2 Kings 22:10

KJV

And Shaphan the scribe shewed the king, saying, Hilkiah the priest hath delivered me a book. And Shaphan read it before the king.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Shaphan {H8227} the scribe {H5608} shewed {H5046} the king {H4428}, saying {H559}, Hilkiah {H2518} the priest {H3548} hath delivered {H5414} me a book {H5612}. And Shaphan {H8227} read {H7121} it before {H6440} the king {H4428}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Shafan the secretary also told the king, "Hilkiyah the cohen hagadol gave me a scroll." Then Shafan read it aloud before the king.

Berean Standard Bible

Moreover, Shaphan the scribe told the king, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.” And Shaphan read it in the presence of the king.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 22:10 records the pivotal moment when Shaphan the scribe formally presented and read the recently discovered "Book of the Law" to King Josiah. This event, occurring during the extensive temple renovations initiated by the young king, served as the divine catalyst for a profound national spiritual awakening and comprehensive religious reforms in Judah, marking a decisive turning point from generations of idolatry and neglect back to the covenant faithfulness of Yahweh.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the narrative of King Josiah's reign, specifically following the initiation of temple repairs in [2 Kings 22:3-7](/2_kings/22-3 "2 Kings 22:3-7 - Temple Repairs Initiated"). The immediate preceding verses detail Hilkiah the high priest's discovery of "the Book of the Law" in the temple during these repairs ([2 Kings 22:8](/2_kings/22-8 "2 Kings 22:8 - Hilkiah Discovers the Book of the Law")), and Shaphan's initial report to the king about the progress of the temple work, subtly introducing the book's discovery ([2 Kings 22:9](/2_kings/22-9 "2 Kings 22:9 - Shaphan's Initial Report")). Verse 10 then describes the formal presentation and reading of this momentous discovery. The verses immediately following detail King Josiah's profound, immediate reaction of repentance and distress upon hearing the Law's contents ([2 Kings 22:11](/2_kings/22-11 "2 Kings 22:11 - Josiah's Reaction to the Law")), leading him to seek divine counsel through the prophetess Huldah ([2 Kings 22:12-20](/2_kings/22-12 "2 Kings 22:12-20 - Josiah Seeks Huldah's Counsel")). This sequence highlights the transformative power of God's Word when it is rediscovered and heeded.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Josiah ascended to the throne of Judah at the tender age of eight (circa 640 BC), inheriting a kingdom steeped in idolatry and spiritual apostasy, largely due to the prolonged and wicked reigns of his grandfather Manasseh ([2 Kings 21:1-18](/2_kings/21-1 "2 Kings 21:1-18 - Manasseh's Idolatry")) and his father Amon ([2 Kings 21:19-26](/2_kings/21-19 "2 Kings 21:19-26 - Amon's Short, Wicked Reign")). Manasseh, in particular, had introduced widespread Baal worship, astral cults, and even child sacrifice, defiling the very temple of the Lord. Despite this pervasive spiritual darkness, Josiah, in his eighth year, began to seek the God of David, and in his eighteenth year, initiated a national program of temple cleansing and repair ([2 Chronicles 34:3-8](/2_chronicles/34-3 "2 Chronicles 34:3-8 - Josiah's Early Reforms and Temple Repair")). The discovery of "the Book of the Law" during these repairs was not accidental but providential, occurring at a time when Judah was ripe for repentance, and under a king uniquely positioned to lead a genuine spiritual revival. The roles of Hilkiah the priest and Shaphan the scribe were crucial; Hilkiah, as the high priest, was responsible for the temple and its sacred contents, while Shaphan, as a royal scribe, was a highly educated and trusted official responsible for state documents and communication, lending immense authority to the book's presentation.

