2 Chronicles 34:30

KJV

And the king went up into the house of the LORD, and all the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the priests, and the Levites, and all the people, great and small: and he read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant that was found in the house of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the king {H4428} went up {H5927} into the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}, and all the men {H376} of Judah {H3063}, and the inhabitants {H3427} of Jerusalem {H3389}, and the priests {H3548}, and the Levites {H3881}, and all the people {H5971}, great {H1419} and small {H6996}: and he read {H7121} in their ears {H241} all the words {H1697} of the book {H5612} of the covenant {H1285} that was found {H4672} in the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The king went up to the house of ADONAI with all the men of Y'hudah, those living in Yerushalayim, the cohanim, the L'vi'im and all the people, both great and small; and he read in their hearing everything written in the scroll of the covenant that had been found in the house of ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

And he went up to the house of the LORD with all the people of Judah and Jerusalem, as well as the priests and the Levites—all the people small and great—and in their hearing he read all the words of the Book of the Covenant that had been found in the house of the LORD.

American Standard Version

And the king went up to the house of Jehovah, and all the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the priests, and the Levites, and all the people, both great and small: and he read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant that was found in the house of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 34:30 records the momentous public assembly convened by King Josiah in Jerusalem, where he personally read the recently rediscovered "book of the covenant" to the entire populace of Judah, including all social strata from priests and Levites to the common people, great and small. This pivotal event, undertaken in the very house of the LORD, marked the culmination of Josiah's initial reforms and served as the foundational act for a national recommitment to God's law, igniting a profound spiritual revival across the land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial turning point within the broader narrative of King Josiah's reign, specifically following the rediscovery of "the book of the law of the LORD given by Moses" by Hilkiah the high priest during Temple repairs [2 Chronicles 34:14](/2_chronicles/34-14 "2 Chronicles 34:14 - Discovery of the Book of the Law"). The discovery deeply convicted Josiah, leading him to tear his clothes in repentance and send a delegation to inquire of the prophetess Huldah [2 Chronicles 34:19-28](/2_chronicles/34-19 "2 Chronicles 34:19-28 - Josiah's Response and Huldah's Prophecy"). Huldah's prophecy confirmed the coming judgment upon Judah for their idolatry but also affirmed that Josiah would die in peace because of his humble and repentant heart. Verse 30, therefore, depicts Josiah's immediate and decisive response to this divine word: a public, national assembly to hear the covenant read directly from the king's mouth, setting the stage for the comprehensive covenant renewal and destruction of idolatry detailed in the subsequent verses [2 Chronicles 34:31-33](/2_chronicles/34-31 "2 Chronicles 34:31-33 - Josiah's Covenant and Further Reforms"). This event parallels the account found in [2 Kings 23:2](/2_kings/23-2 "2 Kings 23:2 - Josiah's Reading of the Law").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Josiah reigned from 640-609 BC, a period of significant political flux in the ancient Near East. The Assyrian Empire, which had long dominated the region, was in decline, creating a power vacuum that allowed Judah a window of opportunity for religious and political independence. Josiah's predecessors, Manasseh and Amon, had promoted widespread idolatry, including Baal worship, Asherah poles, and even child sacrifice, defiling the Temple and permeating all aspects of Judahite society [2 Chronicles 33:1-9](/2_chronicles/33-1 "2 Chronicles 33:1-9 - Manasseh's Wicked Reign"). Against this backdrop of deep-seated apostasy, Josiah's reforms were radical. The public reading of the "book of the covenant" was a culturally significant act, reminiscent of ancient Near Eastern treaty renewals where kings would publicly reaffirm allegiance to their suzerain. For Israel, this meant reaffirming their covenant with Yahweh, the true King. The gathering of "all the people, great and small" underscored the communal nature of the covenant and the king's role as the spiritual head responsible for the nation's adherence to God's law.

