2 Chronicles 34:31

KJV

And the king stood in his place, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments, and his testimonies, and his statutes, with all his heart, and with all his soul, to perform the words of the covenant which are written in this book.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the king {H4428} stood {H5975} in his place {H5977}, and made {H3772} a covenant {H1285} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}, to walk {H3212} after {H310} the LORD {H3068}, and to keep {H8104} his commandments {H4687}, and his testimonies {H5715}, and his statutes {H2706}, with all his heart {H3824}, and with all his soul {H5315}, to perform {H6213} the words {H1697} of the covenant {H1285} which are written {H3789} in this book {H5612}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The king stood in his place and made a covenant in the presence of ADONAI to live following ADONAI, observing his mitzvot, instructions and laws wholeheartedly and with all his being, so as to perform the words of the covenant written in this scroll.

Berean Standard Bible

So the king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the LORD to follow the LORD and to keep His commandments, decrees, and statutes with all his heart and all his soul, and to carry out the words of this covenant that were written in this book.

American Standard Version

And the king stood in his place, and made a covenant before Jehovah, to walk after Jehovah, and to keep his commandments, and his testimonies, and his statutes, with all his heart, and with all his soul, to perform the words of the covenant that were written in this book.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 34:31 marks a pivotal moment in the reign of King Josiah, capturing his public, solemn commitment to the Lord and His covenant. Following the rediscovery of the Book of the Law, Josiah leads Judah in a profound spiritual renewal, pledging himself and the nation to walk in complete obedience to God's commandments, testimonies, and statutes, demonstrating an unreserved devotion of heart and soul to the written word of God. This act solidifies his personal conviction and sets a powerful example for the entire kingdom, initiating a widespread reformation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climactic declaration of King Josiah's covenant renewal, immediately following the dramatic events of the Book of the Law's discovery and its profound impact. After the scroll was found during Temple repairs, as recounted in [2 Chronicles 34:14](/2_chronicles/34-14 "2 Chronicles 34:14 - Discovery of the Book of the Law"), its words convicted Josiah deeply, leading him to tear his clothes in repentance, as seen in [2 Chronicles 34:19](/2_chronicles/34-19 "2 Chronicles 34:19 - Josiah's Response to the Law"). He then sent a delegation to inquire of the prophetess Huldah, who confirmed the impending judgment but also promised peace for Josiah due to his humble response, detailed in [2 Chronicles 34:22-28](/2_chronicles/34-22 "2 Chronicles 34:22-28 - Huldah's Prophecy"). In response, Josiah gathered all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem, along with the priests and prophets, and read the entire Book of the Covenant to them in the Temple, as described in [2 Chronicles 34:29-30](/2_chronicles/34-29 "2 Chronicles 34:29-30 - Josiah Reads the Law to the People"). Verse 31, therefore, is the king's personal and public vow, setting the stage for the comprehensive reforms and purges described in the subsequent verses, [2 Chronicles 34:32-33](/2_chronicles/34-32 "2 Chronicles 34:32-33 - Josiah's Reforms").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Josiah reigned over Judah from 640 to 609 BC, a period marked by significant spiritual decline following the long and idolatrous reigns of his grandfather Manasseh and father Amon. Manasseh had actively promoted pagan worship, including child sacrifice and astrology, polluting the Temple itself, as documented in [2 Chronicles 33:1-9](/2_chronicles/33-1 "2 Chronicles 33:1-9 - Manasseh's Wicked Reign"). Josiah, however, began seeking God early in his reign, as noted in [2 Chronicles 34:3](/2_chronicles/34-3 "2 Chronicles 34:3 - Josiah's Early Piety"), and initiated reforms even before the discovery of the Law, purging idolatry from Judah and Israel, as detailed in [2 Chronicles 34:3-7](/2_chronicles/34-3 "2 Chronicles 34:3-7 - Josiah's Early Purge of Idolatry"). The covenant renewal ceremony described in this verse was a common practice in the ancient Near East, where kings often renewed treaties or covenants with their gods or suzerains, often involving public readings of legal texts and communal vows. Josiah's act was a deliberate return to the covenant established by God with Israel at Sinai, a foundational relationship that had been largely neglected for generations.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes central to the book of Chronicles and the broader Old Testament narrative. It highlights **covenant renewal**, demonstrating the ongoing necessity for God's people to reaffirm their commitment to His divine stipulations, especially after periods of apostasy. The emphasis on "all his heart, and with all his soul" underscores the theme of **wholehearted devotion**, echoing the supreme command of the Law itself to love God completely, as found in [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - The Shema: Love God with All Your Heart"). Josiah's prominent role in this public declaration exemplifies **godly leadership by example**, illustrating how a leader's personal piety and commitment can inspire and guide an entire nation towards righteousness. Furthermore, the phrase "the words of the covenant which are written in this book" powerfully asserts the **authority and centrality of Scripture** as the binding and living word of God, the ultimate standard for faith and practice, which demands immediate and comprehensive obedience from both king and people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Covenant (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyth'_):** This term refers to a solemn, binding agreement or treaty, often established by an oath, between two parties. In the biblical context, it frequently describes the relationship between God and humanity (e.g., Noahic, Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic). Here, Josiah "made a covenant before the LORD," signifying a formal, divinely witnessed re-establishment of the Mosaic covenant, emphasizing mutual obligations: God's faithfulness and Israel's obedience. It's a re-commitment to the terms and conditions that define Israel's relationship with Yahweh.
