# Overview 2 Chronicles Chapter 34 details the reign of #Josiah, who ascended to the throne of #Judah at the tender age of eight and reigned for thirty-one years. Notably, Josiah is depicted as a king who did what was right in the eyes of the #LORD, following the ways of his ancestor #David and not turning aside to the right or to the left. In the eighth year of his reign, while he was still young, he began to seek the #God of his father David, and by the twelfth year, he initiated a sweeping reform throughout Judah and Jerusalem. Josiah's reforms were characterized by the destruction of the high places, Asherah poles, carved idols, and images, purging the land of idol worship. His dedication to restoring proper worship is further demonstrated by his efforts to repair the temple of the LORD, which had been neglected over the years. A pivotal moment in Chapter 34 occurs when the Book of the Law is discovered in the temple during the restoration process. Upon hearing the words of the #Law, Josiah demonstrates deep humility and repentance by tearing his clothes, recognizing the nation's deviation from God's commandments. He seeks guidance from the prophetess #Huldah, who affirms the impending disaster due to the people's disobedience but also conveys God's mercy towards Josiah because of his genuine repentance and commitment to follow the LORD. In response, Josiah gathers all the people, from the least to the greatest, and publicly reads the Book of the Covenant, renewing the nation's commitment to follow the LORD and keep His commandments. This chapter highlights the transformative power of God's word and the significance of faithful leadership in bringing about spiritual renewal and national restoration. ## Theological Insights In 2 Chronicles Chapter 34, we witness a profound moment of #reform and #repentance under the reign of #KingJosiah, who ascended to the throne of #Judah at a young age. This chapter illustrates the importance of faithful leadership and the impact it can have on a nation's spiritual condition. Josiah’s reign is notable for his dedication to the Lord, as he seeks to restore true worship and eliminate idolatry in the land. ### The Pursuit of God Josiah's early pursuit of God, beginning at the age of sixteen, signifies a sincere heart for righteousness and truth. His actions echo the sentiments of #Deuteronomy, where the people of #Israel are called to love the Lord with all their heart, soul, and strength ([[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 6]]). This pursuit of God is foundational to the reforms he implements. ### The Power of God's Word A pivotal moment in this chapter is the discovery of the Book of the Law in the temple, which underscores the transformative power of God's Word. Upon hearing the words of the Law, Josiah tears his clothes in a sign of deep repentance and humility ([[2 Kings/2 Kings Chapter 22]]). This exemplifies the biblical principle that God's Word is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, able to convict and guide the hearts of believers ([[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 4]]). ### National Repentance and Renewal Josiah's response to the reading of the Law prompts a national call to repentance and covenant renewal, much like the covenant renewals seen in the lives of leaders such as #Joshua ([[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 24]]) and #Ezra ([[Ezra/Ezra Chapter 10]]). This highlights the theme of collective accountability and the power of godly leadership to inspire a community towards holiness and obedience to God. ### God's Mercy and Judgment Despite the looming judgment due to the sins of the previous generations, God shows mercy by delaying the disaster during Josiah's reign. This illustrates the dual themes of mercy and judgment that are prevalent throughout the #OldTestament. God’s willingness to relent from sending disaster when His people humble themselves and turn from their wicked ways reflects His character as both just and compassionate ([[Jeremiah/Jeremiah Chapter 18]]). ### Legacy of Faithfulness Josiah's reforms, though ultimately unable to avert the coming judgment on Judah due to the sins of former kings, serve as a testament to the enduring importance of faithfulness and obedience to God. His legacy is one of unwavering commitment to the Lord, offering a powerful example of how individual and national renewal can occur through adherence to God's Word. In summary, 2 Chronicles Chapter 34 offers rich theological insights into the nature of repentance, the transformative power of Scripture, and the impact of righteous leadership in guiding God's people towards spiritual renewal and covenant faithfulness. ## Thematic Connections ### The Call to Reform and Return to the Lord In 2 Chronicles 34, #Josiah’s reign is marked by a profound call to reform and return to the #Lord. This theme of renewal and repentance echoes throughout the #OldTestament, reflecting God’s desire