2 Chronicles 34 summary meaning ai explained commentary

2 Chronicles 34 meaning explained in AI Summary

This chapter details the reign of King Josiah of Judah, focusing on his religious reforms and the rediscovery of the Book of the Law.

Early Reign and Reforms (verses 1-7):

Josiah becomes king at eight years old and reigns for 31 years.
He is presented as a righteous king who "did what was right in the eyes of the Lord."
In the eighth year of his reign, he begins to seek the God of his ancestor David.
In the twelfth year, he initiates religious reforms, purging Judah and Jerusalem of idolatry. This includes destroying altars, idols, Asherah poles, and images associated with Baal worship.

Temple Repair and the Finding of the Law (verses 8-21):

In the eighteenth year of his reign, Josiah orders the repair of the Temple in Jerusalem.
During the renovation, Hilkiah the priest discovers the Book of the Law (likely the book of Deuteronomy) in the Temple.
Shaphan the secretary reads the book to Josiah.
Josiah is deeply troubled by the words of the Law, realizing the extent to which the people have strayed from God's commands.

Seeking God's Guidance (verses 22-33):

Josiah sends a delegation, including the prophetess Huldah, to inquire of the Lord about the meaning of the book.
Huldah prophesies that the Lord's wrath will come upon Judah because of their disobedience.
However, because of Josiah's humility and his commitment to seeking God, the punishment will not come during his lifetime.
Josiah gathers the people of Judah and reads the Book of the Law to them.
He renews the covenant with God, committing himself and the people to obey the Lord's commands.

Overall, 2 Chronicles 34 portrays Josiah as a model king who:

Seeks God wholeheartedly: He actively pursues God and His will.
Leads religious reform: He takes decisive action to eliminate idolatry and restore true worship.
Humbles himself before God: He responds to the rediscovered Law with repentance and a desire to obey.
Leads the people in covenant renewal: He guides the nation back to a relationship with God.

This chapter sets the stage for the religious revival that takes place during Josiah's reign, which is further explored in the following chapters.

2 Chronicles 34 bible study ai commentary

2 Chronicles 34 details the reign of King Josiah, one of Judah's last righteous kings. The chapter presents a powerful narrative of revival driven by a personal search for God, which leads to national reformation. The key events unfold sequentially: Josiah’s youthful piety, his extensive purging of idolatry, the repair of the Temple, the pivotal discovery of the Book of the Law, the king's profound repentance, and the renewal of the covenant between God and His people. It powerfully demonstrates that God’s written Word is the indispensable catalyst for revealing sin, producing genuine repentance, and re-establishing a right relationship with Him, even if it only temporarily postpones judgment.

2 Chronicles 34 Context

The events of this chapter occur in the late 7th century BC (c. 640-609 BC). The formidable Assyrian Empire, which had dominated the region and under which Josiah's grandfather Manasseh had been a loyal but apostate vassal, was in rapid decline. This power vacuum provided a political window for Josiah to assert national independence and, more importantly, religious autonomy. The chapter follows the reigns of Manasseh, whose idolatry was unprecedented, and Amon, who continued his father's wickedness. Josiah's reforms are therefore a radical and stark reversal of two generations of deep-seated paganism. The Chronicler's account emphasizes the ideal of an "all-Israel" community, showing Josiah's reforms extending into the former northern territories, a theological statement about the unity of God's people under a Davidic king and the Jerusalem Temple.

2 Chronicles 34:1-2

Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years. He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD and followed the ways of his father David, not turning aside to the right or to the left.

In-depth-analysis

Age Eight: His young age highlights God's ability to raise up leaders regardless of human qualification. His long reign of 31 years allowed his reforms to take deep root for a generation.
Father David: The standard for all righteous kings in Chronicles. This direct comparison, skipping recent wicked ancestors like Manasseh and Amon, establishes Josiah immediately as a figure in the line of God's ideal monarch.
Not turning aside: This phrase signifies complete devotion and uncompromising obedience. It describes a walk of integrity, staying strictly on the path God commanded (cf. Deut 5:32).

Bible references

2 Kgs 22:1-2: "...he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord..." (The parallel account, establishing Josiah's righteousness from the start).
1 Kgs 15:5: "For David had done what was right in the eyes of the Lord and had not failed to keep any of his commands..." (Establishes David as the benchmark for obedience).
Deut 17:20: "...he may not turn from the law to the right or to the left..." (The direct command for kings, which Josiah fulfills perfectly).

Cross references

Prov 4:27 (turn not to right or left); Heb 12:1-2 (run the race without wavering); Josh 1:7 (be careful to obey all the law).

