2 Kings 22:12

KJV

And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Michaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asahiah a servant of the king's, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

And the king {H4428} commanded {H6680} Hilkiah {H2518} the priest {H3548}, and Ahikam {H296} the son {H1121} of Shaphan {H8227}, and Achbor {H5907} the son {H1121} of Michaiah {H4320}, and Shaphan {H8227} the scribe {H5608}, and Asahiah {H6222} a servant {H5650} of the king's {H4428}, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the king issued this order to Hilkiyah the cohen, Achikam the son of Shafan, 'Akhbor the son of Mikhayah, Shafan the secretary and 'Asayah the king's servant:

Berean Standard Bible

and commanded Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Achbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah the servant of the king:

American Standard Version

And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Micaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah the king’s servant, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King Josiah's immediate and decisive response to the rediscovery of the Book of the Law. Deeply convicted by its words, the king, demonstrating profound humility and a sincere desire for national repentance, commissions a high-level delegation. This group, comprising the high priest, a royal scribe, and other trusted advisors, is tasked with seeking divine counsel regarding the implications of God's revealed will for himself and the nation of Judah, setting the stage for significant spiritual reform.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within the narrative of King Josiah's reign, specifically detailing his immediate actions following the momentous discovery of "the Book of the Law" during temple repairs ([2 Kings 22:8](/2_kings/22-8 "2 Kings 22:8 - Discovery of the Book of the Law")). The preceding verse ([2 Kings 22:11](/2_kings/22-11 "2 Kings 22:11 - Josiah's Response to the Law")) describes Josiah's profound reaction—tearing his clothes in repentance and distress—upon hearing the Law's words, which revealed Judah's long-standing disobedience and the impending divine judgment. [2 Kings 22:12](/2_kings/22-12 "2 Kings 22:12 - Josiah Commissions a Delegation") then initiates the king's proactive steps to address the crisis, assembling a trusted group to "inquire of the Lord." This command sets the narrative trajectory for the extensive religious reforms and spiritual revival that define the remainder of Josiah's rule, as detailed in [2 Kings 23](/2_kings/23 "2 Kings 23 - Josiah's Reforms").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Josiah ruled Judah from 640-609 BC, a period marked by the waning power of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, which had long exerted significant influence over Judah. This decline provided Josiah a unique opportunity to reassert Judah's national and religious independence. For generations prior, under kings like Manasseh and Amon, Judah had deeply apostatized, incorporating foreign idolatry, pagan rituals, and even child sacrifice into its religious practices ([2 Kings 21:1-9](/2_kings/21-1-9 "2 Kings 21:1-9 - Manasseh's Idolatry")). The temple itself had been neglected and defiled. The "Book of the Law," widely believed to be a form of Deuteronomy, had been lost or ignored for an extended period, making its rediscovery a profoundly significant event, symbolizing a potential return to the foundational covenant between Yahweh and Israel. Culturally, seeking divine guidance through priests, prophets, or prophetesses was a well-established practice in ancient Israel, particularly during times of national crisis or significant decision-making ([1 Samuel 9:9](/1_samuel/9-9 "1 Samuel 9:9 - The Seer"), [Jeremiah 21:2](/jeremiah/21-2 "Jeremiah 21:2 - Jeremiah Consulted by Zedekiah")). Josiah's careful selection of high-ranking officials for this inquiry underscores the gravity of the Law's implications and his earnest desire for a legitimate, authoritative divine response.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within [2 Kings](/2_kings/1 "2 Kings - The Book of Kings") and the broader Deuteronomistic History. Firstly, it highlights the **Authority and Transformative Power of God's Word**, demonstrating how the rediscovered Law immediately provoked deep conviction, repentance, and a desire for obedience in the king ([2 Kings 22:11](/2_kings/22-11 "2 Kings 22:11 - Josiah's Response to the Law")). Secondly, it exemplifies **Godly Leadership**, as Josiah, unlike many of his corrupt predecessors, responds with profound humility and a proactive commitment to seek and follow divine instruction, setting a vital standard for his kingdom. Thirdly, the dispatch of a delegation to "inquire of the Lord" underscores the critical theme of **Seeking Divine Counsel**, acknowledging that true reform and spiritual renewal must be rooted in God's specific guidance rather than human wisdom or political expediency alone ([Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord")). Finally, the detailed listing of specific, trusted officials emphasizes the importance of **Wise and Godly Advisors** in the execution of God's will and the righteous governance of a nation, showcasing Josiah's reliance on a diverse and capable inner circle.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Commanded (Hebrew, _tsâvâh'_):** This verb (H6680) signifies a strong, authoritative directive, not merely a suggestion. It indicates that Josiah's action was a kingly decree, reflecting his immediate and earnest conviction following the reading of the Law. This decisive command highlights the urgency he felt and his commitment to swift action in response to God's revealed will, setting the tone for the profound reforms that would follow.