* **Key Themes:** The central theme highlighted in this verse is **The Authority and Power of God's Word**. The rediscovery and public reading of the "book of the covenant" underscore that divine revelation, once lost or neglected, possesses inherent power to convict, transform, and guide a nation back to its rightful relationship with God. Josiah's actions demonstrate **Righteous Leadership and Royal Responsibility**, as he does not merely delegate but personally engages in the spiritual instruction of his people, setting an exemplary standard for obedience to God's commands, much like the charge given to future kings in [Deuteronomy 17:18-20](/deuteronomy/17-18 "Deuteronomy 17:18-20 - The King's Copy of the Law"). This event also signifies a profound **National Covenant Renewal and Revival**, where the entire community is called to reaffirm their foundational agreement with Yahweh, echoing the original covenant at Sinai [Exodus 24:7](/exodus/24-7 "Exodus 24:7 - The Covenant Confirmed") and subsequent renewals. Finally, the inclusivity of the audience—"all the people, great and small"—empha sizes the **Communal Nature of Faith and Obedience**, where the covenant's demands and blessings extend to every member of society, fostering a shared responsibility for national righteousness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Covenant (Hebrew, _berith'_):** This term refers to a solemn, binding agreement or treaty, often accompanied by oaths and rituals. In the biblical context, it most frequently describes the relationship between God and His people, Israel, initiated by God's gracious choice and sustained by His faithfulness, with specific stipulations for human response. The "book of the covenant" found in the Temple likely contained the terms of this divine-human relationship, particularly emphasizing the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, as found in [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/1 "Deuteronomy - The Book of the Covenant"). Its rediscovery and public reading were a call to remember and re-enter this foundational, life-giving agreement.
* **Read (Hebrew, _qara'_):** While simply meaning "to call out" or "to read aloud," in this context, _qara'_ carries significant weight. It implies an authoritative proclamation, not merely a casual recitation. Josiah's act of reading was a public declaration of God's will, ensuring that the divine commands were heard and understood by all, thereby establishing their binding authority over the nation. This public hearing was essential for the subsequent national commitment and repentance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the king went up into the house of the LORD":** This phrase establishes the sacred setting for the event. The Temple, the central place of worship and God's dwelling among His people, was the appropriate venue for such a solemn and significant religious assembly. Josiah's ascent signifies his reverence and the gravity of the occasion, underscoring that this was a divine mandate, not merely a political maneuver.
* **"and all the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the priests, and the Levites, and all the people, great and small":** This comprehensive list emphasizes the universal scope of the assembly. It includes the entire kingdom of Judah, specifically highlighting the capital city, Jerusalem, and meticulously enumerating all social and religious strata: the religious leaders (priests and Levites) and the general populace ("great and small," signifying all ages and social standings). This inclusivity underscores that the covenant applied to everyone, and the call to repentance and obedience was for the entire nation, leaving no one exempt.
* **"and he read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant that was found in the house of the LORD":** This is the core action of the verse. Josiah's personal act of reading (rather than delegating) demonstrates his profound commitment and leadership by example. The phrase "in their ears" emphasizes that the message was not merely displayed but audibly proclaimed, ensuring direct and personal reception by every listener. The "book of the covenant," identified as that "found in the house of the LORD," highlights its divine origin and authority, having been preserved (or rediscovered) in the very sanctuary of God. This act of public proclamation was essential for national understanding, conviction, and subsequent repentance and renewal.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several literary devices to highlight the significance of this event. **Emphasis through enumeration** is evident in the detailed listing of all who gathered: "all the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the priests, and the Levites, and all the people, great and small." This exhaustive list underscores the universal and comprehensive nature of the assembly and the covenant's reach. The setting, "the house of the LORD," serves as **Symbolism**, representing the sacred space where God's presence dwells, lending divine authority and gravity to the public reading. Josiah's personal act of reading is an example of **Leadership by Example**, a recurring motif in the Chronicler's portrayal of righteous kings. The entire scene functions as a **Theological Statement**, asserting the supreme authority of God's Word as the catalyst for national repentance and revival, contrasting sharply with the previous generations' neglect and idolatry.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The public reading of the "book of the covenant" in 2 Chronicles 34:30 stands as a powerful testament to the enduring authority and transformative power of God's revealed Word. It underscores the biblical principle that spiritual renewal, whether individual or corporate, is fundamentally predicated upon a fresh encounter with and submission to divine truth. Josiah's actions demonstrate that true leadership involves not merely political governance but a profound commitment to guiding the people in the ways of the Lord, making God's commands accessible and intelligible to all. This event serves as a paradigm for revival, illustrating that when God's people genuinely hear and respond to His Word, it leads to repentance, covenant renewal, and a turning away from idolatry towards wholehearted devotion.