2 Chronicles 34:3-7

In the eighth year of his reign, while he was still young, he began to seek the God of his father David. In his twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of high places, Asherah poles, and idols. Under his direction the altars of the Baals were torn down; he cut to pieces the incense altars that were above them, and smashed the Asherah poles and the idols. These he crushed to dust and scattered over the graves of those who had sacrificed to them. He also burned the bones of the priests on their altars, and so he purged Judah and Jerusalem. In the towns of Manasseh, Ephraim and Simeon, as far as Naphtali, and in the ruins around them, he tore down the altars and the Asherah poles and crushed the idols to powder...

In-depth-analysis

Eighth year (age 16): Marks his personal spiritual awakening. The Hebrew dārash ("to seek") implies a deliberate, active, and earnest inquiry into knowing God personally, beyond mere political duty.
Twelfth year (age 20): His personal faith translates into public action. He begins the purge before finding the Book of the Law, highlighting his proactive righteousness. The Chronicler places this purge early to emphasize Josiah's innate piety.
Scattering dust on graves: An act of supreme desecration, making the places of idol worship permanently unclean and unusable for any sacred purpose.
Burning bones of priests: This is the ultimate defilement of the false altars and a direct fulfillment of a prophecy made against Jeroboam's altar over 300 years earlier.
Manasseh, Ephraim, Simeon...Naphtali: This geographical expansion of the purge into the territory of the former northern kingdom is a key emphasis for the Chronicler. It demonstrates Josiah acting as king over "all Israel," a theological claim to the restored Davidic covenant over all twelve tribes.

Bible references

1 Kgs 13:2: "A son named Josiah will be born to the house of David. On you he will sacrifice the priests of the high places who make offerings here..." (A remarkably specific prophecy fulfilled).
2 Tim 3:15: "...from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures..." (Parallels the theme of youthful faith, like Timothy's, leading to powerful action).
Deut 7:5: "This is what you are to do to them: Break down their altars, smash their sacred stones, cut down their Asherah poles..." (Josiah directly obeys the Deuteronomic commands for dealing with idolatry).

Cross references

Exod 32:20 (Moses grinding idol to dust); 2 Chr 15:8 (Asa's earlier reforms); Jer 1:2 (Jeremiah's ministry begins in the 13th year of Josiah's reign, contextualizing this era).

Polemics

The systematic destruction of high places (bāmôt), Asherah poles, and incense altars was a direct polemic against the syncretistic worship that had plagued Israel for centuries. While the people saw these as legitimate local shrines to Yahweh or other deities, Josiah's actions enforced the centralized worship mandated in Deuteronomy (Deut 12) and declared all other forms of worship as abominations. This re-centered religious life on the Jerusalem Temple alone.

2 Chronicles 34:8-13

In the eighteenth year of his reign, when he had purged the land and the temple, he sent Shaphan...to repair the temple of the LORD his God... They gave it to the men who carried out the work...The men did the work faithfully. Over them as supervisors were Jahath and Obadiah, Levites of the descendants of Merari...All the Levites who were skilled in playing musical instruments were over the burden bearers...

In-depth-analysis

Eighteenth year (age 26): After purifying the land (ṭāhēr), the focus shifts to restoring (ḥāzaq) God's dwelling place. The purging of sin must be followed by the restoration of proper worship.
Repair the temple: This act mirrors the work of King Joash (2 Chr 24), symbolizing a fresh start and a renewed commitment to God's presence among his people.
The men did the work faithfully: Integrity is a key theme. The funds are handled properly, and the workers are diligent. This contrasts sharply with the corruption of previous eras.
Levites as supervisors: The Chronicler consistently elevates the role of the Levites, portraying them here not just as ceremonial ministers but as skilled administrators, scribes, and musicians overseeing this crucial national project. This highlights the ideal Temple-centered community.

Bible references

2 Chr 24:12-13: "The king and Jehoiada gave it to those who carried out the work...So the workmen labored, and the repair work progressed..." (A direct parallel to the temple repairs under King Joash).
Neh 7:2: "...he was a man of integrity and feared God more than most people..." (Highlights the importance of faithfulness in leadership, as seen in the supervisors).
1 Cor 4:2: "Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful." (A New Testament principle exemplified by the workers and overseers).

Cross references

2 Kgs 22:3-7 (parallel account of repairs); Exo 36:1-5 (faithful craftsmen building the Tabernacle); 1 Chr 23-26 (detailed roles of the Levites).

