What number verse is 2 Chronicles 34:23 in the Bible?

2 Chronicles 34:23 is the 11,957th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — 2 Chronicles 34:23 sits at position 11,957.

Translation

King James Version

And she answered them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Tell ye the man that sent you to me,

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KJV (with Strong's)

And she answered ^H559 them, Thus saith ^H559 the LORD ^H3068 God ^H430 of Israel ^H3478, Tell ^H559 ye the man ^H376 that sent ^H7971 you to me,

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Complete Jewish Bible

She told them, "ADONAI the God of Isra'el says to tell the man who sent you to me

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Berean Standard Bible

And Huldah said to them, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Tell the man who sent you

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American Standard Version

And she said unto them, Thus saith Jehovah, the God of Israel: Tell ye the man that sent you unto me,

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World English Bible Messianic

She said to them, “Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: ‘Tell the man who sent you to me,

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Geneva Bible (1599)

And shee answered them, Thus sayth the Lord God of Israel, Tell yee the man that sent you to me,

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Young's Literal Translation

And she saith to them, `Thus said Jehovah, God of Israel, Say to the man who hath sent you unto me,

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Study This Verse

SUMMARY

2 Chronicles 34:23 captures the immediate and authoritative divine response delivered by Huldah the prophetess to King Josiah's delegation. This pivotal verse unequivocally declares her subsequent message to be a direct revelation from "the LORD God of Israel," thereby establishing the divine origin and infallible truth of the prophecy. It powerfully underscores God's active responsiveness to sincere inquiry and the crucial role of His chosen messengers in guiding His people during times of national crisis and spiritual renewal.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: This verse is intricately woven into the narrative of King Josiah's righteous reign, immediately following his profound encounter with the newly rediscovered Book of the Law. Earlier in 2 Chronicles 34, Josiah, demonstrating remarkable piety from a young age, initiated comprehensive reforms to purge idolatry from Judah and meticulously repair the Temple, as detailed in 2 Chronicles 34:3-7. During these renovations, Hilkiah the high priest made the momentous discovery of "the Book of the Law of the LORD given by Moses" (2 Chronicles 34:14). Upon hearing its words, particularly the severe curses pronounced against disobedience, Josiah was overcome with conviction, tearing his clothes and humbling himself before God (2 Chronicles 34:19). In his distress and earnest desire to understand God's will for himself and the nation, he dispatched a high-level delegation to inquire of the LORD. This verse marks the precise commencement of Huldah's divinely inspired prophecy, which directly addresses Josiah's deep repentance and the nation's impending judgment.
Historical & Cultural Context: Josiah reigned in Judah during a period of significant geopolitical upheaval, as the once-dominant Assyrian Empire was in rapid decline, creating a strategic window of opportunity for Judah to reassert its religious and political independence. The discovery of the Book of the Law—widely believed by scholars to be a form of Deuteronomy—was a monumental event, as it brought the covenant stipulations, blessings, and curses back into sharp focus after generations of neglect and pervasive idolatry. In ancient Israel, prophets and prophetesses served as God's direct spokespersons, delivering divine messages to kings and the populace. Huldah's prominent role, being consulted by the king's top officials (including the high priest and royal secretary), powerfully highlights that God's choice of messenger transcended conventional societal gender norms, valuing faithfulness and divine anointing above all else. Her residence "in the college" (or "second quarter") of Jerusalem further suggests her recognized status and integration within the prophetic community of her time.
Key Themes: This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores Divine Authority and Revelation, as Huldah's opening declaration, "Thus saith the LORD God of Israel," unequivocally establishes the source of her message as God Himself, not human wisdom or political expediency. This highlights the absolute necessity of divine truth for guiding human affairs and the nation's destiny, echoing principles found in Deuteronomy 18:18-22. Secondly, it exemplifies God's Responsiveness to Sincere Inquiry and Repentance. Josiah's deep humility and earnest seeking of God's will, prompted by the Law's revelation, directly led to this divine communication. God demonstrates His readiness to engage with those who genuinely turn to Him in contrition, as vividly seen in Josiah's response to the Law in 2 Chronicles 34:19. Finally, the verse illuminates The Enduring Role of the Prophet/Prophetess as a vital conduit for God's word. Huldah, though perhaps less famous than other prophets like Jeremiah or Isaiah, was sovereignly chosen by God for this critical moment, demonstrating God's freedom in selecting His messengers and the vital importance of heeding prophetic counsel, even in the presence of the written Law, a theme also explored in Amos 3:7.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

