2 Kings 22 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

The True Meaning of 2 Kings 22

The Book of 2 Kings was written by an anonymous author, likely a prophet or scribe, who chronicled the history of the Kingdom of Judah and Israel after the reign of King David. King Josiah, a righteous ruler who sought to restore the people’s devotion to the Lord, experiences a pivotal moment in his life in this chapter. We will delve into this passage as the discovery of the long-lost Book of the Law sets in motion a series of events that will profoundly impact the kingdom. Josiah’s response to this finding, and his subsequent actions to purge the land of idolatry, foreshadow a time of spiritual renewal and the potential for a new era of obedience to God’s commands, as echoed in the words of Deuteronomy 6:5, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.”
However, the chapter also hints at the looming threat of judgment, as the prophetess Huldah delivers a sobering message about the consequences of the people’s past transgressions. This foreshadows the eventual downfall of the kingdom, as described in the later chapters of 2 Kings, where we witness the fulfillment of God’s warnings and the exile of the people to Babylon, as foretold in Jeremiah 25:11.

2 Kings 22:1-2

The verses in 2 Kings 22:1-2 describe Josiah’s accession to the throne of Judah. The section introduces Josiah by stating that he was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem for thirty-one years. It highlights his mother’s name as Jedidah, confirming his royal lineage. Josiah’s young age at ascending to the throne may seem remarkable, but it was not uncommon in ancient times for a young successor to become king with the guidance of regents until they reached maturity.

This passage underscores the importance of Josiah’s mother’s name, Jedidah, which means “beloved” in Hebrew. The naming of his mother might signify her significance in his life or the special relationship they shared. Throughout the Bible, there are instances where mothers play crucial roles in shaping the destinies of their children. For example, the story of Hannah, the mother of Samuel, who dedicated her son to the service of God, resulting in Samuel becoming a great prophet and judge in Israel.

The fact that Josiah’s mother is mentioned here may indicate a positive influence she had on him, instilling values that would later lead him to seek God wholeheartedly. Mothers, in both biblical and contemporary contexts, often play pivotal roles in nurturing children’s spiritual growth and character development. Proverbs 1:8 echoes this sentiment, urging children to listen to their father’s instruction and not forsake their mother’s teaching. These verses set the stage for Josiah’s reign, suggesting that despite his young age, he would go on to become one of the most righteous and reformative kings in the history of Judah. The mention of his mother provides a glimpse into the personal side of Josiah, possibly hinting at the values and upbringing that contributed to his later actions and decisions as king. This points to the broader biblical theme of the influence of family and upbringing on individuals and the role they play in shaping one’s character and destiny.

2 Kings 22:3-7

King Josiah of Judah experiences a crucial moment in his reign in 2 Kings 22:3-7. Let’s identify important sections in these verses to delve deeper into their significance.

1. King Josiah sent the secretary, Shaphan son of Azaliah, the son of Meshullam, to the temple of the Lord in the eighteenth year of his reign.”**

2. This sets the stage by providing a specific timeframe, the 18th year of Josiah’s reign. Throughout the Bible, the number 18 is associated with bondage, oppression, and judgment. Josiah displays a commitment to seeking God in the midst of challenging times by sending his secretary to the temple of the Lord.

3. “He said: ‘Go up to Hilkiah the high priest and have him get ready the money that has been brought into the temple of the Lord, which the doorkeepers have collected from the people.’”

4. Here, we see Josiah instructing his secretary to go to Hilkiah, the high priest, to gather the funds collected at the temple. This act of collecting money for the temple’s upkeep reflects Josiah’s dedication to the house of the Lord and the restoration of worship practices.

5. “Have them entrust it to the men appointed to supervise the work on the temple. And have these men pay the workers who repair the temple of the Lord—the carpenters, the builders and the masons.’”

6. Josiah’s directive to ensure that the funds collected are used for the maintenance and repair of the temple underscores his commitment to the restoration of the worship space. Josiah demonstrates his reverence for God and the importance of proper worship by prioritizing the upkeep of the temple.

7. “But no accounting is to be required from them for the money entrusted to them, because they are honest in their dealings.’”

