2 Kings 22 15

2 Kings 22:15 kjv

And she said unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Tell the man that sent you to me,

2 Kings 22:15 nkjv

Then she said to them, "Thus says the LORD God of Israel, 'Tell the man who sent you to Me,

2 Kings 22:15 niv

She said to them, "This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: Tell the man who sent you to me,

2 Kings 22:15 esv

And she said to them, "Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: 'Tell the man who sent you to me,

2 Kings 22:15 nlt

She said to them, "The LORD, the God of Israel, has spoken! Go back and tell the man who sent you,

2 Kings 22 verses

2 Kings 22 15 Meaning

This verse initiates Huldah's divine oracle in response to King Josiah's inquiry. Having heard the recently discovered Book of the Law and recognizing the depth of Israel's sin and impending judgment, Josiah sent a delegation to inquire of the Lord. Huldah begins her prophecy by employing the authoritative phrase, "Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel," establishing that her subsequent words are not her own, but a direct, divinely-inspired message from YHWH, the covenant God uniquely bound to Israel. She then instructs the delegation to relay this divine message to "the man who sent you to me," referring directly to King Josiah.

2 Kings 22 15 Context

Chapter 22 of 2 Kings introduces King Josiah, one of Judah's most righteous kings. At only eight years old, he began his reign and, unlike many predecessors, "did what was right in the eyes of the LORD" (2 Kgs 22:2). In the eighteenth year of his reign, while extensive repairs were being carried out on the Temple, Hilkiah the high priest discovered "the Book of the Law" (likely Deuteronomy or a significant part thereof). When this book was read to Josiah, the king was profoundly convicted by its warnings and curses against disobedience. He tore his clothes in distress, recognizing how far Judah had fallen and the severity of the judgment that awaited them. In his deep concern and humility, Josiah immediately sent a high-level delegation, including Hilkiah the high priest, Shaphan the scribe, and other officials, to "inquire of the Lord" regarding the words of the book. As there was apparently no readily accessible leading prophet like Jeremiah (though a contemporary), the delegation was directed to Huldah the prophetess. Verse 15 marks the commencement of Huldah's divine response to their inquiry, setting the stage for the direct word from God concerning Josiah's actions and the fate of Judah.

2 Kings 22 15 Word analysis

• And she said: This phrase introduces the direct speech of Huldah, highlighting her role as the mouthpiece for God's word. It signifies the transfer from the delegates' inquiry to the divine answer.
• to them: Refers to the delegation sent by King Josiah, which included the high priest and scribe, underscoring that Huldah's message is officially transmitted to the king through his chosen representatives.
• 'Thus says: This is the common, authoritative prophetic formula (כֹּה אָמַר, koh amar), universally used in the Old Testament to preface direct divine oracles. It leaves no doubt that the words spoken are not Huldah's opinion, interpretation, or advice, but the very utterance of God. Its use imbues the message with absolute authority and undeniable truth.
• the Lord: This translates YHWH (יהוה), the covenant name of God, indicating His personal and relational connection to Israel. It points to God as the faithful and powerful deliverer of His people.
• the God of Israel': (אֱלֹהֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, Elohei Yisrael) This epithet emphasizes God's unique and exclusive relationship with Israel, His chosen people. It reinforces His sovereignty and covenant fidelity specifically to them, affirming that He is directly concerned with their state and their king.

Words-group analysis

• "And she said to them, 'Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel'": This complete introductory clause immediately establishes Huldah's prophetic authenticity and the divine origin and authoritative nature of the message that follows. It communicates that the response is not merely a human interpretation of the Law, but a direct revelation from YHWH, the covenant God of Israel, confirming the spiritual significance of Josiah's inquiry and the severity of the situation. This specific combination of "Thus says YHWH" and "God of Israel" underlines His identity as both the ultimate authority and the specific sovereign over His people.
• "Tell the man who sent you to me": This directive clearly identifies King Josiah as the recipient of the divine message without explicitly naming him. This indirect reference respectfully acknowledges his kingly office while maintaining the clear chain of command and authority – God speaks through Huldah, and her message is for the one who sought divine counsel. It prepares for the specific pronouncements related to Josiah's personal future and the nation's judgment.

2 Kings 22 15 Bonus section

• Huldah's significance: That God chose a woman, Huldah, to deliver such a crucial, nation-determining prophecy to the reigning king and the high priest, is a powerful statement. It defies typical hierarchical expectations and highlights God's sovereignty in choosing His messengers regardless of social status or gender, based purely on His will and their anointing.
• Authenticity of the Law Confirmed: Huldah's oracle serves to divinely authenticate the Book of the Law discovered by Hilkiah. Her pronouncement confirms that what was found was indeed God's word, not merely an old scroll. This divine endorsement spurred Josiah's full commitment to covenant renewal.
• Pattern of Inquiry: Josiah's act of immediately consulting the Lord through a prophet stands in stark contrast to many earlier kings of Judah and Israel who frequently neglected or defied prophetic counsel, demonstrating his deep reverence for God's word and willingness to align himself and the nation with it. This humility brought a reprieve, even though national judgment was unavoidable.

2 Kings 22 15 Commentary

2 Kings 22:15 serves as the pivotal entry point to Huldah's prophecy, confirming the authenticity of the found Book of the Law and the validity of Josiah's alarm. The immediate deployment of "Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel" leaves no ambiguity about the source of the message, imbuing it with supreme authority. In a society grappling with idolatry and straying from God's commands, this clear divine endorsement validates Huldah's role as God's spokesperson to the king and his highest officials. This direct address underscores that no one, not even a king, is exempt from God's direct scrutiny and word. Josiah's humility in seeking divine counsel and Huldah's faithful declaration illustrate the proper channel of divine communication, emphasizing that God chooses whom He will to speak His truths, regardless of their social standing or gender in the context of male-dominated society.