Then the king summoned all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem. Then the kingThis phrase refers to King Josiah, one of the most notable kings of Judah, known for his religious reforms and dedication to the worship of Yahweh. The Hebrew word for "king" is "melek," which signifies a ruler or sovereign. Josiah's reign is marked by a return to the covenantal faithfulness that God desired from His people. His actions are a direct response to the discovery of the Book of the Law in the temple, which had been neglected for generations. Josiah's leadership is a reminder of the impact a godly leader can have on a nation, steering it back to righteousness. summoned
The Hebrew root for "summoned" is "qara," which means to call out, proclaim, or invite. This action by Josiah is not merely a political move but a spiritual one, as he seeks to gather the leaders of the nation to hear and respond to the Word of God. It reflects the urgency and importance of the message he is about to deliver, emphasizing the need for collective repentance and renewal. all the elders
The term "elders" in Hebrew is "zaqen," referring to the leaders or senior figures within the community. These individuals held positions of authority and respect, often involved in decision-making and governance. By summoning all the elders, Josiah ensures that the message of reform and covenant renewal reaches the entire nation, starting with its leaders. This highlights the biblical principle that leadership carries the responsibility of guiding others in faithfulness to God. of Judah and Jerusalem
Judah and Jerusalem represent the southern kingdom and its capital, the heart of the Jewish nation. Historically, Jerusalem was the center of religious life, housing the temple where God's presence dwelt. By addressing both Judah and Jerusalem, Josiah acknowledges the need for widespread reform across the entire kingdom. This phrase underscores the unity and collective responsibility of God's people to return to Him, regardless of their specific location within the kingdom. Persons / Places / Events 1. The KingRefers to King Josiah, the ruler of Judah, known for his religious reforms and dedication to restoring the worship of Yahweh. 2. Elders of Judah and JerusalemThese are the leaders and representatives of the people, including tribal leaders, priests, and other influential figures in society. 3. JudahThe southern kingdom of the Israelites, consisting of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, with Jerusalem as its capital. 4. JerusalemThe central city of worship and political power in Judah, home to the Temple built by Solomon. 5. SummoningThis event marks the beginning of a significant religious reform led by King Josiah, emphasizing the importance of communal repentance and renewal. Teaching Points The Importance of Leadership in Spiritual RenewalLeaders play a crucial role in guiding and influencing the spiritual direction of a community. Josiah's initiative to gather the elders demonstrates the impact of godly leadership. The Role of Community in Spiritual GrowthSpiritual renewal often begins with a collective effort. The gathering of the elders signifies the importance of community involvement in seeking God and implementing His commands. Returning to God's WordJosiah's reforms were rooted in a return to the Scriptures. This highlights the necessity of grounding our lives and communities in the truth of God's Word for genuine transformation. Repentance and ReformTrue repentance involves both a change of heart and a change of action. Josiah's actions remind us that turning back to God requires both personal and communal commitment to His ways. The Legacy of Faithful ObedienceJosiah's reforms left a lasting impact on Judah. Our obedience to God can influence future generations, encouraging them to walk in His ways. Bible Study Questions 1. How does King Josiah's leadership in 2 Kings 23:1 inspire you to take initiative in your own spiritual community? 2. In what ways can you contribute to a communal return to God's Word in your church or small group? 3. Reflect on a time when you experienced spiritual renewal. What role did community play in that process? 4. How can the example of Josiah's reforms encourage you to pursue personal and communal repentance today? 5. Consider the legacy you are leaving for future generations. How can you ensure it is one of faithful obedience to God? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Chronicles 34This chapter provides a parallel account of Josiah's reforms, offering additional details about his efforts to restore true worship in Judah. Deuteronomy 31Moses' instructions to read the Law to all Israel every seven years during the Feast of Tabernacles, highlighting the importance of communal engagement with God's Word. Nehemiah 8Ezra's public reading of the Law to the returned exiles, demonstrating the power of God's Word to bring about revival and reform. Acts 2The gathering of believers at Pentecost, illustrating the transformative power of communal worship and the Holy Spirit's work in uniting God's people. People Ahaz, Ammonites, Ashtoreth, Ben, Chemosh, Eliakim, Hamutal, Hilkiah, Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jeremiah, Jeroboam, Joshua, Josiah, Manasseh, Melech, Milcom, Moabites, Molech, Nathan, Nathanmelech, Nebat, Pedaiah, Pharaoh, Pharaohnechoh, Sidonians, Sodomites, Solomon, Zebudah, ZidoniansPlaces Assyria, Beersheba, Bethel, Egypt, Euphrates River, Geba, Hamath, Jerusalem, Kidron, Libnah, Megiddo, Moab, Riblah, Rumah, Samaria, Topheth, Valley of HinnomTopics Elders, Gather, Gathered, Got, Jerusalem, Judah, ResponsibleDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 23:1 7719 elders, as leaders 2 Kings 23:1-3 4963 past, the
8225 devotion 2 Kings 23:1-4 8151 revival, corporate 2 Kings 23:1-7 6735 repentance, examples 2 Kings 23:1-20 7241 Jerusalem, significance 2 Kings 23:1-24 8466 reformation 2 Kings 23:1-25 5345 influence
7245 Judah, kingdom of Library Reformation Lessons
Eversley. 1861. 2 Kings xxiii. 3, 4, 25, 26. "And the king stood by a pillar, and made a covenant before the Lord, to "walk after the Lord, and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all their heart and all their soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people stood to the covenant. And the king commanded Hilkiah the high priest, and the priests of the second order, and the keepers of the door, to bring forth out …
Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other SermonsWhether the Old Law was Suitably Given at the Time of Moses?
