2 Chronicles 34:20

KJV

And the king commanded Hilkiah, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Abdon the son of Micah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah a servant of the king's, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

And the king {H4428} commanded {H6680} Hilkiah {H2518}, and Ahikam {H296} the son {H1121} of Shaphan {H8227}, and Abdon {H5658} the son {H1121} of Micah {H4318}, and Shaphan {H8227} the scribe {H5608}, and Asaiah {H6222} a servant {H5650} of the king's {H4428}, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the king issued this order to Hilkiyahu, Achikam the son of Shafan, 'Avdon the son of Mikhah, Shafan the secretary and 'Asayah the king's servant:

Berean Standard Bible

and commanded Hilkiah, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Abdon son of Micah, Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah the servant of the king:

American Standard Version

And the king commanded Hilkiah, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Abdon the son of Micah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah the king’s servant, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Following the momentous discovery of the Book of the Law during the temple renovations, 2 Chronicles 34:20 details King Josiah's immediate and decisive action. Deeply convicted by the Law's words, the king prudently assembled a distinguished delegation of his most trusted spiritual and administrative officials—including the high priest, a prominent scribe, and other key royal servants—to embark on a critical mission: to inquire of the Lord concerning the implications of the rediscovered divine commands for himself and the nation of Judah. This verse underscores Josiah's exemplary leadership in responding to God's revelation with both humility and strategic wisdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment in the narrative of Josiah's reforms, directly following the profound impact of the Book of the Law's discovery. In [2 Chronicles 34:14](/2_chronicles/34-14 "2 Chronicles 34:14 - Hilkiah Discovers the Book of the Law"), Hilkiah the high priest finds the book during temple repairs. Shaphan the scribe then reads it to the king in [2 Chronicles 34:18](/2_chronicles/34-18 "2 Chronicles 34:18 - Shaphan Reads the Book to Josiah"), prompting Josiah's immediate and dramatic response of repentance, tearing his clothes in [2 Chronicles 34:19](/2_chronicles/34-19 "2 Chronicles 34:19 - Josiah's Repentance"). Verse 20 sets the stage for the next crucial step in Josiah's response: the formal inquiry to the Lord through the prophetess Huldah, detailed in [2 Chronicles 34:21-28](/2_chronicles/34-21-28 "2 Chronicles 34:21-28 - Huldah's Prophecy"). It marks the transition from personal conviction to collective action, demonstrating Josiah's resolve to align the nation with God's revealed will and to seek divine counsel for its implementation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Josiah reigned over Judah from 640-609 BC, a period marked by significant religious decline following the idolatrous reigns of his grandfather Manasseh and father Amon. Josiah began his reforms early, seeking the Lord from his youth ([2 Chronicles 34:3](/2_chronicles/34-3 "2 Chronicles 34:3 - Josiah Seeks the Lord")). The discovery of the Book of the Law (widely believed to be a copy of [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/1 "Deuteronomy - The Second Law")) was a monumental event, revealing the extent of Judah's deviation from God's covenant and the severe consequences of their disobedience. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, kings often consulted divine oracles or prophets for guidance on matters of national importance. Josiah's delegation of high-ranking officials—including the high priest, a royal scribe, and other trusted royal servants—reflects the established protocol for addressing such weighty spiritual and administrative concerns, ensuring that the inquiry carried the full authority and representation of the kingdom.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the book of [2 Chronicles](/2_chronicles/1 "2 Chronicles - The History of the Kings of Judah"). Firstly, it highlights **Divine Revelation and Human Response**, showing how God's Word, once rediscovered, demands an immediate and profound reaction, leading to conviction and a desire for obedience. Secondly, it exemplifies **Wise and Godly Leadership**, as Josiah does not act impulsively but thoughtfully delegates the critical task of seeking divine counsel to a diverse group of trusted advisors, demonstrating humility and a reliance on collective wisdom. This action is part of the broader theme of **Repentance and Reform**, where Josiah's personal contrition in [2 Chronicles 34:19](/2_chronicles/34-19 "2 Chronicles 34:19 - Josiah's Repentance") leads directly to a national effort to understand and implement God's commands. Finally, it underscores the critical importance of **Seeking Divine Counsel**, as the king prioritizes inquiring of the Lord through His appointed channels, acknowledging God's ultimate authority over the nation's destiny.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shaphan (Hebrew, _shâphân'_):** The name means "rock rabbit" or "hyrax," though its significance here lies in the person. Shaphan (H8227) was a highly influential and trusted royal scribe, likely holding the position of secretary of state. His presence in this delegation, alongside his son Ahikam, underscores his continued importance and integrity within Josiah's court. He was the one who initially received the discovered Book of the Law from Hilkiah and read it to King Josiah, making him central to the entire narrative of reform.
