2 Chronicles 34:21

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.

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}.

"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."

β€œGo 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.”

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

Context of 2 Chronicles 34:21

King Josiah, a righteous king of Judah, began his reign at a young age. This verse comes after the significant discovery of the "Book of the Law" by Hilkiah the priest during temple renovations (see 2 Chronicles 34:14). Upon hearing its words, Josiah was deeply convicted, recognizing the profound spiritual neglect and disobedience of his ancestors and the nation. His immediate response was one of humility and urgency, tearing his clothes as a sign of mourning and repentance (2 Chronicles 34:19). This verse captures Josiah's command to his officials to "enquire of the LORD" concerning the implications of the discovered book for himself and the remnant of Israel and Judah. This urgent search for divine guidance led them directly to Huldah the prophetess, highlighting a pivotal moment in Judah's history that spurred significant religious reforms.

Key Themes in 2 Chronicles 34:21

  • 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 underscores the immense power of Scripture to expose sin and call for repentance.
  • 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. This wrath is often detailed in covenant curses, such as those found in Deuteronomy 28.
  • 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 is a cornerstone of true repentance and spiritual revival.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "enquire of the LORD" translates from the Hebrew word darash (Χ“Χ¨Χ©), which means to 'seek', 'search for', or 'consult' with great diligence and earnestness. It implies a deep desire to understand God's will and intentions. The "wrath of the LORD" (charon aph Yahweh) speaks to God's intense, burning anger against sin and rebellion, not a capricious outburst, but a just and holy response to repeated unfaithfulness and covenant breaking.

Practical Application

  • Prioritizing God's Word: Just as the rediscovered Book of the Law brought about a spiritual awakening in Judah, consistent engagement with the Bible today is crucial for personal and corporate transformation. It reveals God's character, our sin, and His path to righteousness.
  • Responding to Conviction: Josiah's immediate and humble response to God's Word serves as a model for believers. When the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin through Scripture, a swift and sincere response of repentance is essential.
  • Understanding Consequences: This verse reminds us that there are real consequences for neglecting God's commands. While God is merciful, He is also just, and persistent disobedience can lead to severe outcomes, both individually and corporately.
  • Seeking God's Guidance: In times of uncertainty or conviction, like King Josiah, we are called to diligently "enquire of the LORD" through prayer and His Word, trusting Him for direction, mercy, and a path toward spiritual renewal.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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

    ΒΆ 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

    ΒΆ 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

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