2 Chronicles 34:14-21

While they were bringing out the money...Hilkiah the priest found the Book of the Law of the LORD that had been given through Moses. Hilkiah said to Shaphan the secretary, "I have found the Book of the Law in the temple of the LORD"...And Shaphan read from it in the presence of the king. When the king heard the words of the Law, he tore his robes. He gave these orders... "Go and inquire of the LORD for me and for the remnant in Israel and Judah about what is written in this book that has been found. Great is the LORD's wrath that is poured out on us because our ancestors have not kept the word of the LORD..."

In-depth-analysis

Book of the Law: The central turning point of the chapter. This "finding" represents the rediscovery of God's direct revelation after it had been lost and neglected for generations.
Given through Moses: This phrase asserts its divine origin and foundational authority.
Tore his robes: The quintessential ancient sign of profound grief, horror, and repentance. Upon hearing the curses for disobedience, Josiah doesn't make excuses; he immediately recognizes the nation's immense guilt and imminent danger. His reaction is personal and visceral.
Inquire of the LORD (dārash): The same word used for his initial seeking of God (v. 3). Now, enlightened by the Word, his inquiry is more specific and desperate.
Remnant in Israel and Judah: Josiah again shows his concern for all of God's people, not just his own kingdom. He understands the covenant curses apply to all descendants of Jacob.

Bible references

Deut 31:26: "Take this Book of the Law and place it beside the ark of the covenant..." (Its prescribed location was in the temple, making the discovery plausible).
Neh 8:9: "...all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law." (A similar reaction of sorrow and repentance when the Law is read under Ezra).
Rom 7:7: "...I would not have known what sin was had it not been for the law." (Paul explains the Law's primary function is to reveal sin, which is precisely what happens to Josiah).

Cross references

2 Kgs 22:8-13 (parallel account); Jer 36:24 (King Jehoiakim's opposite reaction: he burns the scroll); Rom 3:20 (no one justified by law, law brings knowledge of sin).

Polemics

Scholars overwhelmingly identify "The Book of the Law" with the book of Deuteronomy, or a significant portion of it. The book's themes—covenant, centralized worship, and blessings/curses—match Josiah's reforms and Huldah's prophecy perfectly. Some critical scholars propose that the book was not "found" but strategically "planted" by the Deuteronomistic school (priests and prophets loyal to Deuteronomy's theology) to provide divine authority for the very reforms they wished to enact. Regardless of its origin, its impact as the authoritative Word of God is the chapter's main point.

2 Chronicles 34:22-28

Hilkiah and those the king had sent with him went to speak to the prophet Huldah... She said to them, "This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: Tell the man who sent you to me, ‘This is what the LORD says: I am going to bring disaster on this place...because they have forsaken me...My anger will be poured out...But to the king of Judah...This is what the LORD...says: Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before God when you heard what he spoke against this place...and because you tore your robes and wept in my presence, I have heard you, declares the LORD. Now I will gather you to your ancestors, and you will be buried in peace. Your eyes will not see all the disaster I am going to bring..."

In-depth-analysis

Prophet Huldah: Josiah's court consults a female prophet, even though Jeremiah and Zephaniah were likely active. This demonstrates her recognized authority and God's sovereign choice of spokesperson.
Two-part prophecy: Her message has a dual focus:
1. National Judgment is certain: The covenant curses are unavoidable. The wrath against corporate sin is "poured out" and "will not be quenched."
2. Personal Deliverance is granted: Because Josiah's heart was responsive (rak, "tender") and he humbled himself, God grants him a personal reprieve.
Buried in peace: This is a promise that he will die before the prophesied destruction of Jerusalem. While he dies in battle (2 Chr 35), the "peace" refers to being spared the horror of seeing his city and temple destroyed by the Babylonians.
God's hearing: God explicitly states He heard Josiah's weeping and responded directly to his personal posture of humility. This is a core principle of divine mercy.

Bible references

James 4:10: "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." (The principle that governed God's response to Josiah).
Isa 57:15: "...I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly..." (Describes the very character of God that Josiah appealed to).
1 Kgs 21:29: "Have you noticed how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has...I will not bring the disaster in his day..." (Precedent for God delaying judgment in response to a king's repentance, even a wicked one like Ahab).

Cross references

Judg 4:4 (Deborah the prophetess); Luke 2:36 (Anna the prophetess); Mic 6:8 (what God requires: justice, mercy, walk humbly).

2 Chronicles 34:29-33

Then the king called together all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem...He read in their hearing all the words of the Book of the Covenant... The king stood by his pillar and renewed the covenant in the presence of the LORD—to follow the LORD and keep his commands...with all his heart and with all his soul...Then he had everyone in Jerusalem and Benjamin pledge themselves to it...As long as he lived, they did not fail to follow the LORD, the God of their ancestors.

