◄ 2 Chronicles 34 ►
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Summary Josiah Renews the Covenant 2 Chronicles 34 stands as a testament to the transforming power of sincere repentance and wholehearted dedication to God. King Josiah's story inspires us to seek truth and uphold righteousness, reminding us that it is never too late to return to God and enact change within our communities. It encourages us to delve into the scriptures, respect the divine Law, and carry forward spiritual renewal. Josiah's Early Reign and Reforms (Verses 1-7) King Josiah becomes the ruler of Judah at the age of eight, and unlike his predecessors, he walks in the ways of his ancestor David, keeping to the principles of righteousness and godliness. He begins a campaign of spiritual reforms, tearing down idols and high places of worship, which had been used for worshipping pagan deities. The Temple Restoration (Verses 8-13) Josiah commissions Hilkiah, the High Priest, to use the money collected from the people of Judah and Jerusalem to repair the Temple. The High Priest oversees the work, employing skilled laborers who work diligently on the restoration. The Discovery of the Book of the Law (Verses 14-18) During the temple restoration, Hilkiah discovers the Book of the Law. This significant find is brought to Josiah's attention by Shaphan, the secretary. Shaphan reads it aloud to the king, revealing the forgotten commandments and statutes of the Lord. The Prophecy of Huldah (Verses 19-28) Upon hearing the words of the Law, Josiah tears his clothes in repentance, understanding that God's wrath would come upon the people because they had not been obedient to His Law. Huldah, the prophetess, confirms this, prophesying the impending judgment but reassuring Josiah that due to his humility and repentance, he would not witness the disaster. Josiah's Covenant and Further Reforms (Verses 29-33) Josiah renews the covenant with the Lord, promising to follow the commands of the Law with all his heart and soul. He initiates a series of reforms to remove all traces of idolatry, ensuring his people serve only the Lord. The people of Judah and Jerusalem pledge to follow the covenant. 2 Chronicles 34 recounts the reign of King Josiah, his zealous religious reforms, and the discovery of the Book of the Law. This chapter portrays Josiah as a committed servant of God who initiates significant spiritual revival and upholds the Mosaic Law. Teaching Points Josiah's Early Reign and Righteousness Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years. He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD and walked in the ways of his father David; he did not turn aside to the right or to the left. (2 Chronicles 34:1-2) Josiah's commitment to righteousness began at a young age, demonstrating that age is not a barrier to serving God faithfully. Seeking God and Purging Idolatry In the eighth year of his reign, while he was still young, Josiah began to seek the God of his father David. In the twelfth year, he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of the high places, Asherah poles, carved idols, and cast images. (2 Chronicles 34:3) Josiah's pursuit of God led to decisive action against idolatry, showing the importance of removing sin from our lives. Restoration of the Temple In the eighteenth year of Josiah’s reign, to purify the land and the temple, he sent Shaphan son of Azaliah, Maaseiah the governor of the city, and Joah son of Joahaz the recorder to repair the house of the LORD his God. (2 Chronicles 34:8) The restoration of the temple signifies the need to prioritize worship and the presence of God in our lives. Discovery of the Book of the Law Hilkiah the priest found the Book of the Law of the LORD written by Moses. (2 Chronicles 34:14) The rediscovery of God's Word was pivotal in bringing about spiritual renewal and reform. Josiah's Humble Response When the king heard the words of the Law, he tore his clothes. (2 Chronicles 34:19) Josiah's humility and repentance upon hearing God's Word highlight the importance of a contrite heart. Practical Applications Seek God Early and Consistently Like Josiah, we should seek God earnestly, regardless of our age or stage in life. Remove Idols from Our Lives Identify and eliminate anything that takes precedence over God in our hearts. Prioritize Worship and God's Presence Make regular worship and time in God's presence a central part of our lives. Engage with Scripture Regularly read and study the Bible to understand God's will and direction for our lives. Respond with Humility and Repentance Be open to correction and willing to change when confronted with God's truth. People 1. Josiah Josiah was the king of Judah who began his reign at the age of eight and reigned for thirty-one years in Jerusalem. He is noted for his righteous actions and dedication to following the ways of David, his forefather. Josiah initiated significant religious reforms, including the repair of the temple and the removal of idolatry from the land. His name in Hebrew, יֹאשִׁיָּהוּ (Yoshiyahu), means "Yahweh supports." 2. Hilkiah Hilkiah was the high priest during the reign of Josiah. He discovered the Book of the Law in the house of the LORD, which played a crucial role in the religious reforms initiated by Josiah. His name in Hebrew, חִלְקִיָּהוּ (Chilqiyahu), means "my portion is Yahweh." 