2 Chronicles 34 29

2 Chronicles 34:29 kjv

Then the king sent and gathered together all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 34:29 nkjv

Then the king sent and gathered all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 34:29 niv

Then the king called together all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 34:29 esv

Then the king sent and gathered together all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 34:29 nlt

Then the king summoned all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 34 verses

2 Chronicles 34 29 Meaning

King Josiah, immediately after receiving the divine prophecy from Huldah following the discovery of the Book of the Law, proactively summoned and assembled all the influential leaders, represented by "the elders," from across the kingdom of Judah and its capital city, Jerusalem. This decisive action underscores his urgent desire and commitment to unite the nation's leadership in response to God's revealed word, preparing them for a national repentance and covenant renewal.

2 Chronicles 34 29 Context

This verse appears as a pivotal action in the broader narrative of King Josiah's widespread religious reform. It directly follows the profound events of the discovery of the Book of the Law (2 Chr 34:14), which deeply impacted Josiah, causing him to tear his clothes in repentance (v. 19). Subsequently, he sent messengers to inquire of the Lord through Huldah the prophetess (v. 21), who affirmed the impending divine judgment on Judah for its prolonged idolatry, yet also promised peace and an escape from the direct experience of these judgments for Josiah himself, due to his personal humility and tender heart (vv. 23-28). With this divine confirmation and a renewed understanding of God's will and wrath, Josiah, as depicted in verse 29, does not hoard this information but immediately extends the call for repentance and covenant adherence to the national leadership. This gathering is the precursor to the public reading of the Law and the subsequent nationwide spiritual cleansing and covenant renewal ceremony. Historically, Judah had a long history of unfaithfulness after the division of the kingdom, often returning to idolatry after brief periods of reform. Josiah’s reign, though beginning in youth, marked a resolute and deep commitment to reversing this trend, highlighted by his radical reform efforts.

2 Chronicles 34 29 Word analysis

• Then (וַיִּשְׁלַח֮ - `wa·yish·lakh`): A "waw consecutive" verb form indicating immediate, direct, and sequential action. It emphasizes Josiah's swift and decisive response to Huldah's prophecy and his deepened understanding of the Law, underscoring the urgency of the moment.
• the king (הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙ - `ham·me·lekh`): Refers specifically to King Josiah, highlighting his unique position of authority and responsibility. His office enables him to initiate and enforce such a widespread national convocation and subsequent reform.
• sent (וַיִּשְׁלַח֮ - `wa·yish·lakh`): From the Hebrew verb `shalach` (שָׁלַח), meaning to send, dispatch, or release. Here, it signifies a royal command or decree dispatched through messengers to summon the intended participants. It indicates an active, authoritative outreach.
• and gathered (וַיֶּאֱסֹ֤ף - `wa·ye·’e·sôph`): From the Hebrew verb `’asaph` (אָסַף), meaning to gather, collect, assemble. This denotes a deliberate and organized act of bringing together individuals into one place. The emphasis is on unity and purpose.
• all (אֶת־כָּל־ - `’eth-kol`): An intensifying term signifying inclusiveness and completeness. It underscores that this was not a selective consultation but a comprehensive summoning of the entire body of respected leadership, ensuring widespread representation and support for the impending reforms.
• the elders (זִקְנֵ֣י - `ziq·nê`): From the Hebrew `zaqen` (זָקֵן), literally meaning "old one" but used to refer to mature, experienced, and respected leaders within communities, families, and the nation. These were individuals of considerable authority and influence who typically served as counselors, judges, and representatives of the people. Their presence was crucial for national legitimacy and the successful implementation of widespread change.
• of Judah (יְהוּדָ֖ה - `Ye·hu·dāh`): Refers to the geographical territory and inhabitants of the southern kingdom, over which Josiah reigned. This specifies the extent of the political realm from which the leaders were drawn, indicating a kingdom-wide representation.
• and Jerusalem (וִֽירוּשָׁלִָֽם - `wi·ru·šā·lim`): The capital city of Judah, which held unique political, religious, and demographic significance due to the presence of the Temple and its role as the seat of royal power. Its explicit mention separately from "Judah" emphasizes its preeminent status and ensures the inclusion of its influential city-level leaders.

• "Then the king sent and gathered": This phrase captures Josiah’s resolute and proactive leadership. His immediate action demonstrates spiritual conviction and kingly duty, setting the stage for national revival by uniting foundational authority.
• "all the elders": This grouping highlights the representative nature of the gathering. It was not merely a royal edict, but a call to the entire spiritual and civil leadership structure, indicating a desire for collective understanding and commitment rather than autocratic imposition. This inclusivity was key for a truly national reformation.
• "of Judah and Jerusalem": This pair delineates the geographical and political scope of Josiah’s authority and the reach of his intended reform. By gathering representatives from the broader kingdom and its central capital, he laid the groundwork for a unified national response to God's renewed covenant demands.

2 Chronicles 34 29 Bonus section

• The chronicler deliberately showcases Josiah as a king who consistently seeks and heeds God's word, contrasting him with many of his idolatrous predecessors. This verse underscores his commitment to implementing God’s will from the top-down.
• The meticulous act of "sending and gathering" before the public reading of the Law (2 Chr 34:30) emphasizes the importance of preparing leadership first. It signifies that understanding and endorsement by the elders would be vital for the national impact and enduring success of the revival.
• This immediate and collective action of King Josiah reinforces the principle that divine revelation demands an immediate, collective, and active response from God's people, especially their leaders. It serves as a spiritual call to action for addressing national spiritual decline.

2 Chronicles 34 29 Commentary

2 Chronicles 34:29 is a testament to Josiah's exemplary leadership and a model of righteous response to divine revelation. Upon comprehending the severe implications of the Law's requirements and the looming judgment, Josiah did not simply retreat into personal piety or impose unilateral decrees. Instead, he acted with strategic wisdom and humility by involving the nation's key decision-makers—"all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem." This move was critical. The elders represented the people's various families and towns; their engagement ensured that the impending reforms would not be perceived as merely the king's arbitrary will, but a national imperative rooted in shared covenant obligation. By assembling them, Josiah demonstrated that leadership involves drawing others into a shared understanding and commitment, fostering communal buy-in for the difficult changes ahead. This act set the necessary foundation for the public reading of the Law and the subsequent sweeping spiritual and social reformation that defined Josiah's reign, showcasing how godly leadership effectively prepares and mobilizes a people for covenant fidelity.