LORD (Hebrew, Yᵉhôvâh', H3068): This is the sacred, covenantal name of God, often rendered "LORD" (in all caps) in English translations. Derived from the verb "to be," it signifies God's self-existence, eternal nature, and His personal, relational commitment to His people, Israel. Its use here emphasizes that the message originates from the God who has bound Himself to Israel through covenant, and whose character is consistent with His revealed will in the Law.
God (Hebrew, ʼĕlôhîym', H430): This is the generic Hebrew term for God, often used in a plural form but with a singular meaning when referring to the one true God. It emphasizes God's power, sovereignty, and creative might. When combined with "Yᵉhôvâh," as "the LORD God," it forms a powerful and comprehensive title that underscores both God's covenant faithfulness and His universal dominion, particularly in relation to His chosen nation.
saith (Hebrew, ʼâmar', H559): This primitive root verb signifies "to say" or "to speak" with broad application, encompassing answering, declaring, commanding, and reporting. In the context of "Thus saith the LORD," it functions as a definitive declaration of divine utterance. Its presence here unequivocally establishes Huldah not as offering her own opinion, but as directly relaying the very words of God, stamping the message with absolute authority and infallibility.

Verse Breakdown

"And she answered them,": This opening clause immediately establishes Huldah's direct and deliberate engagement with the delegation sent by King Josiah. It signifies that her response is not a spontaneous or personal opinion, but a divinely-prompted answer to a specific, earnest inquiry from the highest authority in the land. The delegation's act of seeking a prophetess underscores their understanding that God's will needed to be discerned through a recognized spiritual authority.
"Thus saith the LORD God of Israel,": This is the quintessential prophetic formula, known as a "messenger formula." It serves as an unequivocal declaration that the words which follow are not Huldah's own insights or interpretations, but a direct, verbatim message from the Almighty God. The full title "the LORD God of Israel" powerfully emphasizes both God's covenant relationship with His people (Yᵉhôvâh) and His universal sovereignty and might (ʼĕlôhîym), specifically in relation to the nation of Israel. This formula stamps the message with absolute divine authority and infallibility, demanding the delegation's and Josiah's full attention and obedience.
"Tell ye the man that sent you to me,": This clear directive specifies the precise recipient of the divine message: King Josiah. The phrasing "the man that sent you to me" is a formal and respectful way of referring to the king, maintaining a proper distance while clearly identifying the intended audience. It highlights that Huldah is merely the divinely appointed conduit; the message is from God, through her, directly to Josiah, addressing his specific inquiry regarding the newly discovered Book of the Law and its profound implications for himself and the nation.

Literary Devices

The primary literary device powerfully employed in 2 Chronicles 34:23 is Formulaic Language, specifically the Prophetic Messenger Formula ("Thus saith the LORD God of Israel"). This established and highly recognizable phrase functions as a potent Authoritative Declaration, immediately signaling to the audience that the subsequent words are not human counsel or wisdom but rather direct, unadulterated divine revelation. It acts as a crucial literary marker, clearly distinguishing God's direct speech from the surrounding narrative or human dialogue. This formula lends immense weight, solemnity, and unquestionable credibility to Huldah's words, underscoring the absolute truth and binding nature of the prophecy she is about to deliver. Furthermore, the verse employs Direct Address, as God, through Huldah, directly speaks to "the man that sent you to me," thereby creating an immediate, personal, and impactful connection between the divine message and King Josiah's earnest inquiry.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

2 Chronicles 34:23 profoundly illustrates God's active and personal engagement with humanity, particularly in response to sincere seeking and genuine repentance. It affirms that God is not silent or distant but desires to communicate His will, especially when His people are in crisis, seeking direction, or facing the consequences of disobedience. The verse highlights the enduring principle that divine revelation, whether delivered through prophets or, preeminently, through the inspired Scriptures, is the authoritative and infallible guide for individual life and national destiny. Josiah's profound humility in seeking God's word, even through a prophetess, underscores the importance of a contrite and receptive spirit as a prerequisite for hearing and obeying God. This pivotal moment is a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant, even in the face of widespread national apostasy, demonstrating His readiness to extend grace, guidance, and a pathway to restoration to those who genuinely turn back to Him.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

The scene depicted in 2 Chronicles 34:23 offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers. Like King Josiah, we are often confronted with the profound and convicting truth of God's Word, which can expose our sin, highlight our shortcomings, and reveal our distance from His perfect will. Our response should mirror Josiah's: not despair, but humble repentance and an earnest, diligent desire to understand and obey. This verse powerfully reminds us that God is always willing to speak to those who genuinely seek Him with a contrite heart. While we no longer seek prophets in the same way, God's authoritative voice is supremely and infallibly found in the Bible, His inspired and inerrant Word, which remains our primary and sufficient source of divine guidance, correction, and instruction for righteousness. We are called to diligently study it, allowing its truth to convict and transform us, and then humbly inquire of the Lord through prayer and the wisdom of godly counsel, trusting that He will illuminate our path and reveal His sovereign purposes for our lives.