* **Key Themes:** The central theme illuminated by this verse is the **rediscovery and re-establishment of God's Word** as the foundational authority for national and individual life. After generations of neglect, the re-emergence of the divine commandments underscored the enduring nature of God's covenant and His unchanging standards. Closely linked is the theme of the **transformative power of Scripture**. The immediate and profound impact of the reading on King Josiah, evidenced by his tearing his clothes in humility and repentance ([2 Kings 22:11](/2_kings/22-11 "2 Kings 22:11 - Josiah's Reaction")), demonstrates the inherent authority and life-altering capacity of God's revealed will when it is heard, understood, and heeded. Finally, the passage highlights the **crucial role of godly leadership** in spiritual renewal. Hilkiah the priest and Shaphan the scribe, through their integrity, diligence, and faithfulness in bringing God's truth to light and presenting it to the king, became instrumental agents in initiating a widespread spiritual revival that would dramatically reshape the religious landscape of Judah for a time.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Book (Hebrew, _sēpher_ - סֵפֶר):** This term broadly refers to a scroll, document, or letter. In this context, it is widely understood to signify "the Book of the Law," specifically referring to the Book of Deuteronomy or a significant portion thereof. Deuteronomy contains the covenant stipulations, the recounting of Israel's history with God, and the blessings and curses associated with obedience and disobedience to the Mosaic Law. Its rediscovery was monumental, as its contents had seemingly been lost or neglected for generations, leading to the nation's spiritual decline. The very existence of this "book" underscored God's enduring covenant with His people, even when they had forgotten it.
* **Scribe (Hebrew, _sōphēr_ - סֹפֵר):** A highly respected and educated official in ancient Near Eastern societies, a scribe was not merely a copyist but also an administrator, record-keeper, and often a legal or theological expert. Shaphan's role as "the scribe" indicates his high position within the royal court and his proficiency in reading and interpreting ancient texts. His act of presenting and reading the book before the king was a formal and authoritative act, signifying the immense importance and authenticity of the document he held. His integrity and trusted position were vital in giving credibility to the newly found text.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Shaphan the scribe shewed the king, saying, Hilkiah the priest hath delivered me a book."**: This opening clause establishes the critical chain of custody and communication. Shaphan, as the royal scribe, acts as the intermediary between Hilkiah the high priest and King Josiah. The phrase "shewed the king, saying" indicates a formal presentation and verbal report. The content of his report immediately identifies the source of the "book" as Hilkiah, lending it the authority of the high priest and the sanctity of its discovery within the temple precincts. The directness of "delivered me a book" suggests a singular, momentous item, not merely a collection of documents.
* **"And Shaphan read it before the king."**: This is the climax of the verse and the immediate catalyst for the subsequent events. The act of reading "before the king" signifies a public, authoritative, and formal declaration. It implies that the contents of the book were not merely summarized but were heard directly by the monarch. This direct encounter with God's revealed Word, after generations of its neglect, was designed to have a profound impact, bypassing intermediaries and speaking directly to the conscience and authority of the nation's leader. The emphasis on "read it" highlights the power of the spoken word of God to convict and transform.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of 2 Kings 22:10 employs several potent literary devices. There is clear **Narrative Progression**, as the discovery of the book in [2 Kings 22:8](/2_kings/22-8 "2 Kings 22:8 - Hilkiah Discovers the Book of the Law") leads directly to its presentation and reading here, which in turn precipitates Josiah's intense reaction and subsequent reforms. This progression underscores the cause-and-effect relationship between divine revelation and human response. The passage also carries a strong element of **Dramatic Irony**. The reader is aware of the book's significance and its long absence, while the king and the people are only now encountering its forgotten truths. This creates a tension as the audience anticipates Josiah's reaction to the shocking revelations contained within the Law. Furthermore, the "book" itself functions as a powerful **Symbol**. It is not merely a physical object but symbolizes God's enduring covenant, His forgotten will, and the very standard by which Judah's spiritual health is to be measured. Its rediscovery symbolizes the potential for national repentance and renewal, a return to the foundational principles of their identity as God's chosen people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The reading of the Book of the Law before King Josiah in 2 Kings 22:10 marks a watershed moment, serving as the divine catalyst for one of the most significant spiritual revivals in Judah's history. This event underscores the foundational truth that genuine spiritual renewal, whether for an individual or a nation, must always be rooted in a fresh encounter with and submission to God's revealed Word. The Law, once lost and forgotten, became the instrument through which God exposed the depth of Judah's sin and idolatry, prompting a profound sense of conviction and repentance in Josiah. It demonstrated that God's covenant promises and demands remain steadfast, regardless of human neglect, and that His Word possesses inherent power to convict, guide, and transform. This rediscovery of the Law led directly to Josiah's comprehensive reforms, including the cleansing of the temple, the destruction of idolatrous altars, and the re-institution of the Passover, all detailed in the subsequent chapter.

