2 Chronicles 34
BSB1 Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years. 2 And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD and walked in the ways of his father David; he did not turn aside to the right or to the left. 3 In the eighth year of his reign, while he was still young, Josiah began to seek the God of his father David, and in the twelfth year he began to cleanse Judah and Jerusalem of the high places, the Asherah poles, the carved idols, and the cast images. 4 Then in his presence the altars of the Baals were torn down, and he cut to pieces the incense altars that were above them. He shattered the Asherah poles, the carved idols, and the cast images, crushed them to dust, and scattered them over the graves of those who had sacrificed to them. 5 Then he burned the bones of the priests on their altars. So he cleansed Judah and Jerusalem. 6 Josiah did the same in the cities of Manasseh, Ephraim, and Simeon, as far as Naphtali, and in the ruins around them. 7 He tore down the altars and Asherah poles, crushed the idols to powder, and cut to pieces all the incense altars throughout the land of Israel. Then he returned to Jerusalem. 8 Now in the eighteenth year of his reign, in order to cleanse the land and the temple, Josiah sent Shaphan son of Azaliah, Maaseiah the governor of the city, and Joah son of Joahaz, the recorder, to repair the house of the LORD his God. 9 So they went to Hilkiah the high priest and gave him the money that had been brought into the house of God, which the Levites at the doors had collected from the people of Manasseh and Ephraim, from all the remnant of Israel, Judah, and Benjamin, and from the people of Jerusalem. 10 They put it into the hands of the supervisors of those doing the work of the house of the LORD, who in turn gave it to the workmen restoring and repairing the house of the LORD. 11 They also gave money to the carpenters and builders to buy dressed stone, as well as timbers for couplings and beams for the buildings that the kings of Judah had allowed to deteriorate. 12 And the men did the work faithfully. The Levites overseeing them were Jahath and Obadiah, descendants of Merari, and Zechariah and Meshullam, descendants of Kohath. Other Levites, all skilled with musical instruments, 13 were over the laborers and supervised all who did the work, task by task. Some of the Levites were secretaries, officers, and gatekeepers. 14 While they were bringing out the money that had been taken into the house of the LORD, Hilkiah the priest found the Book of the Law of the LORD written by Moses. 15 And Hilkiah said to Shaphan the scribe, “I have found the Book of the Law in the house of the LORD!” And he gave it to Shaphan. 16 Then Shaphan brought the book to the king and reported, “Your servants are doing all that has been placed in their hands. 17 They have paid out the money that was found in the house of the LORD and have put it into the hands of the supervisors and workers." 18 Moreover, Shaphan the scribe told the king, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.” And Shaphan read it in the presence of the king. 19 When the king heard the words of the Law, he tore his clothes 20 and commanded Hilkiah, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Abdon son of Micah, Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah the servant of the king: 21 “Go and inquire of the LORD for me and for those remaining in Israel and Judah concerning the words in the book that has been found. For great is the wrath of the LORD that has been poured out on us because our fathers have not kept the word of the LORD by doing all that is written in this book." 22 So Hilkiah and those the king had designated went and spoke to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum son of Tokhath, the son of Hasrah, the keeper of the wardrobe. She lived in Jerusalem, in the Second District. 23 And Huldah said to them, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Tell the man who sent you 24 that this is what the LORD says: I am about to bring calamity on this place and on its people, according to 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, that they might provoke Me to anger with all the works of their hands. My wrath will be poured out upon this place and will not be quenched.’ 26 But as for the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the LORD, tell him that this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘As for the words that you heard, 27 because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before God when you heard His words against this place and against its people, and because you have humbled yourself before Me and you have torn your clothes and wept before Me, I have heard you,’ declares the LORD. 28 ‘Now I will indeed gather you to your fathers, and you will be gathered to your grave in peace. Your eyes will not see all the calamity that I will bring on this place and on its inhabitants.’” So they brought her answer back to the king. 29 Then the king summoned all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem. 30 And he went up to the house of the LORD with all the people of Judah and Jerusalem, as well as the priests and the Levites—all the people small and great—and in their hearing he read all the words of the Book of the Covenant that had been found in the house of the LORD. 31 So the king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the LORD to follow the LORD and to keep His commandments, decrees, and statutes with all his heart and all his soul, and to carry out the words of this covenant that were written in this book. 32 Then he had everyone in Jerusalem and Benjamin take a stand in agreement to it. So all the people of Jerusalem carried out the covenant of God, the God of their fathers. 33 And Josiah removed all the abominations from all the lands belonging to the Israelites, and he required everyone in Israel to serve the LORD their God. Throughout his reign they did not turn aside from following the LORD, the God of their fathers.
Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 34
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from 2 Chronicles 34
- Themes from 2 Chronicles 34
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on 2 Chronicles 34
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
2 Chronicles 34 recounts the story of King Josiah, who became king at the age of eight and reigned for thirty-one years. The chapter highlights Josiah's efforts to purify the land of Judah and restore the true worship of the Lord. In 2 Chronicles 34:3, Josiah began to seek the Lord, and by the time he was sixteen, he started to purge Judah and Jerusalem of the high places and the Asherah poles. The chapter also describes the discovery of the Book of the Law during the renovation of the temple, which led to a national revival and a renewed commitment to follow God's commandments, as seen in 2 Chronicles 34:29-33.
Context for the Chapter
2 Chronicles 34 is part of the larger narrative of the divided kingdom, which began after the reign of King Solomon. The chapter is situated in the context of the book of 2 Chronicles, which provides a historical account of the kings of Judah. The chapter also fits into the broader biblical narrative, which highlights God's relationship with His people and His plan of redemption, as seen in the covenants and promises made to Abraham, Moses, and David.
Heart Application
This chapter encourages readers to seek the Lord and adhere to His will, just like Josiah. It also highlights the importance of godly leadership and the role of Scripture in guiding God's people. As we reflect on this chapter, we are reminded of the need to prioritize our relationship with God and to seek His guidance in all aspects of life, as seen in 2 Chronicles 34:31.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter is about King Josiah, who became king of Judah at a young age and sought to follow God's commandments. He discovered the Book of the Law and led a national revival, encouraging the people to return to the Lord. As we read this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of seeking God and adhering to His will, as seen in 2 Chronicles 34:31.
Voices from the Church
“The revival under Josiah was a wonderful work of God, and it is a great encouragement to us to see that even in the darkest times, God can bring about a great and mighty work of revival.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The example of Josiah teaches us that even in our youth, we can begin to seek the Lord and follow His commandments, and that this is a key aspect of living a godly life, as seen in 2 Chronicles 34:1-3.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to King Josiah (2 Chronicles 34:1-2) — Josiah became king at the age of eight and reigned for thirty-one years. He sought the Lord and followed His commandments, as seen in 2 Chronicles 34:1-2.
- Josiah's Purging of Idolatry (2 Chronicles 34:3-7) — Josiah began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of the high places and the Asherah poles, demonstrating his commitment to following God's commandments, as described in 2 Chronicles 34:3-7.
- The Discovery of the Book of the Law (2 Chronicles 34:8-21) — During the renovation of the temple, the Book of the Law was discovered, leading to a national revival and a renewed commitment to follow God's commandments, as seen in 2 Chronicles 34:14-21.
- The Covenant Renewal (2 Chronicles 34:29-33) — Josiah and the people of Judah made a covenant to follow the Lord and keep His commandments, highlighting the significance of the covenant between God and His people, as emphasized in 2 Chronicles 34:30-31.
- Conclusion (2 Chronicles 34:33) — The chapter concludes with a summary of Josiah's reign, emphasizing his commitment to following God's commandments and the significance of the covenant between God and His people, as seen in 2 Chronicles 34:33.
Core Doctrines
- The Importance of Scripture
- This chapter highlights the significance of Scripture in guiding God's people, as seen in the discovery of the Book of the Law and its impact on the national revival, as described in 2 Chronicles 34:14-21.
- The Role of Leadership
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of godly leaders in guiding God's people, as seen in Josiah's commitment to following God's commandments and his leadership in the national revival, as described in 2 Chronicles 34:29-33.
- The Covenant
- The chapter underscores the significance of the covenant between God and His people, as emphasized in 2 Chronicles 34:30-31.
- Revival and Reformation
- The chapter describes the spiritual awakening that occurred in Judah during Josiah's reign, highlighting the importance of seeking God and adhering to His will, as seen in 2 Chronicles 34:29-33.
Lessons from 2 Chronicles 34
- The Importance of Early Devotion — Josiah's example teaches us that it is never too early to seek the Lord and follow His commandments, as seen in 2 Chronicles 34:1-3.
- The Power of Scripture — The discovery of the Book of the Law highlights the significance of Scripture in guiding God's people, as described in 2 Chronicles 34:14-21.
- The Role of Leadership — Josiah's leadership demonstrates the importance of godly leaders in guiding God's people, as seen in 2 Chronicles 34:29-33.
- The Significance of the Covenant — The chapter emphasizes the significance of the covenant between God and His people, as emphasized in 2 Chronicles 34:30-31.
- The Possibility of Revival — The chapter describes the spiritual awakening that occurred in Judah during Josiah's reign, highlighting the possibility of revival and reformation in our own lives, as seen in 2 Chronicles 34:29-33.
Themes from 2 Chronicles 34
- Revival and Reformation — The chapter describes the spiritual awakening that occurred in Judah during Josiah's reign, highlighting the importance of seeking God and adhering to His will, as seen in 2 Chronicles 34:29-33.
- The Importance of Scripture — The discovery of the Book of the Law highlights the significance of Scripture in guiding God's people, as described in 2 Chronicles 34:14-21.
- The Role of Leadership — Josiah's leadership demonstrates the importance of godly leaders in guiding God's people, as seen in 2 Chronicles 34:29-33.
- The Significance of the Covenant — The chapter emphasizes the significance of the covenant between God and His people, as emphasized in 2 Chronicles 34:30-31.
- The Possibility of Revival — The chapter describes the spiritual awakening that occurred in Judah during Josiah's reign, highlighting the possibility of revival and reformation in our own lives, as seen in 2 Chronicles 34:29-33.
Questions for Meditation
- What can we learn from Josiah's example about seeking the Lord and following His commandments, as seen in 2 Chronicles 34:1-3?
- How does the discovery of the Book of the Law in 2 Chronicles 34:14-21 relate to our own understanding of Scripture and its role in guiding our lives?
- What role do godly leaders play in guiding God's people, as seen in Josiah's leadership in 2 Chronicles 34:29-33?
- How does the covenant between God and His people, as emphasized in 2 Chronicles 34:30-31, relate to our own relationship with God?
- What lessons can we learn from the revival and reformation that occurred in Judah during Josiah's reign, as described in 2 Chronicles 34:29-33?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to King Josiah (2 Chronicles 34:1-2)
| 34:1 | Josiah became king at the age of eight and reigned for thirty-one years, seeking the Lord and following His commandments, as seen in 2 Chronicles 34:1. |
| 34:2 | Josiah did what was right in the sight of the Lord, walking in the ways of his father David, as described in 2 Chronicles 34:2. |
2. Josiah's Purging of Idolatry (2 Chronicles 34:3-7)
| 34:3 | Josiah began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of the high places and the Asherah poles, demonstrating his commitment to following God's commandments, as seen in 2 Chronicles 34:3. |
| 34:4 | Josiah destroyed the altars of the Baals and cut down the incense altars, as described in 2 Chronicles 34:4. |
| 34:5 | Josiah burned the bones of the priests on their altars, as described in 2 Chronicles 34:5. |
| 34:6 | Josiah purged the cities of Manasseh, Ephraim, and Simeon, as described in 2 Chronicles 34:6. |
| 34:7 | Josiah broke down the altars and beat the Asherah poles into dust, as described in 2 Chronicles 34:7. |
3. The Discovery of the Book of the Law (2 Chronicles 34:8-21)
| 34:8 | In the eighteenth year of his reign, Josiah sent Shaphan to the house of the Lord to repair the temple, as described in 2 Chronicles 34:8. |
| 34:9 | Shaphan gave the money to the workmen, who were overseeing the house of the Lord, as described in 2 Chronicles 34:9. |
| 34:10 | The workmen were doing their work faithfully, as described in 2 Chronicles 34:10. |
| 34:11 | The workmen were clearing the rubbish from the temple, as described in 2 Chronicles 34:11. |
| 34:12 | The workmen were putting the rubbish outside the city, as described in 2 Chronicles 34:12. |
| 34:13 | The workmen were clearing the house of the Lord, as described in 2 Chronicles 34:13. |
