◄ 2 Kings 22 ►
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Summary Huldah’s Prophecy The chapter ends on a note of profound humility and faith. King Josiah, upon discovering the truth of his people's past and the looming judgment, does not react with denial or defiance but with repentance and a desire to reform. His actions remind us that humility before God and a willingness to change one's ways can mitigate even the most dire of consequences. Verses 1-2: The Reign of Josiah Josiah, who ascends the throne at the tender age of eight, reigns in Jerusalem for 31 years. His reign is marked by righteousness, following in the ways of his ancestor David, unlike his father and grandfather. Verses 3-7: The Temple Repairs In Josiah's 18th year as king, he commissions Hilkiah the high priest to use the money collected from the people to repair the temple. The laborers are trusted to use the funds honestly, with no need for accounting. Verses 8-10: Discovery of the Book of the Law While the temple is being repaired, Hilkiah the high priest discovers the Book of the Law and hands it to Shaphan the secretary. Shaphan later reads it to King Josiah. Verses 11-13: Josiah's Response Upon hearing the words of the Book of the Law, King Josiah tears his clothes in distress, realizing that their forefathers had not obeyed the words of the book. He orders Hilkiah and his attendants to inquire of the Lord about the book's prophecies. Verses 14-20: The Prophecy of Huldah Hilkiah and the attendants go to the prophetess Huldah. She confirms the impending judgment on Jerusalem as written in the book but assures Josiah that he will die peacefully before the disaster because his heart was responsive and humble. 2 Kings 22 unfolds the story of King Josiah, a young and righteous king who seeks to repair the temple and inadvertently unearths the Book of the Law. This discovery triggers a religious reformation in Judah, informed by the words of the prophetess Huldah. Teaching Points Josiah's Early Reign Josiah became king at a young age, and he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD and walked in all the ways of his father David, not turning aside to the right or to the left (2 Kings 22:2). His commitment to righteousness set the stage for national reform. Discovery of the Book of the Law During temple repairs, Hilkiah the high priest found the Book of the Law. Shaphan the scribe read it to King Josiah, which led to a profound response. When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes (2 Kings 22:11), signifying his deep conviction and repentance. Seeking God's Guidance Josiah sent a delegation to inquire of the LORD through the prophetess Huldah. Her message confirmed the impending judgment due to the nation's disobedience but also acknowledged Josiah's humility and repentance (2 Kings 22:15-20). Leadership and Reform Josiah's leadership was marked by decisive action. He initiated religious reforms, purging idolatry and restoring the covenant with God. His actions demonstrate the influence of godly leadership in turning a nation back to God. Practical Applications Value of God's Word Just as the discovery of the Book of the Law transformed Josiah's reign, we should prioritize reading and applying Scripture in our lives. It has the power to convict, guide, and transform us. Repentance and Humility Josiah's response to God's Word was one of humility and repentance. We should cultivate a heart that is quick to repent and align with God's will. Influence of Leadership Whether in our families, workplaces, or communities, we can lead by example, promoting righteousness and encouraging others to follow God. Seeking Godly Counsel Josiah sought guidance from the prophetess Huldah. We should seek wise, godly counsel when making decisions, especially those with spiritual implications. People 1. Josiah Josiah is the central figure in 2 Kings 22, described as the king of Judah who began his reign at eight years old and reigned for thirty-one years in Jerusalem. He is noted for doing what was right in the eyes of the LORD, following the ways of his ancestor David (2 Kings 22:1-2). The Hebrew root for his name, יֹאשִׁיָּהוּ (Yoshiyahu), means "Yahweh supports" or "Yahweh heals." 2. Amon Amon is mentioned as the father of Josiah and the previous king of Judah. He is noted for his evil reign, which led to his assassination (2 Kings 22:1). His name in Hebrew, אָמוֹן (Amon), is associated with the Egyptian god Amun, but in the context of Hebrew, it can mean "faithful" or "trustworthy." 3. Jedidah Jedidah is identified as the mother of Josiah, the daughter of Adaiah from Bozkath (2 Kings 22:1). Her name in Hebrew, יְדִידָה (Yedidah), means "beloved." 4. Hilkiah Hilkiah is the high priest who finds the Book of the Law in the house of the LORD during the temple repairs (2 Kings 22:4, 8). His name in Hebrew, חִלְקִיָּהוּ (Chilqiyahu), means "my portion is Yahweh." 5. Shaphan Shaphan is the scribe who reads the Book of the Law to King Josiah after it is found by Hilkiah (2 Kings 22:3, 8-10). His name in Hebrew, שָׁפָן (Shaphan), means "rock badger" or "coney." 6. Ahikam Ahikam is the son of Shaphan, mentioned as one of the king's officials sent to inquire of the LORD (2 Kings 22:12). His name in Hebrew, אֲחִיקָם (Achikam), means "my brother has risen." 7. Achbor Achbor is another official sent by Josiah to inquire of the LORD. He is the son of Micaiah (2 Kings 22:12). His name in Hebrew, עַכְבּוֹר (Achbor), means "mouse." 8. Shaphan Shaphan is the scribe who reads the Book of the Law to King Josiah after it is found by Hilkiah (2 Kings 22:3, 8-10). His name in Hebrew, שָׁפָן (Shaphan), means "rock badger" or "coney." 9. Asaiah Asaiah is a servant of the king, also sent to inquire of the LORD (2 Kings 22:12). His name in Hebrew, עֲשָׂיָה (Asayah), means "Yahweh has made." 10. Huldah Huldah is the prophetess consulted by Josiah's officials regarding the Book of the Law. She is the wife of Shallum, the keeper of the wardrobe (2 Kings 22:14). Her name in Hebrew, חֻלְדָּה (Chuldah), means "weasel" or "mole." 11. Shallum Shallum is the husband of Huldah, described as the keeper of the wardrobe (2 Kings 22:14). His name in Hebrew, שַׁלּוּם (Shallum), means "retribution" or "recompense." Places 1. Jerusalem Jerusalem is the central location in 2 Kings 22, where King Josiah reigns. It is the capital city of Judah and the spiritual center for the Israelites. The Hebrew root for Jerusalem is "יְרוּשָׁלַיִם" (Yerushalayim), which is often associated with peace and completeness. 2. The House of the LORD (Temple) Referred to as "the house of the LORD" in the text, this is the Temple in Jerusalem where the Book of the Law is found during renovations. The Hebrew term for the Temple is "בֵּית יְהוָה" (Beit Yahweh), indicating it as the dwelling place of God. 3. Huldah's House in the Second District Huldah the prophetess is consulted regarding the Book of the Law, and she resides in Jerusalem's "Second District." The Hebrew term for district is "מִשְׁנֶה" (Mishneh), suggesting a secondary or additional part of the city. Events 1. Josiah Becomes King Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem for thirty-one years. His mother’s name was Jedidah, the daughter of Adaiah from Bozkath (2 Kings 22:1). 2. Josiah's Righteous Reign Josiah did what was right in the eyes of the LORD and walked in all the ways of his ancestor David, not turning aside to the right or to the left (2 Kings 22:2). The Hebrew root for "right" (יָשָׁר, yashar) implies uprightness and integrity. 3. The Temple Repair In the eighteenth year of his reign, King Josiah sent Shaphan the scribe to the house of the LORD, instructing him to oversee the repair of the temple. Josiah commanded that the money collected from the people be used to pay the workers and purchase materials for the repairs (2 Kings 22:3-7). 4. Discovery of the Book of the Law During the temple repairs, Hilkiah the high priest found the Book of the Law in the house of the LORD. He gave it to Shaphan, who read it (2 Kings 22:8). The term "Book of the Law" (סֵפֶר הַתּוֹרָה, sefer ha-torah) refers to the scroll containing God's commandments. 5. Shaphan Reports to Josiah Shaphan the scribe reported to King Josiah about the progress of the temple repairs and read the Book of the Law to him (2 Kings 22:9-10). 6. Josiah's Reaction Upon hearing the words of the Book of the Law, Josiah tore his clothes, a sign of mourning and repentance, recognizing the nation's disobedience to God's commands (2 Kings 22:11). 7. Consultation with Huldah the Prophetess Josiah sent a delegation, including Hilkiah the priest and Shaphan the scribe, to consult Huldah the prophetess regarding the words of the Book of the Law (2 Kings 22:12-14). 8. Huldah's Prophecy Huldah prophesied that disaster would come upon Jerusalem and its inhabitants because they had forsaken the LORD and worshiped other gods. However, because Josiah's heart was responsive and he humbled himself before the LORD, he would be gathered to his ancestors in peace, and his eyes would not see the disaster (2 Kings 22:15-20). The Hebrew root for "humble" (כָּנַע, kana) indicates submission and humility before God. Connections to Additional Scriptures Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. This verse underscores the guiding power of Scripture, as seen in Josiah's life. James 1:22 Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. Josiah exemplified this by acting on the Word of God. Proverbs 11:14 Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety. Josiah's consultation with Huldah reflects the wisdom of seeking counsel. Prayer Points Pray for a Heart for God's Word Ask God to give us a deep love and respect for His Word, that it may guide our lives as it did for Josiah. Pray for Repentance and Renewal Seek God's help in identifying areas of our lives that need repentance and renewal, just as Josiah led Judah in reform. Pray for Godly Leadership Pray for leaders in our churches, communities, and nations to be guided by righteousness and the fear of the Lord. Pray for Wisdom and Counsel Ask God to provide us with wise counsel and discernment in our decisions, following the example of Josiah's inquiry of the Lord. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Josiah's response to the Book of the Law reflect his character and his relationship with God? 2. Why is the discovery of the Book of the Law in the temple significant? 3. What role does Huldah play in this chapter? How does her prophecy affect the king? 4. Discuss the theme of repentance as reflected in King Josiah's actions. 5. How does this chapter demonstrate the effects of leadership on the spiritual state of a nation? 6. How can we apply the lessons of King Josiah's humility and repentance in our lives today? 7. How does Josiah's trust in the laborers during the temple repair reflect his leadership style? 8. Compare and contrast the reign of Josiah with his predecessors. What made him different? 9. How does the prophecy of Huldah about the impending disaster impact your understanding of divine justice? 10. Why do you think God decided to spare Josiah from the disaster? 11. How might the story have unfolded if the Book of the Law hadn't been found? 