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lêbâb'_):** In Hebrew thought, the "heart" is not merely the seat of emotions, but the center of the entire inner person—intellect, will, conscience, and moral character. To commit "with all his heart" means to engage one's mind, intentions, and deepest convictions fully. It implies an internal, volitional surrender and a genuine desire to obey, moving beyond mere external ritual or obligation.
* **Soul (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** The "soul" refers to the whole living being, encompassing one's vitality, desires, affections, and very essence. When paired with "heart," as in the foundational command of the Shema ([Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - Love God with All Your Heart")), it signifies a comprehensive, undivided commitment involving every faculty and aspect of one's existence. Together, "heart and soul" represent the totality of one's inner and outer life, demanding unreserved devotion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the king stood in his place":** This phrase denotes a formal, authoritative posture, likely on a designated platform or elevated position within the Temple courts. It signifies Josiah's official capacity as king and covenant mediator, publicly assuming his responsibility to lead the nation in this solemn renewal. His standing underscores the gravity and public nature of the commitment he is about to make.
* **"and made a covenant before the LORD":** This is the core action. "Made a covenant" (כָּרַת בְּרִית, _karat berit_) literally means "cut a covenant," referring to ancient covenant-making rituals that sometimes involved cutting animals. "Before the LORD" emphasizes that this was not merely a political act before the people, but a sacred vow directly addressed to God Himself, implying divine witness and accountability for the king's and the nation's future conduct.
* **"to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments, and his testimonies, and his statutes":** This clause specifies the content and purpose of the covenant. "To walk after the LORD" signifies a lifestyle of following God's leading and example. The subsequent triad—"commandments" (general divine precepts), "testimonies" (divine declarations and warnings), and "statutes" (specific legal decrees and ordinances)—comprehensively covers the breadth of God's revealed law, indicating a commitment to obey all aspects of His will.
* **"with all his heart, and with all his soul":** This crucial adverbial phrase describes the *manner* of obedience. It demands complete, unreserved, and sincere devotion. It's an internal commitment that goes beyond outward conformity, encompassing the totality of one's being—intellect, will, emotion, and vitality. This echoes the greatest commandment found in the Law itself, emphasizing genuine love and allegiance.
* **"to perform the words of the covenant which are written in this book":** This final clause clarifies the source and binding nature of the covenant's terms. "This book" refers to the recently discovered Book of the Law (likely Deuteronomy or a portion of the Pentateuch). "To perform" (לַעֲשׂוֹת, _la'asot_) means to carry out, execute, or obey. It underscores that the written word of God is the authoritative standard for their renewed commitment, demanding active and diligent application of its precepts in their lives.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several effective literary devices to convey its profound message. The phrase "with all his heart, and with all his soul" is a classic example of **merism**, a figure of speech where two contrasting or complementary parts are used to represent a whole. In this case, "heart" (intellect, will) and "soul" (life, desires) together signify total, undivided, and comprehensive devotion. The enumeration of "commandments, and his testimonies, and his statutes" utilizes a form of **triadic structure** or **synonymous parallelism**, where multiple terms are used to express the same overarching concept—the entirety of God's law. This emphasizes the comprehensive scope of the obedience required. Furthermore, the repeated emphasis on "covenant" and "the LORD" throughout the surrounding narrative and within this verse itself serves as a form of **repetition**, reinforcing the central theological concept of God's binding relationship with His people and the king's solemn commitment to it.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse stands as a powerful testament to the enduring principles of covenant theology and the transformative power of God's Word. It illustrates that genuine spiritual revival begins with a personal, wholehearted commitment to God's revealed will, moving beyond mere external ritual to an internal transformation. Josiah's public declaration reflects the biblical truth that obedience to God's "commandments, testimonies, and statutes" is not burdensome but the very pathway to life and blessing, a response to God's prior grace and faithfulness. The rediscovery and subsequent performance of the "words of the covenant" underscore the supreme authority of Scripture as the living and binding standard for God's people in every generation, calling them to active engagement and application of its truths.