* [Deuteronomy 31:10-13](/deuteronomy/31-10 "Deuteronomy 31:10-13 - Public Reading of the Law")
* [Nehemiah 8:1-8](/nehemiah/8-1 "Nehemiah 8:1-8 - Ezra Reads the Law to the People")
* [Psalm 19:7-11](/psalm/19-7 "Psalm 19:7-11 - The Perfection of God's Law")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in 2 Chronicles 34:30 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers and communities. It vividly illustrates that spiritual vitality is directly proportional to our engagement with God's Word. Just as the rediscovery of the "book of the covenant" ignited a national revival in Judah, so too does a renewed commitment to Scripture catalyze personal and corporate transformation today. We are reminded that God's Word is not merely an ancient text but a living, active, and authoritative guide for life, capable of exposing sin, prompting repentance, and directing us toward righteousness. This passage challenges us to consider if we, individually and as communities, are truly "reading in their ears" the words of the covenant—not just hearing, but diligently studying, meditating upon, and applying God's truth. It calls leaders to emulate Josiah's example of humble, personal devotion to the Word and to facilitate its widespread understanding among those they lead, fostering an environment where God's voice is heard and obeyed.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the rediscovery and public reading of God's Word in Josiah's time parallel the importance of Scripture in our lives today?**
* **In what ways can we, as individuals and communities, ensure that God's Word is not "lost" or neglected, but actively proclaimed and engaged with?**
* **What does Josiah's personal involvement in reading the Law teach us about the role of leadership in spiritual formation?**
* **How does the inclusivity of "all the people, great and small" challenge us to make God's Word accessible and relevant to everyone in our spheres of influence?**

### FAQ
**What was "the book of the covenant" that was found?**

Answer: While its exact contents are not specified, biblical scholars widely agree that "the book of the covenant" (also called "the book of the law of the LORD given by Moses" in [2 Chronicles 34:14](/2_chronicles/34-14 "2 Chronicles 34:14 - Discovery of the Book of the Law")) was likely a significant portion of the Pentateuch, with a strong consensus pointing to the book of [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/1 "Deuteronomy - The Book of the Covenant"). Deuteronomy is structured as a covenant document, containing extensive stipulations, warnings, and blessings, which would have profoundly impacted Josiah and the people upon hearing its words, particularly the curses for disobedience (as seen in Josiah's immediate reaction in [2 Chronicles 34:19](/2_chronicles/34-19 "2 Chronicles 34:19 - Josiah's Reaction to the Book")). Its discovery after generations of neglect was a powerful divine intervention.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Chronicles 34:30 describes a pivotal moment of national covenant renewal under King Josiah, its ultimate fulfillment and deeper significance are found in Christ. Josiah's act of publicly reading the "book of the covenant" foreshadows Jesus, who is not merely a reader or proclaimer of the covenant, but the very embodiment and **fulfillment of the New Covenant** itself. The Law, as read by Josiah, revealed Israel's sin and inability to perfectly keep God's commands, ultimately pointing to their need for a greater deliverer. Jesus, however, perfectly fulfilled the Law [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law") and, through His atoning sacrifice, established a new and better covenant, written not on tablets of stone but on the hearts of His people by the Holy Spirit [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant") and [Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6-13 - A Better Covenant"). Josiah's leadership in bringing the people to hear God's Word prefigures Christ as the ultimate Prophet and Teacher, who not only proclaimed the good news of the kingdom [Mark 1:14-15](/mark/1-14 "Mark 1:14-15 - Jesus Preaches the Gospel") but also became the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), making true repentance and reconciliation with God possible for all who believe. The communal gathering around the Law under Josiah finds its spiritual parallel in the church, the body of Christ, united by the Spirit and gathered around the living Word, Jesus Himself, who continues to speak and transform lives through His Spirit and the Scriptures.

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 23:2

And the king went up into the house of the LORD, and all the men of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem with him, and the priests, and the prophets, and all the people, both small and great: and he read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant which was found in the house of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 34:18

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

2 Chronicles 34:19

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

2 Chronicles 6:1

¶ Then said Solomon, The LORD hath said that he would dwell in the thick darkness.

2 Chronicles 6:11

And in it have I put the ark, wherein [is] the covenant of the LORD, that he made with the children of Israel.

Ecclesiastes 1:12

¶ I the Preacher was king over Israel in Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 15:12

And they entered into a covenant to seek the LORD God of their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul;