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2 Chronicles 34

This chapter recounts the reign of King Josiah, who becomes king of Judah at a young age. Notably, he initiates significant religious reforms aimed at restoring the worship of Yahweh and eliminating idolatry in Judah. During his reign, the Book of the Law is discovered in the temple, leading to a national covenant renewal and further reforms. Josiah’s earnest desire to seek God and return the nation to true worship is a central theme of this chapter.

2 Chronicles 34:1-5 (NKJV)
1 Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned thirty-one years in Jerusalem.
2 And he did what was right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the ways of his father David; he did not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.
3 For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was still young, he began to seek the God of his father David; and in the twelfth year, he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of the high places, the wooden images, the carved images, and the molded images.
4 They broke down the altars of the Baals in his presence and the incense altars which were above them he cut down; and the wooden images, the carved images, and the molded images he broke in pieces and made dust of them and scattered it on the graves of those who had sacrificed to them.
5 He also burned the bones of the priests on their altars and purged Judah and Jerusalem.

In these verses, we see the early life and reign of Josiah, who becomes king at just eight years old. His commitment to righteousness is highlighted, as he follows the example of David rather than deviating from God's commands. At sixteen, he begins to seek the Lord, indicating a sincere desire for a relationship with God. By the age of twenty, Josiah actively removes idolatry from Judah, demonstrating his zeal for purging the land of false worship. His actions symbolize a strong rejection of previous corrupt practices, emphasizing a return to true worship in Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 34:6-7 (NKJV)
6 And so he did in the cities of Manasseh, Ephraim, and Simeon, as far as Naphtali, and all around with axes.
7 When he had broken down the altars and the wooden images, had beaten the carved images into powder, and cut down all the incense altars throughout all the land of Israel, he returned to Jerusalem.

Josiah’s reform efforts extend beyond Judah into the territories of the northern tribes, showcasing his commitment to restoring true worship throughout all Israel. His actions demonstrate a comprehensive approach to removing idolatry, indicating that he was not merely focused on his own kingdom but sought to purify the entire nation from past corruptions. The imagery of using axes and beating idols into powder illustrates the fervor and intensity of his reforms, emphasizing his dedication to returning the people to a rightful relationship with God.

2 Chronicles 34:8 (NKJV)
8 In the eighteenth year of his reign, when he had purged the land and the temple, he sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, Maaseiah the governor of the city, and Joah the son of Joahaz, the recorder, to repair the house of the Lord his God.

After thoroughly cleansing the land and temple of idolatry, Josiah focuses on restoring the temple itself. His decision to send officials to repair the house of the Lord reflects his recognition of the importance of the temple as the central place of worship for Israel. This act demonstrates his commitment to revitalizing true worship and ensuring that the temple reflects the holiness and glory of God. It signifies a shift from mere destruction of idols to a proactive restoration of the spiritual infrastructure necessary for worship.

2 Chronicles 34:9-10 (NKJV)
9 When they came to Hilkiah the high priest, they delivered the money that was brought into the house of God, which the Levites who kept the doors had gathered from the hand of Manasseh and Ephraim, from all the remnant of Israel, from all Judah and Benjamin, and which they had brought back to Jerusalem.
10 Then they put it in the hand of the foremen who had the oversight of the house of the Lord, and they gave it to the workmen who worked in the house of the Lord to repair and restore the house.

Upon arriving at the temple, the officials present the collected funds for repairs, demonstrating a sense of communal responsibility for maintaining the worship of Yahweh. This financial support indicates a collective desire among the people to restore the temple, as seen through their contributions. By involving foremen and workmen, Josiah ensures that the restoration is organized and efficient, reflecting his administrative capability. The dedication of resources signifies a tangible commitment to returning to proper worship practices.

2 Chronicles 34:11-13 (NKJV)
11 And they gave it to the craftsmen and builders to buy hewn stone and timber for beams and to floor the houses which the kings of Judah had destroyed.
12 And the men did the work faithfully. Their overseers were Jahath and Obadiah, the Levites of the sons of Merari; and Zechariah and Meshullam, of the sons of the Kohathites, to supervise. Others of the Levites, all of whom were skillful with instruments of music,
13 were also over the burden bearers and were supervisors of all who did work in any kind of service.

The work on the temple is detailed, emphasizing that the craftsmen and builders are committed to their tasks. The restoration involves careful planning and resource allocation, including the procurement of quality materials like hewn stone and timber. The presence of Levite overseers indicates a spiritual dimension to the project, ensuring that it aligns with God’s purposes. The mention of musicians highlights the importance of worship and celebration as part of the temple’s restoration, reflecting the holistic nature of returning to a life centered on God.

2 Chronicles 34:14-17 (NKJV)
14 Now when they brought out the money that was brought into the house of the Lord, Hilkiah the priest found the Book of the Law of the Lord given by Moses.
15 Then Hilkiah answered and 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.
16 So Shaphan carried the book to the king, bringing the king word, saying, “All that was committed to your servants they are doing.
17 And they have gathered the money that was found in the house of the Lord and have delivered it into the hand of the overseers and the workmen.”

During the temple restoration, a pivotal discovery is made: the Book of the Law. This finding is significant as it represents God’s covenant and guidance for His people. Hilkiah's announcement to Shaphan highlights the importance of Scripture in guiding the nation back to righteousness. Shaphan’s delivery of this news to King Josiah sets the stage for a profound spiritual awakening. The fact that this book was hidden or neglected reflects the spiritual decline in Judah, and its rediscovery signals a crucial turning point for the nation.

