2 Chronicles 34:16

KJV

And Shaphan carried the book to the king, and brought the king word back again, saying, All that was committed to thy servants, they do [it].

KJV (with Strong's)

And Shaphan {H8227} carried {H935} the book {H5612} to the king {H4428}, and brought {H7725} the king {H4428} word {H1697} back {H7725} again, saying {H559}, All that was committed {H5414} to {H3027} thy servants {H5650}, they do {H6213} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

Shafan the secretary brought the scroll to the king. Turning to the king, he gave him this report: "Your servants are doing everything you ordered them to do.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Shaphan brought the book to the king and reported, “Your servants are doing all that has been placed in their hands.

American Standard Version

And Shaphan carried the book to the king, and moreover brought back word to the king, saying, All that was committed to thy servants, they are doing.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 34:16 marks a pivotal moment in King Josiah's reign, describing the royal scribe Shaphan's dual report to the king. He not only provides an update on the diligent progress of the Temple repairs but, more significantly, delivers the newly discovered Book of the Law. This event serves as the critical catalyst, bridging the rediscovery of God's forgotten Word with its presentation to the highest authority, setting the stage for a profound spiritual awakening and national reform in Judah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is nestled within the comprehensive account of King Josiah's reign, specifically detailing his extensive religious reforms. The preceding verses (2 Chronicles 34:3-7) describe Josiah's initial purge of idolatry from Judah and Israel, demonstrating his early commitment to Yahweh. Following this, he initiates the repair of the dilapidated Temple (2 Chronicles 34:8-13). It is during these repairs that Hilkiah the high priest discovers "the Book of the Law" (2 Chronicles 34:14) and gives it to Shaphan, the scribe (2 Chronicles 34:15). Verse 16 then narrates Shaphan's crucial act of bringing this sacred text directly to King Josiah, along with an administrative report. This moment is the immediate prelude to Josiah's profound reaction upon hearing the words of the Law (2 Chronicles 34:19) and the subsequent nationwide covenant renewal (2 Chronicles 34:29-32).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Josiah reigned over Judah from 640-609 BC, following a period of intense idolatry under his grandfather Manasseh and father Amon. Judah had largely abandoned the covenant with Yahweh, adopting pagan practices. Josiah, however, began seeking God early in his reign (2 Chronicles 34:3). The discovery of "the book" in the Temple during repairs was not merely an archaeological find but a spiritual revelation, highlighting how deeply God's Word had been neglected and lost to the people. Shaphan, as the royal scribe, held a position of significant trust and authority, serving as a key administrator and advisor to the king. His role in handling and presenting such a momentous discovery underscores the importance of scribal duties in ancient Near Eastern courts, where literacy and record-keeping were vital for governance and religious life.
* **Key Themes:** The narrative surrounding 2 Chronicles 34:16 is rich with significant themes. One primary theme is **Divine Revelation and Its Transformative Power**. The rediscovery of the Book of the Law underscores God's active presence in revealing His will, even after generations of spiritual neglect. This revelation, when encountered, possesses the power to convict, humble, and ignite radical change, as seen in Josiah's immediate response (cf. [2 Chronicles 34:19](/2_chronicles/34-19 "2 Chronicles 34:19 - Josiah's Reaction to the Law")). Another key theme is **Faithfulness and Diligence in Service**. The verse highlights the integrity of the Temple workers and, crucially, Shaphan's faithful execution of his duties, both administrative and spiritual. Their commitment to what was "committed" to them serves as an example of responsible stewardship. Finally, the broader context emphasizes **Covenant Renewal and National Repentance**, as the rediscovery of the Law leads to a profound re-commitment to God's covenant, initiating comprehensive reforms across the land (cf. [2 Chronicles 34:31-33](/2_chronicles/34-31 "2 Chronicles 34:31-33 - Josiah's Covenant Renewal")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"the book" (Hebrew, _hassēpher'_):** The use of the definite article "the" (הַ, _ha_) before "book" (סֵפֶר, _sēpher_) is highly significant. It does not refer to just any book, but *the* specific, uniquely important book – the Book of the Law, likely a substantial portion of the Pentateuch, particularly Deuteronomy. This singular emphasis underscores its unparalleled authority and divine origin, distinguishing it from all other writings and marking it as the standard for Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh.
* **"Shaphan" (Hebrew, _Shāphān'_):** As the royal scribe, Shaphan was a high-ranking and trusted official in King Josiah's administration. His name (meaning "rock badger" or "hyrax") is less important than his office. His role transcended mere secretarial duties; he was a key advisor and intermediary between the king and various segments of society. His personal integrity and loyalty are implicitly affirmed by his direct access to the king and the king's trust in him to handle such a momentous discovery.
* **"committed" (Hebrew, _nātan'_):** This verb means "to give," "to place," or "to entrust." In this context, it signifies the delegation of responsibility and authority. It highlights that the Temple workers were not acting on their own initiative but were carrying out specific tasks assigned by the king and his officials. The phrase "All that was committed to thy servants, they do [it]" speaks to the successful and diligent execution of these entrusted duties, affirming accountability and effective management.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Shaphan carried the book to the king":** This clause describes Shaphan's immediate and direct action upon receiving the Book of the Law from Hilkiah. The physical act of carrying symbolizes the immense weight and significance of the sacred text. By bringing it directly to the king, Shaphan ensures that the highest authority in the land is confronted with God's revealed Word, setting in motion the events that will lead to national repentance and reform.
* **"and brought the king word back again":** This part of the verse details Shaphan's primary administrative duty. He is reporting back to the king on the progress of the Temple repairs, which was the original reason for his visit. This demonstrates Shaphan's diligence in his regular duties and his commitment to transparent communication regarding the royal project. It also subtly prepares the king to receive the *other*, more profound "word" – the content of the discovered book.
* **"saying, All that was committed to thy servants, they do [it].":** This is the substance of Shaphan's administrative report. It is a concise affirmation of the faithfulness and efficiency of the workers entrusted with the Temple renovation. This statement speaks volumes about the integrity of the project and the diligence of those involved, ensuring the king that his directives were being meticulously followed. This positive report on practical matters sets a context of order and diligence, making the subsequent revelation of the Book of the Law even more impactful.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices that enhance its meaning and impact. There is a subtle **Juxtaposition** between the mundane administrative report ("All that was committed to thy servants, they do [it]") and the profound spiritual act of delivering "the book." This highlights how God's divine revelation can intersect with and transform the seemingly ordinary affairs of human administration. The delivery of "the book" also serves as powerful **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the dramatic spiritual upheaval and national reforms that are about to unfold as a direct consequence of Josiah's encounter with its contents. Furthermore, "the book" functions as a form of **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where the physical object stands for the entire body of God's revealed Law, covenant, and divine authority. Its singular presence in the narrative represents the entirety of God's truth, which had been lost and now found, signifying the potential for spiritual restoration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 34:16 powerfully illustrates the transformative power of God's Word when it is rediscovered and received with humility and obedience. Shaphan's faithful delivery of the book to King Josiah underscores the principle that divine revelation must be brought to bear upon human authority and life for true change to occur. The diligence of the Temple workers, affirmed by Shaphan, also speaks to the importance of integrity and faithfulness in all areas of service, whether sacred or secular. The rediscovery of the Law exposed the nation's sin and neglect, prompting a call to repentance and covenant renewal. This narrative serves as a timeless reminder that spiritual revival often begins with a fresh encounter with the authoritative Word of God, leading to conviction, confession, and a renewed commitment to His ways.