for His people to turn away from idolatry and back to Him. Similar calls to reform can be seen in the lives of other leaders like [[2 Kings/2 Kings Chapter 18|Hezekiah]] and the prophetic call in [[Joel/Joel Chapter 2|Joel 2:12-13]], urging the people to rend their hearts rather than their garments. ### Rediscovery of the Law The rediscovery of the #BookoftheLaw during #Josiah’s reign serves as a thematic connection to the importance of God’s word and covenant with His people. The impact of this discovery is reminiscent of earlier instances, such as the giving of the #Law to #Moses in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 20|Exodus 20]], and the public reading of the Law by #Ezra in [[Nehemiah/Nehemiah Chapter 8|Nehemiah 8]]. These moments highlight the transformative power of God’s word in guiding and renewing the community. ### Covenant Renewal Josiah's response to the reading of the Book of the Law, leading to a covenant renewal, aligns with the biblical theme of covenant renewal between God and His people. This is seen in the renewal of the covenant under #Joshua in [[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 24|Joshua 24]], where the people recommit to serving the Lord. Such renewals underscore the persistent call for faithfulness and adherence to the covenant relationship established by God. ### Destruction of Idolatry Josiah’s actions to destroy the high places, idols, and altars reflect a consistent biblical theme of eradicating idolatry to purify worship of the one true God. This aligns with earlier reforms such as those undertaken by [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 15|Asa]] and [[2 Kings/2 Kings Chapter 23|Hezekiah]], who also sought to remove false worship from the land. This theme emphasizes the necessity of removing anything that detracts from the exclusive worship of God. ### Prophetic Guidance The consult with #Huldah the prophetess highlights the role of prophetic guidance in understanding God’s will and the unfolding of His plans. This connection is seen in other biblical narratives, such as when #David sought guidance from the prophet #Nathan in [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 12|2 Samuel 12]] and #Solomon’s prayer for wisdom in [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 3|1 Kings 3]]. The theme underscores the importance of seeking divine insight and wisdom through God’s appointed messengers. ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### The Righteous Reign of Josiah The reign of #Josiah in 2 Chronicles 34 fulfills the prophecy of a righteous king who would arise from the line of #David. In [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 13|1 Kings 13:2]], a man of God prophesied that a king named Josiah would be born to the house of David, who would bring reform by destroying the high places and altars of false gods. 2 Chronicles 34 describes Josiah's committed efforts to purge #Judah and #Jerusalem from idolatry and his dedication to restoring true worship in the Temple, fulfilling this prophecy with precision. ### The Covenant Renewal During Josiah’s reign, the discovery of the Book of the Law in the Temple leads to a renewed covenant with the Lord, aligning with the prophetic call for Israel’s return to God. This event echoes the promises found in [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 30|Deuteronomy 30:1-10]], where God promises restoration and blessing upon Israel’s return to obedience. Josiah’s actions in 2 Chronicles 34 reflect a fulfillment of this call to repentance and renewal, showing a temporary restoration of faith and obedience among the people of Judah. ### The Fulfillment of God's Word The events in 2 Chronicles 34 also emphasize the fulfillment of God's word as prophesied by #Moses and the prophets regarding the consequences of forsaking the covenant. The rediscovery of the Book of the Law and the subsequent fear and reforms led by King Josiah fulfill the warnings given in [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 28|Deuteronomy 28]] regarding blessing for obedience and curses for disobedience. Josiah’s reforms and the reaction of the people demonstrate a brief return to the covenant relationship with God, highlighting the enduring truth of God’s prophetic word. ### The Prophecy of Huldah In 2 Chronicles 34, the prophetess #Huldah confirms the impending judgment upon Judah due to their continued disobedience, yet she also prophesies peace during Josiah’s reign because of his humility and repentance (2 Chronicles 34:23-28). This aligns with the general theme found in prophetic literature, where God promises mercy to those who turn to Him in repentance, as seen in passages like [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 57|Isaiah 57:15]] and [[Jeremiah/Jeremiah Chapter 18|Jeremiah 18:7-8]]. Huldah’s prophecy underscores God’s readiness to show compassion in response to genuine repentance, fulfilling the principle of divine mercy