2 Kings 22 18

2 Kings 22:18 kjv

But to the king of Judah which sent you to enquire of the LORD, thus shall ye say to him, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, As touching the words which thou hast heard;

2 Kings 22:18 nkjv

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?

2 Kings 22:18 niv

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:

2 Kings 22:18 esv

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,

2 Kings 22:18 nlt

"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:

2 Kings 22 verses

2 Kings 22 18 Meaning

This verse conveys the Lord's direct message, delivered through Huldah the prophetess, to King Josiah. It serves as an immediate divine response to Josiah's earnest inquiry regarding the newly discovered Book of the Law. The core meaning is that the Lord affirms the truth and imminent fulfillment of "the words which you have heard"—referring specifically to the covenant curses and judgments for disobedience outlined in the rediscovered text. It establishes the authenticity of the found book as God's Word and prepares for the subsequent pronouncement of national judgment, distinct from Josiah's personal fate.

2 Kings 22 18 Context

The discovery of the "Book of the Law" (likely Deuteronomy, or a large part of it) by Hilkiah the high priest during repairs of the temple in the eighteenth year of King Josiah's reign profoundly shocked the young king. Upon hearing its words, Josiah immediately recognized the vast extent of Judah's and his ancestors' idolatry and unfaithfulness to God's covenant, leading him to tear his clothes in an act of deep contrition. Overwhelmed by the implications of the pronounced curses (especially those in Deut 28), Josiah sent a delegation, including Hilkiah, Shaphan, and Ahikam, to "inquire of the Lord" regarding the words of the book and the imminent wrath upon them. They sought divine interpretation and confirmation, specifically from Huldah the prophetess, rather than Jeremiah or Zephaniah, for reasons not fully explained but perhaps due to her local accessibility or established prophetic authority. Huldah's message in 2 Kings 22:18-20, beginning with this verse, provides the Lord's definitive answer: the words are indeed true, and judgment for Judah's long history of idolatry (especially influenced by Manasseh's reign) is fixed. However, Josiah's personal humility and repentance set him apart, promising him peace before the full fury of the judgment descends.

2 Kings 22 18 Word analysis

• But to the king of Judah: This specifies the recipient of the direct divine message, highlighting Josiah's unique role as the king representing the covenant nation, yet also separating his personal standing from that of the collective. The word "king" (Heb. melech, מֶלֶךְ) signifies his authority, but also his responsibility under the covenant.

• who sent you: Refers to Josiah's proactive and earnest seeking of divine counsel, demonstrating his deep concern for the Lord's will and the implications of the found Law.

• to inquire of the Lord: (Heb. lidrosh et YHWH, לִדְרֹשׁ אֶת־יְהוָה֙) The verb darash (דָרַשׁ) means to seek, inquire, consult, or tread/follow. Here, it implies an earnest, diligent searching for God's will and word. It underscores a sincere spiritual longing and submission to divine authority, in contrast to seeking counsel from pagan diviners. It speaks of the appropriate posture before God's revealed truth.

• thus you shall say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord, (Heb. koh tomaru elav, koh amar YHWH, כֹּה תֹּאמְרוּ אֵלָיו֙ כֹּה אָמַר יְהוָה֙) This double declaration is a classic, solemn prophetic formula that establishes the absolute authority and divine origin of the message. Huldah is not speaking her own thoughts but is merely a conduit for God's direct revelation. It unequivocally stamps the subsequent message as from Yahweh Himself. YHWH (יְהוָה) is God's personal covenant name, signifying His unchanging, eternal nature and His special relationship with Israel.

• The words which you have heard... (Heb. had'varim asher shamata, הַדְּבָרִים֙ אֲשֶׁר שָׁמָעְתָּ)

  • The words: (Heb. davar, דָּבָר) More than mere sounds, davar in Hebrew encompasses speech, matter, affair, command, event, or decree. Here, it specifically refers to the pronouncements, statutes, and particularly the covenant curses within the newly discovered Book of the Law. It emphasizes that these are not abstract concepts but powerful, effectual decrees with real-world consequences.
  • which you have heard: (Heb. shamata, שָׁמָעְתָּ) The verb shama (שָׁמַע) means to hear, listen, perceive, understand, and often, by extension, to obey. Josiah's hearing was not passive; it led to profound conviction and action (tearing his clothes, sending to inquire). The emphasis is on Josiah's personal apprehension and understanding of the gravity of the Law's declarations. This confirms that the book found by Hilkiah was indeed divine instruction and judgment.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "to inquire of the Lord" and "Thus says the Lord": These phrases demonstrate the crucial dialogue between human need and divine revelation. Josiah seeks the Lord with genuine humility, and the Lord responds with unmistakable authority. It highlights the principle that God responds to those who earnestly seek Him through His revealed word and prophetic channels.
  • "The words which you have heard": This clause immediately links the immediate crisis to the broader biblical narrative of God's covenant with Israel. It directly references the foundational Mosaic Law and its consequences, demonstrating the timelessness and unwavering nature of God's covenant promises and warnings. The specificity ("the words which you have heard") implies that these are not new or arbitrary decrees but long-established divine pronouncements which Judah has neglected.

2 Kings 22 18 Bonus section

• The fact that Josiah, Hilkiah, and other leading men sought out Huldah, a prophetess, highlights that God can use anyone—man or woman, regardless of social standing—to convey His truth. Her gender was not an impediment to her prophetic authority or the king's willingness to seek her counsel, especially when male prophets like Jeremiah were active during this period.
• The pronouncement that "the words which you have heard" will indeed come to pass emphasizes divine fidelity, both in promises and warnings. This principle undergirds all biblical prophecy and ultimately points to Christ's fulfillment of both law and prophecy (Matt 5:17).
• The dramatic discovery of the Book of the Law after years, possibly generations, of neglect signifies a profound spiritual awakening for Judah. This event underlines the critical importance of God's written word as the foundation for true worship and national identity, and the severe consequences of its neglect.

2 Kings 22 18 Commentary

This verse initiates God's definitive response to King Josiah, serving as an authenticating prelude to the severe judgments declared against Judah. It's concise but rich, confirming that the recently found Book of the Law is indeed God's authentic word and that its forewarnings are absolutely true and will be executed. The focus on Josiah's act of "inquiring of the Lord" highlights his humility and spiritual integrity, contrasting sharply with the nation's apostasy. Huldah, as God's chosen messenger, establishes the divine decree with the authoritative prophetic formula, "Thus says the Lord." The "words which you have heard" are specifically the covenant curses from books like Deuteronomy and Leviticus, confirming their imminent fulfillment due to generations of systemic unfaithfulness, particularly during Manasseh's reign. However, God, in His sovereignty, is attentive to individual repentance, which is alluded to here and then made explicit in the following verses (2 Kgs 22:19-20) regarding Josiah's personal fate distinct from that of the nation. This verse powerfully underscores the unwavering nature of God's word—His judgments are as sure as His promises. It reinforces that genuine repentance and a heart sensitive to God's word are crucial, even when facing inevitable corporate judgment.