8. The emphasis on trust and honesty in handling the temple funds reflects Josiah’s desire for integrity and righteousness among those tasked with overseeing the temple’s restoration. This instruction highlights the importance of integrity and faithfulness in serving God, even in matters concerning finances and resources. King Josiah takes proactive steps to restore the temple and uphold the worship of the Lord in these verses. Josiah’s actions reflect a desire to honor God and follow His commandments faithfully. The attention to detail in ensuring the proper use of temple funds and the trust placed in the appointed supervisors serve as a model of responsible stewardship and righteousness.

This passage reminds us of the importance of prioritizing worship and maintaining the sacred spaces dedicated to God. Throughout the Bible, we see how the temple symbolizes the presence of God among His people and serves as a focal point for communal worship and spiritual renewal. Josiah’s efforts to repair the temple align with the broader theme of restoration and renewal found throughout the scriptures, emphasizing the significance of returning to God and His ways.

This story of Josiah’s reign and his reforms is further expanded in 2 Kings 23, where he continues to purify the land from idolatry, reinstate the Passover celebration, and make efforts to follow God’s commandments wholeheartedly. Josiah’s dedication to seeking God’s will and restoring true worship serves as a powerful example for us all, urging us to prioritize our relationship with God and seek His guidance in all aspects of our lives.

2 Kings 22:8-10

This passage from 2 Kings 22:8-10 encompasses an essential moment in the history of God’s people. Let’s break down this verse into its significant sections:

1. “Then Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the secretary, ‘I have found the Book of the Law in the temple of the Lord.’ He gave it to Shaphan, who read it. Hilkiah, the high priest, discovers the long-lost Book of the Law in the temple of the Lord in this section. This discovery is monumental, as the Book of the Law contained the commandments and statutes that were crucial for the spiritual life and obedience of the people of Israel. The fact that the Book of the Law was lost and then found indicates a significant period of spiritual neglect and disobedience among the Israelites. The rediscovery of the Book of the Law sets the stage for revival and restoration among God’s people.

The moment of finding the Book of the Law can be likened to a revelation or awakening for the people of Judah. It serves as a reminder of the importance of God’s Word in the lives of His children. Throughout the Bible, the Word of God is consistently depicted as a guide, a source of wisdom, and a means of drawing closer to God. The psalmist declares in Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” The rediscovery of the Book of the Law in 2 Kings underscores the timeless truth that God’s Word is essential for spiritual renewal and guidance.

1. “Then Shaphan the secretary went to the king and reported to him: ‘Your officials have paid out the money that was in the temple of the Lord and have entrusted it to the workers and supervisors at the temple.’”

Following the discovery of the Book of the Law, Shaphan the secretary informs King Josiah about the financial matters concerning the temple. This detail may seem less significant compared to the finding of the Book of the Law, but it reveals the diligence and responsibility of the officials in managing the resources dedicated to the worship of the Lord.

The handling of finances in the temple reflects the principle of stewardship, which is an important theme throughout the Bible. Believers are called to manage their resources wisely and faithfully, recognizing that everything ultimately belongs to God. Jesus Himself teaches about the proper stewardship of resources in parables such as the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) in the New Testament. The mention of financial matters in 2 Kings 22 serves as a reminder that even practical aspects of our lives, including finances, should be subject to God’s guidance and principles.

1. “Then Shaphan the secretary informed the king, ‘Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.’ And Shaphan read from it in the presence of the king. Shaphan reads from the Book of the Law in the presence of King Josiah in this final section. This act of reading God’s Word before the king signifies the importance of the king’s awareness and adherence to the teachings and commandments found in the Scriptures. King Josiah’s response to hearing the Word of God read aloud will be pivotal in determining the course of the nation’s spiritual revival and obedience to God.

The reading of the Book of the Law to King Josiah underscores the vital role of leadership in upholding and promoting the truths of God’s Word. Throughout the Bible, we see examples of how the obedience or disobedience of leaders impacts the spiritual well-being of their people. For instance, King David’s commitment to following God’s ways set a positive example for the nation of Israel, while King Ahab’s wickedness led the people into idolatry and sin. King Josiah’s response to hearing the Word of God read aloud will be crucial in shaping the future of Judah.

