1
Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned thirty-one years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Jedidah daughter of Adaiah, from Bozkath.
2
He did what was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the way of David his forefather, and did not turn aside to the right or to the left.
3
In the eighteenth year of King Josiah, the king sent Shaphan son of Azaliah son of Meshullam, the scribe, to the house of the LORD, saying:
4
“Go up to Hilkiah the high priest, and have him hand over all the money that has been brought into the house of the LORD, which the doorkeepers have collected from the people;
5
let it be given into the hands of the workers appointed over the house of the LORD, so that it may be given to the craftsmen who are in the house of the LORD to repair the damage of the house,
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to the carpenters, the builders, and the masons, and also for buying timber and dressed stone to repair the house.
7
But no accounting need be made with them for the money put into their hands, because they deal faithfully.”
8
Then Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the scribe, “I have found the Book of the Law in the house of the LORD!” And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he read it.
9
Then Shaphan the scribe went in to the king and reported to the king, “Your servants have gathered up all the money found in the house of the LORD and have given it into the hands of the workers appointed over the house.”
10
Shaphan the scribe also told the king, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a book,” and Shaphan read it before the king.
11
When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes.
12
Then the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Achbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah the king’s servant, saying:
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“Go, inquire of the LORD for me, for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that has been found; for great is the heat of the LORD’s anger that is kindled against us, because our fathers did not listen to the words of this book by doing according to all that is written concerning us.”
14
So Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, Achbor, Shaphan, and Asaiah went to the prophetess Huldah, the wife of Shallum son of Tikvah son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe; she lived in Jerusalem, in the new quarter. They spoke with her about it.
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;
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because they have forsaken Me and burned offerings to other gods, to provoke Me to anger with all the work of their hands; therefore My wrath will be kindled against this place and will not be quenched.
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But to the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the LORD, you shall say this: Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: As for the words that you have heard,
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because your heart was moved and you humbled yourself before the LORD when you heard what I spoke against this place and against its inhabitants, that they would become a horror and a curse, and because you tore 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 laid in your grave in peace, and your eyes shall not see all the disaster that I will bring upon this place.” And they brought back the answer to the king.
📖🧹🔥 Summary of 2 Kings 22 – Josiah Finds the Book of the Law and Begins Reform
2 Kings 22 marks the beginning of a great spiritual awakening in Judah through the reign of King Josiah, one of the youngest and most pleasing kings before the Lord. Even at a young age, Josiah showed a sincere heart. When the Book of the Law was found in the house of God, he responded with fear and deep repentance. He realized that his nation had strayed far from the law of God, and immediately began a sweeping spiritual reform. This chapter became a turning point toward national repentance and the reaffirmation of God’s covenant.
📌 1. Josiah: The Young King Who Did Right (verses 1–2)
➡️ Josiah became king at the age of 8 years and reigned for 31 years in Jerusalem
➡️ He did what was right in the sight of the Lord, not turning aside to the right or to the left
➡️ He became a reforming king, following the path of David, not the evil kings before him
🎯 A young age is no barrier to living rightly and bringing great change.
📌 2. The Renovation of the House of God and the Discovery of the Book of the Law (verses 3–10)
➡️ At the age of 18, Josiah ordered the renovation of the house of God
➡️ The high priest Hilkiah found the Book of the Law in the house of the LORD (possibly Deuteronomy or a portion of the Pentateuch)
➡️ Hilkiah handed it over to the scribe Shaphan, and Shaphan read its contents to Josiah
🎯 Many revivals begin when the word of the LORD is found and read again.
📌 3. Josiah Responds with Repentance and Fear of God (verses 11–13)
➡️ When Josiah heard the words of the Book, he tore his clothes — a sign of repentance and spiritual fear
➡️ He realized that the wrath of the LORD was hanging over Judah because their ancestors had broken the law of God
➡️ Josiah immediately sought guidance from the LORD through a prophet
🎯 The right response to the word of God is a broken heart and immediate action.
📌 4. The Prophecy of the Prophetess Huldah (verses 14–20)
➡️ They went to see Huldah, a prophetess in Jerusalem
➡️ Huldah delivered the word of the LORD:
- Judah would still be punished because of the sins of the ancestors and idolatry
- But Josiah himself would be spared, because he truly repented and humbled himself
- He would die in peace, and would not witness that destruction
🎯 Personal repentance can delay the wrath of God, though it does not always cancel it for a nation.
📖 Main Teaching
- The word of God is the key to revival
- Young leaders can make a great difference if they fear God
- True repentance involves fear of God’s wrath and humility
✨ Spiritual Meaning (New Testament)
📖 2 Timothy 3:16
“All Scripture inspired by God is indeed useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction…”
➡️ The Law made Josiah and his people aware of their sin — the power of the word transforms.
📖 Matthew 5:4
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
➡️ Josiah tore his clothes and wept before the Lord — a broken heart is blessed.
📖 James 1:22
“Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.”
➡️ Josiah did not only hear, he acted at once — a true example of a doer of the word.
📖 1 Peter 5:6
“Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God.”
➡️ Josiah was not proud, though he was king — he humbled himself before the Lord.
🕊️ “He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD… and did not turn aside to the right or to the left.” – 2 Kings 22:2
🕊️ “I have found the Book of the Law in the house of the LORD.” – 2 Kings 22:8
🕊️ “When the king heard the words of the book, he tore his clothes.” – 2 Kings 22:11
🕊️ “Because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself… I have heard you, says the LORD.” – 2 Kings 22:19
