2 Kings 22:14-20 is about King Josiah’s response to the discovery of the Book of the Law, where he realizes the importance of following God’s commandments, leading to a promise of both destruction for disobedience and mercy for repentance towards the people of Judah.
14 So Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, Achbor, Shaphan, and Asaiah went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe. She lived in Jerusalem in the Second Quarter, and they talked with her.
15 And she said to them, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: ‘Tell the man who sent you to me,
16 Thus says the Lord, Behold, I will bring disaster upon this place and upon its inhabitants, all the words of the book that the king of Judah has read.
17 Because they have forsaken me and have made offerings to other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the work of their hands, therefore my wrath will be kindled against this place, and it will not be quenched.
18 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,
19 because your heart was penitent, and you humbled yourself before the Lord, when you heard how I spoke against this place and against its inhabitants, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and you have torn your clothes and wept before me, I also have heard you, declares the Lord.
20 Therefore, 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 they brought back word to the king.
Setting the Scene for 2 Kings 22:14-20
In the scene described in 2 Kings 22:14-20, we find King Josiah of Judah in the royal chambers of the temple in Jerusalem. Surrounding him are his trusted advisors and officials, including the high priest Hilkiah, the scribe Shaphan, and the court officials. They have gathered together to discuss the recent discovery of the Book of the Law in the temple during renovations.
The atmosphere is tense yet reverent as King Josiah listens intently to the words of the scribe Shaphan, who reads aloud from the ancient scroll. As the words of the Law are proclaimed, a sense of awe and conviction fills the room. King Josiah is deeply moved by the words of the Law and realizes the extent to which the people of Judah have strayed from the commandments of the Lord.
The surroundings are rich with history and tradition, with the walls of the temple bearing witness to the faithfulness and failings of the people of Judah. The flickering light of oil lamps casts a warm glow over the scene, illuminating the faces of those gathered as they grapple with the implications of this rediscovered scripture. In this pivotal moment, King Josiah resolves to lead his people back to the ways of the Lord, setting into motion a series of reforms that will shape the future of Judah.
What is 2 Kings 22:14-20 about?
Imagine stumbling upon a forgotten treasure in your own home – this is akin to what happened when the Book of the Law was discovered during King Josiah’s reign. The Book of the Law held the core teachings and commandments given by God to the Israelites, but it had been lost and neglected for who knows how long. When the Book was found during renovations in the temple, it was a pivotal moment for King Josiah and the entire kingdom. Just imagine the awe and wonder that must have filled the hearts of those who heard the words of the ancient scrolls being read aloud.
King Josiah’s response to this discovery was profound. It sparked a passion in him to understand and follow the teachings of the Book of the Law. He realized that these were not just words on a page, but a living guide for himself and his people. Josiah’s actions reflect a deep sense of responsibility and urgency to reestablish the covenant with God, following His commandments diligently. His zeal for righteousness led to widespread reforms and a revival of faith throughout the land. The rediscovery of the Book of the Law was a catalyst for spiritual renewal and a turning point in the history of Judah. Imagine the impact when the dusty, forgotten words on parchment transformed into a living, guiding force for an entire nation.
Understanding what 2 Kings 22:14-20 really means
In the historical setting of 2 Kings 22:14-20, we find ourselves in the reign of King Josiah of Judah, a pivotal time marked by religious reform and the rediscovery of the Book of the Law. Amidst this backdrop, key characters like Huldah the prophetess, King Josiah, and the delegation sent to inquire of the Lord play crucial roles in the unfolding narrative. The phrase “Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before the Lord” underscores the significance of humility and a receptive heart in seeking God’s guidance and mercy. It serves as a timeless reminder of the essential posture of humility in our relationship with the divine.
“I have heard you, declares the Lord” resonates with reassurance, affirming that God attentively listens to those who earnestly seek Him and turn from their ways. This divine response highlights the profound connection between repentance and God’s willingness to hear and respond to His people. The promise to Josiah that he would be “buried in peace” symbolizes God’s reward for his faithfulness and repentance, shielding him from witnessing the impending calamity. Such a pledge serves as a testament to God’s faithfulness in honoring those who walk in obedience and humility before Him.
Drawing parallels with related biblical passages like 2 Chronicles 34:27, Isaiah 66:2, and James 4:10, we see a consistent theme emphasizing humility as a pathway to divine favor and guidance. These verses echo the enduring truth that a contrite spirit and a humble heart are highly esteemed by God. In a contemporary context, this narrative resonates profoundly, challenging us to reflect on our attitudes of humility and repentance in a world often consumed by pride and self-sufficiency.
The relevance of this passage extends to our daily lives, urging us to emulate Josiah’s example by seeking God’s guidance earnestly and humbly. Just as Josiah turned to the Lord for direction, we are encouraged to prioritize seeking divine wisdom in our decisions and actions. The timeless message of God’s mercy and responsiveness to a humble heart serves as a beacon of hope and encouragement in our journey of faith.
Consider a personal anecdote where an individual faced a significant life challenge and, through humility and seeking God’s guidance, found peace and direction. This narrative mirrors Josiah’s experience, illustrating how modern believers can encounter God’s guidance and tranquility when approaching Him with a contrite heart. Such stories serve as tangible reminders of the transformative power of humility and reliance on God in navigating life’s complexities.
In conclusion, let us be spurred on to cultivate a spirit of humility and a posture of seeking God’s guidance in all facets of our lives. As we reflect on areas where we need to humble ourselves and seek divine direction, may we trust in God’s promise to hear and respond to our earnest cries. Embracing humility and repentance, we can walk in the footsteps of Josiah, experiencing the profound peace and guidance that flow from a surrendered heart before the Lord.
How can we honor and follow God’s word?
We can honor and follow God’s word by being attentive to its teachings and instructions. It is important to listen to God’s word with an open heart and mind, seeking to understand its meaning and how it applies to our lives. Reflecting on God’s word helps us to develop a deeper relationship with Him and grow in our faith.
Additionally, we can honor and follow God’s word by obeying His commandments and living according to His will. This involves aligning our actions with the principles and values outlined in the Bible. We show our commitment to honoring His word and demonstrating our faith in Him by making an effort to live a life that is pleasing to God and following His guidance. A dedication to studying and applying God’s word daily ultimately requires honoring and following it. We can experience the transformative power of His truth and live a life that glorifies Him by meditating on Scripture, praying for guidance, and incorporating God’s word into our lives.
Application
Embrace the power of seeking God’s truth like King Josiah did. Dive deep into the teachings of the Lord, let them guide and shape your world. Allow the scriptures to be more than words, let them be the light that illuminates your path. Will you commit to living out God’s will every day with conviction and purpose?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.