1 Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned thirty-one years in Jerusalem.
2 And he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and walked in the ways of David his father, and he did not turn aside to the right or to the left.
3 For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet a boy, he began to seek the God of David his father, and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of the high places, the Asherim, and the carved and the metal images.
4 And they chopped down the altars of the Baals in his presence, and he cut down the incense altars that stood above them. And he broke in pieces the Asherim and the carved and the metal images, and he made dust of them and scattered it over the graves of those who had sacrificed to them.
5 He also burned the bones of the priests on their altars and cleansed Judah and Jerusalem.
6 And in the cities of Manasseh, Ephraim, and Simeon, and as far as Naphtali, in their ruins all around.
7 he broke down the altars and beat the Asherim and the images into powder and cut down all the incense altars throughout all the land of Israel. Then he returned to Jerusalem.
8 Now in the eighteenth year of his reign, when he had cleansed the land and the house, he sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, and Maaseiah the governor of the city, and Joah the son of Joahaz, the recorder, to repair the house of the Lord his God.
9 They came to Hilkiah the high priest and gave him the money that had been brought into the house of God, which the Levites, the keepers of the threshold, had collected from Manasseh and Ephraim and from all the remnant of Israel and from all Judah and Benjamin and from the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
10 And they put it in the hand of the workmen who had the oversight of the house of the Lord, and the workmen who were working in the house of the Lord gave it for repairing and restoring the house.
11 They gave it to the carpenters and the builders to buy quarried stone, and timber for binders and beams for the buildings that the kings of Judah had let go to ruin.
12 And the men did the work faithfully. Over them were set Jahath and Obadiah the Levites, of the sons of Merari, and Zechariah and Meshullam, of the sons of the Kohathites, to have oversight. These Levites, all who were skillful with instruments of music,
13 They were over the workmen and have oversight of the house of the Lord, and they repaired the house of the Lord after it had been neglected.
14 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 given through Moses.
15 And Hilkiah answered and said to Shaphan the secretary, “I have found the Book of the Law in the house of the Lord.” And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan.
16 Shaphan brought the Book to the king, and further reported to the king, “All that was committed to your servants they are doing.
17 And they have emptied out the money that was found in the house of the Lord and have given it into the hand of the overseers and the workmen.”
18 Then Shaphan the secretary told the king, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.” And Shaphan read from it before the king.
19 And when the king heard the words of the Law, he tore his clothes.
20 Then the king commanded Hilkiah, Ahikam the son of Shaphan, Abdon the son of Micah, Shaphan the secretary, and Asaiah the king’s servant, saying,
21 “Go, inquire of the Lord for me and for those who are left in Israel and in Judah, concerning the words of the book that has been found. For great is the wrath of the Lord that is poured out on us, because our fathers have not kept the word of the Lord, to do according to all that is written in this book.”
22 So Hilkiah and those whom the king had sent went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tokhath, son of Hasrah, keeper of the wardrobe (now she lived in Jerusalem in the Second Quarter) and spoke to her to that effect.
23 She said to them, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: ‘Tell the man who sent you to me,
24 Thus says the Lord, Behold, I will bring disaster upon this place and upon its inhabitants, all the curses that are written in the book that was read before the king of Judah.
25 because they have forsaken me and have made offerings to other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands. Therefore my wrath will be poured out on this place and will not be quenched.
26 But to the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the Lord, thus shall you say to him: Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Regarding the words that you have heard,
27 because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before God when you heard his words against this place and its inhabitants, and you have humbled yourself before me and have torn your clothes and wept before me, I also have heard you, declares the Lord.
28 Behold, I will gather you to your fathers, and you shall be gathered to your grave in peace, and your eyes shall not see all the disaster that I will bring upon this place and its inhabitants.’” And they brought back word to the king.
29 Then the king sent and gathered together all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem.
30 And the king went up to the house of the Lord, with all the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and the priests and the Levites, all the people both great and small. And he read in their hearing all the words of the Book of the Covenant that had been found in the house of the Lord.
31 And the king stood in his place and made a covenant before the Lord, to walk after the Lord and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes, with all his heart and all his soul, to perform the words of the covenant that were written in this book.
32 Then he made all who were present in Jerusalem and in Benjamin join in it. And the inhabitants of Jerusalem did according to the covenant of God, the God of their fathers.
33 And Josiah took away all the abominations from all the territory that belonged to the people of Israel and made all who were present in Israel serve the Lord their God. All his days they did not turn away from following the Lord, the God of their fathers.
