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Commentary on 2 Kings 22 verses 11–20
We hear no more of the repairing of the temple: no doubt that good work went on well; but the book of the law that was found in it occupies us now, and well it may. It is not laid up in the king's cabinet as a piece of antiquity, a rarity to be admired, but it is read before the king. Those put the truest honour upon their Bibles that study them and converse with them daily, feed on that bread and walk by that light. Men of honour and business must look upon an acquaintance with God's word to be their best business and honour. Now here we have,
I. The impressions which the reading of the law made upon Josiah. He rent his clothes, as one ashamed of the sin of his people and afraid of the wrath of God; he had long thought the case of his kingdom bad, by reason of the idolatries and impieties that had been found among them, but he never thought it so bad as he perceived it to be by the book of the law now read to him. The rending of his clothes signified the rending of his heart for the dishonour done to God, and the ruin he saw coming upon his people.
II. The application he made to God hereupon: Go, enquire of the Lord for me, Kg2 22:13.
1.Two things we may suppose he desired to know: - "Enquire, (1.) What we shall do; what course we shall take to turn away God's wrath and prevent the judgments which our sins have deserved." Convictions of sin and wrath should put us upon this enquiry, What shall we do to be saved? Wherewithal shall we come before the Lord? If you will thus enquire, enquire quickly, before it be too late. (2.) "What we may expect and must provide for." He acknowledges, "Our fathers have not hearkened to the words of this book; if this be the rule of right, certainly our fathers have been much in the wrong." Now that the commandment came sin revived, and appeared sin; in the glass of the law, he saw the sins of his people more numerous and more heinous than he had before seen them, and more exceedingly sinful. He infers hence, "Certainly great is the wrath that is kindled against us; if this be the word of God, as no doubt it is, and he will be true to his word, as no doubt he will be, we are all undone. I never thought the threatenings of the law so severe, and the curses of the covenant so terrible, as now I find them to be; it is time to look about us if these be in force against us." Note, Those who are truly apprehensive of the weight of God's wrath cannot but be very solicitous to obtain his favour, and inquisitive how they may make their peace with him. Magistrates should enquire for their people, and study how to prevent the judgments of God that they see hanging over them.
2.This enquiry Josiah sent, (1.) By some of his great men, who are named Kg2 22:12, and again Kg2 22:14. Thus he put an honour upon the oracle, by employing those of the first rank to attend it. (2.) To Huldah the prophetess, Kg2 22:14. The spirit of prophecy, that inestimable treasure, was sometimes put not only into earthen vessels, but into the weaker vessels, that the excellency of the power might be of God. Miriam helped to lead Israel out of Egypt (Mic 6:4), Deborah judged them, and now Huldah instructed them in the mind of God, and her being a wife was no prejudice at all to her being a prophetess; marriage is honourable in all. It was a mercy to Jerusalem that when Bibles were scarce they had prophets, as afterwards, when prophecy ceased, that they had more Bibles; for God never leaves himself without witness, because he will leave sinners without excuse. Jeremiah and Zephaniah prophesied at this time, yet the king's messengers made Huldah their oracle, probably because her husband having a place at court (for he was keeper of the wardrobe) they had had more and longer acquaintance with her and greater assurances of her commission than of any other; they had, it is likely, consulted her upon other occasions, and had found that the word of God in her mouth was truth. She was near, for she dwelt at Jerusalem, in a place called Mishneh, the second rank of buildings from the royal palace. The Jews say that she prophesied among the women, the court ladies, being herself one of them, who it is probable had their apartments in that place. Happy the court that had a prophetess within the verge of it, and knew how to value her.
III. The answer he received from God to his enquiry. Huldah returned it not in the language of a courtier - "Pray give my humble service to his Majesty, and let him know that this is the message I have for him from the God of Israel;" but in the dialect of a prophetess, speaking from him before whom all stand upon the same level - Tell the man that sent you to me, Kg2 22:15. Even kings, though gods to us, are men to God, and shall so be dealt with; for with him there is no respect of persons.
1.She let him know what judgments God had in store for Judah and Jerusalem (Kg2 22:16, Kg2 22:17): My wrath shall be kindled against this place; and what is hell itself but the fire of God's wrath kindled against sinners? Observe, (1.) The degree and duration of it. It is so kindled that it shall not be quenched; the decree has gone forth; it is too late now to think of preventing it; the iniquity of Jerusalem shall not be purged with sacrifice or offering. Hell is unquenchable fire. (2.) The reference it has, [1.] To their sins: "They have committed them, as it were, with design, and on purpose to provoke me to anger. It is a fire of their own kindling; they would provoke me, and at length I am provoked." [2.] To God's threatenings: "The evil I bring is according to the words of the book which the king of Judah has read; the scripture is fulfilled in it. Those that would not be bound by the precept shall be bound by the penalty." God will be found no less terrible to impenitent sinners than his word makes him to be.
2.She let him know what mercy God had in store for him. (1.) Notice is taken of his great tenderness and concern for the glory of God and the welfare of his kingdom (Kg2 22:19): Thy heart was tender. Note, God will distinguish those that distinguish themselves. The generality of the people were hardened and their hearts unhumbled, so were the wicked kings his predecessors, but Josiah's heart was tender. He received the impressions of God's word, trembled at it and yielded to it; he was exceedingly grieved for the dishonour done to God by the sins of his fathers and of his people; he was afraid of the judgments of God, which he saw coming upon Jerusalem, and earnestly deprecated them. This is tenderness of heart, and thus he humbled himself before the Lord, and expressed these pious affections by rending his clothes and weeping before God, probably in his closet; but he that sees in secret says it was before him, and he heard it, and put every tear of tenderness into his bottle. Note, Those that most fear God's wrath are least likely to feel it. It should seem that those words (Lev 26:32) much affected Josiah, I will bring the land into desolation; for when he heard of the desolation and of the curse, that is, that God would forsake them and separate them to evil (for till it came to that they were neither desolate nor accursed), then he rent his clothes: the threatening went to his heart. (2.) A reprieve is granted till after his death (Kg2 22:20): I will gather thee to thy fathers. The saints then, no doubt, had a comfortable prospect of happiness on the other side death, else being gathered to their fathers would not have been so often made the matter of a promise as we find it was. Josiah could not prevail to prevent the judgment itself, but God promised him he should not live to see it, which (especially considering that he died in the midst of his days, before he was forty years old) would have been but a small reward for his eminent piety if there had not been another world in which he should be abundantly recompensed, Heb 11:16. When the righteous is taken away from the evil to come he enters into peace, Isa 57:1, Isa 57:2. This is promised to Josiah here: Thou shalt go to thy grave in peace, which refers not to the manner of his death (for he was killed in a battle), but to the time of it; it was a little before the captivity in Babylon, that great trouble, in comparison with which the rest were as nothing, so that he might be truly said to die in peace that did not live to share in that. He died in the love and favour of God, which secure such a peace as no circumstances of dying, no, not dying in the field of war, could alter the nature of, or break in upon.
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SUMMARY
2 Kings 22:19 records the LORD's profound and compassionate response to King Josiah's deep humility and genuine repentance. Upon hearing the newly rediscovered Book of the Law and realizing the severe judgment pronounced against Judah, Josiah displayed overwhelming grief and contrition, tearing his clothes and weeping before God. This verse powerfully reveals God's character as one who discerns and responds to a truly broken and tender heart, offering a personal reprieve to Josiah even as the broader national judgment remains decreed.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This pivotal verse is situated within the narrative of King Josiah's reign, specifically following the dramatic discovery of the Book of the Law in the Temple during its repairs. When the book was read before Josiah, its pronouncements of judgment for covenant disobedience struck him with overwhelming conviction, leading him to tear his clothes as a profound sign of grief and repentance. In response to his distress, Josiah dispatched a delegation to inquire of the LORD through the prophetess Huldah. Huldah confirmed the severe judgment destined for Jerusalem and its inhabitants due to their persistent idolatry and rebellion, stating, "Behold, I will bring evil on this place and on its inhabitants, all the words of the book that the king of Judah has read" (2 Kings 22:16-17). Verse 19, therefore, is God's direct, personal message to Josiah, delivered through Huldah, acknowledging his unique response and granting a distinct mercy that delays the judgment during his lifetime.
Historical & Cultural Context: King Josiah reigned over Judah from 640-609 BC, a period marked by significant religious reform. He ascended the throne at a young age, inheriting a kingdom deeply entrenched in idolatry and syncretism, a lamentable legacy of his predecessors Manasseh and Amon. The rediscovery of the Book of the Law (widely believed to be a portion of Deuteronomy) was a watershed moment, starkly revealing the extent of Judah's deviation from the Mosaic covenant and its severe consequences. In the ancient Near East, and particularly within Israelite culture, tearing one's clothes was a public and visceral expression of extreme grief, despair, or profound shock, often accompanied by weeping. This act was not mere ritual but a genuine outpouring of deep emotional and spiritual distress. Josiah's actions were a sincere manifestation of a contrite spirit, standing in stark contrast to the hardened hearts of many within Judah who had ignored God's commands for generations.