Questions for Reflection

How does Josiah's profound response to the Book of the Law challenge my own attitude towards the authority and impact of God's Word in my life?
In what specific areas of my life am I actively seeking God's authoritative word, rather than relying on my own understanding, cultural trends, or worldly wisdom?
What does Huldah's unexpected and honored role teach me about God's sovereignty in choosing His messengers, and how might I be more open to hearing His voice through channels I might not anticipate?
How can I cultivate a more humble and repentant heart, akin to Josiah's, that is truly receptive to God's conviction, guidance, and transformative power?

FAQ

Who was Huldah, and why was she chosen to deliver this crucial message to King Josiah?

Answer: Huldah was a prophetess living in Jerusalem during the reign of King Josiah, specifically residing "in the college" or "second quarter" of the city. While perhaps less widely known in biblical history than figures like Jeremiah or Isaiah, her inclusion in this pivotal narrative underscores her significant standing and divine anointing. She was chosen because she was a recognized and respected conduit for God's word, known for her faithfulness and accurate prophecy. The high-level delegation, which included the high priest Hilkiah and the royal secretary Shaphan, sought her out specifically to "inqure of the LORD" (2 Chronicles 34:21) regarding the newly discovered Book of the Law and its implications. Her selection powerfully demonstrates God's sovereignty and freedom in choosing His messengers, regardless of societal expectations or gender, emphasizing that divine authority rests solely on God's call and anointing, not human status or convention.

What is the profound significance of the phrase "Thus saith the LORD God of Israel"?

Answer: The phrase, "Thus saith the LORD God of Israel," is a classic and profoundly significant "messenger formula" used throughout the Old Testament by prophets. Its significance is multifaceted: Firstly, it unequivocally declares the divine origin of the message, leaving no doubt that the words are God's own, not the prophet's personal opinion, interpretation, or human wisdom. Secondly, it establishes the absolute authority and infallibility of the message, demanding immediate and reverent attention and obedience from the audience. Thirdly, the specific title "the LORD God of Israel" emphasizes God's unique covenant relationship with His people (Yᵉhôvâh, the LORD) and His supreme sovereignty and power (ʼĕlôhîym, God) over them, reminding both the prophet and the audience of the specific covenant obligations, promises, and consequences that are at stake. It functions as a divine seal, authenticating the prophecy as direct, inerrant revelation from the Almighty. This formula is a hallmark of true prophecy, differentiating it from human speculation or false claims, as seen in passages like Jeremiah 23:31.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

2 Chronicles 34:23, with its profound emphasis on divine revelation delivered through a chosen messenger in response to earnest human inquiry, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and complete revelation of God in the person of Jesus Christ. Huldah, as a faithful prophetess, served as a temporary and partial conduit for God's word, pointing forward to the greater Prophet who was to come. In the New Testament, we are taught that "God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son" (Hebrews 1:1-2). Jesus is far more than merely a messenger; He is the very message itself, the eternal "Word made flesh" (John 1:14), in whom "dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily" (Colossians 2:9). Josiah's humble and desperate seeking of God's will, prompted by the Law's conviction, finds its ultimate and perfect answer in Christ, who authoritatively declares, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6). The very Law that convicted Josiah and brought him to repentance is perfectly fulfilled in Christ, who came "not to destroy the Law or the Prophets... but to fulfill them" (Matthew 5:17). Thus, Huldah's authoritative declaration, "Thus saith the LORD God of Israel," finds its eternal echo, its complete embodiment, and its ultimate fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus, who is the final, supreme, and glorious revelation of God to humanity, the very voice of God made manifest.

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Commentary on 2 Chronicles 34 verses 14–28

14 ¶ 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.

15 And Hilkiah answered and said to Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD. And Hilkiah delivered the book to Shaphan.

16 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.

17 And they have gathered together the money that was found in the house of the LORD, and have delivered it into the hand of the overseers, and to the hand of the workmen.

18 Then Shaphan the scribe told the king, saying, Hilkiah the priest hath given me a book. And Shaphan read it before the king.

19 And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the law, that he rent his clothes.

20 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,

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.

22 And Hilkiah, and they that the king had appointed, went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvath, the son of Hasrah, keeper of the wardrobe; (now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the college:) and they spake to her to that effect.

23 And she answered them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Tell ye the man that sent you to me,

24 Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, and upon the inhabitants thereof, even all the curses that are written in the book which they have read before the king of Judah:

25 Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be poured out upon this place, and shall not be quenched.

26 And as for the king of Judah, who sent you to enquire of the LORD, so shall ye say unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel concerning the words which thou hast heard;

27 Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard thee also, saith the LORD.

28 Behold, I will gather thee to thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered to thy grave in peace, neither shall thine eyes see all the evil that I will bring upon this place, and upon the inhabitants of the same. So they brought the king word again.