* **Scribe (Hebrew, _çâphar'_):** In ancient Israel, a "scribe" (H5608) was far more than a mere copyist. The _sopher_ was a highly educated and influential official, often serving as a royal secretary, administrator, and advisor. Shaphan's role as "the scribe" indicates his high-ranking status and intellectual capabilities, making him an indispensable member of any delegation seeking to interpret and apply legal or spiritual texts. His ability to "score with a mark as a tally or record" and "inscribe" made him vital for the preservation and understanding of sacred texts.
* **Servant (Hebrew, _ʻebed'_):** This term (H5650), applied to Asaiah as "a servant of the king's," denotes a high-ranking official or minister in the royal administration, not a mere domestic servant. Such individuals held positions of significant trust and responsibility, often serving as close advisors or administrators of royal affairs. Their inclusion in this delegation emphasizes the gravity and official nature of the mission, signifying that the king's most trusted personnel were involved in this crucial spiritual and national undertaking.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the king commanded Hilkiah":** This opening clause immediately establishes King Josiah's direct authority and initiative. Hilkiah, as the high priest, was the one who discovered the Book of the Law, making his inclusion in this delegation essential for spiritual authority and continuity. His leadership in the temple reforms positioned him as a key figure in the nation's spiritual renewal.
* **"and Ahikam the son of Shaphan":** Ahikam is identified by his lineage, linking him to the influential scribe Shaphan, who is also part of the delegation. Ahikam himself was a trusted royal official, later known for protecting the prophet Jeremiah ([Jeremiah 26:24](/jeremiah/26-24 "Jeremiah 26:24 - Ahikam Protects Jeremiah")). His presence signifies the involvement of reliable figures from the royal administration, ensuring a breadth of expertise and influence.
* **"and Abdon the son of Micah":** Abdon is another royal official, also referred to as Achbor the son of Micaiah in the parallel account in [2 Kings 22:12](/2_kings/22-12 "2 Kings 22:12 - Achbor Sent to Huldah"). His inclusion further broadens the representation of trusted royal advisors in the delegation, indicating Josiah's desire for comprehensive counsel.
* **"and Shaphan the scribe":** Shaphan's direct inclusion in the delegation, having been the one who read the Law to Josiah, reinforces his central role in the discovery and its immediate aftermath. His expertise as a scribe would be crucial for understanding and interpreting the newly found text, providing scholarly insight into the divine commands.
* **"and Asaiah a servant of the king's, saying,":** Asaiah, as another high-ranking "servant of the king," completes this distinguished group. The concluding "saying" serves as a narrative bridge, introducing the specific command or mission that Josiah entrusted to these officials, which is fully elaborated in the subsequent verses. This phrase builds anticipation for the weighty instructions that follow.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Enumeration** or **Listing**, meticulously naming each individual chosen by King Josiah for this vital mission. This detailed listing emphasizes the careful, deliberate, and official nature of Josiah's response to the rediscovered Law. By naming each member—Hilkiah the high priest, Ahikam, Abdon, Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah—the text underscores the collective authority, diverse expertise, and high trustworthiness of the delegation. This precise **Nomenclature** also serves to establish the credibility and significance of the upcoming prophetic inquiry, ensuring the reader understands the gravity of the king's actions. Furthermore, the concluding word "saying" acts as a device of **Anticipation**, creating a narrative pause that builds suspense and directs the reader's attention to the command itself, which is revealed in [2 Chronicles 34:21](/2_chronicles/34-21 "2 Chronicles 34:21 - The Command to Inquire of the Lord"), highlighting the urgency and gravity of their task.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse highlights the profound theological principle that divine revelation demands a serious and immediate human response. Josiah's command to inquire of the Lord, following his deep conviction, models a leadership that prioritizes God's Word and seeks His will above all else. It demonstrates that true repentance is not merely an emotional reaction but leads to decisive action aimed at understanding and aligning with God's commands. The selection of a diverse and trusted group of officials underscores the wisdom of seeking counsel in matters of spiritual and national importance, reflecting a communal responsibility to God's truth. This act of seeking God's face through His appointed channels is a testament to Josiah's humility and his profound reverence for the Lord's authority, setting a precedent for how individuals and nations should respond to the unveiling of divine truth.

