God Moves • 2 Kings 22:8-20
By Emily Beth Crews
A prophecy from early in 1 Kings 13:2 is fulfilled in our study today, “A son named Josiah will be born to the Davidic dynasty.” The Lord instituted the Davidic dynasty to guide the people of Israel in faithfulness; however, we have learned that 1 and 2 Kings is full of tragedy.
There was the division of the north against David’s house, the failures of kings to lead the people in faithfulness to God, and the deportations of the Northern and then the Southern Kingdoms.
“And yet God will not fail in his purpose: Kings ends with kindness shown to David’s heir (2 Kings 25:27-30), which leaves the hope that the Davidic line will continue, leading to the ultimate heir, the Messiah, and the hope that a chastened Israel may itself be restored and may fulfill its calling for the world” (ESV Study Bible).
Josiah became king when he was eight years old and reigned for 31 years in Jerusalem (2 Kings 22:1). He was known as a king who did “what the Lord approved and followed his ancestor David’s footsteps; he did not deviate to the right or the left” (v. 2).
Twelve years into his reign, he began removing Judah and Jerusalem of all its idols and idol worship (2 Chron. 34:3-7). Josiah’s reform not only eliminated idol worship, but also the people who advanced this unfaithfulness. At year eighteen, he began repairing the temple and commissioned men to help him (2 Chron. 34:8-13).
Discovered (2 Kings 22:8-10). During the repairs of the temple, Hilkiah, the high priest, discovered the law of the Lord somewhere in the debris. This Book of the Law most likely refers to portions of Deuteronomy (Deut. 28:61; 29:21). “It is supposed to be that part of Deuteronomy (28-31) which contains the renewing of the covenant in the plains of Moab, and which contains the most terrible invectives against the corrupters of God’s word and worship” (Clarke).
Also noteworthy, the Book of the Law was meant to be kept beside the Ark of the Covenant (Deut. 31:24-27), but that requirement was clearly not being fulfilled. “The word of God was with Israel, but it was greatly neglected in those days. This neglect could only happen because Judah was in prolonged disobedience to God” (Enduring Word).
Hilkiah gave the scroll to Shaphan, who read it and then reported the find to King Josiah. Shaphan read the scroll aloud to Josiah and “when the king heard the words of the law scroll, he tore his clothes” (v.11).
Response (2 Kings 22:11-13). The action of tearing clothing was traditionally understood as expressing horror, astonishment, grief, or despair. Josiah realized in that moment that the people had been living in direct disobedience against God for generations, and he knew God’s judgment was going to come upon them (v. 13). The rending of his clothes was “an expression of deep conviction of sin” (Enduring Word).
Josiah directed Hilkiah, Anikam, Achbor, Shaphan, and Asiah to “seek an oracle from the Lord for me and the people – for all Judah. Find out about the words of this scroll that has been discovered” (v. 12-13).
Proven (2 Kings 22:14-20). These men went to Huldah, a prophetess and the wife of Shullam. They went to hear not “because of her own wisdom and spirituality, but that she was recognized as a prophetess and could reveal the heart and mind of God” (Enduring Word).
While we cannot pontificate on why they consulted a woman when there were other prophets known during this time, namely Jeremiah and Zephaniah, “We find from this… that a simple woman, possessing the life of God in her soul, may have more knowledge of the divine testimonies than many of those whose office it is to explain and enforce them” (Clark).
Huldah said four times in this passage, “this is what the Lord God of Israel has said” or “says the Lord” in her dialogue. Reiterating what was said was not of her own wisdom or opinion, but from the Lord himself.
Calamity was coming to Judah. The judgment the Lord promised His people in the Book of the Law for unfaithfulness to Him was coming to pass. This is as solemn a reminder to us today as it was for the people of Judah, “God’s faithfulness is demonstrated as much by His judgment upon the wicked as it is by His mercy upon the repentant” (Enduring Word).
There was nothing that could be done to dissuade the Lord from relenting his anger and judgment on the people; however, we learn that Josiah remained set on reforming Judah despite the pending judgment.
Lastly, Huldah spoke on behalf of the Lord and told Josiah because “he displayed a sensitive spirit and humbleness” (v.19), he would be spared from seeing the Lord’s judgment come to fruition. The Lord would allow him to die in peace (v.20).
May we be resolved like Josiah to remain faithful to the Lord in the wake of inevitable judgment. Remember the words of Moses to all of Israel: “Be strong and courageous… The Lord is indeed going before you — he will be with you; he will not fail you or abandon you. Do not be afraid or discouraged” (Deut. 31:7-8)!
Emily Beth Crews currently resides in Montana but was born and raised in Mississippi. She is the daughter of regular contributor, Laura Lee Leathers.