In-depth-analysis

Read in their hearing: Josiah ensures the Word is public. Personal revival must lead to corporate responsibility. This act makes the entire nation accountable.
Renewed the covenant: The Hebrew is "cut a covenant" (kārat bĕrît). This is a formal, solemn, and binding recommitment to the terms of the relationship between Yahweh and Israel.
By his pillar: Likely a specific spot in the Temple court reserved for the king, signifying the official nature of his leadership in this ceremony.
All his heart and with all his soul: This echoes the Shema (Deut 6:4-5), representing a total and sincere commitment.
Had everyone...pledge themselves: The king uses his authority to lead the nation into a binding commitment, showing that true leadership guides others to obedience.
As long as he lived: A tragic and poignant summary. The reformation, while deep, was ultimately dependent on Josiah's life and leadership. It hints that the people's heart was not as fully transformed as their king's.

Bible references

Deut 6:5: "Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." (The standard of covenant loyalty which Josiah publicly commits to).
Josh 24:25: "On that day Joshua made a covenant for the people..." (A parallel covenant renewal ceremony under Joshua, establishing the nation in the land).
Jer 3:10: "...faithless Judah did not return to me with all her heart, but only in pretense," declares the LORD. (Jeremiah's contemporary assessment, suggesting the people's commitment was more superficial than the king's).

Cross references

Exod 24:7 (Moses reading the Book of the Covenant); 2 Kgs 11:14 (Joash at the pillar); Neh 9:38-10:1 (Nehemiah leads the people in a written, binding agreement).

2 Chronicles chapter 34 analysis

The Chronicler's Agenda vs. 2 Kings: The account in 2 Kings 22-23 places the discovery of the book before the main reforms, making the book the primary catalyst. The Chronicler rearranges the timeline to show Josiah beginning his purge in his 12th year (age 20), well before finding the book in his 18th year (age 26). This intentional restructuring emphasizes that Josiah’s righteousness was inherent and proactive; the discovered Law then deepens and confirms a revival already in progress, rather than initiating it from a cold start.
Spiritual Maturation in Stages: The chapter lays out Josiah's spiritual development in clear phases, marked by his age:
- Age 8: Becomes king.
- Age 16 (8th year): Begins to seek God personally.
- Age 20 (12th year): Begins to act on his faith by purging the land.
- Age 26 (18th year): Begins to restore worship by repairing the Temple, leading to the discovery of the Word.
The "All-Israel" Ideal: A central theme for the Chronicler is the unity of God's people. By repeatedly mentioning that Josiah’s reforms extended into the northern territories of Manasseh, Ephraim, and Naphtali (v. 6), the author portrays Josiah as the rightful king of a united Israel, fulfilling the Davidic ideal even centuries after the political split.
The Power of the Word: The chapter is a masterclass on the function of Scripture. It reveals sin (v. 19), prompts genuine repentance (v. 27), confirms God's judgment and mercy (v. 24-28), and serves as the constitution for a renewed covenant relationship with God (v. 31).

2 Chronicles 34 summary

King Josiah, righteous from his youth, initiates sweeping reforms, purging Judah and northern Israel of deep-seated idolatry. During the subsequent repair of the Temple, the "Book of the Law" is discovered. Upon hearing its words, Josiah leads the nation in profound repentance and renews their covenant with God. In response to Josiah's personal humility, God promises to delay the nation's foretold destruction until after the king's death.

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2 Chronicles 34 AI Image Audio and Video

