2 Chronicles 34:26

KJV

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;

KJV (with Strong's)

And as for {H413} the king {H4428} of Judah {H3063}, who sent {H7971} you to enquire {H1875} of the LORD {H3068}, so shall ye say {H559} unto him, Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of Israel {H3478} concerning the words {H1697} which thou hast heard {H8085};

Complete Jewish Bible

"But you are to tell the king of Y'hudah, who sent you to consult ADONAI, that ADONAI the God of Isra'el also says this: 'In regard to the words you have heard,

Berean Standard Bible

But as for the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the LORD, tell him that this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘As for the words that you heard,

American Standard Version

But unto the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of Jehovah, thus shall ye say to him, Thus saith Jehovah, the God of Israel: As touching the words which thou hast heard,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 34:26 introduces the divine oracle delivered by the prophetess Huldah to King Josiah, serving as God's direct response to the king's sincere inquiry. This verse emphatically establishes the absolute authority and divine origin of the message that follows, underscoring that the words Josiah is about to receive are not human counsel but a direct communication from the LORD God of Israel, given in response to the profound conviction and humility displayed by the king upon hearing the recently discovered Book of the Law.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a pivotal moment in the reign of King Josiah, a righteous monarch of Judah who initiated widespread religious reforms. Earlier in [2 Chronicles 34](/2_chronicles/34 "2 Chronicles 34 - Josiah's Reforms and the Discovery of the Law"), while overseeing repairs to the Temple, the High Priest Hilkiah discovered the "Book of the Law" ([2 Chronicles 34:14](/2_chronicles/34-14 "2 Chronicles 34:14 - Discovery of the Book of the Law")), likely a portion of Deuteronomy or the Pentateuch. Upon hearing its words, particularly the pronouncements of covenant curses and judgment for disobedience, Josiah was deeply convicted, tearing his clothes in an act of profound humility and repentance ([2 Chronicles 34:19](/2_chronicles/34-19 "2 Chronicles 34:19 - Josiah's Reaction to the Law")). In response, he sent a delegation, including Hilkiah and Shaphan the scribe, to "inquire of the LORD" ([2 Chronicles 34:21](/2_chronicles/34-21 "2 Chronicles 34:21 - Josiah Sends to Inquire of the LORD")) concerning the implications of these words for Judah. They sought counsel from Huldah, a respected prophetess in Jerusalem, and this verse marks the precise beginning of God's authoritative message conveyed through her to the king.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Josiah's reign (640-609 BC) occurred during a period of relative weakness for the Assyrian Empire, which had long dominated Judah. This geopolitical shift provided Josiah with the opportunity to implement significant religious reforms, purging idolatry and restoring true worship. The discovery of the "Book of the Law" was a monumental event, as its contents had seemingly been lost or neglected for generations, leading to widespread spiritual decline. In ancient Israel, prophets and prophetesses served as God's direct spokespersons, conveying divine messages to kings and the people. Huldah's prominence as a prophetess, consulted by the king's highest officials, underscores the respect accorded to genuine prophetic authority, regardless of gender, in a society where such divine guidance was highly valued for navigating national crises and understanding God's will. The act of "inquiring of the LORD" was a standard practice for seeking divine direction, often through prophets, priests, or Urim and Thummim.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Authority and Revelation**, emphasizing that God's word, delivered through His chosen messengers, carries ultimate weight and truth. The phrase "Thus saith the LORD God of Israel" is a powerful declaration of divine origin, crucial for authenticating the message. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Responsiveness to God's Word** and **True Repentance**. Josiah's immediate and humble reaction to the discovered Law, followed by his earnest desire to "enquire of the LORD," exemplifies a heart sensitive to divine truth and a genuine commitment to obedience, contrasting sharply with many of his idolatrous predecessors. This sensitivity is precisely what God honors in the subsequent verses ([2 Chronicles 34:27-28](/2_chronicles/34-27 "2 Chronicles 34:27-28 - God's Response to Josiah's Humility")). Finally, the verse implicitly points to the theme of **God's Attentiveness to Humble Hearts**, demonstrating His willingness to engage with and respond to those who genuinely seek Him and humble themselves under His word, even in the face of impending judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **"enquire" (Hebrew, _dārash_):** This verb (דָּרַשׁ) signifies a deep, earnest seeking or searching, often with the intent to understand or obey. It implies more than a casual question; it suggests a diligent investigation or consultation, particularly in a religious or spiritual context. When applied to seeking the LORD, it denotes a humble and sincere desire for divine guidance, wisdom, or revelation. Josiah's act of sending to "enquire of the LORD" highlights his profound conviction and his earnest desire to align himself and his kingdom with God's will after realizing the extent of their deviation from the Law.