Objection 1: It would seem that the Old Law was not suitably given at the time of Moses. Because the Old Law disposed man for the salvation which was to come through Christ, as stated above ([2068]AA[2],3). But man needed this salutary remedy immediately after he had sinned. Therefore the Law should have been given immediately after sin. Objection 2: Further, the Old Law was given for the sanctification of those from whom Christ was to be born. Now the promise concerning the "seed, which is Christ" …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether Christ Should have Been Born in Bethlehem?
Objection 1: It would seem that Christ should not have been born in Bethlehem. For it is written (Is. 2:3): "The law shall come forth from Sion, and the Word of the Lord from Jerusalem." But Christ is truly the Word of God. Therefore He should have come into the world at Jerusalem. Objection 2: Further, it is said (Mat. 2:23) that it is written of Christ that "He shall be called a Nazarene"; which is taken from Is. 11:1: "A flower shall rise up out of his root"; for "Nazareth" is interpreted "a flower." …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether Prophets Always Know the Things which they Prophesy?
Objection 1: It would seem that the prophets always know the things which they prophesy. For, as Augustine says (Gen. ad lit. xii, 9), "those to whom signs were shown in spirit by means of the likenesses of bodily things, had not the gift of prophecy, unless the mind was brought into action, so that those signs were also understood by them." Now what is understood cannot be unknown. Therefore the prophet is not ignorant of what he prophesies. Objection 2: Further, the light of prophecy surpasses …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether the Prophecy which is Accompanied by Intellective and Imaginative vision is More Excellent than that which is Accompanied by Intellective vision Alone?
Objection 1: It would seem that the prophecy which has intellective and imaginative vision is more excellent than that which is accompanied by intellective vision alone. For Augustine says (Gen. ad lit. xii, 9): "He is less a prophet, who sees in spirit nothing but the signs representative of things, by means of the images of things corporeal: he is more a prophet, who is merely endowed with the understanding of these signs; but most of all is he a prophet, who excels in both ways," and this refers …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica The Fall of Solomon
'For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father. 5. For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. 6. And Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord, and went not fully after the Lord, as did David his father. 7. Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture 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 Entering the Covenant: with all the Heart
"And they entered into the covenant to seek the Lord God of their fathers with all their heart, and all their soul."--2 CHRON. xv. 12 (see xxxiv. 31, and 2 Kings xxiii. 3). "The Lord thy God will circumcise thine heart, to love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul."--DEUT. xxx. 6. "And I will give them an heart to know Me, that I am the Lord; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God: for they shall turn to Me with their whole heart."--JER. xxiv. 7 (see xxix. 13). …
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants How Shall one Make Use of Christ as the Life, when Wrestling with an Angry God Because of Sin?
That we may give some satisfaction to this question, we shall, 1. Shew what are the ingredients in this case, or what useth to concur in this distemper. 2. Shew some reasons why the Lord is pleased to dispense thus with his people. 3. Shew how Christ is life to the soul in this case. 4. Shew the believer's duty for a recovery; and, 5. Add a word or two of caution. As to the first, There may be those parts of, or ingredients in this distemper: 1. God presenting their sins unto their view, so as …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life The Sins of Communities Noted and Punished.
"Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation." This is predicated of the judgments of God on those who had shed the blood of his saints. The Savior declares that all the righteous blood which had been shed on the earth from that of Abel down to the gospel day, should come on that generation! But is not this unreasonable and contrary to the Scriptures? "Far be wickedness from God and iniquity from the Almighty. For the work of man shall be render unto him, and cause every …
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects The Whole Heart
LET me give the principal passages in which the words "the whole heart," "all the heart," are used. A careful study of them will show how wholehearted love and service is what God has always asked, because He can, in the very nature of things, ask nothing less. The prayerful and believing acceptance of the words will waken the assurance that such wholehearted love and service is exactly the blessing the New Covenant was meant to make possible. That assurance will prepare us for turning to the Omnipotence …
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants 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 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 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 23:1 NIV2 Kings 23:1 NLT2 Kings 23:1 ESV2 Kings 23:1 NASB2 Kings 23:1 KJV
2 Kings 23:1 Commentaries
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