2 Chronicles 34:14

ยถ And when they brought out the money that was brought into the house of the LORD, Hilkiah the priest found a book of the law of the LORD [given] by Moses.

And when they brought out {H3318} the money {H3701} that was brought into {H935} the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}, Hilkiah {H2518} the priest {H3548} found {H4672} a book {H5612} of the law {H8451} of the LORD {H3068} given by {H3027} Moses {H4872}.

While bringing out the money that had been brought into the house of ADONAI, Hilkiyahu the cohen found the scroll of the Torah of ADONAI given by Moshe.

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.

And when they brought out the money that was brought into the house of Jehovah, Hilkiah the priest found the book of the law of Jehovahgivenby Moses.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 34:14 details a momentous discovery during the reign of King Josiah: Hilkiah the priest found the "book of the law of the LORD by Moses" while the Temple was being repaired. This verse marks a turning point, signaling the rediscovery of God's forgotten commands and setting the stage for a profound spiritual awakening in Judah.

Context

This significant event occurs in the eighteenth year of King Josiah's reign. Josiah, who became king at age eight, had already begun to seek God and purge Judah and Jerusalem of idolatry (2 Chronicles 34:3). The repair of the dilapidated Temple in Jerusalem was a crucial step in his nationwide reform. The state of the Temple, and the fact that the foundational scriptures were seemingly lost within it, underscores the deep spiritual decline and neglect that had characterized the nation for generations, particularly under Josiah's wicked predecessors, Manasseh and Amon.

The Discovery of the Book of the Law

The phrase "Hilkiah the priest found a book of the law of the LORD [given] by Moses" is incredibly impactful. It suggests that this vital document, containing God's covenant instructions to Israel, had been misplaced, forgotten, or perhaps even deliberately hidden for a considerable period. This was no ordinary book; it was the authoritative divine instruction, the very foundation of their national and spiritual identity, attributed directly to Moses himself. Its rediscovery in the Temple, possibly in a forgotten storage area, highlights the extent of Judah's spiritual ignorance and apathy prior to Josiah's reforms.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Neglect of God's Word: The fact that the "book of the law" had to be "found" reveals a profound neglect of God's revealed will by the people and their leaders. This neglect directly contributed to the nation's spiritual and moral decay.
  • Divine Providence: The discovery was not accidental. God sovereignly orchestrated the finding of His Word at a critical moment, providing the catalyst needed for genuine repentance and national reform under a righteous king like Josiah.
  • Catalyst for Revival: The rediscovery of the Law immediately led to King Josiah's deep conviction and subsequent national repentance (2 Chronicles 34:19). It became the driving force behind a widespread spiritual awakening and a renewal of the covenant with God.
  • Authority of Scripture: The explicit mention of it being "the law of the LORD by Moses" reinforces its divine origin and absolute authority as the standard for life, worship, and national conduct.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase "ืกึตืคึถืจ ืชึผื•ึนืจึทืช ื™ึฐื”ื•ึธื”" (sepher torat Yahweh) literally means "book of the instruction/teaching of the LORD." The term "Torah" (ืชึผื•ึนืจึธื”) is often translated as "law," but it encompasses a broader concept of divine instruction, guidance, and teaching for life. The addition "ื‘ึฐึผื™ึทื“ ืžึนืฉึถืื”" (b'yad Moshe), meaning "by the hand of Moses," firmly establishes the book's ancient authenticity and its direct connection to God's revelation through His foundational prophet, emphasizing its divine inspiration.

Practical Application

The narrative of 2 Chronicles 34:14 provides enduring lessons for believers today:

  • Value God's Word: Just as Judah suffered from neglecting the Law, individuals and communities can experience spiritual decline when God's Word is not actively read, studied, and applied. We must prioritize engaging with scripture.
  • Catalyst for Personal Revival: A fresh encounter with God's truth can bring deep conviction and lead to personal and communal transformation, much like it did for Josiah and the nation of Judah. It reveals sin, guides to righteousness, and inspires obedience.
  • Importance of Accessibility: The fact that the "book of the law" was lost underscores the critical importance of keeping God's Word accessible, central, and regularly taught within our lives and spiritual communities.
  • Continual Reformation: Even after periods of spiritual renewal, there is a continuous need to examine our lives and practices against the unchanging standard of God's truth, ensuring we do not drift back into neglect.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ezra 7:10

    For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do [it], and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.

  • Leviticus 10:11

    And that ye may teach the children of Israel all the statutes which the LORD hath spoken unto them by the hand of Moses.

  • Psalms 1:2

    But his delight [is] in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

  • Isaiah 5:24

    Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, [so] their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the LORD of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.

  • 2 Chronicles 35:26

    Now the rest of the acts of Josiah, and his goodness, according to [that which was] written in the law of the LORD,

  • Luke 2:39

    And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.

  • Jeremiah 8:8

    How do ye say, We [are] wise, and the law of the LORD [is] with us? Lo, certainly in vain made he [it]; the pen of the scribes [is] in vain.
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