9
Shafan the Sofer came to the king, and brought the king word again, and said, Your servants have emptied out the money that was found in the house, and have delivered it into the hand of the workmen who have the oversight of the house of the LORD.
10
Shafan the Sofer told the king, saying, Hilkiyah the Kohen has delivered me a book. Shafan read it before the king.
11
It happened, when the king had heard the words of the book of the law, that he tore his clothes.
12
The king commanded Hilkiyah the Kohen, and Achikam the son of Shafan, and `Akhbor the son of Mikhayahu, and Shafan the Sofer, and `Asayah the king's servant, saying,
13
Go you, inquire of the LORD for me, and for the people, and for all Yehudah, concerning the words of this book that is found; for great is the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not listened to the words of this book, to do according to all that which is written concerning us.
14
So Hilkiyah the Kohen, and Achikam, and `Akhbor, and Shafan, and `Asayah, went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harchas, keeper of the wardrobe (now she lived in Yerushalayim in the second quarter); and they talked with her.
15
She said to them, Thus says the LORD, the God of Yisra'el: Tell you the man who sent you to me,
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Thus says the LORD, Behold, I will bring evil on this place, and on the inhabitants of it, even all the words of the book which the king of Yehudah has read.
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Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense to other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the work of their hands, therefore my wrath shall be kindled against this place, and it shall not be quenched.
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But to the king of Yehudah, who sent you to inquire of the LORD, thus shall you tell him, Thus says the LORD, the God of Yisra'el: As touching the words which you have heard,
19
because your heart was tender, and you did humble yourself before the LORD, when you heard what I spoke against this place, and against the inhabitants of it, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and have torn your clothes, and wept before me; I also have heard you, says the LORD.