* [2 Kings 23:1-25](/2_kings/23-1 "2 Kings 23:1-25 - Josiah's Reforms and Covenant Renewal")
* [2 Chronicles 34:18-33](/2_chronicles/34-18 "2 Chronicles 34:18-33 - Parallel Account of Shaphan's Reading and Josiah's Reforms")
* [Nehemiah 8:1-8](/nehemiah/8-1 "Nehemiah 8:1-8 - Ezra Reads the Law to the People")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of 2 Kings 22:10 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers and the church. Just as Judah had drifted into spiritual decay due to neglect of God's Word, so too can individuals and communities today become spiritually impoverished when the Scriptures are relegated to the periphery. The rediscovery of the Law and its transformative impact on King Josiah serves as a powerful reminder of the indispensable role of God's Word in fostering genuine spiritual revival. It calls us to prioritize the diligent study, meditation, and application of Scripture in our daily lives. Furthermore, Josiah's immediate and humble response—tearing his clothes in repentance—provides a model for how we should receive divine truth: with reverence, a willingness to be convicted, and a commitment to obey, even when it exposes uncomfortable truths about our own lives or societal norms. This passage challenges us to ask whether we truly allow the Word of God to confront, shape, and direct our paths, or if it remains a dusty "book" in our own spiritual temples.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How readily do I engage with God's Word, and what is my typical response when it challenges my assumptions or lifestyle?**
* **In what areas of my life or in my community might God's "Book of the Law" (His revealed will) be neglected or forgotten, leading to spiritual decline?**
* **What steps can I take to ensure that God's Word is not just heard, but deeply integrated into my heart and actions, leading to genuine transformation?**

### FAQ
**What was "the book" discovered by Hilkiah and read by Shaphan?**

Answer: While the text simply refers to it as "the book" or "the Book of the Law," scholarly consensus strongly identifies it as the Book of Deuteronomy, or at least a significant portion of it. Deuteronomy contains the core covenant stipulations given by God to Israel through Moses, outlining the blessings for obedience and the curses for disobedience. Its contents would have been particularly shocking and convicting to Josiah, revealing how far Judah had strayed from God's commands and the dire consequences that awaited them if they did not repent. The detailed reforms initiated by Josiah in [2 Kings 23](/2_kings/23 "2 Kings 23 - Josiah's Reforms") closely align with the commands found in Deuteronomy, further supporting this identification.

**Why was "the Book of the Law" lost or forgotten for so long?**

Answer: The text does not explicitly state how the book became lost, but the context of the preceding reigns of Manasseh and Amon provides strong clues. Both kings led Judah into extreme idolatry, actively suppressing the worship of Yahweh and promoting pagan practices ([2 Kings 21:1-22](/2_kings/21-1 "2 Kings 21:1-22 - Manasseh and Amon's Reigns")). During such periods of spiritual apostasy, the sacred texts of the covenant would have been neglected, hidden, or perhaps even intentionally suppressed or destroyed. It's plausible that it was simply misplaced or forgotten in a storage area of the temple, only to be rediscovered during Josiah's conscientious efforts to repair and cleanse the sacred space. The fact that it was found during temple renovations suggests it might have been stored in a place that was neglected or inaccessible for a long time.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The rediscovery and reading of the Book of the Law in 2 Kings 22:10 powerfully foreshadows the ultimate revelation of God's will and the perfect fulfillment of the Law in Jesus Christ. Just as the physical book brought conviction and initiated a period of reform for Judah, Christ, as the living Word of God ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Became Flesh")), brings ultimate conviction of sin and offers true spiritual transformation. Josiah's tearing of his clothes in response to the Law's demands anticipates the broken and contrite heart that Christ calls for, not merely an outward show of repentance but a radical inward change. While the Law revealed humanity's inability to perfectly obey God and brought a curse for disobedience, Jesus came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")), perfectly embodying its righteous demands and bearing its curse on the cross. Through His atoning sacrifice, He inaugurates a new covenant where God's Law is written not on tablets of stone but on the hearts of His people by the Holy Spirit ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant") and [Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "The New Covenant in Christ")). Thus, the spiritual renewal under Josiah, sparked by a rediscovered book, points forward to the eternal renewal and reconciliation offered through faith in Christ, who is the ultimate revelation of God's character and the perfect embodiment of His saving will.

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

Jeremiah 36:21

So the king sent Jehudi to fetch the roll: and he took it out of Elishama the scribe's chamber. And Jehudi read it in the ears of the king, and in the ears of all the princes which stood beside the king.

Jeremiah 36:15

And they said unto him, Sit down now, and read it in our ears. So Baruch read [it] in their ears.

Jeremiah 36:6

Therefore go thou, and read in the roll, which thou hast written from my mouth, the words of the LORD in the ears of the people in the LORD'S house upon the fasting day: and also thou shalt read them in the ears of all Judah that come out of their cities.

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.

Deuteronomy 17:18

And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of [that which is] before the priests the Levites:

Deuteronomy 17:20

That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandment, [to] the right hand, or [to] the left: to the end that he may prolong [his] days in his kingdom, he, and his children, in the midst of Israel.

Nehemiah 8:1

¶ And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that [was] before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel.