2 Chronicles 34:12-22

12 The workers labored faithfully. Over them to direct them were Jahath and Obadiah, Levites descended from Merari, and Zechariah and Meshullam, descended from Kohath. The Levites—all who were skilled in playing musical instruments—
13 had charge of the laborers and supervised all the workers from job to job. Some of the Levites were secretaries, scribes and gatekeepers.

The Book of the Law Found

14 While they were bringing out the money that had been taken into the temple of the LORD, Hilkiah the priest found the Book of the Law of the LORD that had been given through Moses.
15 Hilkiah said to Shaphan the secretary, “I have found the Book of the Law in the temple of the LORD.” He gave it to Shaphan.
16 Then Shaphan took the book to the king and reported to him: “Your officials are doing everything that has been committed to them.
17 They have paid out the money that was in the temple of the LORD and have entrusted it to the supervisors and workers.”
18 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.
19 When the king heard the words of the Law, he tore his robes.
20 He gave these orders to Hilkiah, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Abdon son of Micah,[a] Shaphan the secretary and Asaiah the king’s attendant:
21 “Go and inquire of the LORD for me and for the remnant in Israel and Judah about what is written in this book that has been found. Great is the LORD’s anger that is poured out on us because those who have gone before us have not kept the word of the LORD; they have not acted in accordance with all that is written in this book.”
22 Hilkiah and those the king had sent with him[b] went to speak to the prophet Huldah, who was the wife of Shallum son of Tokhath,[c] the son of Hasrah,[d] keeper of the wardrobe. She lived in Jerusalem, in the New Quarter.

2 Chronicles 34:12-22 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO 2 CHRONICLES 34

This chapter begins with the good reign of Josiah, the reformation he made in the land, purging it from idolatry, 2Ch 34:1-7, relates the orders he gave to repair the house of the Lord, which was accordingly done, 2Ch 34:8-13, when the book of the law was found and brought to him, which greatly affected him, 2Ch 34:12-19, upon which he deputed some persons to inquire of the Lord, who did of Huldah the prophetess, to whom she gave an answer, which they returned to the king, 2Ch 34:20-28 and the chapter is concluded with an account of reading the book in the ears of all the people, and of the king, and then making a covenant with the Lord to serve him, 2Ch 34:27-33.

Of these two verses, \\see Gill on "2Ki 22:1"\\, \\see Gill on "2Ki 22:2"\\. 19893-950128-2136-2Ch34.2

Cross References 9

  • 1. 2 Kings 12:15
  • 2. S 1 Chronicles 25:1
  • 3. S 1 Chronicles 23:4
  • 4. S 2 Kings 22:8; Ezra 7:6; Nehemiah 8:1
  • 5. Deuteronomy 28:3-68
  • 6. Joshua 7:6; Isaiah 36:22; Isaiah 37:1
  • 7. S 2 Kings 22:3
  • 8. 2 Chronicles 29:8; Lamentations 2:4; Lamentations 4:11; Ezekiel 36:18
  • 9. S Exodus 15:20; Nehemiah 6:14

Footnotes 4

  • [a]. Also called "Akbor son of Micaiah"
  • [b]. One Hebrew manuscript, Vulgate and Syriac; most Hebrew manuscripts do not have "had sent with him."
  • [c]. Also called "Tikvah"
  • [d]. Also called "Harhas"
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