* [Deuteronomy 31:11](/deuteronomy/31-11 "Deuteronomy 31:11 - Reading the Law to Israel")
* [Nehemiah 8:8](/nehemiah/8-8 "Nehemiah 8:8 - Ezra Reads the Law")
* [Psalm 119:130](/psalm/119-130 "Psalm 119:130 - The Entrance of Your Words")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This pivotal moment in Josiah's reign offers profound insights for contemporary believers. Just as Shaphan diligently carried the Book of the Law to the king, we are called to be faithful stewards of God's Word in our own lives and to share its transformative truth with others. The narrative reminds us that a genuine encounter with scripture should lead to conviction, a desire for repentance, and a renewed commitment to obedience, mirroring Josiah's humble response. Furthermore, the diligence of the Temple workers and Shaphan in their administrative duties highlights the spiritual significance of integrity and faithfulness in all our responsibilities, whether in our homes, workplaces, or communities. Our daily tasks, no matter how mundane, can be acts of worship when performed with diligence and a heart for God's glory. This verse challenges us to consider how actively we engage with God's revealed truth and how consistently we live out its principles in every facet of our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How diligently do I engage with God's Word, allowing it to shape my life and decisions, similar to Josiah's profound reaction?**
* **In what areas of my life am I called to exercise greater faithfulness and integrity, mirroring the diligence of Shaphan and the Temple workers in fulfilling their commitments?**
* **What "books" or divine truths might God be bringing to my attention today, and how am I responding to His revealed will?**