* **"Thus saith the LORD God of Israel" (Hebrew, _koh amar Yahweh Elohei Yisrael_):** This powerful prophetic formula (כֹּה אָמַר יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל) is a foundational declaration in the Hebrew Bible, serving to authenticate the message that follows as a direct, unadulterated communication from God Himself. The inclusion of "God of Israel" specifically grounds the message within the covenant relationship God established with His people, emphasizing His unique authority and commitment to them. It removes any doubt that Huldah's words are her own opinion or interpretation; they are divine revelation.
* **"heard" (Hebrew, _shāma'_):** The verb (שָׁמַע) means "to hear," but in a biblical context, it often carries the richer connotation of "to hear and obey" or "to pay attention to." In this verse, it refers to Josiah's act of hearing the words of the Book of the Law. His hearing was not passive; it led to conviction, repentance, and action. This active hearing is precisely what God responds to, distinguishing Josiah from those who heard God's word but did not heed it.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And as for the king of Judah, who sent you to enquire of the LORD,"**: This introductory clause clearly identifies the recipient of the divine message—King Josiah of Judah—and the reason for the delegation's visit to Huldah: to "enquire of the LORD." It sets the stage by acknowledging Josiah's initiative and his humble posture in seeking divine counsel, which is the immediate context for God's forthcoming revelation.
* **"so shall ye say unto him,"**: This phrase serves as Huldah's direct instruction to the delegation regarding how they are to present the message to the king. It underscores the formality and directness of the prophetic communication, ensuring that the message is conveyed precisely as God intends, without alteration or personal interpretation by the messengers.
* **"Thus saith the LORD God of Israel"**: This is the authoritative prophetic formula, a solemn declaration that the words which follow originate directly from God. It authenticates Huldah's message as divine revelation, establishing its absolute truth and binding authority. The specific title "LORD God of Israel" emphasizes God's covenant relationship with His people and His sovereign control over their destiny.
* **"[concerning] the words which thou hast heard;"**: This concluding phrase directly links the divine message back to the Book of the Law that Josiah had heard read. It confirms that God's response is a direct address to the king's conviction and concern regarding the implications of the Law's pronouncements, particularly those concerning judgment and disobedience. It signifies that God is responding specifically to Josiah's humble and attentive "hearing" of His word.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 2 Chronicles 34:26 is the **Prophetic Formula**, specifically the use of "Thus saith the LORD God of Israel." This is a quintessential example of **Formulaic Language** used throughout the prophetic books of the Old Testament to authenticate the divine origin of a message. It functions as an explicit declaration that the words are not the prophet's own, but a direct utterance from God, thereby establishing the message's infallible authority and demanding the listener's attention and obedience. This formula transforms Huldah from a mere human speaker into a conduit for the divine voice, imbuing her subsequent pronouncements with ultimate weight. Additionally, the verse employs **Direct Discourse**, as Huldah is commanded to relay God's words verbatim ("so shall ye say unto him"), emphasizing the precise and unmediated nature of the divine communication.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates the principle of divine revelation and God's responsiveness to human humility and repentance. It demonstrates that God is not silent but actively communicates His will and judgment, especially when His people stray from His covenant. Josiah's sincere "hearing" and subsequent "enquiring" of the LORD illustrate the ideal response to God's Word: not just intellectual assimilation, but a profound conviction that leads to seeking divine guidance and aligning one's life with God's commands. God's immediate and specific response through Huldah underlines His attentiveness to a contrite heart, affirming that while judgment for sin is certain, true repentance can lead to a measure of divine grace and a delay of wrath, particularly for the individual who humbles themselves. This interaction highlights the enduring truth that God honors those who honor His Word and seek Him diligently.

