2 Kings 22:10
Moreover, Shaphan the scribe told the king, "Hilkiah the priest has given me a book." And Shaphan read it in the presence of the king.
Moreover, Shaphan the scribe
Shaphan, whose name means "rock badger" in Hebrew, was a scribe, a position of significant responsibility and influence in the royal court. Scribes were not merely copyists but were often involved in administrative duties and served as advisors. Shaphan's role here underscores the importance of literacy and record-keeping in ancient Judah, reflecting a society that valued the written word as a means of preserving divine law and history.

told the king
The act of telling the king signifies the communication of important information. In the context of ancient monarchies, the king was the central figure of authority, and bringing news to him was a matter of great significance. This phrase highlights the chain of communication and the respect for hierarchical structures in the governance of Judah.

Hilkiah the priest
Hilkiah, whose name means "my portion is Yahweh," was the high priest during King Josiah's reign. His role in discovering the book of the Law is pivotal, as priests were custodians of religious texts and traditions. This highlights the priestly duty to safeguard and interpret the sacred scriptures, ensuring that the spiritual heritage of Israel was maintained.

has given me a book
The "book" referred to here is widely believed to be a scroll of the Law, possibly Deuteronomy or a portion of the Torah. The discovery of this book during temple renovations was a momentous event, as it led to significant religious reforms under King Josiah. This phrase emphasizes the transformative power of God's Word when it is rediscovered and applied to life.

And Shaphan read it
Reading the book aloud was a common practice in ancient times, especially in a culture where oral tradition was prevalent. This public reading signifies the transparency and communal aspect of receiving God's Word. It also underscores the importance of literacy and the role of scribes in making the scriptures accessible to the people.

in the presence of the king
The presence of the king indicates the importance of the event. King Josiah's reaction to the reading of the Law was one of repentance and reform, demonstrating the impact of God's Word on a receptive heart. This phrase highlights the accountability of leaders to divine standards and the potential for national transformation when leaders align with God's will.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Shaphan the Scribe
A royal secretary or scribe who served King Josiah. He played a crucial role in communicating the discovery of the Book of the Law to the king.

2. King Josiah
The king of Judah who reigned during a time of significant religious reform. He was known for his dedication to restoring the worship of Yahweh.

3. Hilkiah the Priest
The high priest who discovered the Book of the Law in the temple. His discovery was pivotal in the religious reforms initiated by Josiah.

4. The Book of the Law
Likely a portion of the Torah, possibly Deuteronomy, which was found during temple repairs. Its discovery led to a national religious revival.

5. The Temple in Jerusalem
The central place of worship for the Israelites, where the Book of the Law was found during renovations.
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. Believers are encouraged to regularly engage with the Bible to align their lives with God's will.

Leadership and Accountability
Josiah's response to the reading of the Book of the Law demonstrates the responsibility of leaders to uphold and implement God's commandments. Christian leaders today are called to lead with integrity and faithfulness to Scripture.

Revival through Repentance
The reading of the Book led to national repentance and reform. Personal and communal revival often begins with a return to God's word and a sincere commitment to repentance.

The Role of the Community in Spiritual Renewal
The involvement of Shaphan, Hilkiah, and Josiah highlights the collaborative effort required for spiritual renewal. The church community plays a vital role in encouraging and supporting each other in faith.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the discovery of the Book of the Law in 2 Kings 22:10 challenge us to prioritize Scripture in our daily lives?

2. In what ways can Christian leaders today emulate King Josiah's response to God's word?

3. How can the church community work together to foster spiritual renewal and revival, as seen in the events of 2 Kings 22?

4. Reflect on a time when engaging with Scripture led to a significant change in your life. How does this relate to the impact of the Book of the Law on Josiah and Judah?

5. Considering the role of Shaphan and Hilkiah, how can we support and encourage those who are tasked with teaching and preserving God's word in our communities?
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 law in 2 Kings 22.

2 Chronicles 34:14-19
A parallel account of the discovery of the Book of the Law, providing additional details about the event and its impact on Josiah's reforms.

Psalm 119:105
Highlights the importance of God's word as a guiding light, which resonates with the rediscovery and reading of the Book of the Law.
A Monarch of Rare Virtue, and a God of Retributive JusticeDavid Thomas, D. D.2 Kings 22:1-20
A Monarch of Rare Virtue, and a God of Retributive JusticeD. Thomas 2 Kings 22:1-20
Josiah and the Book of the LawMonday Club Sermons2 Kings 22:1-20
Josiah's ReformationAlex. Whyte, D. D.2 Kings 22:1-20
The Finding of the Law-BookJ. Orr 2 Kings 22:8-20
People
Achbor, Adaiah, Ahikam, Asahiah, Asaiah, Azaliah, David, Harhas, Hilkiah, Huldah, Jedidah, Josiah, Meshullam, Micaiah, Michaiah, Shallum, Shaphan, Tikvah
Places
Bozkath, Jerusalem, Second Quarter
Topics
Book, Declareth, Delivered, Hilkiah, Hilki'ah, Hilkijah, Informed, Moreover, Presence, Priest, Readeth, Reading, Saying, Scribe, Secretary, Shaphan, Showed
Dictionary of Bible Themes
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 Scripture

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

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

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