2 Kings 22:16

KJV

Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, and upon the inhabitants thereof, [even] all the words of the book which the king of Judah hath read:

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}, Behold, I will bring {H935} evil {H7451} upon this place {H4725}, and upon the inhabitants {H3427} thereof, even all the words {H1697} of the book {H5612} which the king {H4428} of Judah {H3063} hath read {H7121}:

Complete Jewish Bible

that ADONAI says this: 'I am going to bring calamity on this place and on its inhabitants, every word in the scroll the king of Y'hudah has read;

Berean Standard Bible

that this is what the LORD says: I am about to bring calamity on this place and on its people, according to all the words of the book that the king of Judah has read,

American Standard Version

Thus saith Jehovah, Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, and upon the inhabitants thereof, even all the words of the book which the king of Judah hath read.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 22:16 records the solemn pronouncement of Yahweh through Huldah the prophetess, declaring that He will bring calamity and disaster upon Jerusalem and its inhabitants. This divine judgment is presented not as arbitrary wrath, but as the direct and inevitable consequence of the nation's persistent disobedience, specifically tied to "all the words of the book which the king of Judah hath read," referring to the covenant stipulations and curses rediscovered in the Law. This verse underscores God's unwavering justice and the serious implications of neglecting His revealed will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within the narrative of King Josiah's reign, which begins in [2 Kings 22](/2-kings/22 "2 Kings 22 - Josiah's Righteous Reign"). Josiah, a righteous king, initiated extensive temple repairs. During this renovation, Hilkiah the high priest 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")). Upon hearing its contents, Josiah was profoundly distressed, tearing his clothes in an act of deep repentance and humility, recognizing the nation's profound deviation from God's commands and the severe curses outlined therein ([2 Kings 22:11](/2-kings/22-11 "2 Kings 22:11 - Josiah's Reaction to the Law")). In response, he sent a delegation, including Hilkiah, to inquire of the LORD. Huldah the prophetess, living in Jerusalem, was consulted, and [2 Kings 22:15-20](/2-kings/22-15 "2 Kings 22:15-20 - Huldah's Prophecy") records her prophetic response, with verse 16 being the core of God's declaration of impending judgment upon the land.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events unfold in Judah during the late 7th century BCE, a period marked by significant spiritual decline following the long and idolatrous reigns of Manasseh and Amon. Despite Josiah's earnest efforts to reform the nation and eradicate idolatry, generations of covenant breaking had accumulated. The rediscovery of "the Book of the Law" (likely a portion of Deuteronomy) was a monumental event, bringing forgotten divine stipulations and their associated curses to light. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, covenants between kings and vassals often included detailed blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, a pattern mirrored in God's covenant with Israel. The role of a prophetess like Huldah was crucial in authenticating divine messages, providing authoritative interpretation of God's will and word in a time of national crisis.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully articulates several crucial themes. Foremost is **Divine Judgment and Justice**, unequivocally stating God's intention to bring "evil" (calamity) upon Judah as a just response to their persistent idolatry and covenant infidelity. This judgment is directly linked to **Covenant Consequences**, emphasizing that God is faithful to His warnings as much as to His promises, fulfilling "all the words of the book" which detail the curses for disobedience (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience")). The incident also highlights the profound **Authority and Power of God's Word**; its rediscovery brought immediate conviction and a clear understanding of God's standards, and the subsequent prophecy confirms that God's declared word will be fulfilled, irrespective of human neglect or delay. While the nation faced judgment, Josiah's personal **Repentance and Humility** ([2 Kings 22:19](/2-kings/22-19 "2 Kings 22:19 - Josiah's Humility")) secured a measure of mercy, delaying the full outpouring of wrath until after his lifetime.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **evil (Hebrew, _ra'_):** While this Hebrew term can denote moral wickedness, in this specific context, it primarily refers to **calamity, disaster, misfortune, or affliction**. It signifies the devastating consequences of sin and disobedience, the deserved judgment that God brings upon a rebellious people. It does not imply that God Himself is performing a morally evil act, but rather that He is the righteous agent bringing about the promised and just repercussions.