* [Deuteronomy 30:1-10](/deuteronomy/30-1 "Deuteronomy 30:1-10 - Return to the LORD")
* [Jeremiah 29:13](/jeremiah/29-13 "Jeremiah 29:13 - Seeking God with All Your Heart")
* [James 4:8](/james/4-8 "James 4:8 - Draw Near to God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Josiah's encounter with the Book of the Law and God's subsequent response through Huldah offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. Like Josiah, we are called to approach God's Word with reverence and a spirit of deep inquiry, allowing its truths to convict us and expose areas of disobedience in our lives. The discovery of the Law was transformative for Josiah, prompting immediate repentance and a desire for divine guidance. Similarly, when the Bible speaks to us, whether through a direct command, a warning, or a promise, our response should be one of humility and a sincere desire to understand and obey. This verse reminds us that God is not a distant deity but one who hears the cries of His people, especially those who humble themselves and earnestly seek His will. Our willingness to "enquire of the LORD" through prayer, study, and seeking wise counsel positions us to receive His wisdom and direction, enabling us to live lives that honor Him and reflect His character in a world often adrift from divine truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Josiah's immediate and humble response to the discovered Law challenge my own approach to God's Word?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to more earnestly "enquire of the LORD" for guidance and direction?**
* **What does God's quick and direct response to Josiah through Huldah reveal about His character and His attentiveness to a contrite heart?**

### FAQ

**Why did Josiah send to Huldah, a prophetess, instead of Jeremiah or Zephaniah, who were also prophets at that time?**

Answer: While Jeremiah and Zephaniah were indeed active prophets during Josiah's reign, the biblical text does not explicitly state why Huldah was chosen over them. Several factors might have contributed:
1. **Accessibility and Location:** Huldah resided in Jerusalem, specifically in the "Second Quarter" ([2 Chronicles 34:22](/2_chronicles/34-22 "2 Chronicles 34:22 - Huldah's Residence")), making her readily accessible to the king's delegation. Jeremiah, though active, might have been in Anathoth, and Zephaniah's specific location isn't given, but Huldah was clearly known and available in the capital.
2. **Known Authority and Respect:** Huldah was clearly a recognized and respected prophetess, as evidenced by the high-ranking delegation sent to her. Her prophetic authority was well-established and trusted by the king and his officials. The text simply presents her as the chosen conduit for God's message, indicating her recognized standing.
3. **Divine Sovereignty:** Ultimately, the choice of messenger rests with God. He chose Huldah to deliver this particular message, highlighting His sovereign freedom to use whomever He wills, regardless of gender or prominence compared to other prophets. Her message was authenticated by its divine origin ("Thus saith the LORD") rather than by the personal status of the messenger.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The encounter in 2 Chronicles 34:26, where God's authoritative word is delivered in response to a king's humble hearing of the Law, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Josiah's profound conviction upon hearing the written Law foreshadows the coming of the living Word of God, Jesus, who perfectly embodies and fulfills the Law ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). While Josiah received a message of delayed judgment due to his repentance, Christ's coming ushered in the new covenant, offering not merely a reprieve but complete forgiveness and eternal life through His atoning sacrifice ([Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - Christ, Mediator of the New Covenant")). Josiah's act of "enquiring of the LORD" points to the ultimate revelation of God in Christ, who is the "exact imprint of his nature" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ, the Radiance of God's Glory")) and the one through whom God has spoken His final and most comprehensive word to humanity ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken by His Son")). The authority of Huldah's "Thus saith the LORD" pales in comparison to the inherent divine authority of Jesus, who spoke with unparalleled power and truth, declaring, "Truly, truly, I say to you" ([John 5:24](/john/5-24 "John 5:24 - Truly, Truly, I Say to You")). In Christ, we find not just words about God, but God's very self, offering a path to reconciliation and transformation far beyond what the Law alone could provide.

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.