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The Book of the Law Found in the Temple

Clothes torn before the word

Jerusalem · c. 622 BC · 2 Kgs 22:1–23:3

Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld, Josiah Hears the Book of the Law, c. 1851–1860 · Die Bibel in Bildern · Public domain

Story

While the temple was being repaired, King Josiah sent Shaphan the secretary to the temple. The high priest Hilkiah said to Shaphan, “I have found the Book of the Law in the temple of the Lord.” Shaphan read the book and brought it to the palace. Josiah had become king at eight and was now in the eighteenth year of his reign, and before him Shaphan read the book aloud.

As Josiah listened to the words of the law, he tore his clothes. Josiah gave an order: “Go and ask the Lord for me, for the people and for all Judah about the words of this book. The Lord's anger is great, because our ancestors did not listen to these words.” Hilkiah, Shaphan and the others went to the prophetess Huldah, who lived in the Second Quarter of Jerusalem.

Huldah said, “This is what the Lord says: Because this people has forsaken me, I will bring disaster on this place. But tell the king of Judah: Because your heart was tender when you heard these words, and you tore your clothes and wept, I have heard you too. Your eyes will not see that disaster.” Josiah read the Book of the Covenant before all the people and made a covenant to follow the Lord.

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Words of God and the Prophets

Because your heart was tender when you heard these words, and you humbled yourself before the Lord, tore your clothes and wept, I have heard you too. This is what the Lord says.
Huldah · 2 Kgs 22:19

I have found the Book of the Law in the temple of the Lord.
Hilkiah · 2 Kgs 22:8

Go and ask the Lord for me, for the people and for all Judah about the words of this book. His anger is great, because our ancestors did not obey these words.
Josiah · 2 Kgs 22:13

The sayings are fresh renderings of the original meaning in today's language. Text: 2 Kgs 22:1–23:3

Background

The Book of the Law found at this time is thought to have been Deuteronomy, or its central part. The “Second Quarter” where Huldah lived is believed to be the new district on the west side of Jerusalem, added around Hezekiah's time.

Pause and Reflect

When God's word exposes my wrongs, do I turn back instead of making excuses?