2 Kings 22 12

2 Kings 22:12 kjv

And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Michaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asahiah a servant of the king's, saying,

2 Kings 22:12 nkjv

Then the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam the son of Shaphan, Achbor the son of Michaiah, Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah a servant of the king, saying,

2 Kings 22:12 niv

He gave these orders to Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Akbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the secretary and Asaiah the king's attendant:

2 Kings 22:12 esv

And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Micaiah, and Shaphan the secretary, and Asaiah the king's servant, saying,

2 Kings 22:12 nlt

Then he gave these orders to Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Acbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the court secretary, and Asaiah the king's personal adviser:

2 Kings 22 verses

2 Kings 22 12 Meaning

King Josiah, having heard the words of the recently discovered Book of the Law and perceiving their profound implications for Judah's spiritual state, immediately commissioned a delegation of his most trusted and respected officials to consult with a prophet or priest of God. This action demonstrates Josiah's genuine fear and reverence for the Lord's word and his urgent desire to understand God's will and avert divine wrath for the nation's past disobedience.

2 Kings 22 12 Context

Chapter 22 of 2 Kings initiates a crucial turning point in Judah's history under the reign of King Josiah. It opens by establishing Josiah's righteous character, contrasting sharply with his idolatrous predecessors, Manasseh and Amon. The pivotal event occurs when Hilkiah the high priest, during repairs of the Temple initiated by Josiah, discovers "the Book of the Law." Upon hearing its words, King Josiah immediately tore his clothes in repentance and alarm, recognizing the severe implications for Judah's widespread disobedience. This verse, 22:12, details Josiah's immediate, authoritative, and humble response to God's revealed word: he assembles a highly influential and trustworthy delegation to "inquire of the Lord" regarding the words of the discovered book and the fate of the people. This act of seeking divine counsel is the necessary precursor to Josiah's profound reforms.

2 Kings 22 12 Word analysis

• And the king: Refers to Josiah (Hebrew: יֹאשִׁיָּהוּ, Yošiyyāhū), highlighting his position of authority. His immediate, decisive action demonstrates sincere reverence for God's Law, a stark contrast to previous kings who tolerated or promoted idolatry. Josiah, as king, recognized his responsibility as Israel's leader to lead in righteousness.
• commanded: (Hebrew: וַיְצַו, way-tsaw from צָוָה, tsavah). This verb denotes a forceful and authoritative directive. It underlines Josiah's initiative and seriousness. The king is not passively reacting but actively leading in response to God's word.
• Hilkiah the priest: (Hebrew: חִלְקִיָּהוּ הַכֹּהֵן, Ḥilqiyyahū ha-kohen). Hilkiah, meaning "The Lord is my portion," was the High Priest (as per 2 Ki 22:4). His role was crucial; he discovered the Book of the Law and delivered it. As high priest, he was responsible for the Temple's affairs and the people's spiritual well-being, making him an appropriate representative for a sacred inquiry.
• Ahikam the son of Shaphan: (Hebrew: אֲחִיקָם בֶּן-שָׁפָן, ’Aḥîqām ben-Šāfān). Ahikam was a member of the influential and pious Shaphan family, serving at court. His role suggests trustworthiness and administrative acumen. Later, he is known for protecting the prophet Jeremiah (Jer 26:24), underscoring his good character and commitment to God's prophets.
• Achbor the son of Micaiah: (Hebrew: עַכְבּוֹר בֶּן-מִיכָיָהוּ, ‘Aḵbôr ben-Mîḵāyahû). Also known as Abdon (2 Chr 34:20). He was another high-ranking official. His inclusion further strengthens the composition of the delegation, signifying that multiple prominent and respected figures were sent for the serious inquiry.
• Shaphan the scribe: (Hebrew: שָׁפָן הַסֹּפֵר, Šāfān ha-sopher). Shaphan, "the scribe," had previously brought Hilkiah's message to the king (2 Ki 22:9-10). The scribe was not just a copier but a royal secretary, record-keeper, and often an administrator who advised the king. His involvement emphasized the administrative and legal seriousness of the discovery of the Law.
• Asaiah a servant of the king: (Hebrew: עֲשָׂיָה עֶבֶד הַמֶּלֶךְ, ‘Ăsāyah ‘eved ha-meleḵ). A royal servant or official. His presence completes the delegation, encompassing various levels and aspects of courtly authority, from high priest to royal official.
• saying: This adverb introduces the direct command and instruction that King Josiah gives to this powerful and diverse delegation, which is elaborated in the subsequent verses.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "commanded Hilkiah the priest... and Asaiah a servant of the king": This highlights the deliberate and broad composition of the delegation. It represents a combination of religious authority (Hilkiah), trusted royal officials (Shaphan, Ahikam, Achbor), and possibly personal assistants (Asaiah). This diverse group suggests Josiah sought comprehensive counsel, covering religious, political, and personal aspects, reinforcing the gravity of the situation and the unified effort to seek God. The involvement of different strata of leadership implies that the inquiry and its outcome would have wide acceptance and impact throughout the kingdom.
• "Hilkiah the priest... Shaphan the scribe": The inclusion of both the spiritual (priest) and the intellectual/administrative (scribe) leaders signifies a complete approach to understanding and applying the Law. The priest handles the sacred texts and rituals; the scribe manages documentation, administration, and possibly legal aspects. Their joint mission underscores the profound implications of the Law, affecting both spiritual worship and daily civil life.

2 Kings 22 12 Bonus section

The group commanded by Josiah demonstrates the essential components of a society serious about hearing God's word:

• Spiritual Leadership: Hilkiah, the high priest, representing the formal religious authority and connection to the sacred.
• Intellectual & Administrative Wisdom: Shaphan the scribe, symbolizing scholarly and administrative expertise in interpreting and applying the Law in society.
• Civic & Executive Power: Ahikam, Achbor, and Asaiah, representing trusted royal advisors and agents, crucial for executing God's commands throughout the kingdom.This shows Josiah’s understanding that a proper response to divine revelation requires a combined effort from all facets of leadership—religious, intellectual, and governmental.

2 Kings 22 12 Commentary

2 Kings 22:12 describes King Josiah's immediate, responsible response to the discovery of the Book of the Law. Upon realizing the severity of the national spiritual departure from God's commands, he did not hesitate. His tearing of garments (2 Ki 22:11) demonstrated profound humility and penitence, while his subsequent command to a distinguished group of officials showed resolute leadership. The selection of the high priest, a respected scribe, and various prominent royal officials underscores the comprehensive and urgent nature of Josiah's concern. This delegation was dispatched not to determine the Law's authenticity—Josiah's reaction confirms he accepted it as God's word—but to discern God's specific will for Judah in light of their transgressions and the implied threats of judgment. It signifies a return to seeking God directly for guidance, contrasting with the reliance on idolatry or human wisdom prevalent in prior reigns. This verse, though a transitional list of names, is a powerful indicator of Josiah's exemplary piety and leadership, setting the stage for the unparalleled reforms detailed in 2 Kings 23.