Key Themes: This verse powerfully underscores several key themes woven throughout 2 Kings and the broader Deuteronomistic History. First, it highlights Genuine Repentance, emphasizing that God looks beyond outward show to the heart's true condition, as seen in Josiah's "tender heart" and self-humbling. Second, it illustrates God's Responsiveness to Humility, demonstrating divine compassion and willingness to show mercy to individuals who genuinely seek Him, even when corporate judgment is unavoidable. Third, it affirms the Transformative Power of God's Word, as the hearing of the Law directly convicted Josiah and initiated his profound repentance and subsequent reforms. Finally, the concluding declaration, "I also have heard [thee], saith the LORD," emphasizes Divine Hearing and Acknowledgment, assuring Josiah that his cries were not in vain and that God is attentive to the lamentations of a contrite spirit, a theme beautifully echoed in Psalm 34:18.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. Cause and Effect is central to the verse's structure, as Josiah's tender heart, humility, and outward expressions of grief (the cause) directly lead to God's personal hearing and the postponement of judgment for him (the effect). The description of Jerusalem and its inhabitants becoming a "desolation and a curse" utilizes powerful Imagery and borders on Hyperbole to emphasize the severity and totality of the impending judgment, painting a vivid picture of divine wrath. Symbolism is powerfully present in the act of "renting clothes and weeping," which are universally understood as outward signs of profound internal anguish, remorse, and repentance, signifying a broken spirit. Furthermore, the concluding phrase "I also have heard [thee], saith the LORD" employs Divine Anthropomorphism, attributing human sensory perception (hearing) to God. This device makes God's responsiveness relatable and assures the human recipient that God genuinely engages with His people's cries. This combination of devices effectively communicates the gravity of the situation and the profound impact of genuine repentance on divine action.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates God's unyielding commitment to justice alongside His profound responsiveness to genuine repentance and humility. It underscores that while corporate sin may lead to corporate judgment, God maintains a personal relationship with individuals and responds to their contrite hearts. Josiah's experience serves as a powerful testament to the principle that God is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit, offering a personal reprieve even in the face of broader societal consequences. This divine characteristic highlights God's sovereignty and His ability to act both corporately and individually, demonstrating that His mercy is always available to those who truly turn to Him, acknowledging their sin and humbling themselves before His holy presence.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Josiah's story in 2 Kings 22:19 stands as a timeless beacon, calling believers across generations to cultivate a heart that is tender and profoundly receptive to God's word. In an age where spiritual hardening can easily occur through constant exposure to sin, indifference, or the distractions of the world, Josiah's immediate and visceral response to divine truth serves as a powerful reminder of the paramount importance of allowing Scripture to penetrate our deepest being. His humility, expressed through outward signs of sorrow and internal contrition, teaches us that true repentance is not merely an intellectual acknowledgment of sin but a heartfelt turning away from it, accompanied by a genuine desire to align with God's perfect will. This verse encourages us to embrace humility as a direct pathway to God's ear, reminding us that even when facing difficult circumstances or the inevitable consequences of sin, God's personal mercy and grace are extended to those who approach Him with a broken and contrite spirit. Our engagement with God's word should always lead to honest self-examination and a willing posture of humility before the LORD, trusting that He hears and responds to the sincere cries of His children.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does it mean for a heart to be "tender" in a biblical sense?
Answer: In the biblical context, a "tender heart" (Hebrew: lêbâb with the adjective râkak) signifies a heart that is soft, sensitive, and pliable, particularly to God's word and conviction. It is the spiritual opposite of a "hardened heart," which is resistant, stubborn, and unresponsive to divine truth or correction. Josiah's tender heart allowed him to be deeply affected by the rediscovered Book of the Law, leading to genuine repentance and humility, rather than indifference or defiance. This receptivity is crucial for spiritual growth, obedience, and maintaining a right relationship with God.
Did Josiah's repentance avert the judgment on Judah?
Answer: While Josiah's personal repentance did not avert the ultimate judgment prophesied against Judah, it did postpone it during his lifetime. The prophetess Huldah confirmed that the judgment would indeed come upon Jerusalem and its inhabitants due to their persistent idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness, stating, "Behold, I will bring evil on this place and on its inhabitants, all the words of the book that the king of Judah has read" (2 Kings 22:16-17). However, because of Josiah's tender heart and profound humility, God promised him, "Therefore, behold, I will gather you to your fathers, and you shall be gathered to your grave in peace; and your eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring on this place" (2 Kings 22:20). This demonstrates God's mercy and individual responsiveness, even in the context of corporate judgment that ultimately came upon the nation after Josiah's reign.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Kings 22:19, with its emphasis on Josiah's tender heart and profound humility leading to God's hearing and mercy, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate act of humility and obedience found in Jesus Christ. Josiah's self-abasement before God's word points to the Son of God, who, though in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. Jesus' entire life was one of perfect obedience and humility, culminating in His willing submission to the Father's will even unto death on a cross (Philippians 2:8). Where Josiah's humility brought a temporary reprieve from judgment, Christ's perfect humility and sacrifice bring eternal salvation and a permanent hearing before God for all who believe. He is the ultimate Lamb of God, whose tender heart and perfect obedience absorbed the full curse and desolation that humanity deserved, for He who knew no sin became sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. Through His finished work, we, like Josiah, can approach God with a contrite spirit, knowing that our cries are not only heard but answered through the intercession of our great High Priest, who perfectly fulfilled the law and bore its judgment on our behalf.