# Overview 2 Kings Chapter 22 introduces us to #Josiah, who becomes king of #Judah at the tender age of eight and reigns for thirty-one years in #Jerusalem. Noted for doing what was right in the sight of the #LORD, Josiah follows the ways of his ancestor #David, not turning aside to the right or left. In the eighteenth year of his reign, he commissions the repair of the #Temple, an act that demonstrates his commitment to restoring proper worship in Judah. During the temple renovation, #Hilkiah the high priest discovers the Book of the Law, a significant and providential find that sets the stage for a national spiritual revival. This discovery underscores the importance of returning to God's Word as the foundation for righteous governance and spiritual reform. Upon hearing the words of the Book of the Law, King Josiah is deeply moved and tears his clothes, a traditional expression of grief and repentance. He recognizes the severity of Judah's departure from God's commands and the resulting wrath that is kindled against them. Josiah sends a delegation to consult #Huldah the prophetess, seeking divine guidance on behalf of the people. Huldah confirms the impending judgment due to the people's disobedience but also delivers a personal message of mercy to Josiah, acknowledging his humility and repentance. This chapter highlights the power of God's Word to convict and transform hearts, spurring Josiah towards a reformation that would renew the covenant relationship between God and His people. ## Theological Insights In 2 Kings 22, we witness the profound significance of the rediscovery of the Book of the Law during the reign of King #Josiah. This chapter highlights the power of #God'sWord and the necessity of obedience to His commandments for the people of #Israel. The text illustrates the transformative impact that hearing and responding to God's Word can have on individuals and nations. King Josiah's reaction to the reading of the Book of the Law is one of humility and repentance. His tearing of clothes (2 Kings 22:11) signifies his deep sorrow and recognition of Israel's failure to adhere to God's commands. This moment emphasizes the importance of having a tender heart towards God's instructions and the willingness to reform one's life in alignment with His will. The chapter also showcases the prophetic role of #Huldah, a prophetess through whom God communicates His message to Josiah. Her prophecy (2 Kings 22:15-20) confirms the impending judgment on Judah due to their disobedience, yet it also conveys a message of grace and mercy towards Josiah. Because of his responsive heart, God promises that he will not see the calamity that will come upon Judah during his reign. Furthermore, this chapter reminds believers of the centrality of scripture in guiding the faithful towards righteousness. The rediscovery of the Book of the Law serves as a symbolic reminder of the necessity to continually engage with God's Word. It is through scripture that believers can discern God's will and align their lives with His divine purposes. The narrative of 2 Kings 22 sets the stage for the religious reforms that Josiah will undertake, as described in the following chapter. It underscores the theme of repentance and renewal, which are central to the covenant relationship between God and His people. This chapter is a testament to the enduring truth that God's Word is living and active, capable of invigorating a community to return to a faithful covenant relationship with Him. ## Thematic Connections ### Rediscovery and Renewal In 2 Kings 22, the rediscovery of the #BookOfTheLaw during #KingJosiah’s reign signifies a theme of renewal and return to #God’sWord. This theme is reminiscent of previous instances where the people of #Israel were called to return to the covenant, such as the restoration under #Hezekiah in [[2 Chronicles/2 Chronicles Chapter 29]], and the renewed commitment under #Ezra in [[Nehemiah/Nehemiah Chapter 8]]. The rediscovery leads to a spiritual awakening and a recommitment to follow #God’s commandments. ### The Importance of #Covenant The chapter emphasizes the significance of the #covenant relationship between #God and #Israel. Josiah’s response to the reading of the law highlights the importance of honoring this covenant, echoing the covenant renewal witnessed during #Joshua’s leadership in [[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 24]]. The reaction of the people and the king underscores the enduring relevance of covenant faithfulness throughout the history of #Israel and #Judah. ### Leadership and #Repentance Josiah’s leadership is crucial in catalyzing repentance and reform, illustrating the impact of righteous leadership. His actions parallel those of previous leaders like #Moses, who interceded for the people in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 32]], and #David, who sought God’s mercy in [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 24]]. This theme underscores the role of godly leadership in guiding a nation back to #righteousness and obedience to #God. ### The Role of #Prophets The consultation of the prophetess #Huldah highlights the role of prophets in conveying God’s will and guidance, similar to the roles of #Samuel in [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 3]] and #Elijah in [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 18]]. This reinforces the theme that #God communicates through chosen individuals to direct and inform His people, demonstrating His continued involvement in guiding them according to His purposes. ### Judgment and Mercy The chapter also presents a theme of #judgment and #mercy. The impending judgment on #Judah due to their disobedience is proclaimed, yet #God’s mercy is extended to Josiah, reflecting His willingness to relent when there is genuine repentance. This theme is mirrored in the story of #Nineveh in [[Jonah/Jonah Chapter 3]], where God’s mercy follows the city’s repentance. It illustrates that while God is just, He is also compassionate and responsive to a contrite heart. ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### The Promise of a Righteous King In [[2 Kings/2 Kings Chapter 22]], we see #KingJosiah’s reign, which aligns with prophecies about a righteous leader who would lead #Judah back to faithfulness. Josiah’s discovery of the #BookoftheLaw and his subsequent reforms echo the covenantal promises made to #David about the establishment of a king who would uphold God’s laws and lead the people in righteousness, as seen in [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 7|2 Samuel 7]]. ### Fulfillment of Prophetic Warnings The chapter also highlights the fulfillment of warnings given by prophets such as #Jeremiah and #Isaiah regarding the consequences of Israel and Judah’s idolatry and disobedience. Despite Josiah’s reforms, the previous generations' sins led to the inevitable judgment that the prophets foretold, as seen in passages like [[Jeremiah/Jeremiah Chapter 19|Jeremiah 19]] and [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 39|Isaiah 39]]. ### The Preservation of the Remnant The discovery of the Book of the Law and Josiah's response demonstrate God’s commitment to preserving a faithful remnant amidst widespread apostasy. This aligns with the prophetic theme found in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 10|Isaiah 10:20-23]], where God promises to save a remnant of His people, ensuring the continuity of His covenant promises. ### The Prophecy of Huldah In this chapter, the prophetess #Huldah delivers a message from the Lord, confirming the judgment upon Judah due to their disobedience but also showing mercy to Josiah for his humble heart. This prophetic message fulfills the pattern seen in the #DeuteronomicCovenant, as outlined in [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 28|Deuteronomy 28]], where blessings and curses are contingent upon obedience to God’s law. ## Verses - **2 Kings 22:1** - "Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years. His mother was Jedidah, the daughter of Adaiah from Bozkath." - #Josiah #Jerusalem #Jedidah #Bozkath - See also [[2 Kings/2 Kings Chapter 21]] for the context of Josiah's reign. - **2 Kings 22:2** - "He did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight and followed the example of his ancestor David. He did not turn away from doing what was right." - #David #Obedience - Compare with [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 15]] and the obedience of other kings. - **2 Kings 22:3** - "In the eighteenth year of his reign, King Josiah sent Shaphan son of Azaliah and grandson of Meshullam, the court secretary, to the Temple of the Lord. He told him," - #Shaphan #Temple - See [[2 Chronicles/2 Chronicles Chapter 34]] for a parallel account. - **2 Kings 22:4** - “‘Go up to Hilkiah the high priest and have him count the money the gatekeepers have collected from the people at the Lord’s Temple.'" - #Hilkiah #HighPriest #Temple - **2 Kings 22:5** - “‘Entrust this money to the men assigned to supervise the restoration of the Lord’s Temple. Then they can use it to pay workers to repair the Temple.'" - #Restoration #TempleRepairs - **2 Kings 22:6** - "They will need to hire carpenters, builders, and masons. Also have them buy the timber and the finished stone needed to repair the Temple." - #Carpenters #Builders #Masons - **2 Kings 22:7** - "But don’t require the construction supervisors to keep account of the money they receive, for they are honest and trustworthy men." - #Honesty #Trustworthiness - **2 Kings 22:8** - "Hilkiah the high priest 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, and he read it." - #BookOfTheLaw #Scroll #Discovery - **2 Kings 22:9** - "Shaphan went to the king and reported, ‘Your officials have turned over the money collected at the Temple of the Lord to the workers and supervisors at the Temple.’" - #Shaphan - **2 Kings 22:10** - "Shaphan also told the king, ‘Hilkiah the priest has given me a scroll.’ So Shaphan read it to the king." - #Scroll - **2 Kings 22:11** - "When the king heard what was written in the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes in despair." - #Despair #Repentance - **2 Kings 22:12** - "Then he gave these orders to Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Acbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the court secretary, and Asaiah the king’s personal adviser:" - #Ahikam #Acbor #Asaiah - **2 Kings 22:13** - “‘Go to the Temple and speak to the Lord for me and for the people and for all Judah. Inquire about the words written in this scroll that has been found. For the Lord’s great anger is burning against us because our ancestors have not obeyed the words in this scroll. We have not been doing everything it says we must do.’" - #Judah #Obedience #Anger - **2 Kings 22:14** - "So Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, Acbor, Shaphan, and Asaiah 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." - #Huldah #Prophetess #Shallum - **2 Kings 22:15** - "She said to them, ‘The Lord, the God of Israel, has spoken! Go back and tell the man who sent you,’" - #MessageFromGod - **2 Kings 22:16** - "‘This is what the Lord says: I am going to bring disaster on this city and its people. All the words written in the scroll that the king of Judah has read will come true.’" - #Judgment - **2 Kings 22:17** - "‘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 burn against this place, and it will not be quenched.’" - #Idolatry #PaganGods #DivineWrath - **2 Kings 22:18** - "‘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:" - #Judah #GodOfIsrael - **2 Kings 22:19** - "‘You were sorry and humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I said against this city and its people—that this land would be cursed and become desolate. You tore your clothing in despair and wept before me in repentance. And I have indeed heard you, says the Lord.’" - #Repentance #Humility - **2 Kings 22:20** - "‘So I will not send the promised disaster until after you have died and been buried in peace. You will not see the disaster I am going to bring on this city.’ So they took her message back to the king." - #Peace #Mercy ### Cross-References by Chapter - **Josiah** - [[2 Chronicles/2 Chronicles Chapter 34]] - **The Book of the Law** - [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 31]] - **Huldah the Prophetess** - [[2 Chronicles/2 Chronicles Chapter 34]] - **Judgment and Repentance** - [[Jeremiah/Jeremiah Chapter 36]]