2 Chronicles chapter 34 kjv

¹ Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem one and thirty years.
² And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the ways of David his father, and declined neither to the right hand, nor to the left.
³ For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet young, he began to seek after the God of David his father: and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem from the high places, and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images.
⁴ And they brake down the altars of Baalim in his presence; and the images, that were on high above them, he cut down; and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images, he brake in pieces, and made dust of them, and strewed it upon the graves of them that had sacrificed unto them.
⁵ And he burnt the bones of the priests upon their altars, and cleansed Judah and Jerusalem.
⁶ And so did he in the cities of Manasseh, and Ephraim, and Simeon, even unto Naphtali, with their mattocks round about.
⁷ And when he had broken down the altars and the groves, and had beaten the graven images into powder, and cut down all the idols throughout all the land of Israel, he returned to Jerusalem.
⁸ Now in the eighteenth year of his reign, when he had purged the land, and the house, he sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, and Maaseiah the governor of the city, and Joah the son of Joahaz the recorder, to repair the house of the LORD his God.
⁹ And when they came to Hilkiah the high priest, they delivered the money that was brought into the house of God, which the Levites that kept the doors had gathered of the hand of Manasseh and Ephraim, and of all the remnant of Israel, and of all Judah and Benjamin; and they returned to Jerusalem.
¹⁰ And they put it in the hand of the workmen that had the oversight of the house of the LORD, and they gave it to the workmen that wrought in the house of the LORD, to repair and amend the house:
¹¹ Even to the artificers and builders gave they it, to buy hewn stone, and timber for couplings, and to floor the houses which the kings of Judah had destroyed.
¹² And the men did the work faithfully: and the overseers of them were Jahath and Obadiah, the Levites, of the sons of Merari; and Zechariah and Meshullam, of the sons of the Kohathites, to set it forward; and other of the Levites, all that could skill of instruments of music.
¹³ Also they were over the bearers of burdens, and were overseers of all that wrought the work in any manner of service: and of the Levites there were scribes, and officers, and porters.
¹⁴ And when they brought out the money that was brought into the house of the LORD, Hilkiah the priest found a book of the law of the LORD given by Moses.
¹⁵ And Hilkiah answered and said to Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD. And Hilkiah delivered the book to Shaphan.
¹⁶ And Shaphan carried the book to the king, and brought the king word back again, saying, All that was committed to thy servants, they do it.
¹⁷ And they have gathered together the money that was found in the house of the LORD, and have delivered it into the hand of the overseers, and to the hand of the workmen.
¹⁸ Then Shaphan the scribe told the king, saying, Hilkiah the priest hath given me a book. And Shaphan read it before the king.
¹⁹ And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the law, that he rent his clothes.
²⁰ And the king commanded Hilkiah, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Abdon the son of Micah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah a servant of the king's, saying,
²¹ Go, enquire of the LORD for me, and for them that are left in Israel and in Judah, concerning the words of the book that is found: for great is the wrath of the LORD that is poured out upon us, because our fathers have not kept the word of the LORD, to do after all that is written in this book.
²² And Hilkiah, and they that the king had appointed, went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvath, the son of Hasrah, keeper of the wardrobe; (now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the college:) and they spake to her to that effect.
²³ And she answered them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Tell ye the man that sent you to me,
²⁴ Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, and upon the inhabitants thereof, even 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 have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be poured out upon this place, and shall not be quenched.
²⁶ And as for the king of Judah, who sent you to enquire of the LORD, so shall ye say unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel concerning the words which thou hast heard;
²⁷ Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard thee also, saith the LORD.
²⁸ Behold, I will gather thee to thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered to thy grave in peace, neither shall thine eyes see all the evil that I will bring upon this place, and upon the inhabitants of the same. So they brought the king word again.
²⁹ Then the king sent and gathered together all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem.
³⁰ And the king went up into the house of the LORD, and all the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the priests, and the Levites, and all the people, great and small: and he read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant that was found in the house of the LORD.
³¹ And the king stood in his place, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments, and his testimonies, and his statutes, with all his heart, and with all his soul, to perform the words of the covenant which are written in this book.
³² And he caused all that were present in Jerusalem and Benjamin to stand to it. And the inhabitants of Jerusalem did according to the covenant of God, the God of their fathers.
³³ And Josiah took away all the abominations out of all the countries that pertained to the children of Israel, and made all that were present in Israel to serve, even to serve the LORD their God. And all his days they departed not from following the LORD, the God of their fathers.

2 Chronicles chapter 34 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 cleansed Judah and Jerusalem.
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.
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.
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.
¹¹ 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 over the burden bearers and were overseers of all who did work in any kind of service. And some of the Levites were scribes, officers, and gatekeepers.
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."
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.
²⁰ Then 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."
²² So Hilkiah and those the king had appointed went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tokhath, the son of Hasrah, 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.' " '
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 you 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.
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.
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, 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.
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.

