2 Chronicles 34:21

KJV

Go, enquire of the LORD for me, and for them that are left in Israel and in Judah, concerning the words of the book that is found: for great [is] the wrath of the LORD that is poured out upon us, because our fathers have not kept the word of the LORD, to do after all that is written in this book.

KJV (with Strong's)

Go {H3212}, enquire {H1875} of the LORD {H3068} for me, and for them that are left {H7604} in Israel {H3478} and in Judah {H3063}, concerning the words {H1697} of the book {H5612} that is found {H4672}: for great {H1419} is the wrath {H2534} of the LORD {H3068} that is poured out {H5413} upon us, because our fathers {H1} have not kept {H8104} the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068}, to do {H6213} after all that is written {H3789} in this book {H5612}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Go, and consult ADONAI for me and for the people left in Isra'el and Y'hudah in regard to what is written in this scroll which has been found. For ADONAI must be furious at us, since our ancestors did not observe the word of ADONAI and do everything written in this scroll."

Berean Standard Bible

“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.”

American Standard Version

Go ye, inquire of Jehovah for me, and for them that are left in Israel and in Judah, concerning the words of the book that is found; for great is the wrath of Jehovah that is poured out upon us, because our fathers have not kept the word of Jehovah, to do according unto all that is written in this book.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King Josiah, upon hearing the words of the recently discovered Book of the Law, was profoundly convicted by the nation's long history of covenant disobedience. Recognizing the severe implications of their ancestral and current sin, he immediately sought divine counsel for himself and the remaining people of Israel and Judah, acknowledging the "great wrath of the LORD" that was justly being poured out upon them due to their fathers' failure to keep God's commands as written in the sacred text. This urgent inquiry marked a pivotal moment in Judah's spiritual awakening and subsequent reforms.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a direct and urgent response to the dramatic rediscovery of the "Book of the Law" during the temple renovations initiated by King Josiah. The narrative flow in [2 Chronicles 34](/2_chronicles/34 "2 Chronicles 34 - Josiah's Reforms and the Discovery of the Law") highlights Josiah's deep commitment to restoring the worship of Yahweh, beginning with the cleansing of the land and temple. The discovery of the book by Hilkiah the priest, as detailed in [2 Chronicles 34:14](/2_chronicles/34-14 "2 Chronicles 34:14 - Discovery of the Book of the Law"), serves as the catalyst. Upon hearing its words read, Josiah's immediate and profound reaction of tearing his clothes, recorded in [2 Chronicles 34:19](/2_chronicles/34-19 "2 Chronicles 34:19 - Josiah's Reaction to the Law"), signifies deep repentance and distress. Verse 21 then captures his decisive command to his officials to "enquire of the LORD," setting in motion the consultation with Huldah the prophetess, as described in [2 Chronicles 34:22](/2_chronicles/34-22 "2 Chronicles 34:22 - Huldah the Prophetess Confirms God's Word"), which confirms the impending judgment but also offers a promise of peace for Josiah due to his humble heart.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Josiah's reign (640-609 BC) followed decades of severe idolatry and spiritual decline under his grandfather Manasseh and father Amon, who had actively promoted pagan worship and even child sacrifice. This period saw the virtual disappearance of the Book of the Law from public knowledge and practice. The temple, neglected and defiled, symbolized the nation's spiritual decay. The "Book of the Law" discovered was likely a copy of Deuteronomy, or a significant portion of the Pentateuch, which contained the foundational covenant stipulations, including blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")). Josiah's actions reflect a profound understanding of the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where national prosperity and security were directly linked to faithfulness to the Law. His concern for "them that are left in Israel and in Judah" reflects the lingering division of the kingdom and his desire for the spiritual welfare of all descendants of Jacob, even those from the northern kingdom who had been scattered.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several major theological and narrative themes within [2 Chronicles](/2_chronicles/1 "2 Chronicles - History of Judah's Kings"):
* **The Authority and Power of God's Word:** The discovery of the Book of the Law was not merely an archaeological find; it was a divine revelation that brought profound conviction and initiated national change. Josiah's reaction, from tearing his clothes ([2 Chronicles 34:19](/2_chronicles/34-19 "2 Chronicles 34:19 - Josiah's Reaction to the Law")) to immediately seeking God's will, underscores the immense, transformative power of Scripture to expose sin, reveal God's righteous character, and call for radical repentance. This theme resonates throughout the biblical narrative, emphasizing that God's word is living and active ([Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Word of God is Living and Active")).
* **National Sin and Divine Wrath:** Josiah clearly understood that the nation's ancestors had failed to obey God's commands, leading to the "great wrath of the LORD" being poured out upon them. This emphasizes the serious consequences of covenant disobedience and the reality of God's righteous judgment. The concept of God's wrath is not capricious but a just and holy response to persistent rebellion and unfaithfulness, often detailed in covenant curses like those found in [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience").
* **Humility and Seeking God:** Josiah's directive to "enquire of the LORD" demonstrates profound humility and a desperate desire for divine guidance for himself and the remaining people of Israel and Judah. This act of seeking God's face, acknowledging national sin, and pursuing repentance is a cornerstone of true spiritual revival, mirroring the call in [2 Chronicles 7:14](/2_chronicles/7-14 "2 Chronicles 7:14 - If My People Will Humble Themselves").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **enquire (Hebrew, _darash'_):** This verb means to 'seek', 'search for', 'consult', or 'diligently investigate'. It implies a deep, earnest desire to understand God's will, often involving prayer, meditation, and seeking prophetic counsel. Josiah's use of this word indicates not a casual curiosity but a desperate, urgent need for divine insight into the implications of the Law for the nation's present and future.