in judgment. ## Verses - **2 Chronicles 34:1** - "Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years." - Note: The reign of #Josiah can also be found in [[2 Kings/2 Kings Chapter 22]]. - **2 Chronicles 34:2** - "He did what was pleasing in the LORD’s sight and followed the example of his ancestor David. He did not turn aside from doing what was right." - Note: Josiah's righteousness is reminiscent of #David, as seen in [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 13]]. - **2 Chronicles 34:3** - "During the eighth year of his reign, while he was still young, Josiah began to seek the God of his ancestor David. Then in the twelfth year, he began to purify Judah and Jerusalem, destroying all the pagan shrines, the Asherah poles, and the carved idols and cast images." - Note: The cleansing of Judah aligns with the reforms seen in [[2 Kings/2 Kings Chapter 18]]. - **2 Chronicles 34:4** - "He ordered that the altars of Baal be demolished, and that the incense altars which stood above them be broken down. He also made sure that the Asherah poles, the carved idols, and the cast images were smashed and scattered over the graves of those who had sacrificed to them." - Note: The destruction of altars of #Baal is also mentioned in [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 18]]. - **2 Chronicles 34:5** - "He burned the bones of the pagan priests on their own altars, and so he purified Judah and Jerusalem." - Note: Burning bones of pagan priests aligns with prophecy in [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 13]]. - **2 Chronicles 34:6** - "He did the same thing in the towns of Manasseh, Ephraim, and Simeon, even as far as Naphtali, and in the regions all around them." - Note: The tribes mentioned here were part of the divided kingdom, as seen in [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 12]]. - **2 Chronicles 34:7** - "He destroyed the pagan altars and the Asherah poles, and he crushed the idols into dust. He cut down all the incense altars throughout the land of Israel. Finally, he returned to Jerusalem." - Note: Similar reforms are seen in the actions of other kings, such as Hezekiah in [[2 Kings/2 Kings Chapter 18]]. - **2 Chronicles 34:8** - "In the eighteenth year of his reign, after he had purified the land and the Temple, Josiah appointed Shaphan son of Azaliah, Maaseiah the governor of Jerusalem, and Joah son of Joahaz, the royal historian, to repair the Temple of the LORD his God." - Note: The repair of the #Temple is a significant act also mirrored in the actions of Solomon in [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 6]]. - **2 Chronicles 34:9** - "They gave Hilkiah the high priest the money that had been collected by the Levites who served as gatekeepers at the Temple of God. The gifts were brought by people from Manasseh, Ephraim, and from all the remnant of Israel, as well as from all Judah, Benjamin, and the people of Jerusalem." - Note: The role of #Hilkiah and the Levites can also be seen in the context of the temple service in [[1 Chronicles/1 Chronicles Chapter 23]]. - **2 Chronicles 34:10** - "He entrusted the money to the men assigned to supervise the restoration of the LORD’s Temple. Then they paid the workers who did the repairs and renovation of the Temple." - Note: The process of temple restoration echoes the efforts made in the time of #Ezra, as seen in [[Ezra/Ezra Chapter 3]]. - **2 Chronicles 34:11** - "They hired carpenters and builders, who purchased finished stone for the walls and timber for the rafters and beams. They restored what earlier kings of Judah had allowed to fall into ruin." - Note: The restoration efforts contrast the neglect during the reign of earlier kings, such as #Manasseh, noted in [[2 Chronicles/2 Chronicles Chapter 33]]. - **2 Chronicles 34:12** - "The workers served faithfully under the leadership of Jahath and Obadiah, Levites of the Merarite clan, and Zechariah and Meshullam, Levites of the Kohathite clan. The supervisors were all skilled musicians." - Note: The mention of #Levites and their roles is significant and also noted in [[Numbers/Numbers Chapter 3]]. - **2 Chronicles 34:13** - "Other Levites—all of whom were skilled musicians—were put in charge of the laborers of the various trades. Still others assisted as secretaries, officials, and gatekeepers." - Note: The role of musicians and other officials is highlighted in the organization of temple service in [[1 Chronicles/1 Chronicles Chapter 25]]. - **2 Chronicles 34:14** - "While they were bringing out the money collected at the LORD’s Temple, Hilkiah the priest found the Book of the Law of the LORD that was written by Moses." - Note: The discovery of the Book of the Law is a pivotal moment, reminiscent of the significance of the Law in [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 31]]. - **2 Chronicles 34:15** - "'Hilkiah said to Shaphan the court secretary, 'I have found the Book of the Law in the LORD’s Temple!' Then Hilkiah