3. Shaphan Shaphan was the scribe who served under King Josiah. He was responsible for reading the Book of the Law to the king after it was found by Hilkiah. His name in Hebrew, שָׁפָן (Shaphan), means "rock badger" or "coney." 4. Ahikam Ahikam was the son of Shaphan and one of the officials sent by Josiah to inquire of the LORD concerning the words of the Book of the Law. His name in Hebrew, אֲחִיקָם (Achikam), means "my brother has risen." 5. Abdon Abdon was one of the officials sent by Josiah to consult the prophetess Huldah. His name in Hebrew, עַבְדּוֹן (Abdon), means "servant" or "worshiper." 6. Micah Micah is mentioned as the father of Abdon. His name in Hebrew, מִיכָיָהוּ (Mikhayahu), means "who is like Yahweh?" 7. Asaiah Asaiah was a servant of the king who was also sent to inquire of the LORD. His name in Hebrew, עֲשָׂיָה (Asayah), means "Yahweh has made." 8. Huldah Huldah was a prophetess in Jerusalem during the time of Josiah. She delivered a message from the LORD regarding the fate of Judah and the king's response to the Book of the Law. Her name in Hebrew, חֻלְדָּה (Chuldah), means "weasel" or "mole." 9. Shallum Shallum was the husband of Huldah and the keeper of the wardrobe. His name in Hebrew, שַׁלּוּם (Shallum), means "retribution" or "recompense." 10. Tikvah Tikvah is mentioned as the father of Shallum. His name in Hebrew, תִּקְוָה (Tikvah), means "hope." 11. Harhas Harhas is mentioned as the grandfather of Shallum. His name in Hebrew, חַרְחַס (Charchas), is less clear in meaning but may relate to "fury" or "anger." Places 1. Jerusalem Jerusalem is the central city of Judah and the location of the Temple. It is where King Josiah began his reforms and where the Book of the Law was found in the Temple. The Hebrew root for Jerusalem is "יְרוּשָׁלַיִם" (Yerushalayim), meaning "foundation of peace." 2. Judah Judah is the southern kingdom of Israel, over which Josiah reigned. It is the primary setting for the events of 2 Chronicles 34. The Hebrew root for Judah is "יְהוּדָה" (Yehudah), meaning "praised." 3. Bethel Bethel is a town in the northern kingdom of Israel where Josiah destroyed the altar and high place built by Jeroboam. The Hebrew root for Bethel is "בֵּית־אֵל" (Beit-El), meaning "house of God." 4. Manasseh Although not a place, Manasseh is mentioned in the context of the territories where Josiah extended his reforms. It refers to the tribal territory of Manasseh, one of the tribes of Israel. The Hebrew root is "מְנַשֶּׁה" (Menasheh), meaning "causing to forget." 5. Ephraim Ephraim is another tribal territory in the northern kingdom where Josiah carried out his reforms. The Hebrew root is "אֶפְרַיִם" (Ephraim), meaning "fruitful." 6. Naphtali Naphtali is a tribal territory in the northern kingdom mentioned as part of the regions affected by Josiah's reforms. The Hebrew root is "נַפְתָּלִי" (Naphtali), meaning "my struggle." 7. Simeon Simeon is a tribal territory within Judah where Josiah also extended his reforms. The Hebrew root is "שִׁמְעוֹן" (Shimon), meaning "heard." Events 1. Josiah Becomes King Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem for thirty-one years. "Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years." (2 Chronicles 34:1) 2. Josiah's Righteous Reign Josiah did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, following the ways of his ancestor David. "He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD and walked in the ways of his father David; he did not turn aside to the right or to the left." (2 Chronicles 34:2) 3. Religious Reforms Begin In the eighth year of his reign, Josiah began to seek the God of his father David, and in the twelfth year, he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of high places, Asherah poles, and idols. "In the eighth year of his reign, while he was still young, Josiah began to seek the God of his father David. And in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of the high places, the Asherah poles, the carved images, and the molten images." (2 Chronicles 34:3) 4. Destruction of Idolatry Josiah destroyed the altars of the Baals, cut down the incense altars, smashed the Asherah poles, and ground the idols to powder. "Under his direction, the altars of the Baals were torn down; he cut to pieces the incense altars that were above them and smashed the Asherah poles, the carved images, and the molten images. He ground them to powder and scattered it over the graves of those who had sacrificed to them." (2 Chronicles 34:4) 5. Purification of the Land Josiah continued to purge the land of idolatry, extending his reforms to the cities of Manasseh, Ephraim, Simeon, and as far as Naphtali. "Then he burned the bones of the priests on their altars. So he cleansed Judah and Jerusalem. In the towns of Manasseh, Ephraim, and Simeon, as far as Naphtali, and in the ruins around them, he tore down the altars and Asherah poles, crushed the idols to powder, and cut to pieces all the incense altars throughout Israel. Then he returned to Jerusalem." (2 Chronicles 34:5-7) 6. Repair of the Temple In the eighteenth year of his reign, Josiah ordered the repair of the temple of the LORD. "In the eighteenth year of Josiah’s reign, to purify the land and the temple, he sent Shaphan son of Azaliah, Maaseiah the governor of the city, and Joah son of Joahaz the recorder to repair the house of the LORD his God." (2 Chronicles 34:8) 7. Discovery of the Book of the Law During the temple repairs, Hilkiah the priest found the Book of the Law of the LORD given through Moses. "While they were bringing out the money that had been brought into the house of the LORD, Hilkiah the priest found the Book of the Law of the LORD written by Moses." (2 Chronicles 34:14) 8. Reading of the Law to Josiah Shaphan the scribe read the Book of the Law to King Josiah, who tore his clothes in distress upon hearing its words. "Then Shaphan the scribe told the king, 'Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.' And Shaphan read it in the presence of the king. When the king heard the words of the Law, he tore his clothes." (2 Chronicles 34:18-19) 9. Consultation with Huldah the Prophetess Josiah sent a delegation to consult Huldah the prophetess regarding the words of the Book. "So Hilkiah and those the king had appointed went and spoke to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum son of Tokhath, the son of Hasrah, the keeper of the wardrobe. She lived in Jerusalem, in the Second District." (2 Chronicles 34:22) 10. Huldah's Prophecy Huldah prophesied disaster for Judah due to their disobedience but assured Josiah that he would not see the calamity because of his humility before God. "Because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before God when you heard His words against this place and its people, and because you humbled yourself before Me and tore your clothes and wept before Me, I have heard you, declares the LORD." (2 Chronicles 34:27) 11. Renewal of the Covenant Josiah gathered all the people and renewed the covenant with the LORD, committing to follow His commandments. "Then the king stood by his pillar and made a covenant before the LORD to follow the LORD and to keep His commandments, decrees, and statutes with all his heart and all his soul, and to carry out the words of the covenant written in this book." (2 Chronicles 34:31) 12. Continued Reforms Josiah removed all the detestable idols from the land and made all who were present in Israel serve the LORD. "Josiah removed all the abominations from all the lands belonging to the Israelites, and he required all who were present in Israel to serve the LORD their God. Throughout his reign they did not turn aside from following the LORD, the God of their fathers." (2 Chronicles 34:33) Connections to Additional Scriptures 2 Kings 22-23 Parallel account of Josiah's reign and reforms. Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. - Emphasizes the guiding power of Scripture. James 1:22 Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. - Encourages active obedience to God's Word. Prayer Points Pray for a heart like Josiah's, eager to seek God and do what is right. Ask God to reveal and remove any idols in our lives. Pray for a renewed commitment to studying and obeying God's Word. Seek God's guidance in leading others towards spiritual renewal and revival. Pray for humility and a willingness to repent when confronted with sin. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Josiah's example inspire leadership that seeks to serve God today? 2. What can we learn from the discovery of the Book of the Law in the Temple? 3. What does the reaction of Josiah to the reading of the Book of the Law teach us about humility and repentance? 4. How does the prophecy of Huldah serve as a warning and reassurance for Josiah and for us today? 5. In what ways can you apply Josiah's covenant renewal in your spiritual life? 6. How can the actions of Josiah inspire you to remove spiritual "idols" from your life? 7. What lessons can contemporary believers draw from Josiah's spiritual reforms? 8. How can we "repair the temple" in our own hearts? 9. How does the story of Josiah encourage you to explore and study the Bible more deeply? 10. What measures can we take to avoid spiritual complacency and neglect as seen in the period before Josiah's reforms? 11. In our world today, what might be equivalent to the "high places" that Josiah tore down? 12. How can we respond when we realize that our actions have been contrary to God's commands, as in the case of Josiah's realization? 13. How does the prophecy of Huldah reinforce the importance of seeking godly counsel? 14. In what ways can the Church today initiate spiritual revival similar to Josiah's reforms? 15. How does the story of Josiah influence your understanding of personal and communal responsibility in following God's commands? 16. How can you make a difference in your spiritual community, following Josiah's example? 17. What are the "lost" spiritual truths that need to be "found" in our time? 18. How do Josiah's actions demonstrate the intersection of faith and action? 19. How can you personally respond to the spiritual lessons from Josiah's life and reign? 