.

2 Kings 22:8-13
Provides a parallel account of the discovery of the Book of the Law, emphasizing the impact it had on King Josiah and the nation of Judah.

Psalm 119:105
Highlights the importance of God's Word as a guiding light, which resonates with the rediscovery and subsequent reforms initiated by Josiah.
The Book of the LawT. Whitelaw 2 Chronicles 34:14-28
The Hidden TreasureW. Clarkson 2 Chronicles 34:14-28
Finding the Book of the LawB. Kent, M.A.2 Chronicles 34:14-33
Josiah and the Newly Found LawA. Maclaren, D.D.2 Chronicles 34:14-33
Restoring God's HouseSunday School Times2 Chronicles 34:14-33
The Book of the Law FoundG. E. Horr.2 Chronicles 34:14-33
The Book of the Law FoundJ. E. Jacklin.2 Chronicles 34:14-33
The Loss of the ScripturesA. Phelps.2 Chronicles 34:14-33
The Scriptures Found and SearchedMonday Club Sermons2 Chronicles 34:14-33
People
Abdon, Ahikam, Asaiah, Azaliah, Benjamin, David, Hasrah, Hilkiah, Huldah, Israelites, Jahath, Joah, Joahaz, Job, Josiah, Kohath, Kohathites, Levites, Maaseiah, Manasseh, Merari, Meshullam, Micah, Naphtali, Obadiah, Shallum, Shaphan, Simeon, Tikvath, Zechariah
Places
Jerusalem, Second Quarter
Topics
Across, Book, Bringing, Hilkiah, Hilki'ah, Hilkijah, Law, Lord's, Money, Mouth, Priest, Taking, Temple
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Chronicles 34:14

     1611   Scripture, inspiration and authority

Library
Josiah
'Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem one and thirty years. 2. And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the ways of David his father, and declined neither to the right hand, nor to the left. 3. For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet young, he began to seek after the God of David his father: and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem from the high places, and the groves, and the carved images,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Josiah and the Newly Found Law
'And when they brought out the money that was brought into the house of the Lord, Hilkiah the priest found a book of the law of the Lord given by Moses. 15. And Hilkiah answered and said to Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the Lord. And Hilkiah delivered the book to Shaphan. 16 And Shaphan carried the book to the king, and brought the king word back again, saying, All that was committed to thy servants, they do it. 17. And they have gathered together the money
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The History Books
[Illustration: (drop cap T) Assyrian idol-god] Thus little by little the Book of God grew, and the people He had chosen to be its guardians took their place among the nations. A small place it was from one point of view! A narrow strip of land, but unique in its position as one of the highways of the world, on which a few tribes were banded together. All around great empires watched them with eager eyes; the powerful kings of Assyria, Egypt, and Babylonia, the learned Greeks, and, in later times,
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making

Josiah, 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

Covenanting Performed in Former Ages with Approbation from Above.
That the Lord gave special token of his approbation of the exercise of Covenanting, it belongs to this place to show. His approval of the duty was seen when he unfolded the promises of the Everlasting Covenant to his people, while they endeavoured to perform it; and his approval thereof is continually seen in his fulfilment to them of these promises. The special manifestations of his regard, made to them while attending to the service before him, belonged to one or other, or both, of those exhibitions
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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