gave the scroll to Shaphan." - Note: The transmission of the Book of the Law points to its importance, paralleling the giving of the Law in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 24]]. - **2 Chronicles 34:16** - "Shaphan took the scroll to the king and reported, 'Your officials are doing everything they were assigned to do.'" - **2 Chronicles 34:17** - "'The money that was collected at the Temple of the LORD has been turned over to the supervisors and workmen,' Shaphan continued." - **2 Chronicles 34:18** - "Shaphan also told the king, 'Hilkiah the priest has given me a scroll.' So Shaphan read it to the king." - **2 Chronicles 34:19** - "When the king heard what was written in the Law, he tore his clothes in despair." - Note: The act of tearing clothes as a sign of distress is seen in other instances, such as in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 37]] with Jacob. - **2 Chronicles 34:20** - "Then he gave these orders to Hilkiah, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Acbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the court secretary, and Asaiah the king’s personal adviser:" - **2 Chronicles 34:21** - "'Go to the Temple and speak to the LORD for me and for all the remnant of Israel and Judah. Inquire about the words written in this scroll that has been found. For the LORD’s great anger has been poured out on us because our ancestors have not obeyed the word of the LORD. We have not been doing everything this scroll says we must do.'" - **2 Chronicles 34:22** - "So Hilkiah and the other men went to the New Quarter of Jerusalem to consult with the prophet Huldah. She was the wife of Shallum son of Tikvah, son of Harhas, the keeper of the temple wardrobe." - Note: The involvement of #Huldah is significant, as she is one of the few female prophets mentioned, similar to #Deborah in [[Judges/Judges Chapter 4]]. - **2 Chronicles 34:23** - "She said to them, 'The LORD, the God of Israel, has spoken! Go back and tell the man who sent you,'" - **2 Chronicles 34:24** - "'This is what the LORD says: I am going to bring disaster on this city and its people. All the curses written in the scroll that was read to the king of Judah will come true.'" - **2 Chronicles 34:25** - "'For my people have abandoned me and offered sacrifices to pagan gods, and I am very angry with them for everything they have done. My anger will be poured out on this place, and it will not be quenched.'" - **2 Chronicles 34:26** - "'But go to the king of Judah who sent you to seek the LORD and tell him: ‘This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says concerning the message you have just heard:'" - **2 Chronicles 34:27** - "'You were sorry and humbled yourself before God when you heard his words against this city and its people. You humbled yourself and tore your clothing in despair and wept before me in repentance. And I have indeed heard you, says the LORD.'" - **2 Chronicles 34:28** - "'So I will not send the promised disaster until after you have died and been buried in peace. You yourself will not see the disaster I am going to bring on this city and its people.' So they took her message back to the king." - **2 Chronicles 34:29** - "Then the king summoned all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem." - **2 Chronicles 34:30** - "And the king went up to the Temple of the LORD with all the people of Judah and Jerusalem, along with the priests and the Levites—all the people from the greatest to the least. There the king read to them the entire Book of the Covenant that had been found in the LORD’s Temple." - **2 Chronicles 34:31** - "The king took his place of authority beside the pillar and renewed the covenant in the LORD’s presence. He pledged to obey the LORD by keeping all his commands, laws, and decrees with all his heart and soul. He promised to obey all the terms of the covenant that were written in the scroll." - **2 Chronicles 34:32** - "And he required everyone in Jerusalem and the people of Benjamin to make a similar pledge. The people of Jerusalem did so, renewing their covenant with God, the God of their ancestors." - **2 Chronicles 34:33** - "So Josiah removed all detestable idols from the entire land of Israel and required everyone to worship the LORD their God. And throughout the rest of his lifetime, they did not turn away from the LORD, the God of their ancestors." ### Cross-References by Chapter - **Josiah** - [[2 Kings/2 Kings Chapter 22]], [[2 Kings/2 Kings Chapter 23]] - **David** - [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 16]], [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 7]] - **Temple Restoration** - [[Ezra/Ezra Chapter 3]], [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 6]] - **Book of the Law** - [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 31]], [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 24]] - **Huldah the Prophetess** - [[2 Kings/2 Kings Chapter 22]], [[Judges/Judges Chapter 4]]