20. In a world that often prioritizes personal desires over divine law, how can we stay true to God's commands? Topics 1. Josiah's Reign and Righteousness Josiah became king at eight years old and reigned in Jerusalem for thirty-one years. He is noted for doing "what was right in the eyes of the LORD" (2 Chronicles 34:2). The Hebrew word for "right" (יָשָׁר, yashar) implies uprightness and integrity, highlighting Josiah's commitment to following God's ways. 2. Purge of Idolatry In the twelfth year of his reign, Josiah began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of high places, Asherah poles, carved idols, and cast images (2 Chronicles 34:3-4). This reflects a return to monotheistic worship, aligning with the Hebrew term בָּעַר (ba'ar), meaning to remove or burn away impurities. 3. Repair of the Temple Josiah ordered the repair of the temple of the LORD, which had fallen into disrepair (2 Chronicles 34:8). The Hebrew root חָזַק (chazaq) used here implies strengthening or fortifying, indicating a restoration of both physical and spiritual integrity. 4. Discovery of the Book of the Law During the temple repairs, Hilkiah the priest found the Book of the Law of the LORD given through Moses (2 Chronicles 34:14). The Hebrew term סֵפֶר (sefer) refers to a written document, underscoring the importance of Scripture in guiding the nation. 5. Josiah's Response to the Law Upon hearing the words of the Law, Josiah tore his clothes in distress, recognizing the nation's disobedience (2 Chronicles 34:19). The act of tearing one's garments (קָרַע, qara) is a Hebrew expression of deep sorrow and repentance. 6. Consultation with Huldah the Prophetess Josiah sent officials to consult Huldah the prophetess regarding the words of the Book (2 Chronicles 34:22). This highlights the role of prophets in interpreting God's will, with the Hebrew נָבִיא (navi) indicating a spokesperson for God. 7. Huldah's Prophecy Huldah prophesied disaster for Judah due to their idolatry but assured Josiah of peace during his reign because of his humility and repentance (2 Chronicles 34:24-28). The Hebrew שָׁלוֹם (shalom) signifies peace and completeness, promised to Josiah for his faithfulness. 8. Renewal of the Covenant Josiah gathered the people and renewed the covenant with the LORD, committing to follow His commands wholeheartedly (2 Chronicles 34:31). The Hebrew בְּרִית (berit) for covenant emphasizes a binding agreement, reflecting a collective return to God's law. 9. Nationwide Reformation Josiah led a nationwide reformation, removing all detestable idols and ensuring that the people served the LORD (2 Chronicles 34:33). The Hebrew עָבַד (avad) for serve indicates worship and obedience, marking a national revival of faith. Themes 1. Righteous Leadership Josiah's reign is marked by a return to righteousness and adherence to God's laws. At the age of eight, Josiah becomes king and begins to seek the God of his ancestor David. This theme highlights the importance of godly leadership and the impact it can have on a nation. The Hebrew root for "seek" (דָּרַשׁ, darash) implies a diligent and intentional pursuit of God. 2. Religious Reformation Josiah initiates a significant religious reform by purging Judah and Jerusalem of high places, Asherah poles, and idols. This theme underscores the necessity of removing idolatry and false worship to restore true worship of Yahweh. The Hebrew word for "purge" (טָהֵר, taher) conveys the idea of cleansing and purification. 3. Rediscovery of the Law During the temple repairs, the Book of the Law is found, leading to a renewed commitment to God's covenant. This theme emphasizes the transformative power of God's Word when it is rediscovered and applied. The Hebrew term for "book" (סֵפֶר, sefer) refers to a written document, highlighting the importance of Scripture. 4. Repentance and Humility Upon hearing the words of the Law, Josiah tears his clothes in repentance and seeks guidance from the prophetess Huldah. This theme illustrates the importance of humility and repentance in response to God's Word. The Hebrew root for "repent" (נָחַם, nacham) involves a change of mind and heart. 5. Covenant Renewal Josiah leads the people in renewing their covenant with God, committing to follow His commandments wholeheartedly. This theme highlights the significance of covenant faithfulness and communal commitment to God's laws. The Hebrew word for "covenant" (בְּרִית, berit) signifies a binding agreement or promise. 6. Prophetic Guidance The consultation with Huldah the prophetess demonstrates the role of prophetic guidance in understanding and applying God's will. This theme underscores the value of seeking divine insight through God's appointed messengers. The Hebrew term for "prophetess" (נְבִיאָה, neviah) indicates a female prophet who speaks on behalf of God. 7. Divine Judgment and Mercy Despite Josiah's reforms, God declares impending judgment on Judah due to the sins of previous generations. However, Josiah is promised peace during his lifetime because of his faithfulness. This theme reflects the balance of divine justice and mercy. The Hebrew root for "judgment" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat) involves legal decisions and justice, while "mercy" (חֶסֶד, chesed) conveys loving-kindness and compassion. Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions