2 Chronicles 34:24
that this is what the LORD says: I am about to bring calamity on this place and on its people, according to all the curses written in the book that has been read in the presence of the king of Judah,
This is what the LORD says
This phrase introduces a divine oracle, emphasizing the authority and sovereignty of God. In Hebrew, "LORD" is "YHWH," the sacred name of God, signifying His eternal presence and covenantal faithfulness. This introduction underscores that the message is not from a human source but from God Himself, demanding attention and reverence.

I am about to bring disaster
The Hebrew word for "disaster" is "רָעָה" (ra'ah), which can mean evil, calamity, or misfortune. This indicates a divine judgment, a consequence of the people's disobedience. Historically, this reflects the period of Judah's spiritual decline, where idolatry and neglect of the covenant led to impending judgment. It serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of sin and the righteousness of God's justice.

on this place and its people
"This place" refers to Jerusalem and the kingdom of Judah. The specificity highlights the direct impact of the judgment on the land and its inhabitants. Archaeologically, this period aligns with the late 7th century BC, a time of political instability and spiritual apostasy in Judah. The phrase emphasizes the collective responsibility and consequence of national sin.

all the curses written in the book
This refers to the curses outlined in the Law of Moses, particularly in Deuteronomy 28-29. The "book" is likely the Book of the Law found during the temple renovation under King Josiah. The rediscovery of the Law brought awareness of the covenantal stipulations and the severe consequences of disobedience. It highlights the importance of Scripture in guiding and warning God's people.

that has been read in the presence of the king of Judah
King Josiah's response to the reading of the Law was one of repentance and reform. This phrase underscores the role of leadership in spiritual renewal and accountability. Josiah's humility and responsiveness to God's Word contrast with the nation's previous neglect, illustrating the potential for transformation when leaders heed divine instruction.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD
The sovereign God of Israel, who communicates His will and judgment through prophets.

2. King Josiah
The king of Judah who initiated religious reforms and sought to restore the worship of Yahweh.

3. Huldah the Prophetess
The prophetess who delivered God's message of impending judgment to King Josiah.

4. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, facing divine judgment due to its disobedience and idolatry.

5. The Book of the Law
The rediscovered scroll, likely Deuteronomy, which contained the covenantal curses for disobedience.
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. Regular engagement with the Bible is crucial for understanding God's will.

The Consequences of Disobedience
God's pronouncement of disaster serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from His commandments. It calls believers to examine their lives for areas of disobedience.

The Role of Leadership in Spiritual Renewal
Josiah's response to the reading of the Law demonstrates the impact of godly leadership in initiating spiritual reform. Leaders are called to lead by example in returning to God's ways.

The Power of Repentance
Although judgment was pronounced, Josiah's humility and repentance delayed the disaster. This highlights the power of genuine repentance in altering the course of judgment.

The Faithfulness of God
Despite the impending judgment, God's faithfulness to His covenant is evident. He remains true to His word, both in blessing and in discipline.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the rediscovery of the Book of the Law in Josiah's time parallel the importance of Scripture in our lives today?

2. In what ways can we, like Josiah, lead others towards spiritual renewal and reform in our communities?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced the consequences of disobedience. How did it shape your understanding of God's justice and mercy?

4. How can we cultivate a heart of repentance in our daily walk with God, and what practical steps can we take to turn back to Him?

5. Considering the faithfulness of God in both blessing and discipline, how can we trust Him more fully in our current circumstances?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 28
This chapter outlines the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, which are referenced in the judgment pronounced in 2 Chronicles 34:24.

2 Kings 22
Provides a parallel account of King Josiah's reforms and the rediscovery of the Book of the Law.

Jeremiah 11
Jeremiah speaks of the covenant and the consequences of breaking it, echoing the themes of judgment found in 2 Chronicles 34.

Romans 3:23
Highlights the universality of sin, which underlies the need for repentance and reform as seen in Josiah's actions.
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
Behold, Book, Bring, Bringing, Curses, Disaster, Evil, Execrations, Inhabitants, Judah, Presence, Reading, Says, Thereof, Thus, Written
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Chronicles 34:15-24

     1640   Book of the Law

2 Chronicles 34:19-28

     8648   enquiring of God

2 Chronicles 34:19-33

     8466   reformation

2 Chronicles 34:22-25

     7773   prophets, role

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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