* **Priest (Hebrew, _kôhên'_):** The term (H3548) refers to one officiating, specifically a priest, in this context, Hilkiah the high priest. His inclusion in the delegation is paramount because he was the one who discovered the Book of the Law ([2 Kings 22:8](/2_kings/22-8 "2 Kings 22:8 - Discovery of the Book of the Law")) and held the chief religious authority. His presence lends spiritual legitimacy and weight to the mission of inquiring of the Lord, signifying the religious gravity of the situation.
* **Scribe (Hebrew, _çâphar'_):** This noun (H5608) denotes one who scores, inscribes, or enumerates, specifically a royal secretary or scribe. Shaphan, holding this influential position, was not merely a copyist but a key administrator and advisor responsible for official documents and communications. His inclusion, along with his son Ahikam, underscores the political and administrative importance of the mission, ensuring that the king's command would be executed with precision and official backing across all relevant governmental spheres.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest,"**: This opening clause establishes King Josiah's active and immediate leadership. Upon hearing the dire implications of the Law, his first response is not despair but decisive action. Hilkiah, as the high priest and the one who found the book, is naturally the first and foremost recipient of the king's command, underscoring the profound religious nature of the impending inquiry.
* **"and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Michaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asahiah a servant of the king's,"**: This comprehensive list meticulously details the specific individuals chosen by Josiah for this critical mission. The inclusion of multiple high-ranking officials—representing religious authority (Hilkiah), administrative and political influence (Shaphan, Ahikam), and trusted royal staff (Asahiah, Achbor)—demonstrates the gravity and multifaceted importance of the inquiry. It highlights Josiah's reliance on a diverse and trusted inner circle, ensuring that the mission would be thorough, its findings widely accepted, and its subsequent implementation effective across various sectors of the kingdom. The mention of "son of" for Ahikam and Achbor further emphasizes their lineage and standing within prominent families.
* **"saying,"**: This concluding word serves as a direct and immediate transition, signaling that the following verses ([2 Kings 22:13ff](/2_kings/22-13 "2 Kings 22:13 - Josiah's Instructions to the Delegation")) will contain the specific instructions and precise purpose of the delegation. It builds narrative anticipation for the content of Josiah's command, which is to "inquire of the Lord" concerning the full implications of the newly discovered Law for the nation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Listing** and **Synecdoche**. The meticulous **Listing** of five specific, named individuals (Hilkiah, Ahikam, Achbor, Shaphan, Asahiah) serves to emphasize the profound importance, official nature, and high-level composition of the delegation. It elevates the king's command beyond a general directive, underscoring the gravity of the situation by specifying the most trusted and influential figures in his administration. This detailed enumeration also utilizes **Synecdoche**, where a part (the named officials) represents the whole (the king's entire trusted administration and the comprehensive seriousness of the royal decree). Furthermore, the immediate and decisive nature of the phrase "And the king commanded... saying," contributes significantly to the **Narrative Pacing**, propelling the story forward with a sense of urgency and purpose, effectively highlighting Josiah's immediate and earnest response to the revelation of God's Word.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the principle that true spiritual awakening necessitates a humble and immediate response to God's Word, followed by a diligent pursuit of divine counsel. Josiah's action demonstrates that hearing God's truth should lead not merely to emotional conviction, but to a proactive seeking of God's will for practical obedience and national repentance. His reliance on a diverse group of trusted advisors also highlights the wisdom of seeking counsel when confronted with weighty spiritual matters, acknowledging that God often speaks through multiple channels and wise individuals. This commitment to inquiry underscores the belief that God's will is discoverable and that His commands carry profound implications for both individual and corporate life, demanding a response that moves beyond mere knowledge to active, Spirit-led implementation.