2 Kings 22:11-13

The king tore his robes when he heard the words of the Book of the Law in 2 Kings 22:11-13. He gave these orders to Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Akbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the secretary, and Asaiah the king’s attendant: ‘Go and inquire of the Lord for me and for the people and for all Judah about what is written in this book that has been found. Great is the Lord’s anger that burns against us because those who have gone before us have not obeyed the words of this book; they have not acted in accordance with all that is written there concerning us. King Josiah of Judah hears the words of the Book of the Law, which had been lost and forgotten in the temple, in this section, marking a pivotal moment. The reaction of the king upon hearing the words of the Law is one of profound realization and repentance, symbolized by his tearing of his robes, a common act of mourning and penitence in biblical times. This display of emotion demonstrates the depth of Josiah’s understanding of the gravity of the situation – that the people had strayed from the ways of the Lord.

King Josiah’s immediate response to the reading of the Book of the Law is to seek guidance from Hilkiah the priest and other prominent figures. This shows his humility and acknowledgment of his need for spiritual guidance and direction from those who are well-versed in matters of the Lord. Josiah displays a desire to understand and rectify the situation by instructing them to inquire of the Lord on behalf of himself, the people, and all of Judah, recognizing the seriousness of the neglect of God’s commands by their ancestors.

The reference to the anger of the Lord burning against them due to their failure to obey the words of the Book of the Law serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and disregard for God’s instructions. Throughout the Bible, we see repeated patterns of blessings following obedience and curses following disobedience (Deuteronomy 28). King Josiah’s response exemplifies a leader who is willing to take responsibility for the sins of his people and seeks to make amends in the sight of the Lord.

The significance of this passage lies in the theme of repentance, renewal, and restoration. King Josiah’s reaction to the rediscovery of the Book of the Law serves as a powerful example of how encountering the truth of God’s Word can lead to genuine repentance and a desire for spiritual revival. It underscores the importance of returning to God’s commands, even if they have been neglected or forgotten, and highlights the transformative power of rediscovering and obeying the Word of God. Josiah’s actions set the stage for a period of religious reform in Judah, where he sought to purify the land from idolatry and lead the people back to the worship of the one true God.

2 Kings 22:14-17

King Josiah of Judah experiences a pivotal moment in his reign in 2 Kings 22:14-17. The verse starts with Shaphan the secretary informing the king that the book of the Law has been found in the temple. This discovery is significant as it indicates that the Word of God had been neglected or forgotten for some time. The fact that the book of the Law was found in the temple suggests a spiritual decline in the nation, where the central place of worship had become a storage place rather than a house of prayer and study.

When the king hears the words of the book, he tears his clothes as a sign of deep distress and repentance. This reaction shows Josiah’s humility and reverence for God’s Word. Tearing clothes was a common expression of mourning and repentance in the Old Testament, signifying a deep sense of sorrow and regret for sins committed. Josiah’s immediate response to the reading of the Law reflects his sensitivity to God’s commands and his desire to align his life and his kingdom with God’s will. King Josiah sends his officials to inquire of the prophetess Huldah in his distress. Huldah is a significant figure in the Bible as she is one of the few female prophets mentioned in the Old Testament. Her words carry weight and authority, and her prophecy serves as confirmation of the authenticity and seriousness of the message found in the book of the Law. Huldah’s message predicts judgment upon Judah for turning away from God’s commandments but offers a measure of mercy due to Josiah’s repentant heart.

This passage underscores the importance of God’s Word in the life of believers and the community as a whole. It reveals the danger of neglecting or forgetting the teachings of Scripture and the need for constant renewal, repentance, and realignment with God’s commands. King Josiah’s response highlights the power of repentance and humility before God, even in the face of impending judgment. His willingness to seek guidance from a prophetess like Huldah demonstrates his openness to God’s message, regardless of the messenger.