The True Meaning of 2 Chronicles 34
The Book of 2 Chronicles was written by an anonymous author, likely a Levite priest or scribe, who compiled the historical accounts of the kingdom of Judah from the reign of King Solomon to the Babylonian exile. This particular chapter focuses on the reign of King Josiah, a righteous king who sought to restore the worship of the one true God in Judah. Josiah’s efforts to purge the land of idolatry and reinstitute the observance of the Passover feast will be witnessed in this chapter. We will also see the discovery of the long-lost Book of the Law, which will have a profound impact on the king and the people. These events will set the stage for a spiritual revival in Judah, as the people rediscover the importance of following God’s commandments and turning away from the false gods that had led them astray.
The chapter’s narrative is closely tied to the accounts found in 2 Kings 22-23, where the same events are described in greater detail. Together, these passages provide a comprehensive understanding of Josiah’s reign and the pivotal role he played in the history of Judah during a critical period of its existence.
2 Chronicles 34:1-7
He began to seek the God of his father David in the eighth year of his reign, while he was still young. He began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of high places, Asherah poles, carved idols, and cast images in his twelfth year.”
This verse highlights the early reign of King Josiah. At a young age, Josiah sought to follow the ways of God, just like his ancestor King David. Despite his youth, he showed great dedication to purging the land of Judah and Jerusalem from the idolatrous practices that had crept in. This act of removing the high places, Asherah poles, idols, and images signifies a pivotal moment in Josiah’s reign, as he sought to restore true worship of God among the people of Judah. It demonstrates his commitment to eliminating anything that hindered the proper worship of the Lord.
Verse 2:
“He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and followed the ways of his father David, not turning aside to the right or to the left.”
This verse underscores Josiah’s faithfulness and obedience to God. Josiah set a positive example for the people he ruled over by following in the footsteps of King David, known for his loyalty to God. His unwavering commitment to walking in the ways of the Lord without deviation reflects a deep reverence for God’s commands and a desire to lead his kingdom in accordance with God’s will. He sent Shaphan son of Azaliah, Maaseiah the ruler of the city, and Joah son of Joahaz the recorder to repair the temple of the Lord his God in the eighteenth year of his reign.”
This verse introduces the crucial moment when Josiah initiates the restoration of the Temple of the Lord. After years of idolatry and neglect, Josiah takes the important step of ensuring that the house of God is restored and honored. The commissioning of Shaphan, Maaseiah, and Joah for this task signifies the seriousness and significance of this endeavor in Josiah’s reign. This restoration project not only repairs the physical structure of the temple but also symbolizes the restoration of true worship and reverence for God in Judah.
Verses 4-7:
“They went to Hilkiah the high priest and gave him the money that had been brought into the temple of God, which the Levites who were the doorkeepers had collected from the people of Manasseh, Ephraim, and the entire remnant of Israel and from all the people of Judah and Benjamin and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. Then they entrusted it to the men appointed to supervise the work on the Lord’s temple. These men paid the workers who repaired and restored the temple. They also gave money to the carpenters and builders to purchase dressed stone, wood for joists and beams, and to finish the work.”
These verses detail the practical aspects of Josiah’s temple restoration project. The delegation of responsibilities to trusted individuals, the collection of funds from the people for this sacred task, and the careful supervision and distribution of resources for the temple repair demonstrate Josiah’s organizational skills and dedication to the worship of God. This passage showcases the collaborative effort of priests, Levites, and skilled workers coming together for the restoration of the temple, emphasizing the communal aspect of worship and the importance of investing in the physical structures dedicated to God’s service. King Josiah in 2 Chronicles 34 portrays a devout and diligent leader who sought to remove idolatry, restore true worship, and revitalize the temple of the Lord. His commitment to following God’s ways, his unwavering faithfulness, and his proactive approach to temple restoration serve as timeless lessons for believers today. Josiah’s reign stands as a testament to the transformative power of turning back to God, purging sin, and recommitting oneself to the service of the Lord.
2 Chronicles 34:8-13
King Josiah’s efforts to restore the temple of the Lord are detailed in 2 Chronicles 34:8-13. Let’s break this down into sections for a deeper understanding:
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He sent Shaphan son of Azaliah, Maaseiah the ruler of the city, and Joah son of Joahaz, the recorder, to repair the temple of the Lord his God in the eighteenth year of his reign to purify the land and the temple. King Josiah’s dedication to restoring the temple, a central place of worship and reverence for the Israelites, is witnessed in this section. It is crucial to note that the temple had fallen into disrepair, possibly due to the neglect of previous kings who did not prioritize the worship of the one true God. King Josiah’s initiative to purify the land and the temple reflects his desire to bring the people back to the worship of God.
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“They went to Hilkiah the high priest and gave him the money that had been brought into the temple of God, which the Levites who were the doorkeepers had collected from the people of Manasseh, Ephraim, and the entire remnant of Israel and from all the people of Judah and Benjamin and the inhabitants of Jerusalem.”
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This section emphasizes the collaboration between the civil and religious leadership in the restoration of the temple. The involvement of both the king’s officials and the high priest signifies a unified effort towards a common goal – the restoration of the worship of God. The contributions from different regions and tribes show the widespread support for this spiritual revival under Josiah’s leadership.
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“The money was used by the Levites to repair the temple of the Lord.”
- Here, we see the practical application of the resources collected for the restoration project. The funds were dedicated solely to the repair of the temple, highlighting the importance of using resources for the glory of God and the upkeep of His dwelling place. This act of restoration was not just a physical renovation but a spiritual renewal for the nation. King Josiah’s restoration of the temple in the broader context of the Bible is reminiscent of the reforms initiated by other faithful leaders such as King Hezekiah and Ezra. These leaders understood the significance of restoring true worship and obedience to God among the people. This episode underscores the importance of maintaining sacred spaces for worship and the need for regular spiritual renewal within the community.
Additionally, the collaboration between the secular authority of the king and the religious authority of the high priest serves as a powerful example of how unity among leaders can lead to positive changes within the community. This unity reflects the biblical principle that when leaders work together for a common good, the entire nation can experience blessings and spiritual revival (Psalm 133:1). The account of King Josiah’s temple restoration in 2 Chronicles 34:8-13 serves as a profound reminder of the value of preserving sacred spaces, the importance of collective efforts in achieving spiritual renewal, and the impact of faithful leadership in ushering in times of revival and restoration among God’s people.
2 Chronicles 34:14-21
King Josiah’s reign highlights the rediscovery of the Book of the Law in 2 Chronicles 34:14-21. This passage unfolds with Shaphan the secretary informing the king’s high official, Hilkiah the priest, that a book has been found in the temple of the Lord. King Josiah tears his robes in response to the words of the Law as he reads the book.
This discovery of the Book of the Law is pivotal as it indicates the extent to which the people of Judah had strayed from God’s commandments. The fact that the book had been lost and neglected for so long speaks to the spiritual declension of the nation. King Josiah’s reaction, tearing his robes in distress upon hearing the words of the Law, reflects a mix of shock and recognition of their departure from God’s ways. This moment exemplifies the importance of God’s Word in guiding His people and the consequences of neglecting it.
The rediscovery of the Book of the Law under King Josiah’s reign parallels the narrative in Deuteronomy 31:24-26, where Moses commands the Levites to place the Book of the Law beside the Ark of the Covenant. This reemergence also mirrors the experience of King Josiah’s ancestor, King Hezekiah, who initiated religious reforms in Judah, emphasizing the importance of returning to the ways of the Lord.
Furthermore, Hilkiah the priest’s involvement in finding the Book of the Law adds another layer of significance. Priests played a crucial role in mediating between the people and God in ancient Israel, and Hilkiah’s discovery underscores the divine orchestration behind the events leading to the nation’s repentance. This passage conveys a powerful message about the enduring relevance of God’s Word and the necessity of periodically returning to its teachings to ensure alignment with His will. The rediscovery of the Book of the Law sparks a revival in Judah under Josiah’s leadership, setting the stage for a restoration of authentic worship and obedience to God. It serves as a reminder for believers today to prioritize the study and application of scripture in their lives to remain faithful to God and His commands.
2 Chronicles 34:22-28
King Josiah of Judah experiences a pivotal moment in his reign in 2 Chronicles 34:22-28. Let’s break down these verses to understand their significance in the larger narrative of the Bible.
Starting with verse 22, the high priest Hilkiah found the Book of the Law of the Lord given through Moses. This discovery is crucial as it highlights how far the nation had strayed from God’s commands. The fact that the Book of the Law had been lost or neglected for so long reflects the spiritual decay that had taken hold of Judah. This finding parallels the importance of rediscovering God’s word in our lives today. When we stray from the teachings of the Bible, we risk losing our way and falling into disobedience.
Moving on to verse 23, when the book was read to King Josiah, he responded by tearing his clothes. This reaction underscores Josiah’s genuine remorse and humility before God. Tearing one’s garments was a sign of deep mourning and repentance in the Bible, indicating Josiah’s recognition of the nation’s sinfulness and his desire to seek God’s forgiveness. Josiah’s humility serves as a powerful lesson for us today. True repentance involves acknowledging our sins, humbling ourselves before God, and seeking His grace and mercy. King Josiah sought guidance from the prophetess Huldah in verse 24. Huldah confirmed the authenticity of the Book of the Law and delivered a message from God regarding the nation’s fate. Huldah’s role as a prophetess demonstrates that God can use anyone, regardless of gender, to communicate His will. Her affirmation of the Book of the Law validated Josiah’s efforts to reform the nation according to God’s commands. This interaction emphasizes the importance of seeking Godly counsel and guidance when undertaking spiritual renewal.