* **wrath (Hebrew, _charon aph Yahweh'_):** Literally "burning of the nose" or "burning anger of Yahweh." This phrase denotes God's intense, righteous indignation against sin and rebellion. It is not an uncontrolled outburst but a holy and just response to repeated unfaithfulness and covenant breaking. The "great" wrath signifies its severity and the cumulative nature of the nation's offenses, leading to inevitable judgment.
* **book (Hebrew, _sepher'_):** Refers to a scroll or document. In this context, it specifically denotes the "Book of the Law," which Josiah recognized as the authoritative word of God. Its discovery was not merely an archaeological find but a divine revelation, bringing to light the forgotten covenant stipulations and exposing the nation's profound spiritual negligence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Go, enquire of the LORD for me, and for them that are left in Israel and in Judah, concerning the words of the book that is found:"** This opening clause reveals Josiah's immediate and profound response to the rediscovered Law. His command is urgent ("Go") and comprehensive, seeking divine counsel not only for himself as king but also for the entire remnant of God's people, encompassing both the northern (Israel) and southern (Judah) kingdoms. The focus is on understanding the "words of the book," indicating his recognition of its divine authority and the need to discern its implications for their lives and future.
* **"for great [is] the wrath of the LORD that is poured out upon us,"** Josiah's conviction here is palpable. He understands that the consequences of their disobedience are not theoretical but are already manifesting as God's "great wrath." The imagery of wrath being "poured out" suggests an overflowing, inescapable judgment that is already in motion, reflecting the severity of God's righteous anger against their unfaithfulness.
* **"because our fathers have not kept the word of the LORD, to do after all that is written in this book."** This final clause provides the explicit reason for God's wrath: the historical and ongoing disobedience of the nation's ancestors. It highlights a generational pattern of neglecting and failing to "keep" (obey, guard, observe) the divine commands. Josiah recognizes that the current generation is inheriting the consequences of this covenant breaking, underscoring the corporate responsibility and the cumulative weight of sin.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its urgency and theological weight. The immediate command "Go, enquire" conveys **Urgency** and Josiah's decisive, repentant leadership. The phrase "great is the wrath of the LORD that is poured out upon us" uses **Hyperbole** to emphasize the extreme severity of God's judgment, while the verb "poured out" functions as a **Metaphor** for the abundant and inescapable nature of this divine indignation. Furthermore, the verse implicitly uses **Contrast** by juxtaposing Josiah's humble, obedient response with the long history of his "fathers" who "have not kept the word of the LORD," highlighting the generational sin that has led to the current crisis. The "book that is found" serves as a **Symbol** of God's forgotten covenant and the divine standard against which Judah's actions are measured.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal verse encapsulates the profound theological truth that God's Word is living, active, and carries immense authority, capable of exposing sin and demanding a response. Josiah's reaction demonstrates the necessary humility and repentance required when confronted with divine truth. It underscores the biblical principle that covenant disobedience inevitably leads to divine judgment, not as an arbitrary act, but as a righteous consequence of breaking faith with a holy God. The "wrath of the LORD" is a consistent theme throughout Scripture, signifying God's just opposition to all unrighteousness. Yet, Josiah's immediate act of seeking God's counsel also points to the hope of mercy and the possibility of averting or mitigating judgment through sincere repentance and a return to obedience, a theme beautifully articulated in prophetic calls for national repentance.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Psalm 119:105](/psalm/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - Your Word is a Lamp to My Feet")
* [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Against Unrighteousness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
King Josiah's response to the rediscovered Book of the Law serves as a timeless model for believers today. His profound conviction, immediate repentance, and urgent pursuit of God's will highlight the transformative power of Scripture in our lives. When we encounter God's Word, whether through personal reading, preaching, or teaching, it should not be treated as mere information but as a divine revelation that calls for a response. Like Josiah, we must allow the Word to expose our sin, both individual and corporate, and lead us to humble repentance. This verse reminds us that there are real, often severe, consequences for neglecting God's commands, both in our personal lives and in the broader society. However, it also offers hope: genuine seeking of God, accompanied by repentance, can lead to mercy and a path toward spiritual renewal and revival. We are called to diligently "enquire of the LORD" through prayer, study, and seeking wise counsel, trusting in His guidance even when confronted with uncomfortable truths about our own failings or the state of the world around us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the discovery and hearing of God's Word impact your life and perspective, similar to Josiah's experience?**
* **What is your typical response when the Holy Spirit convicts you of sin through Scripture? Do you respond with humility and urgency like Josiah?**
* **In what areas of your life, or in the life of your community/nation, do you recognize a need to "enquire of the LORD" concerning past or present disobedience?**
* **How does understanding the "wrath of the LORD" motivate you to live a life of greater obedience and faithfulness?**