The story of Josiah’s reign is a testimony to the impact of rediscovering and applying God’s Word in personal and national life. Josiah’s efforts to purify Judah from idolatry, restore the temple, and reinstate the observance of the Passover festival were all inspired by his encounter with the book of the Law. His example serves as a challenge for believers today to seek God wholeheartedly, to study and obey His Word, and to make necessary changes in response to its teachings. This passage echoes the theme of repentance and restoration that runs throughout the Bible in a broader sense. It shows that no matter how far one has strayed from God’s ways, there is always room for a return to Him through genuine repentance and a renewed commitment to His commandments. Just as King Josiah’s humble response led to a temporary reprieve for Judah, so too can sincere repentance lead to God’s mercy and forgiveness in our lives today.

2 Kings 22:18-20

God delivers a message through the prophetess Huldah to King Josiah after the Book of the Law is rediscovered in the temple, as found in 2 Kings 22:18-20. Let’s break down this important message into sections for better understanding and reflection:

1. “Tell the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the Lord, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says concerning the words you heard: Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I have spoken against this place and its people—that they would become a curse and be laid waste—and because you tore your robes and wept in my presence, I also have heard you,’ declares the Lord. Huldah relays God’s acknowledgment of King Josiah’s humility and repentance upon hearing the words of the Book of the Law in this section. Josiah’s reaction to the words of God’s judgment was one of deep sorrow and repentance, tearing his robes as a sign of mourning. This moment of humility and contrition before God’s word was crucial in God’s eyes. It shows us the importance of being responsive to God’s word, humbling ourselves before Him, and approaching Him with a repentant heart. Josiah’s response serves as a powerful example for us on how we should respond when confronted with the truth of God’s Word.

2. “Therefore I will gather you to your ancestors, and you will be buried in peace. Your eyes will not see all the disaster I am going to bring on this place.’” So they took her answer back to the king. God assures Josiah in this section that he will not live to see the impending judgment and destruction that will come upon Judah due to their sins. Instead, he will die in peace and be buried with his ancestors. This highlights God’s mercy and grace towards Josiah due to his faithful response to the rediscovery of the Book of the Law. This message also emphasizes the idea of generational consequences of sin. While Josiah will be spared from witnessing the devastation, the nation as a whole will still face the consequences of their actions. The concept of generational blessings and curses is a recurring theme in the Bible (Exodus 20:5), reminding us of the impact our actions can have on future generations.

3. “The king then called together all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem. He went up to the temple of the Lord with the people of Judah, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the priests and the prophets—all the people from the least to the greatest. He read in their hearing all the words of the Book of the Covenant, which had been found in the temple of the Lord.”

After receiving Huldah’s message, King Josiah takes immediate action by gathering all the people, from the least to the greatest, to the temple to hear the words of the Book of the Covenant. This public reading of the Word signifies Josiah’s commitment to aligning the nation with God’s commandments. Josiah demonstrates a desire for national repentance and reformation by including everyone. This passage underscores the importance of not only personal repentance but also corporate repentance. Josiah, as a leader, sets a powerful example by seeking God’s will and leading others in the ways of righteousness. 2 Kings 22:18-20 offers a profound message about humility, repentance, God’s mercy, and leadership. King Josiah’s response to the discovery of the Book of the Law serves as a model for us on how we should approach God’s Word with humility and repentance. It also highlights the importance of heeding God’s warnings and the significance of both personal and national repentance. Josiah’s story reminds us that God honors those who seek Him with a humble heart and that our response to God’s word can have a lasting impact on ourselves and those around us.

After 2 Kings 22

The young king Josiah had discovered the long-lost Book of the Law in the temple. He was deeply troubled by the people’s disobedience to God’s commands as he listened to its words. Josiah knew he must take action to turn the nation back to the Lord. He summoned the elders and the people to the temple, where the Book of the Law was read aloud. The people were convicted by its message and pledged to follow the Lord wholeheartedly.

With renewed zeal, Josiah set out to purge the land of all idolatry and false worship. He destroyed the high places, the Asherah poles, and the altars to Baal. The king even desecrated the altar at Bethel, fulfilling a prophecy made centuries earlier. Josiah’s reforms were sweeping and comprehensive, leaving no stone unturned in his quest to restore true worship of the one true God. Josiah’s unwavering commitment to the Lord stirred the hearts of the people. They realized the gravity of their past sins and the urgent need to return to the ways of their fathers. The stage was now set for a great spiritual revival to sweep through the land. But would the people’s repentance be genuine and lasting? Only time would tell.