### FAQ
**What was "the book" that Shaphan carried?**

Answer: "The book" (Hebrew: _hassēpher_) is widely understood by scholars to be a significant portion of the Pentateuch, most likely the Book of Deuteronomy. Deuteronomy contains detailed covenant stipulations, laws, blessings for obedience, and curses for disobedience, which align perfectly with King Josiah's reaction of tearing his clothes in dismay (cf. [2 Chronicles 34:19](/2_chronicles/34-19 "2 Chronicles 34:19 - Josiah's Reaction to the Law")) and his subsequent sweeping reforms. Its rediscovery was crucial because its teachings, particularly the covenant warnings, had been largely neglected for generations, leading to the rampant idolatry Josiah was trying to eradicate.

**Why is Shaphan's role significant in this narrative?**

Answer: Shaphan was not merely a messenger but a high-ranking royal scribe, a trusted and influential official in King Josiah's court. His position allowed him direct access to the king and placed him in a crucial intermediary role. His significance lies in his integrity and faithfulness: he accurately reported on the Temple work and, more importantly, recognized the immense value of the discovered book, ensuring it reached the king directly. Shaphan's actions were instrumental in bridging the gap between the rediscovery of God's Law and its presentation to the highest authority, thereby initiating a national spiritual revival. His family also continued to play important roles in subsequent biblical events, highlighting their long-standing commitment to God's people (cf. [Jeremiah 36:10](/jeremiah/36-10 "Jeremiah 36:10 - Baruch Reads Jeremiah's Scroll")).

**What does "All that was committed to thy servants, they do [it]" tell us about the Temple workers?**

Answer: This phrase serves as a powerful testament to the faithfulness, diligence, and integrity of the workers entrusted with the Temple repairs. It indicates that they were not only performing their assigned duties but doing so effectively, responsibly, and with a high degree of accountability. In a context where corruption and neglect were common, this statement highlights a commendable level of stewardship and commitment to the task at hand. It underscores the value of diligent and honest labor, even in seemingly mundane tasks, as part of a larger divine purpose.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The rediscovery of the Book of the Law in 2 Chronicles 34:16, leading to national repentance and reform under Josiah, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and complete revelation of God in Jesus Christ. The Law, though holy and good, primarily served to reveal humanity's sin and desperate need for a redeemer (cf. [Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "Romans 3:20 - Law Reveals Sin")). While Josiah's reforms brought temporary national renewal, they could not fundamentally change the human heart or permanently atone for sin. Jesus, however, is the living Word of God, the embodiment of divine revelation (cf. [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word was God") and [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). He did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it perfectly (cf. [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")), becoming the "end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes" (cf. [Romans 10:4](/romans/10-4 "Romans 10:4 - Christ is the End of the Law")). Where the written Law brought conviction and a temporary covenant, Christ brings eternal life and a new covenant written on the heart (cf. [Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - The New Covenant")). His coming initiated the ultimate spiritual revival, offering not just national reform but personal transformation and reconciliation with God through His atoning sacrifice. Thus, the carrying of "the book" to Josiah points forward to God's ultimate and final word spoken to humanity through His Son (cf. [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken by His Son")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 36:20

¶ And they went in to the king into the court, but they laid up the roll in the chamber of Elishama the scribe, and told all the words in the ears of the king.

Jeremiah 36:21

So the king sent Jehudi to fetch the roll: and he took it out of Elishama the scribe's chamber. And Jehudi read it in the ears of the king, and in the ears of all the princes which stood beside the king.

2 Kings 22:9

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

And Shaphan the scribe shewed the king, saying, Hilkiah the priest hath delivered me a book. And Shaphan read it before the king.