### FAQ
**What was "the book that is found" that caused such a strong reaction?**

Answer: While the text does not explicitly name it, scholarly consensus suggests that "the book that is found" was likely a copy of the Book of Deuteronomy, or at least a significant portion of the Pentateuch. Deuteronomy contains the core covenant stipulations, including detailed laws, blessings for obedience, and severe curses for disobedience (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")). Its rediscovery would have brought to light the full extent of Israel's covenant obligations and the dire consequences of their long-standing unfaithfulness, which had been largely forgotten or ignored during generations of idolatry.

**Why did Josiah tear his clothes upon hearing the words of the book?**

Answer: Tearing one's clothes was a deeply symbolic and culturally understood act in ancient Israel, signifying profound distress, grief, mourning, or repentance. For Josiah, hearing the words of the Law and recognizing how far the nation, including his ancestors, had strayed from God's commands, produced overwhelming conviction. It was an outward manifestation of his inward anguish, humility, and immediate repentance in the face of God's holy requirements and the impending judgment. This act is also seen in other biblical figures, such as Job ([Job 1:20](/job/1-20 "Job 1:20 - Job Tears His Robe")) and the disciples of Jesus ([Matthew 26:65](/matthew/26-65 "Matthew 26:65 - Caiaphas Tears His Robe")).

**Who was Huldah the prophetess, and why did Josiah send his officials to her?**

Answer: Huldah was a prophetess living in Jerusalem during Josiah's reign, as mentioned in [2 Chronicles 34:22](/2_chronicles/34-22 "2 Chronicles 34:22 - Huldah the Prophetess Confirms God's Word"). Josiah sent his officials to her to "enquire of the LORD" because she was recognized as a legitimate spokesperson for God. In a time when male prophets like Jeremiah and Zephaniah were also active, Josiah's choice to consult Huldah demonstrates that God used both men and women to deliver His messages. Her confirmation of the words of the book and the impending judgment, along with a special word of grace for Josiah due to his humble heart, validated the divine authority of the discovered scroll and affirmed Josiah's righteous response.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The "great wrath of the LORD" that Josiah feared for his people finds its ultimate and most profound resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Law, when rediscovered, exposed the depth of Judah's sin and the just judgment it incurred, but it could not provide a remedy for that sin. It served as a "tutor to bring us to Christ" ([Galatians 3:24](/galatians/3-24 "Galatians 3:24 - The Law as a Tutor to Christ")). The wrath that was "poured out upon us" due to ancestral and national disobedience was fully and perfectly absorbed by the Lamb of God on the cross. Jesus, the ultimate Son of David, did what no earthly king could: He bore the full weight of God's righteous indignation against sin, becoming a propitiation for our transgressions ([Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Propitiation through Christ's Blood")). Through His atoning sacrifice, those who believe are saved from the wrath to come ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Saved from Wrath Through Christ")). Furthermore, Josiah's desperate act of "enquiring of the LORD" foreshadows Christ as our ultimate High Priest and Intercessor, through whom we can confidently approach God's throne of grace ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")). The "word of the LORD" that was found and brought conviction is ultimately fulfilled in Christ, who is the Living Word ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God")), embodying all that is written and bringing about the true and lasting spiritual transformation that Josiah longed for.

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 21:2

Enquire, I pray thee, of the LORD for us; for Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon maketh war against us; if so be that the LORD will deal with us according to all his wondrous works, that he may go up from us.

Ezekiel 14:1

¶ Then came certain of the elders of Israel unto me, and sat before me.

Ezekiel 14:11

That the house of Israel may go no more astray from me, neither be polluted any more with all their transgressions; but that they may be my people, and I may be their God, saith the Lord GOD.

2 Chronicles 28:6

¶ For Pekah the son of Remaliah slew in Judah an hundred and twenty thousand in one day, [which were] all valiant men; because they had forsaken the LORD God of their fathers.

Exodus 18:15

And Moses said unto his father in law, Because the people come unto me to enquire of God:

Deuteronomy 31:16

And the LORD said unto Moses, Behold, thou shalt sleep with thy fathers; and this people will rise up, and go a whoring after the gods of the strangers of the land, whither they go [to be] among them, and will forsake me, and break my covenant which I have made with them.

Deuteronomy 31:22

¶ Moses therefore wrote this song the same day, and taught it the children of Israel.