| 34:14 | Hilkiah found the Book of the Law in the house of the Lord, as described in 2 Chronicles 34:14. |
| 34:15 | Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, who read it, as described in 2 Chronicles 34:15. |
| 34:16 | Shaphan took the book to the king, as described in 2 Chronicles 34:16. |
| 34:17 | The king heard the words of the Law, as described in 2 Chronicles 34:17. |
| 34:18 | The king tore his clothes, as described in 2 Chronicles 34:18. |
| 34:19 | The king sent for the elders, as described in 2 Chronicles 34:19. |
| 34:20 | The king went to the house of the Lord, as described in 2 Chronicles 34:20. |
| 34:21 | The king made a covenant to follow the Lord, as described in 2 Chronicles 34:21. |
4. The Covenant Renewal (2 Chronicles 34:29-33)
| 34:29 | The king called for all the men of Judah and Jerusalem to assemble, as described in 2 Chronicles 34:29. |
| 34:30 | The king made a covenant to follow the Lord, as described in 2 Chronicles 34:30. |
| 34:31 | The king stood in his place and made a covenant before the Lord, as described in 2 Chronicles 34:31. |
| 34:32 | The king made all the people of Jerusalem and Benjamin to stand in the covenant, as described in 2 Chronicles 34:32. |
| 34:33 | Josiah removed all the abominations from all the territory, as described in 2 Chronicles 34:33. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the significance of the Book of the Law in 2 Chronicles 34?
The Book of the Law was significant because it contained the commandments and statutes of God, which guided the people of Judah in their worship and daily lives, as described in 2 Chronicles 34:14-21.
Who was Hilkiah and what was his role in the discovery of the Book of the Law?
Hilkiah was the high priest who found the Book of the Law in the house of the Lord, as described in 2 Chronicles 34:14. He played a crucial role in the discovery of the book and the subsequent revival in Judah.
What was the significance of the covenant renewal in 2 Chronicles 34:29-33?
The covenant renewal was significant because it marked a renewed commitment by the people of Judah to follow the Lord and keep His commandments, as described in 2 Chronicles 34:30-31. This covenant was a key aspect of the revival and reformation that occurred in Judah during Josiah's reign.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Chronicles 34:3 → Deuteronomy 12:2-3 | The command to destroy the high places and Asherah poles is found in Deuteronomy 12:2-3, highlighting the importance of following God's commandments, as seen in 2 Chronicles 34:3. |
| 2 | 2 Chronicles 34:14 → 2 Kings 22:8 | The discovery of the Book of the Law is also described in 2 Kings 22:8, emphasizing the significance of Scripture in guiding God's people, as seen in 2 Chronicles 34:14-21. |
| 3 | 2 Chronicles 34:29 → 2 Chronicles 30:1-27 | The covenant renewal in 2 Chronicles 34:29-33 is similar to the covenant renewal in 2 Chronicles 30:1-27, highlighting the importance of renewed commitment to following God's commandments, as seen in 2 Chronicles 34:30-31. |
| 4 | 2 Chronicles 34:31 → Deuteronomy 29:10-15 | The covenant made by Josiah and the people of Judah is similar to the covenant made by Moses and the people of Israel in Deuteronomy 29:10-15, emphasizing the significance of the covenant between God and His people, as seen in 2 Chronicles 34:30-31. |
| 5 | 2 Chronicles 34:33 → Deuteronomy 7:1-6 | The removal of the abominations from the territory is a fulfillment of the command in Deuteronomy 7:1-6, highlighting the importance of following God's commandments, as seen in 2 Chronicles 34:33. |
| 6 | 2 Chronicles 34:1 → 1 Kings 14:22-24 | The reign of Josiah is also described in 1 Kings 14:22-24, providing additional context for the events of 2 Chronicles 34, as seen in 2 Chronicles 34:1-2. |
| 7 | 2 Chronicles 34:8 → 2 Kings 22:3-7 | The renovation of the temple is also described in 2 Kings 22:3-7, highlighting the importance of maintaining the temple and following God's commandments, as seen in 2 Chronicles 34:8-13. |
| 8 | 2 Chronicles 34:14 → Nehemiah 8:1-8 | The discovery of the Book of the Law is similar to the discovery of the Law in Nehemiah 8:1-8, emphasizing the significance of Scripture in guiding God's people, as seen in 2 Chronicles 34:14-21. |
| 9 | 2 Chronicles 34:29 → Ezra 10:1-44 | The covenant renewal in 2 Chronicles 34:29-33 is similar to the covenant renewal in Ezra 10:1-44, highlighting the importance of renewed commitment to following God's commandments, as seen in 2 Chronicles 34:30-31. |
| 10 | 2 Chronicles 34:31 → Matthew 5:17-20 | The commitment to follow the Lord and keep His commandments is a key aspect of the Christian life, as seen in Matthew 5:17-20, highlighting the connection between the Old and New Testaments, as seen in 2 Chronicles 34:31. |
Sermons on 2 Chronicles 34
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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When Jesus Lays His Hands on You by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher expresses his desire for God to raise up young men and women in the congregation to become missionaries, pastors, and evangelists. He emphasizes the im |
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Last Revival by Jacob Prasch | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of preaching the word of God based on truth rather than marketing tactics or popular trends. He highlights the biblical concep |
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(Through the Bible) 2 Chronicles 28-36 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker tells the story of Balaam and his donkey from the Bible. Balaam is tempted by the king's offer of wealth and power, but his donkey keeps veering off the |
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Seven Steps to Discipleship by Bruce Wilkinson | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of making a covenant with the Lord and following His commandments with all of one's heart and soul. The speaker emphasizes that |
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Josiah - God Working in Revival Power by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Gideon from the Bible. Gideon was chosen by God to lead the Israelites against their enemies. Despite being from a crooked and m |
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The Greatest Danger This World Faces Today by Keith Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God desperately for revival, drawing parallels from the stories of King Josiah and Ezra in the Bible. It highlights the need for th |
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How to Be Led by the Spirit by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the importance of being led by the Holy Spirit, highlighting the process of waiting, praying, fasting, meditating on God's Word, and obeying His commands. It |
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Hope in a Hopeless World by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the importance of finding hope in a seemingly hopeless world, particularly for the youth. He discusses the overwhelming influence of social media and the n |
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Josiah and the Book of the Law by C.I. Scofield | C.I. Scofield emphasizes the powerful impact of the law in convicting hearts and revealing sin, using King Josiah's reaction to the law as an example of despair and realization of |
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Bible Survey - Zephaniah by Peter Hammond | Peter Hammond preaches on the prophet Zephaniah, who delivered prophecies during the reign of King Josiah, calling for repentance and seeking righteousness and humility. Zephaniah' |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 2 Chronicles 34
Matthew Henry's commentary on 2 Chronicles 34 highlights the significance of Josiah's reign and the revival that occurred in Judah. Henry notes that Josiah's commitment to following God's commandments was a key factor in the revival, and that the discovery of the Book of the Law was a crucial event in the process. Henry also emphasizes the importance of the covenant between God and His people, and the need for renewed commitment to following God's commandments, as seen in 2 Chronicles 34:30-31. Henry's commentary provides valuable insights into the historical and theological context of the chapter, and offers practical lessons for Christian living, highlighting the connection between the Old and New Testaments, as seen in 2 Chronicles 34:31 and Matthew 5:17-20. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Josiah's Youthful Devotion
Josiah became king at a young age and yet demonstrated a remarkable commitment to seeking the Lord. This highlights the importance of early devotion to God, as seen in 2 Chronicles 34:1-3.
The Importance of Scripture
The discovery of the Book of the Law during the renovation of the temple led to a national revival. This underscores the significance of Scripture in guiding God's people, as described in 2 Chronicles 34:14-21.
The Role of Leadership
Josiah's leadership played a crucial role in the revival of Judah. This emphasizes the importance of godly leaders in guiding God's people, as seen in 2 Chronicles 34:29-33.