This whole paragraph we had, just as it is here related, Kg2 22:8-20, and have nothing to add here to what was there observed. But, 1. We may hence take occasion to bless God that we have plenty of Bibles, and that they are, or may be, in all hands, - that the book of the law and gospel is not lost, is not scarce, - that, in this sense, the word of the Lord is not precious. Bibles are jewels, but, thanks be to God, they are not rarities. The fountain of the waters of life is not a spring shut up or a fountain sealed, but the streams of it, in all places, make glad the city of our God. Usus communis aquarum - These waters flow for general use. What a great deal shall we have to answer for if the great things of God's law, being thus made common, should be accounted by us as strange things! 2. We may hence learn, whenever we read or hear the word of God, to affect our hearts with it, and to get them possessed with a holy fear of that wrath of God which is there revealed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, as Josiah's tender heart was. When he heard the words of the law he rent his clothes (Ch2 34:19), and God was well pleased with his doing so, Ch2 34:27. Were the things contained in the scripture new to us, as they were here to Josiah, surely they would make deeper impressions upon us than commonly they do; but they are not the less weighty, and therefore should not be the less considered by us, for their being well known. Rend the heart therefore, not the garments. 3. We are here directed when we are under convictions of sin, and apprehensions of divine wrath, to enquire of the Lord; so Josiah did, Ch2 34:21. It concerns us to ask (as they did, Act 2:37), Men and brethren, what shall we do? and more particularly (as the jailor), What must I do to be saved? Act 16:30. If you will thus enquire, enquire (Isa 21:12); and, blessed be God, we have the lively oracles to which to apply with these enquiries. 4. We are here warned of the ruin that sin brings upon nations and kingdoms. Those that forsake God bring evil upon themselves (Ch2 34:24, Ch2 34:25), and kindle a fire which shall not be quenched. Such will the fire of God's wrath be when the decree has gone forth against those that obstinately and impenitently persist in their wicked ways. 5. We are here encouraged to humble ourselves before God and seek unto him, as Josiah did. If we cannot prevail thereby to turn away God's wrath from our land, yet we shall deliver our own souls, Ch2 34:27, Ch2 34:28. And good people are here taught to be so far from fearing death as to welcome it rather when it takes them away from the evil to come. See how the property of it is altered by making it the matter of a promise: Thou shalt be gathered to thy grave in peace, housed in that ark, as Noah, when a deluge is coming.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 14–28. Public domain.

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JeromeAD 420

Against the Pelagians 2.22

It is written in the book of Days: “Hezekiah fell because his heart was lifted up.” Certainly, no one but the ungodly will deny that Hezekiah was a just man. You may say, “He sinned in certain things, and, therefore, he ceased to be just.” But Scripture does not say this. For he did not lose the title of just because he committed small sins, but he possessed the title of just because he performed many good deeds. Say all this to prove, with the testimonies of sacred Scripture, that the just are not sinners simply because they have sinned on occasions, but they remain just because they flourish in many virtues. Of Josiah it is written, “He did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the way of David his father. He declined neither to the right nor to the left”; and yet, although he was a just man, in a time of need and dire necessity, he sent Hilkiah to Huldah, the prophet, the wife of Shallum, the son of Tokhath, the son of Hasrah, keeper of the wardrobe. “And she dwelled,” he says, “in Jerusalem in the second part” (a reference, undoubtedly, to that part of the city that is enclosed by an inner wall). “And she answered, ‘Thus says the Lord the God of Israel: Go and tell the man that sent you to me.’ ” There is contained in these words a secret reproof of the king and priests and all men, because never was there any saint found among people who could predict the future.

Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

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Cross-References

Jeremiah 37:7
Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel; Thus shall ye say to the king of Judah, that sent you unto me to enquire of me; Behold, Pharaoh's army, which is come forth to help you, shall return to Egypt into their own land.
Jeremiah 37:10
For though ye had smitten the whole army of the Chaldeans that fight against you, and there remained but wounded men among them, yet should they rise up every man in his tent, and burn this city with fire.
Jeremiah 21:3
Then said Jeremiah unto them, Thus shall ye say to Zedekiah:
Jeremiah 21:7
And afterward, saith the LORD, I will deliver Zedekiah king of Judah, and his servants, and the people, and such as are left in this city from the pestilence, from the sword, and from the famine, into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, and into the hand of their enemies, and into the hand of those that seek their life: and he shall smite them with the edge of the sword; he shall not spare them, neither have pity, nor have mercy.
2 Kings 22:15
And she said unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Tell the man that sent you to me,
2 Kings 22:20
Behold therefore, I will gather thee unto thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered into thy grave in peace; and thine eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring upon this place. And they brought the king word again.