* [Deuteronomy 17:18-20](/deuteronomy/17-18-20 "Deuteronomy 17:18-20 - The King's Duty to the Law")
* [Joshua 1:8](/joshua/1-8 "Joshua 1:8 - Meditate on the Book of the Law")
* [Psalm 119:105](/psalms/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - Your Word is a Lamp")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
King Josiah's response to the rediscovered Book of the Law in [2 Kings 22:12](/2_kings/22-12 "2 Kings 22:12 - Josiah Commissions a Delegation") offers a powerful paradigm for believers today. When confronted with the truth of God's Word, our initial response should be one of humility and deep conviction, leading us to inquire more deeply into its implications for our lives. Just as Josiah didn't merely lament but acted decisively to understand and obey, we are called to move beyond passive reception of Scripture to active engagement, seeking God's specific guidance for repentance, reform, and righteous living. This involves not only personal study and prayer but also the wisdom of seeking counsel from godly leaders and trusted advisors within the community of faith, recognizing that the Holy Spirit often illuminates truth through collective discernment. Our proactive obedience to God's revealed will, even when it exposes our shortcomings, is the pathway to true spiritual renewal and blessing, both individually and corporately, fostering a deeper walk with the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I respond when God's Word exposes areas of sin or disobedience in my life? Is my response one of immediate humility and a desire for deeper understanding, like Josiah's?**
* **Who are the "Hilkiahs" and "Shaphans" in my life—trusted spiritual mentors or wise counselors—whom I can turn to when seeking God's will on significant matters?**
* **In what practical ways can I move from merely hearing or reading God's Word to actively inquiring into its specific application for my daily choices and long-term direction, demonstrating a proactive commitment to obedience?**

### FAQ

**Why did King Josiah send a delegation to "inquire of the Lord" instead of simply implementing the Law himself?**

Answer: Josiah's decision to send a delegation, rather than acting unilaterally, demonstrates profound humility and wisdom. Firstly, it acknowledged the immense gravity of the situation: the Law had been neglected for generations, and its rediscovery brought a palpable sense of impending judgment for the nation's widespread idolatry and disobedience (as indicated in [2 Kings 22:13](/2_kings/22-13 "2 Kings 22:13 - Josiah's Concern")). Josiah understood that merely reading the Law was not enough; he needed specific divine counsel on how to respond to its far-reaching implications for a nation steeped in sin. Secondly, it was a culturally accepted and divinely sanctioned practice in ancient Israel to consult a prophet or prophetess for a direct word from God concerning national crises or significant decisions (e.g., [1 Kings 22:7-8](/1_kings/22-7-8 "1 Kings 22:7-8 - Jehoshaphat Seeks a Prophet")). By seeking an oracle, Josiah ensured that his subsequent reforms would be rooted in clear, authoritative divine direction, lending them greater legitimacy and spiritual weight in the eyes of the people. This action also powerfully highlighted his dependence on God for guidance, rather than relying solely on human interpretation, political expediency, or personal conviction.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
King Josiah's encounter with the Book of the Law and his subsequent command to inquire of the Lord powerfully foreshadows the ultimate revelation of God's will and the means of true righteousness found in Jesus Christ. The rediscovered Law exposed Judah's deep-seated sin and the impending judgment, creating a profound sense of need for divine intervention—a need that finds its ultimate and perfect answer in the person and redemptive work of Christ. While Josiah sought counsel from a prophetess to understand the Law's demands and implications for a rebellious nation, we are called to seek counsel from the living Word, Jesus himself, who is the full embodiment of God's truth, wisdom, and grace ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Became Flesh"), [Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Christ are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom")). The Old Covenant Law, though good and holy, could only reveal sin and pronounce judgment; it could not provide the means for true atonement or the power for perfect obedience. Christ, however, perfectly fulfilled the Law in His life ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Christ Fulfills the Law")) and, through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, provides the complete cleansing from sin and the righteousness that the Law demanded but could not deliver ([Romans 10:4](/romans/10-4 "Romans 10:4 - Christ is the End of the Law for Righteousness")). Just as Josiah's command initiated a period of national repentance and reform in response to God's written Word, the Gospel of Christ calls us to a deeper, heart-level repentance and spiritual transformation, empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit, leading to a life of obedience rooted in grace, not merely in legalistic adherence ([Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - The New Covenant Written on Hearts")). Christ is our ultimate High Priest and the very wisdom of God, making all further inquiry into God's will ultimately centered on Him.

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 26:24

Nevertheless the hand of Ahikam the son of Shaphan was with Jeremiah, that they should not give him into the hand of the people to put him to death.

2 Kings 25:22

¶ And [as for] the people that remained in the land of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had left, even over them he made Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, ruler.

Isaiah 37:1

¶ And it came to pass, when king Hezekiah heard [it], that he rent his clothes, and covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the LORD.

Isaiah 37:4

It may be the LORD thy God will hear the words of Rabshakeh, whom the king of Assyria his master hath sent to reproach the living God, and will reprove the words which the LORD thy God hath heard: wherefore lift up [thy] prayer for the remnant that is left.

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 34:21

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.

Jeremiah 26:22

And Jehoiakim the king sent men into Egypt, [namely], Elnathan the son of Achbor, and [certain] men with him into Egypt.