2 Chronicles chapter 34 niv

¹ Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years.
² He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD and followed the ways of his father David, not turning aside to the right or to the left.
³ In the eighth year of his reign, while he was still young, he began to seek the God of his father David. In his twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of high places, Asherah poles and idols.
⁴ Under his direction the altars of the Baals were torn down; he cut to pieces the incense altars that were above them, and smashed the Asherah poles and the idols. These he broke to pieces and scattered over the graves of those who had sacrificed to them.
⁵ He burned the bones of the priests on their altars, and so he purged Judah and Jerusalem.
⁶ In the towns of Manasseh, Ephraim and Simeon, as far as Naphtali, and in the ruins around them,
⁷ he tore down the altars and the Asherah poles and crushed the idols to powder and cut to pieces all the incense altars throughout Israel. Then he went back to Jerusalem.
⁸ In the eighteenth year of Josiah's reign, to purify the land and the temple, he sent Shaphan son of Azaliah and Maaseiah the ruler of the city, with Joah son of Joahaz, the recorder, to repair the temple of the LORD his God.
⁹ They went to Hilkiah the high priest and gave him the money that had been brought into the temple of God, which the Levites who were the gatekeepers had collected from the people of Manasseh, Ephraim and the entire remnant of Israel and from all the people of Judah and Benjamin and the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
¹⁰ Then they entrusted it to the men appointed to supervise the work on the LORD's temple. These men paid the workers who repaired and restored the temple.
¹¹ They also gave money to the carpenters and builders to purchase dressed stone, and timber for joists and beams for the buildings that the kings of Judah had allowed to fall into ruin.
¹² The workers labored faithfully. Over them to direct them were Jahath and Obadiah, Levites descended from Merari, and Zechariah and Meshullam, descended from Kohath. The Levites?all who were skilled in playing musical instruments?
¹³ had charge of the laborers and supervised all the workers from job to job. Some of the Levites were secretaries, scribes and gatekeepers.
¹⁴ While they were bringing out the money that had been taken into the temple of the LORD, Hilkiah the priest found the Book of the Law of the LORD that had been given through Moses.
¹⁵ Hilkiah said to Shaphan the secretary, "I have found the Book of the Law in the temple of the LORD." He gave it to Shaphan.
¹⁶ Then Shaphan took the book to the king and reported to him: "Your officials are doing everything that has been committed to them.
¹⁷ They have paid out the money that was in the temple of the LORD and have entrusted it to the supervisors and workers."
¹⁸ Then Shaphan the secretary informed the king, "Hilkiah the priest has given me a book." And Shaphan read from it in the presence of the king.
¹⁹ When the king heard the words of the Law, he tore his robes.
²⁰ He gave these orders to Hilkiah, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Abdon son of Micah, Shaphan the secretary and Asaiah the king's attendant:
²¹ "Go and inquire of the LORD for me and for the remnant in Israel and Judah about what is written in this book that has been found. Great is the LORD's anger that is poured out on us because those who have gone before us have not kept the word of the LORD; they have not acted in accordance with all that is written in this book."
²² Hilkiah and those the king had sent with him went to speak to the prophet Huldah, who was the wife of Shallum son of Tokhath, the son of Hasrah, keeper of the wardrobe. She lived in Jerusalem, in the New Quarter.
²³ She said to them, "This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: Tell the man who sent you to me,
²⁴ 'This is what the LORD says: I am going to bring disaster on this place and its people?all the curses written in the book that has been read in the presence of the king of Judah.
²⁵ Because they have forsaken me and burned incense to other gods and aroused my anger by all that their hands have made, my anger will be poured out on this place and will not be quenched.'
²⁶ Tell the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the LORD, 'This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says concerning the words you heard:
²⁷ Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before God when you heard what he spoke against this place and its people, and because you humbled yourself before me and tore your robes and wept in my presence, I have heard you, declares the LORD.
²⁸ Now I will gather you to your ancestors, and you will be buried in peace. Your eyes will not see all the disaster I am going to bring on this place and on those who live here.'?" So they took her answer back to the king.
²⁹ Then the king called together all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem.
³⁰ He went up to the temple of the LORD with the people of Judah, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the priests and the Levites?all the people from the least to the greatest. He read in their hearing all the words of the Book of the Covenant, which had been found in the temple of the LORD.
³¹ The king stood by his pillar and renewed the covenant in the presence of the LORD?to follow the LORD and keep his commands, statutes and decrees with all his heart and all his soul, and to obey the words of the covenant written in this book.
³² Then he had everyone in Jerusalem and Benjamin pledge themselves to it; the people of Jerusalem did this in accordance with the covenant of God, the God of their ancestors.
³³ Josiah removed all the detestable idols from all the territory belonging to the Israelites, and he had all who were present in Israel serve the LORD their God. As long as he lived, they did not fail to follow the LORD, the God of their ancestors.