* **book (Hebrew, _sepher_):** This refers specifically to "the book of the law" discovered by Hilkiah in the Temple ([2 Kings 22:8](/2-kings/22-8 "2 Kings 22:8 - Discovery of the Book of the Law")). Scholars widely believe this was at least a significant portion, if not the entirety, of the book of Deuteronomy, which contains the detailed stipulations of the Mosaic covenant, including the blessings for obedience and the severe curses for disobedience ([Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")). The rediscovery of this book was the catalyst for Josiah's reforms and the subsequent prophetic inquiry.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith the LORD,"**: This opening phrase establishes the divine authority and origin of the message. It is not Huldah's personal opinion or interpretation, but a direct, authoritative word from Yahweh Himself, emphasizing the certainty and immutability of the pronouncement.
* **"Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, and upon the inhabitants thereof,"**: This is the core declaration of judgment. "This place" refers to Jerusalem, the capital, and by extension, the entire kingdom of Judah. The phrase "I will bring evil" underscores God's active agency in history, demonstrating His sovereign power to execute justice. The "evil" here is not moral evil, but the calamitous consequences (war, famine, exile) promised for covenant breaking.
* **"[even] all the words of the book which the king of Judah hath read:"**: This crucial clause provides the explicit reason and justification for the impending judgment. The calamity is not arbitrary but is a direct fulfillment of the curses detailed in the rediscovered "Book of the Law." It highlights God's faithfulness to His covenant, even in its punitive aspects, and underscores the nation's accountability for their long-standing neglect of His commands. The judgment is a direct consequence of their actions, measured precisely by the standards they had abandoned.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Prophecy** is central, as Huldah delivers a direct, divinely inspired message, acting as a mouthpiece for God. This prophecy serves as a powerful **foreshadowing** of the impending Babylonian exile and the destruction of Jerusalem, which would occur decades later. There is an element of **irony** in the narrative: the rediscovery of the Law, which should have brought about national revival and blessing, instead immediately triggers a declaration of doom because of the nation's deep-seated rebellion. The language of the verse, particularly the linking of "evil" to "all the words of the book," is deeply rooted in **covenant language**, echoing the conditional nature of God's covenant with Israel as laid out in Deuteronomy, where blessings were promised for obedience and curses for disobedience. This reinforces the theological principle of divine justice and the consequences of covenant infidelity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant, demonstrating that His warnings are as sure as His promises. The impending "evil" is not an act of capricious wrath but a righteous response to generations of idolatry and rebellion, particularly under kings like Manasseh. It underscores the principle that national sin, when unrepented of, accumulates and eventually necessitates divine judgment. While God is merciful, His justice demands that sin be addressed. However, the narrative immediately following this verse ([2 Kings 22:19-20](/2-kings/22-19 "2 Kings 22:19-20 - God's Mercy to Josiah")) reveals God's compassion for Josiah's personal humility and repentance, granting a reprieve that delays the full outpouring of wrath until after Josiah's death. This demonstrates that while national judgment was inevitable due to the depth of corporate sin, individual righteousness could still secure a measure of divine favor and protection.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience to the Covenant")
* [Lamentations 2:17](/lamentations/2-17 "Lamentations 2:17 - Fulfillment of Prophecy of Destruction")
* [Jeremiah 19:3-9](/jeremiah/19-3 "Jeremiah 19:3-9 - Prophecy of Jerusalem's Destruction")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The stark declaration in 2 Kings 22:16 serves as a timeless and sobering reminder of the seriousness of God's word and the inevitable consequences of neglecting His revealed will. It teaches us that God is not indifferent to sin, whether individual or corporate. His justice is an inherent part of His character, and while He is patient and merciful, there comes a point where persistent rebellion necessitates divine intervention and judgment. For believers today, this passage underscores the profound importance of not merely hearing or reading God's word, but diligently obeying it. It challenges us to examine our own lives and communities: are we truly living in alignment with God's commands, or are we, like ancient Judah, drifting into spiritual apathy and disobedience? The "evil" that God brings is often the natural, yet divinely ordained, consequence of turning away from His life-giving truth. Our true blessing and flourishing come from humble submission to His perfect will, recognizing that His warnings are given out of love, to guide us away from destruction and towards life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How seriously do I take the warnings and commands found in God's Word, and what practical steps do I take to obey them?**
* **In what areas might I, or my community, be neglecting God's revealed will, and what might be the spiritual consequences of such neglect?**
* **How does God's justice, as seen in this passage, shape my understanding of His character and my motivation for living a life of obedience?**
* **What lessons can I draw from Josiah's response to the Law, and how can I cultivate a similar heart of humility and repentance?**

### FAQ
**Why did God still bring judgment on Judah if King Josiah was a righteous king who repented?**

Answer: While King Josiah was indeed a righteous king who deeply humbled himself and initiated significant reforms upon hearing the Law ([2 Kings 22:19](/2-kings/22-19 "2 Kings 22:19 - Josiah's Humility and Repentance")), the national sin of Judah had accumulated over many generations, particularly during the long and intensely idolatrous reign of Manasseh ([2 Kings 21:1-16](/2-kings/21-1 "2 Kings 21:1-16 - Manasseh's Wicked Reign")). God had already declared His intention to bring disaster upon Jerusalem because of Manasseh's abominations ([2 Kings 21:12-15](/2-kings/21-12 "2 Kings 21:12-15 - God's Judgment on Jerusalem for Manasseh's Sins")). Josiah's personal repentance and efforts, while commendable and pleasing to God, could not fully reverse the deep-seated spiritual corruption and idolatry that permeated the nation. God, in His mercy, granted Josiah a personal reprieve, promising that the full judgment would not come during his lifetime ([2 Kings 22:20](/2-kings/22-20 "2 Kings 22:20 - God's Promise to Josiah")). This demonstrates that while individual repentance can bring personal peace, corporate sin can reach a point where national judgment becomes inevitable, even if delayed.

**What was "the book" mentioned in this verse that the king of Judah had read?**

Answer: "The book" refers to "the Book of the Law" that Hilkiah the high priest discovered in the Temple during its repair under King Josiah ([2 Kings 22:8](/2-kings/22-8 "2 Kings 22:8 - Discovery of the Book of the Law")). While the text doesn't specify the exact scroll, scholarly consensus strongly suggests it was either the entire book of Deuteronomy or a significant portion of it. Deuteronomy contains the detailed exposition of the Mosaic covenant, including its blessings for obedience and, more pertinently to this passage, its severe curses for disobedience ([Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")). The reading of this book profoundly impacted Josiah because it revealed how far Judah had strayed from God's commands and the dire consequences they were now facing, directly leading to his inquiry of Huldah and her prophecy in [2 Kings 22:16](/2-kings/22-16 "2 Kings 22:16 - Huldah's Prophecy of Judgment").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The judgment pronounced in [2 Kings 22:16](/2-kings/22-16 "2 Kings 22:16 - Huldah's Prophecy of Judgment") highlights God's unwavering justice and the dire consequences of covenant breaking, principles that find their ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ. The "evil" or calamity brought upon Judah for their failure to keep the Law foreshadows the universal judgment against all humanity for sin, as "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). Yet, in Christ, God's justice and mercy perfectly converge. Jesus, the perfect [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), perfectly fulfilled the Law's demands and bore its curses on the cross, taking upon Himself the "evil" that humanity deserved ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law")). Through His atoning sacrifice, those who believe in Him are spared the wrath to come and receive the blessings of the new covenant, not based on their own imperfect obedience to a written "book," but on Christ's perfect obedience and His righteousness imputed to them ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2-corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Made Us Righteous")). The "words of the book" that condemned Judah now point to the living Word, Jesus Christ, who offers redemption and reconciliation, transforming impending judgment into eternal life for all who trust in Him ([John 5:24](/john/5-24 "John 5:24 - Believers Have Eternal Life")).

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

Daniel 9:11

Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law, even by departing, that they might not obey thy voice; therefore the curse is poured upon us, and the oath that [is] written in the law of Moses the servant of God, because we have sinned against him.

Daniel 9:14

Therefore hath the LORD watched upon the evil, and brought it upon us: for the LORD our God [is] righteous in all his works which he doeth: for we obeyed not his voice.

Joshua 23:15

Therefore it shall come to pass, [that] as all good things are come upon you, which the LORD your God promised you; so shall the LORD bring upon you all evil things, until he have destroyed you from off this good land which the LORD your God hath given you.

Deuteronomy 29:18

Lest there should be among you man, or woman, or family, or tribe, whose heart turneth away this day from the LORD our God, to go [and] serve the gods of these nations; lest there should be among you a root that beareth gall and wormwood;

Deuteronomy 29:23

[And that] the whole land thereof [is] brimstone, and salt, [and] burning, [that] it is not sown, nor beareth, nor any grass groweth therein, like the overthrow of Sodom, and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim, which the LORD overthrew in his anger, and in his wrath:

Deuteronomy 29:27

And the anger of the LORD was kindled against this land, to bring upon it all the curses that are written in this book:

2 Kings 25:1

¶ And it came to pass in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, in the tenth [day] of the month, [that] Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came, he, and all his host, against Jerusalem, and pitched against it; and they built forts against it round about.