Moving to verse 25, Josiah took action based on the words of the Book of the Law. He gathered the people of Judah and made a covenant to follow the Lord and keep His commandments with all their hearts and souls. This covenant renewal was a turning point for Judah, signaling their commitment to wholeheartedly serve God. Josiah’s leadership in initiating this covenant highlights the influence of righteous leaders in guiding a nation back to God. We are called to be leaders in our communities, inspiring others to walk in obedience to God’s word, just as Josiah led Judah in a revival. Josiah implemented reforms throughout Judah in response to the Book of the Law, removing idols, restoring the temple, and reinstating the Passover. These actions reflect Josiah’s zeal for purifying the land and reestablishing the worship of the true God. Josiah’s dedication to uprooting idolatry serves as a model for us today. We are called to identify and remove any idols that have taken hold in our lives, whether they be material possessions, personal ambitions, or sinful behaviors. We align ourselves with His will and experience true spiritual renewal by prioritizing God above all else. King Josiah’s reign captures a powerful moment of spiritual awakening and revival in 2 Chronicles 34:22-28. The discovery of the Book of the Law, Josiah’s repentance, seeking guidance from Huldah, renewing the covenant with God, and implementing reforms all serve as timeless lessons for us. We are reminded of the importance of returning to God’s word, humbling ourselves in repentance, seeking Godly counsel, wholeheartedly committing to follow Him, and taking action to root out sin in our lives. May we, like Josiah, be catalysts for revival in our own spheres of influence, leading others to turn back to God and walk in obedience to His commands.
2 Chronicles 34:29-33
King Josiah and the prophetess Huldah have an interaction in 2 Chronicles 34:29-33. Identify the subject: “Let’s”
Sentence in active voice: Let’s break down this passage into important sections and delve deeper into each one.
Firstly, in verse 29, King Josiah gathers all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem to the temple. This act carries significant weight as it demonstrates Josiah’s desire to involve the leadership of both the political and religious spheres in his reforms. He shows respect for their wisdom and seeks their guidance in this critical moment of national revival by bringing together the elders. It also highlights the importance of seeking counsel and unity among leaders when making decisions that impact the community. Proverbs 11:14 affirms this by stating, “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors, there is safety.”
Next, we encounter the prophetess Huldah in verse 22. Huldah served as a key figure during Josiah’s reign, providing a message from the Lord concerning the Book of the Law that had been discovered in the temple. Huldah’s presence and role as a prophetess are significant as they challenge societal norms of her time. Huldah’s authority as a prophetess displays God’s choice of individuals, regardless of gender, to communicate His divine messages in a male-dominated society. This aligns with Galatians 3:28, which asserts, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Huldah’s prophecy underscores the importance of God using diverse voices to convey His will and the need for us to heed those messages with humility and obedience. King Josiah commands that the Book of the Law be read in the hearing of all the people in verse 30. This action signifies Josiah’s commitment to ensuring that the Word of God is central in the lives of the people of Judah. Josiah emphasizes the foundational role of God’s Word in shaping the spiritual identity and practices of the nation by prioritizing the reading and hearing of the Scriptures. This echoes the sentiments expressed in Joshua 1:8, where Joshua is instructed to meditate on the Law day and night, highlighting the transformative power of Scripture in guiding our paths and molding our characters.
Finally, in verses 31-33, King Josiah, upon hearing the words of the Book of the Law, responds with humility, repentance, and a deep sense of urgency. He tears his clothes as a sign of mourning and sends a delegation to the prophetess Huldah to seek clarification on the message from God. Josiah’s demeanor of contrition and eagerness to understand and follow God’s will exemplify a heart that is tender towards God’s Word and responsive to His instructions. It showcases the essence of genuine repentance and the need for obedience when confronted with the truth of God’s commands. This mirrors Psalms 51:17, which states, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. Themes of leadership, prophecy, the primacy of Scripture, humility, repentance, and obedience are encapsulated in this passage in 2 Chronicles 34:29-33. It challenges us to seek wise counsel, recognize diverse voices through which God speaks, prioritize the study and application of His Word, and respond to His truth with humility and obedience. King Josiah and Huldah serve as exemplary figures in demonstrating these virtues, pointing us towards a deeper relationship with God founded on His Word and characterized by a willingness to align our lives with His will.
After 2 Chronicles 34
The young king Josiah had led the people of Judah in a great revival, cleansing the land of idolatry and restoring the worship of the Lord. But as the chapter draws to a close, we are left with a sobering reminder that even the most righteous of kings cannot control the course of history. For as Josiah prepared to confront the mighty army of Egypt, he met an untimely end on the battlefield, struck down by an enemy’s arrow. The future of Judah now hung in the balance, as the people mourned their beloved king and wondered what trials lay ahead. Yet even in the midst of this tragedy, we are called to trust in the sovereign plan of God, who holds the destiny of nations in His hands. We will see how the Lord would guide His people through this time of uncertainty and upheaval as we turn the page to the next chapter.
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.