2 Chronicles chapter 34 esv

¹ Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned thirty-one years in Jerusalem.
² And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, and walked in the ways of David his father; and 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 yet a boy, he began to seek the God of David his father, and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of the high places, the Asherim, and the carved and the metal images.
⁴ And they chopped down the altars of the Baals in his presence, and he cut down the incense altars that stood above them. And he broke in pieces the Asherim and the carved and the metal images, and he made dust of them and scattered it over the graves of those who had sacrificed to them.
⁵ He also burned the bones of the priests on their altars and cleansed Judah and Jerusalem.
⁶ And in the cities of Manasseh, Ephraim, and Simeon, and as far as Naphtali, in their ruins all around,
⁷ he broke down the altars and beat the Asherim and the images into powder and cut down all the incense altars throughout all the land of Israel. Then he returned to Jerusalem.
⁸ Now in the eighteenth year of his reign, when he had cleansed the land and the house, he sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, and Maaseiah the governor of the city, and Joah the son of Joahaz, the recorder, to repair the house of the LORD his God.
⁹ They came to Hilkiah the high priest and gave him the money that had been brought into the house of God, which the Levites, the keepers of the threshold, had collected from Manasseh and Ephraim and from all the remnant of Israel and from all Judah and Benjamin and from the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
¹⁰ And they gave it to the workmen who were working in the house of the LORD. And the workmen who were working in the house of the LORD gave it for repairing and restoring the house.
¹¹ They gave it to the carpenters and the builders to buy quarried stone, and timber for binders and beams for the buildings that the kings of Judah had let go to ruin.
¹² And the men did the work faithfully. Over them were set Jahath and Obadiah the Levites, of the sons of Merari, and Zechariah and Meshullam, of the sons of the Kohathites, to have oversight. The Levites, all who were skillful with instruments of music,
¹³ were over the burden-bearers and directed all who did work in every kind of service, and some of the Levites were scribes and officials and gatekeepers.
¹⁴ While they were bringing out the money that had been brought into the house of the LORD, Hilkiah the priest found the Book of the Law of the LORD given through Moses.
¹⁵ Then Hilkiah answered and said to Shaphan the secretary, "I have found the Book of the Law in the house of the LORD." And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan.
¹⁶ Shaphan brought the book to the king, and further reported to the king, "All that was committed to your servants they are doing.
¹⁷ They have emptied out the money that was found in the house of the LORD and have given it into the hand of the overseers and the workmen."
¹⁸ Then Shaphan the secretary told the king, "Hilkiah the priest has given me a book." And Shaphan read from it before the king.
¹⁹ And when the king heard the words of the Law, he tore his clothes.
²⁰ And the king commanded Hilkiah, Ahikam the son of Shaphan, Abdon the son of Micah, Shaphan the secretary, and Asaiah the king's servant, saying,
²¹ "Go, inquire of the LORD for me and for those who are left in Israel and in Judah, concerning the words of the book that has been 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."
²² So Hilkiah and those whom the king had sent went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tokhath, son of Hasrah, keeper of the wardrobe (now she lived in Jerusalem in the Second Quarter) and spoke to her to that effect.
²³ And she said to them, "Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: 'Tell the man who sent you to me,
²⁴ Thus says the LORD, Behold, I will bring disaster upon this place and upon its inhabitants, all the curses that are written in the book that was read before the king of Judah.
²⁵ Because they have forsaken me and have made offerings 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 will not be quenched.
²⁶ But to the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the LORD, thus shall you say to him, Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: Regarding the words that you have heard,
²⁷ because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before God when you heard his words against this place and its inhabitants, and you have humbled yourself before me and have torn your clothes and wept before me, I also have heard you, declares the LORD.
²⁸ Behold, 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 disaster that I will bring upon this place and its inhabitants.'" And they brought back word to the king.
²⁹ Then the king sent and gathered together all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem.
³⁰ And the king went up to the house of the LORD, with all the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and the priests and the Levites, all the people both great and small. And he read in their hearing all the words of the Book of the Covenant that had been found in the house of the LORD.
³¹ And the king stood in his place and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes, with all his heart and all his soul, to perform the words of the covenant that were written in this book.
³² Then he made all who were present in Jerusalem and in Benjamin join in it. And the inhabitants of Jerusalem did according to the covenant of God, the God of their fathers.
³³ And Josiah took away all the abominations from all the territory that belonged to the people of Israel and made all who were present in Israel serve the LORD their God. All his days they did not turn away from following the LORD, the God of their fathers.