* [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "The Greatest Commandment")
* [Nehemiah 9:38](/nehemiah/9-38 "Covenant Renewal in Nehemiah's Time")
* [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "The New Covenant Written on Hearts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
King Josiah's resolute commitment in 2 Chronicles 34:31 offers a profound blueprint for personal and communal faith today. His example challenges believers to move beyond superficial religiosity to a deep, wholehearted devotion to God. Just as the discovery of the Law ignited Josiah's reforms, so too must the regular engagement with and application of God's Word be central to our lives, shaping our understanding, guiding our actions, and transforming our hearts. This verse calls us to a covenant relationship with God that is not merely intellectual assent but a dynamic, active "walking after the LORD," characterized by obedience to His commands "with all our heart, and with all our soul." For those in positions of leadership, whether in families, communities, or churches, Josiah's sincere and public commitment serves as a powerful reminder that spiritual authority is rooted in personal integrity and a willingness to lead by example in devotion to God and His Word, inspiring others toward righteousness and genuine faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I being called to a more "wholehearted" commitment to the Lord, echoing Josiah's devotion?**
* **How does my engagement with "the words of the covenant which are written in this book" (the Bible) compare to Josiah's response to the rediscovered Law?**
* **What specific "commandments, testimonies, and statutes" do I need to more diligently "perform" in my daily life?**
* **If I am in a leadership position, how can Josiah's example of public and sincere commitment inspire my own leadership in faith?**

### FAQ
**What was the "Book of the Law" discovered during Josiah's reign?**

Answer: While the text does not specify the exact book, scholarly consensus suggests it was likely a copy of the book of [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/1 "The Book of Deuteronomy"), or at least a significant portion of it. Deuteronomy contains a detailed exposition of the Mosaic covenant, including its laws, blessings, and curses, which would have profoundly impacted Josiah and the people upon its reading. The emphasis on "covenant" and "walking after the LORD" aligns perfectly with the themes central to Deuteronomy. The impact of its discovery underscores the power and authority of God's written word to bring about repentance and revival.

**Why is Josiah's commitment described as "with all his heart, and with all his soul"?**

Answer: This phrase is a direct echo of the foundational command given to Israel in [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - The Shema"), often referred to as the Shema. It signifies a complete, unreserved, and internal dedication to God. "Heart" (Hebrew: *lev*) refers to the mind, will, and intellect, while "soul" (Hebrew: *nephesh*) refers to the entire living being, including one's desires and emotions. Together, they emphasize that Josiah's commitment was not merely external or ritualistic but involved every aspect of his inner and outer life, a genuine and comprehensive love for the Lord.

**What does it mean that "the king stood in his place" to make the covenant?**

Answer: The phrase "stood in his place" (Hebrew: וַיַּעֲמֹד עַל־עָמְדֹו, *wayyaʿămōd ʿal-ʿomdô*) indicates a formal, official, and authoritative posture. It suggests that Josiah took his designated position, likely on a platform or elevated stand within the Temple courts, appropriate for a king leading such a solemn national ceremony. This public stance underscored his role as the mediator between God and the people, and his personal commitment served as a visible example and challenge to the entire nation to follow suit in their renewed allegiance to the Lord.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While King Josiah's covenant renewal represents a high point of Old Testament obedience, it ultimately points forward to the perfect obedience of Jesus Christ and the establishment of the New Covenant. Josiah, despite his sincere devotion, could only lead his people in a temporary reformation, unable to truly transform their hearts or secure lasting obedience. The Old Covenant, though righteous, revealed humanity's inability to keep God's commands "with all his heart, and with all his soul," as [Romans 8:3](/romans/8-3 "Romans 8:3 - The Law Weakened by the Flesh") explains. Jesus, however, is the only one who perfectly fulfilled the Law, embodying complete obedience to God "with all his heart, and with all his soul" throughout His earthly life, as affirmed in [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest, Tempted Yet Sinless"). He inaugurated a New Covenant, not written on tablets of stone but on the hearts of believers by the Holy Spirit, as prophesied in [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The Promise of the New Covenant") and expounded in [Hebrews 8:8-12](/hebrews/8-8 "Hebrews 8:8-12 - Christ, the Mediator of a Better Covenant"). Through Christ's atoning sacrifice, believers are given a new heart and the Spirit to enable them to "walk after the Lord" and "perform the words of the covenant" not by their own strength, but by God's grace, making true, wholehearted devotion possible for all who put their faith in Him, as promised in [Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit").

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 Chronicles 23:16

And Jehoiada made a covenant between him, and between all the people, and between the king, that they should be the LORD'S people.

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;

2 Chronicles 6:13

For Solomon had made a brasen scaffold, of five cubits long, and five cubits broad, and three cubits high, and had set it in the midst of the court: and upon it he stood, and kneeled down upon his knees before all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven,

2 Kings 23:3

And the king stood by a pillar, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all [their] heart and all [their] soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people stood to the covenant.

2 Kings 11:14

And when she looked, behold, the king stood by a pillar, as the manner [was], and the princes and the trumpeters by the king, and all the people of the land rejoiced, and blew with trumpets: and Athaliah rent her clothes, and cried, Treason, Treason.

2 Chronicles 29:10

Now [it is] in mine heart to make a covenant with the LORD God of Israel, that his fierce wrath may turn away from us.

2 Chronicles 30:16

And they stood in their place after their manner, according to the law of Moses the man of God: the priests sprinkled the blood, [which they received] of the hand of the Levites.