2 Chronicles 34:18-19 (NKJV)
18 Then Shaphan the scribe told the king, saying, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.” And Shaphan read it before the king.
19 Thus it happened, when the king heard the words of the Law, that he tore his clothes.

Shaphan’s reading of the Book of the Law to Josiah elicits a powerful emotional response from the king. Tearing his clothes was a traditional sign of mourning and repentance, indicating Josiah’s deep realization of the gravity of Judah's sins and the consequences of disobedience to God’s commandments. This reaction underscores the weight of the Word of God and its capacity to convict the heart. Josiah’s immediate response signifies a leader who not only acknowledges his people’s failures but is also determined to lead them back to a covenant relationship with God.

2 Chronicles 34:20-21 (NKJV)
20 The king commanded Hilkiah, Ahikam the son of Shaphan, Abdon the son of Micah, Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah a servant of the king, saying,
21 “Go, inquire of the Lord for me, and for those who are left in Israel and Judah, concerning the words of the book that is 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.”

In response to the shocking revelation from the Book of the Law, Josiah seeks immediate guidance from God. His command to inquire of the Lord reflects a humble and responsible leadership that recognizes the need for divine insight in light of their dire situation. The acknowledgment of God’s wrath due to the failure of previous generations highlights the seriousness of their spiritual condition. Josiah's proactive approach indicates his earnest desire to rectify the nation's course and align them once again with God's will.

2 Chronicles 34:22-25 (NKJV)
22 So Hilkiah and those the king had appointed went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe; she dwelt in Jerusalem in the Second Quarter; and they spoke to her to that effect.
23 Then she answered them, “Thus says the Lord God of Israel, ‘Tell the man who sent you to Me,
24 “Thus says the Lord: ‘Behold, I will bring calamity on this place and on its inhabitants, all the curses that are written in the book which they have read before the king of Judah,
25 because they have forsaken Me and burned incense 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 not be quenched.’”

Hilkiah and his group seek out Huldah, a recognized prophetess, to discern the Lord’s will regarding the newfound law. Her pronouncement reveals God’s judgment, confirming the gravity of Judah's sins. The acknowledgment that calamity is inevitable due to the people’s forsaking of God and idol worship emphasizes the serious consequences of turning away from divine commandments. Huldah’s message serves not only as a warning but also as a prompt for Josiah to take immediate and sincere action in leading the nation toward repentance and reform.

2 Chronicles 34:26-28 (NKJV)
26 “But as for the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the Lord, in this manner you shall speak to him: ‘Thus says the Lord God of Israel: “Concerning the words which you have heard—
27 because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before God when you heard His words against this place and against its inhabitants, and you humbled yourself before Me, and tore your clothes and wept before Me, I also have heard you,” says the Lord.
28 “Surely 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 calamity which I will bring on this place and its inhabitants.” So they brought back word to the king.

Huldah’s response includes a personal message for Josiah, acknowledging his humble heart and genuine repentance. God honors Josiah’s sincere response to the Word of God, promising him peace and protection from the coming calamity. This assurance signifies God’s grace and mercy toward those who earnestly seek Him and strive for righteousness. Josiah’s tears and brokenness resonate with God’s heart, illustrating that true humility before God can lead to divine favor even amidst judgment.

2 Chronicles 34:29-30 (NKJV)
29 Then the king sent and gathered all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem.
30 The king went up to the house of the Lord, with all the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the priests, and the Levites, and all the people, great and small; and he read in their hearing all the words of the Book of the Covenant which had been found in the house of the Lord.

Josiah’s first action after receiving God’s message is to gather the leaders and people of Judah to the temple. His decision to read the Book of the Covenant to everyone signifies a public acknowledgment of their collective need to return to God. This act of reading emphasizes the importance of the Scriptures in the life of the nation and serves as a call to collective repentance and renewal of commitment to God’s ways. Josiah’s leadership is characterized by inclusivity, as he involves everyone, from leaders to ordinary citizens, in this pivotal moment.

2 Chronicles 34:31-32 (NKJV)
31 Then the king stood in his place and made a covenant before the Lord, to follow the Lord and to keep His commandments and His testimonies and His statutes with all his heart and all his soul, and to perform the words of the covenant that were written in this book.
32 And he made all who were present in Jerusalem and Benjamin take a stand. So the inhabitants of Jerusalem did according to the covenant of God, the God of their fathers.

Josiah’s public commitment to God involves making a covenant to wholeheartedly follow the Lord and uphold His commandments. This reflects his understanding that true worship involves not only belief but also action and obedience. By making those present take a stand, he encourages collective accountability to God’s covenant. This moment marks a significant turning point in Judah’s history as the people respond positively to Josiah’s leadership, illustrating the power of a godly leader to influence the nation toward spiritual renewal.

2 Chronicles 34:33 (NKJV)
33 Thus Josiah removed all the abominations from all the country that belonged to the children of Israel and made all who were present in Israel diligently serve the Lord their God. All his days they did not depart from following the Lord God of their fathers.

Josiah’s reforms culminate in a thorough removal of idolatry and abominations throughout the land, reaffirming his commitment to purging Judah of its sins. His efforts result in a period of faithfulness among the people, as they diligently serve the Lord. This verse underscores the lasting impact of Josiah’s leadership and spiritual revival, showing that when a leader truly seeks God and calls the people to do the same, it can lead to a significant and sustained return to faithfulness. Josiah's reign exemplifies the blessings that come from genuine repentance and obedience to God.

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