* [Deuteronomy 17:18-20](/deuteronomy/17-18-20 "The King's Duty to the Law")
* [Proverbs 11:14](/proverbs/11-14 "Wisdom in Counsel")
* [Psalm 119:105](/psalms/119-105 "God's Word as a Lamp")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
King Josiah's immediate and strategic response to the Book of the Law provides a powerful model for believers today. When God's Word convicts us, whether through personal reading, preaching, or study, our response should be one of earnestness, humility, and decisive action. Just as Josiah did not bear the burden of understanding and responding to the Law alone, we are called to seek wise, godly counsel when faced with weighty truths or significant decisions. This might involve consulting trusted spiritual mentors, engaging in community Bible study, or seeking guidance from church leaders. True spiritual leadership, whether in personal life, family, or community, involves acknowledging one's limitations and humbly seeking God's guidance through His Word and His people. It reminds us that our encounter with divine truth should always lead to a desire to inquire further, understand more deeply, and live more faithfully in accordance with God's revealed will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How seriously do I take the revelation of God's Word in my own life, allowing it to convict and guide my actions?**
* **In what areas of my life or ministry do I need to seek wise, godly counsel from trusted individuals, rather than relying solely on my own understanding?**
* **What does Josiah's example teach me about humility and decisive action in leadership, particularly when confronted with uncomfortable truths or the need for significant change?**

### FAQ
**Who were these individuals, and why were they chosen?**

Answer: The individuals commanded by King Josiah were Hilkiah the high priest, Ahikam the son of Shaphan, Abdon the son of Micah, Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah a servant of the king's. They were chosen for their high office, proven trustworthiness, and likely their spiritual integrity, representing a cross-section of the highest echelons of both spiritual and administrative authority in Judah. Hilkiah was central to the discovery of the Law, Shaphan was the influential royal scribe who read it to the king, and Ahikam, Abdon, and Asaiah were trusted royal officials. Their collective inclusion ensured that the inquiry would be taken with utmost seriousness, its findings respected, and its implementation carried out with the full backing of the kingdom's leadership.

**What was the "Book of the Law" that was discovered?**

Answer: While the text does not explicitly name the "Book of the Law," scholarly consensus strongly suggests it was a copy of the book of [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/1 "Deuteronomy - The Second Law"), or at least a significant portion thereof. The commands and curses detailed in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses") align perfectly with Josiah's reaction of repentance and his subsequent reforms. Its rediscovery was pivotal because its commands had been largely forgotten or ignored for generations, leading to national apostasy. The book detailed the covenant obligations between God and Israel, outlining the blessings for obedience and the severe consequences for disobedience, profoundly impacting King Josiah and setting in motion the most significant religious revival in Judah's history.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
King Josiah's profound response to the rediscovery of the Book of the Law, leading him to humbly inquire of the Lord and initiate sweeping reforms, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment found in Jesus Christ. The Law, though holy and good, revealed humanity's inability to perfectly obey God's righteous standards, bringing conviction and demonstrating the need for a perfect mediator and a new covenant. Josiah's zeal for the Law and his desire to align his kingdom with God's will reflect, in a limited way, Christ's perfect obedience to the Law, for He declared He came not to abolish but to [fulfill the Law](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law"). While Josiah sent a delegation to inquire of the Lord through a prophetess, Christ *is* the very Word of God, the ultimate and complete [revelation of God](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God") to humanity, through whom all divine counsel is now perfectly given. The Law brought a curse for disobedience, but Christ became a curse for us, redeeming us from its condemnation ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeems Us from the Curse of the Law")). Josiah's reforms sought to bring Judah back into alignment with the old covenant, but Jesus inaugurated a [new covenant](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant") through His blood, writing God's laws not on tablets of stone but on the hearts of His people ([Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - The New Covenant Written on Hearts")). Thus, Josiah's earnest inquiry points forward to the One who is the very embodiment of God's perfect will and the source of true spiritual life and transformation.

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

2 Kings 22:12

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,

Jeremiah 40:6

Then went Jeremiah unto Gedaliah the son of Ahikam to Mizpah; and dwelt with him among the people that were left in the land.

2 Kings 25:22

¶ And [as for] the people that remained in the land of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had left, even over them he made Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, ruler.

Jeremiah 40:9

And Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan sware unto them and to their men, saying, Fear not to serve the Chaldeans: dwell in the land, and serve the king of Babylon, and it shall be well with you.

Jeremiah 40:14

And said unto him, Dost thou certainly know that Baalis the king of the Ammonites hath sent Ishmael the son of Nethaniah to slay thee? But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam believed them not.

Jeremiah 26:22

And Jehoiakim the king sent men into Egypt, [namely], Elnathan the son of Achbor, and [certain] men with him into Egypt.

Jeremiah 26:24

Nevertheless the hand of Ahikam the son of Shaphan was with Jeremiah, that they should not give him into the hand of the people to put him to death.