12. Discuss the relationship between obedience to God's laws and peace and prosperity in a nation. 13. In what ways does Josiah model the importance of seeking God's will when confronted with difficult truths? 14. How would you respond if you discovered your lifestyle was contrary to God's will, as Josiah did? 15. How can you apply the principles of repentance and reformation seen in Josiah's actions to modern societal problems? 16. In what ways do the responsibilities of leaders in biblical times parallel the responsibilities of leaders today? 17. How does Huldah's prophecy fit into the larger narrative of God's plan for His people? 18. Can you think of a time when you had to confront a difficult truth, like Josiah? How did you respond, and what did you learn? 19. How does this chapter show the importance of scripture in guiding religious and moral behavior? 20. How can we discern and respond to God's will in our lives today, as King Josiah did? Topics 1. Josiah's Reign Begins Josiah becomes king of Judah at the age of eight and reigns for thirty-one years in Jerusalem. His mother is named Jedidah, the daughter of Adaiah from Bozkath. Josiah is noted for doing what is right in the eyes of the LORD, following the ways of his ancestor David without turning aside. This reflects the Hebrew root "יָשַׁר" (yashar), meaning to be straight or right, indicating Josiah's righteous path. 2. The Temple Repairs In the eighteenth year of his reign, King Josiah commissions the repair of the Temple of the LORD. He instructs Shaphan the scribe, along with other officials, to oversee the collection of funds from the people and ensure the money is used to pay the workers restoring the Temple. This action underscores the importance of maintaining the sanctity and function of the Temple as a place of worship. 3. Discovery of the Book of the Law During the Temple repairs, Hilkiah the high priest finds the Book of the Law. He gives it to Shaphan, who reads it and then reports to King Josiah. The discovery of the Book of the Law, likely a portion of Deuteronomy, highlights the Hebrew term "סֵפֶר" (sefer), meaning book or scroll, emphasizing the significance of written Scripture in guiding the people. 4. Josiah's Response to the Law Upon hearing the words of the Book of the Law, Josiah tears his clothes in distress, recognizing the nation's failure to adhere to the covenant with God. This act of tearing garments is a traditional expression of mourning and repentance, reflecting the Hebrew root "קָרַע" (qara), meaning to tear or rend. 5. Consultation with Huldah the Prophetess Josiah sends a delegation to consult Huldah the prophetess regarding the words of the Book. Huldah delivers a message from the LORD, confirming the impending disaster due to the people's disobedience but also acknowledging Josiah's humility and repentance. This consultation underscores the role of prophets in conveying God's will and the Hebrew root "נָבִיא" (navi), meaning prophet. 6. God's Promise to Josiah Huldah prophesies that because Josiah's heart was responsive and he humbled himself before the LORD, he will be gathered to his ancestors in peace, and his eyes will not see the disaster that will befall the nation. This promise highlights the Hebrew root "שָׁלוֹם" (shalom), meaning peace or completeness, indicating God's mercy towards Josiah. Themes 1. Righteous Leadership Josiah's reign is marked by righteousness and a return to the ways of the Lord. "Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years. His mother’s name was Jedidah daughter of Adaiah; she was from Bozkath. And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD and walked in all the ways of his father David, not turning aside to the right or to the left." (2 Kings 22:1-2). The Hebrew root for "right" (יָשָׁר, yashar) implies uprightness and integrity. 2. Restoration of the Temple Josiah initiates repairs to the temple, emphasizing the importance of worship and the house of God. "Go up to Hilkiah the high priest and have him count the money that has been brought into the house of the LORD, which the doorkeepers have collected from the people." (2 Kings 22:4). The Hebrew word for "house" (בַּיִת, bayit) signifies not just a physical structure but a place of divine presence. 3. Discovery of the Book of the Law The finding of the Book of the Law highlights the theme of rediscovering God's Word. "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." (2 Kings 22:8). The Hebrew term for "law" (תּוֹרָה, torah) refers to instruction or teaching, underscoring the importance of divine guidance. 4. Repentance and Humility Josiah's response to the reading of the Law demonstrates repentance and humility. "When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes." (2 Kings 22:11). The act of tearing clothes is a traditional Hebrew expression of mourning and repentance. 5. Seeking Divine Guidance Josiah seeks the Lord's guidance through the prophetess Huldah, showing the importance of seeking God's will. "Go and inquire of the LORD for me and for the people and for all Judah about the words of this book that has been found." (2 Kings 22:13). The Hebrew root for "inquire" (דָּרַשׁ, darash) implies a diligent search or seeking. 6. Judgment and Mercy The prophecy delivered by Huldah reveals both impending judgment and mercy. "Because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before the LORD when you heard what I spoke against this place and its people... I have heard you, declares the LORD." (2 Kings 22:19). The Hebrew word for "tender" (רַךְ, rakh) suggests a softness or sensitivity to God's voice. Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions