Rediscovering God’s Word: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on 2 Kings 22

Executive Summary

2 Kings 22 recounts the pivotal reign of King Josiah, a young ruler who ushered in a period of profound religious reform in Judah. Driven by a heart to seek God, Josiah ordered the repair of the Temple in Jerusalem. During this restoration, the long-lost Book of the Law, likely Deuteronomy, was discovered. This finding ignited a spiritual awakening in Josiah and prompted him to lead the nation in repentance and covenant renewal. This chapter highlights the power of scripture to transform hearts and societies, the importance of reverence for God’s house, and the urgent need for personal and corporate repentance. The story of Josiah serves as a potent reminder to rediscover and live by God’s unchanging Word, turning our hearts back to Him and seeking His will in all aspects of our lives. This rediscovery can lead to spiritual renewal and transformation, echoing the impact of Josiah Repairs the Temple and Finds the Book of the Law even today.

In the tapestry of salvation history, the account of King Josiah in 2 Kings 22 stands out as a beacon of hope and reform. This chapter details not only the physical repair of the Temple, but also the spiritual restoration of a nation that had strayed from God’s commandments. We will delve into the historical, theological, and spiritual significance of each verse, exploring how the rediscovery of the Book of the Law ignited a powerful movement of repentance and covenant renewal, offering profound lessons for us today. Let us embark on this journey together, seeking to understand how we, too, can rediscover God’s Word and live a life pleasing to Him.

Commentary Sections

2 Kings 22:1-2 – Josiah’s Righteous Reign

2 Kings 22:1 (KJV): Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned thirty and one years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Jedidah, the daughter of Adaiah of Boscath.
2 Kings 22:2 (KJV): And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in all the way of David his father, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left.

Josiah ascended the throne at the tender age of eight, a testament to God’s providential care. His reign, spanning thirty-one years, marked a significant period of spiritual revival. The phrase “he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord” is paramount, emphasizing Josiah’s commitment to God’s commandments. The comparison to David, “his father,” speaks to a lineage of faithfulness – though with David having his own well-documented struggles. Josiah actively chose not to deviate from the path of righteousness. This is a choice we all must make daily. We should find resources to help us make this choice, such as a [website builder] to easily create websites that support this quest.

Spiritual Application: Even from a young age, we can choose to walk in righteousness. It requires conscious effort and a firm resolve to stay on the narrow path, resisting the temptations that lead us astray. We see a similar pattern in the lives of many saints of the Coptic Orthodox Church, who from their youth, dedicated themselves to serving God.

2 Kings 22:3-7 – Repairing the Temple

2 Kings 22:3 (KJV): And it came to pass in the eighteenth year of king Josiah, that the king sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, the son of Meshullam, the scribe, to the house of the Lord, saying,
2 Kings 22:4 (KJV): Go up to Hilkiah the high priest, that he may sum the silver which is brought into the house of the Lord, which the keepers of the door have gathered of the people:
2 Kings 22:5 (KJV): And let them deliver it into the hand of the doers of the work, that have the oversight of the house of the Lord: and let them give it to the workmen that are in the house of the Lord, to repair the breaches of the house,
2 Kings 22:6 (KJV): Unto carpenters, and builders, and masons, and to buy timber and hewn stone to repair the house.
2 Kings 22:7 (KJV): Howbeit there was no reckoning made with them of the money that was delivered into their hand, because they dealt faithfully.

Eighteen years into his reign, Josiah initiated the crucial repair of the Temple, a symbol of God’s presence among His people. The dilapidation of the Temple reflected the spiritual decay of the nation. The careful process of accounting for the silver and entrusting it to faithful workers highlights the importance of integrity and accountability in all matters, especially those related to God’s house. The trust placed in the workmen, “because they dealt faithfully,” is a striking endorsement of honesty and dedication. We see this reflected in the Coptic Orthodox tradition’s emphasis on honest labor as a form of worship.

Spiritual Application: Just as Josiah restored the Temple, we too must strive to repair the “temple” of our hearts. This requires identifying and addressing the “breaches” caused by sin and neglect, seeking God’s grace to rebuild our spiritual lives.

• St. Athanasius the Apostolic writes (Greek: “τὴν γὰρ ψυχὴν ναὸν Θεοῦ ὀφείλομεν διατηρεῖν,” English: “For we ought to keep the soul as a temple of God.” – Athanasius, *Ad Virg.* 13)

2 Kings 22:8-10 – The Discovery of the Book of the Law

2 Kings 22:8 (KJV): And Hilkiah the high priest said unto Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the Lord. And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he read it.
2 Kings 22:9 (KJV): And Shaphan the scribe came to the king, and brought the king word again, and said, Thy servants have gathered the money that was found in the house, and have delivered it into the hand of them that do the work, that have the oversight of the house of the Lord.
2 Kings 22:10 (KJV): And Shaphan the scribe shewed the king, saying, Hilkiah the priest hath delivered me a book. And Shaphan read it before the king.

The discovery of the Book of the Law, likely Deuteronomy, was a pivotal moment. Its long absence suggests a period of spiritual neglect where God’s Word was forgotten or ignored. Hilkiah’s declaration, “I have found the book of the law in the house of the Lord,” is filled with both excitement and regret. Shaphan’s reading of the book before the king emphasizes the importance of scripture being proclaimed and heard. We can almost feel the weight of this moment, a nation on the precipice of rediscovering its covenant with God.

Spiritual Application: The Bible is not just an ancient text; it is a living Word that speaks to us today. We must seek to discover (or rediscover) its truths, allowing it to guide our lives and shape our understanding of God’s will.

• St. Cyril of Alexandria emphasizes the importance of reading the scriptures: (Greek: “Ἀνάγνωθι τὰς γραφάς, καὶ γνώσῃ τὴν δύναμιν τοῦ Θεοῦ.” English: “Read the Scriptures, and you will know the power of God.” – Cyril of Alexandria, *Commentary on Isaiah*, Book 4)

2 Kings 22:11-13 – Josiah’s Reaction and Inquiry of the Lord

2 Kings 22:11 (KJV): And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the book of the law, that he rent his clothes.
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 22:13 (KJV): Go ye, enquire of the Lord for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that is found: for great is the wrath of the Lord that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this book, to do according unto all that which is written concerning us.

Josiah’s reaction to hearing the words of the Law was one of profound sorrow and repentance. Tearing his clothes was a customary sign of grief and humility. He recognized the gravity of the nation’s sin and the impending judgment. He didn’t dismiss the message but immediately sought to inquire of the Lord. This demonstrates a genuine fear of God and a desire to understand His will. Josiah’s humility is a stark contrast to the pride and arrogance often seen in leaders.

Spiritual Application: When confronted with our sinfulness, we must respond with humility and repentance. We should not ignore or rationalize our failings but seek God’s guidance and forgiveness.

2 Kings 22:14-20 – Huldah’s Prophecy

2 Kings 22:14 (KJV): So Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam, and Achbor, and Shaphan, and Asahiah, went unto Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe; (now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the college;) and they communed with her.
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 22:16 (KJV): Thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, and upon the inhabitants thereof, even all the words of the book which the king of Judah hath read:
2 Kings 22:17 (KJV): Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands: therefore my wrath shall be kindled against this place, and shall not be quenched.
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 22:19 (KJV): Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the Lord, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before me; I also have heard thee, saith the Lord.
2 Kings 22:20 (KJV): Behold therefore, I will gather thee unto thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered into thy grave in peace; and thine eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring upon this place. And they brought the king word again.

Huldah the prophetess was consulted to discern God’s will. Her prophecy confirmed the impending judgment upon Judah due to their idolatry. However, she also delivered a message of grace to Josiah, recognizing his humble heart and repentance. God promised to spare him from witnessing the full extent of the destruction. This demonstrates God’s mercy towards those who fear Him, even amidst judgment. Huldah’s role is a powerful example of the prophetic ministry available to both men and women in the Old Testament, and echoes the importance of prophetic voices in the Church today.

Spiritual Application: God sees our hearts. Even when judgment is inevitable, He extends mercy to those who repent and turn to Him in humility. We should always seek to cultivate a tender heart that is sensitive to God’s voice and responsive to His call.

• St. Macarius the Great highlights the importance of a tender heart: (Greek: “Καρδία συντετριμμένη καὶ τεταπεινωμένη ὁ Θεὸς οὐκ ἐξουδενώσει.” English: “A broken and contrite heart God will not despise.” – Macarius the Great, *Homily* 8.2)

Subtopic: The Significance of Repentance in 2 Kings 22

Repentance is the cornerstone of spiritual renewal in 2 Kings 22. It’s not merely acknowledging wrongdoing but a complete turning away from sin and a return to God. Josiah’s example showcases the transformative power of genuine contrition.

• Transformation Begins with Acknowledgment: Josiah’s tearing of his clothes symbolizes a deep awareness of national sin. We must first recognize our own failings before we can experience true transformation.
• Humility Before God: Josiah’s humble inquiry of the Lord through Huldah the prophetess underscores the importance of approaching God with a contrite spirit.
• Turning Away from Sin: Repentance necessitates a conscious decision to abandon sinful habits and behaviors. This includes turning away from anything that hinders our relationship with God.
• Seeking God’s Forgiveness: Josiah’s actions prompted a national repentance, leading to a renewed covenant with God. We must actively seek God’s forgiveness through prayer and confession.
• Living a Changed Life: True repentance manifests in a changed life, characterized by obedience to God’s commandments and a pursuit of righteousness.
• Renewal and Restoration: Repentance paves the way for spiritual renewal and restoration, both individually and corporately, as seen in the reign of Josiah.

FAQ ❓

Here are some frequently asked questions related to 2 Kings 22:

Q: Why was the Book of the Law lost in the first place?
A: The loss of the Book of the Law likely occurred during the reigns of wicked kings who suppressed the worship of God and promoted idolatry. These kings probably removed or destroyed the sacred texts to prevent the people from adhering to God’s commandments, leading to widespread spiritual ignorance.

Q: What is the significance of Huldah being a prophetess?
A: Huldah’s role demonstrates that God can and does use women to communicate His message. Her prophetic ministry highlights the importance of recognizing spiritual gifts regardless of gender and the accessibility of divine revelation to those who are faithful and attentive to God’s voice. It also confirms that prophetic authority is based on divine anointing and not on societal norms.

Q: How does Josiah’s story relate to us today?
A: Josiah’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of God’s Word. Just as Josiah rediscovered the Law and led his nation to repentance, we too can experience spiritual renewal by immersing ourselves in scripture and allowing it to shape our lives. His example encourages us to seek God with a humble heart and to respond with repentance when we fall short of His standards. This search is easier with the help of a good [domain name].

Q: What practical steps can we take to rediscover God’s Word in our lives?
A: We can start by setting aside dedicated time for Bible reading and study. Engaging with commentaries, theological resources, and prayer can enhance our understanding. Furthermore, applying biblical principles to our daily lives and seeking accountability from fellow believers can help us to live out God’s Word authentically.

Conclusion

The account of 2 Kings 22 offers a profound and timeless message. Josiah Repairs the Temple and Finds the Book of the Law not only describes a historical event but also illustrates the power of rediscovering and living by God’s Word. The rediscovery of God’s Word is a call to return to our spiritual roots. Josiah’s repentance, humility, and commitment to righteousness serve as an example for us to follow. By imitating his devotion, we can experience a personal and corporate spiritual renewal, transforming our hearts and society. This chapter challenges us to examine our own lives, to identify areas where we have strayed from God’s commandments, and to seek His forgiveness and guidance. May we, like Josiah, be faithful servants who honor God and lead others back to Him.

Tags

Josiah, Temple Repair, Book of the Law, Huldah, Repentance, Covenant Renewal, Spiritual Revival, Old Testament, Coptic Orthodox, Deuteronomy

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Explore 2 Kings 22: Josiah Repairs the Temple and Finds the Book of the Law. A Coptic Orthodox commentary on repentance, spiritual renewal, and rediscovering God’s Word.