2 Chronicles chapter 34 nlt

¹ Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years.
² He did what was pleasing in the LORD's sight and followed the example of his ancestor David. He did not turn away from doing what was right.
³ During the eighth year of his reign, while he was still young, Josiah began to seek the God of his ancestor David. Then in the twelfth year he began to purify Judah and Jerusalem, destroying all the pagan shrines, the Asherah poles, and the carved idols and cast images.
⁴ He ordered that the altars of Baal be demolished and that the incense altars which stood above them be broken down. He also made sure that the Asherah poles, the carved idols, and the cast images were smashed and scattered over the graves of those who had sacrificed to them.
⁵ He burned the bones of the pagan priests on their own altars, and so he purified Judah and Jerusalem.
⁶ He did the same thing in the towns of Manasseh, Ephraim, and Simeon, even as far as Naphtali, and in the regions all around them.
⁷ He destroyed the pagan altars and the Asherah poles, and he crushed the idols into dust. He cut down all the incense altars throughout the land of Israel. Finally, he returned to Jerusalem.
⁸ In the eighteenth year of his reign, after he had purified the land and the Temple, Josiah appointed Shaphan son of Azaliah, Maaseiah the governor of Jerusalem, and Joah son of Joahaz, the royal historian, to repair the Temple of the LORD his God.
⁹ They gave Hilkiah the high priest the money that had been collected by the Levites who served as gatekeepers at the Temple of God. The gifts were brought by people from Manasseh, Ephraim, and from all the remnant of Israel, as well as from all Judah, Benjamin, and the people of Jerusalem.
¹⁰ He entrusted the money to the men assigned to supervise the restoration of the LORD's Temple. Then they paid the workers who did the repairs and renovation of the Temple.
¹¹ They hired carpenters and builders, who purchased finished stone for the walls and timber for the rafters and beams. They restored what earlier kings of Judah had allowed to fall into ruin.
¹² The workers served faithfully under the leadership of Jahath and Obadiah, Levites of the Merarite clan, and Zechariah and Meshullam, Levites of the Kohathite clan. Other Levites, all of whom were skilled musicians,
¹³ were put in charge of the laborers of the various trades. Still others assisted as secretaries, officials, and gatekeepers.
¹⁴ While they were bringing out the money collected at the LORD's Temple, Hilkiah the priest found the Book of the Law of the LORD that was written by Moses.
¹⁵ Hilkiah said to Shaphan the court secretary, "I have found the Book of the Law in the LORD's Temple!" Then Hilkiah gave the scroll to Shaphan.
¹⁶ Shaphan took the scroll to the king and reported, "Your officials are doing everything they were assigned to do.
¹⁷ The money that was collected at the Temple of the LORD has been turned over to the supervisors and workmen."
¹⁸ Shaphan also told the king, "Hilkiah the priest has given me a scroll." So Shaphan read it to the king.
¹⁹ When the king heard what was written in the Law, he tore his clothes in despair.
²⁰ Then he gave these orders to Hilkiah, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Acbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the court secretary, and Asaiah the king's personal adviser:
²¹ "Go to the Temple and speak to the LORD for me and for all the remnant of Israel and Judah. Inquire about the words written in the scroll that has been found. For the LORD's great anger has been poured out on us because our ancestors have not obeyed the word of the LORD. We have not been doing everything this scroll says we must do."
²² So Hilkiah and the other men went to the New Quarter of Jerusalem to consult with the prophet Huldah. She was the wife of Shallum son of Tikvah, son of Harhas, the keeper of the Temple wardrobe.
²³ She said to them, "The LORD, the God of Israel, has spoken! Go back and tell the man who sent you,
²⁴ 'This is what the LORD says: I am going to bring disaster on this city and its people. All the curses written in the scroll that was read to the king of Judah will come true.
²⁵ For my people have abandoned me and offered sacrifices to pagan gods, and I am very angry with them for everything they have done. My anger will be poured out on this place, and it will not be quenched.'
²⁶ "But go to the king of Judah who sent you to seek the LORD and tell him: 'This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says concerning the message you have just heard:
²⁷ You were sorry and humbled yourself before God when you heard his words against this city and its people. You humbled yourself and tore your clothing in despair and wept before me in repentance. And I have indeed heard you, says the LORD.
²⁸ So I will not send the promised disaster until after you have died and been buried in peace. You yourself will not see the disaster I am going to bring on this city and its people.'" So they took her message back to the king.
²⁹ Then the king summoned all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem.
³⁰ And the king went up to the Temple of the LORD with all the people of Judah and Jerusalem, along with the priests and the Levites ? all the people from the greatest to the least. There the king read to them the entire Book of the Covenant that had been found in the LORD's Temple.
³¹ The king took his place of authority beside the pillar and renewed the covenant in the LORD's presence. He pledged to obey the LORD by keeping all his commands, laws, and decrees with all his heart and soul. He promised to obey all the terms of the covenant that were written in the scroll.
³² And he required everyone in Jerusalem and the people of Benjamin to make a similar pledge. The people of Jerusalem did so, renewing their covenant with God, the God of their ancestors.
³³ So Josiah removed all detestable idols from the entire land of Israel and required everyone to worship the LORD their God. And throughout the rest of his lifetime, they did not turn away from the LORD, the God of their ancestors.