2 Kings 22:20

KJV

Behold therefore, I will gather thee unto thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered into thy grave in peace; and thine eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring upon this place. And they brought the king word again.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold therefore, I will gather {H622} thee unto thy fathers {H1}, and thou shalt be gathered {H622} into thy grave {H6913} in peace {H7965}; and thine eyes {H5869} shall not see {H7200} all the evil {H7451} which I will bring {H935} upon this place {H4725}. And they brought {H7725} the king {H4428} word {H1697} again {H7725}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore I will gather you to your ancestors, you will go to your grave in peace, and your eyes will not see all the calamity I am going to bring on this place.'" So they brought word back to the king.

Berean Standard Bible

‘Therefore I will indeed gather you to your fathers, and you will be gathered to your grave in peace. Your eyes will not see all the calamity that I will bring on this place.’” So they brought her answer back to the king.

American Standard Version

Therefore, behold, I will gather thee to thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered to thy grave in peace, neither shall thine eyes see all the evil which I will bring upon this place. And they brought the king word again.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Kings 22:20, the prophetess Huldah delivers a divine message to King Josiah, assuring him that because of his humble and repentant heart, he will be spared from witnessing the severe judgment and destruction that God is determined to bring upon Judah and Jerusalem. This verse highlights God's particular mercy toward individual righteousness even amidst impending national catastrophe, promising Josiah a peaceful end before the full onset of the "evil" destined for the land due to its pervasive idolatry and disobedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climax of Huldah's prophecy to King Josiah, following the momentous discovery of the [Book of the Law](/2_kings/22-8 "2 Kings 22:8 - Discovery of the Book of the Law") in the Temple. Josiah's immediate and profound response to the Law's curses – tearing his clothes in deep contrition ([2 Kings 22:11](/2_kings/22-11 "2 Kings 22:11 - Josiah's Reaction to the Law")) and sending officials to inquire of the Lord – sets the stage for this divine word. Huldah's preceding message ([2 Kings 22:16-17](/2_kings/22-16 "2 Kings 22:16-17 - Huldah's Prophecy of Judgment")) unequivocally declares God's wrath against Judah for their idolatry, promising to bring "evil" upon "this place." However, [2 Kings 22:18-19](/2_kings/22-18 "2 Kings 22:18-19 - Huldah's Prophecy of Mercy to Josiah") then pivots to address Josiah personally, affirming God's recognition of his humble heart and repentance, which directly leads to the promise of peace in death found in verse 20. The final clause, "And they brought the king word again," concludes this prophetic encounter and transitions the narrative to Josiah's subsequent reforms.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Josiah reigned over Judah from 640-609 BC, a period marked by the decline of the Assyrian Empire, which had long dominated the Near East. This power vacuum allowed Josiah to assert greater independence and initiate sweeping religious reforms. For generations prior, Judah had been steeped in syncretistic worship and idolatry, with altars to Baal, Asherah, and other foreign deities prevalent, even within the Temple itself. Manasseh, Josiah's grandfather, had led the nation into profound apostasy ([2 Kings 21:1-9](/2_kings/21-1 "2 Kings 21:1-9 - Manasseh's Idolatry")), and Amon, his father, continued in this wickedness ([2 Kings 21:19-22](/2_kings/21-19 "2 Kings 21:19-22 - Amon's Reign")). Josiah's discovery of the Law revealed the full extent of Judah's covenant violations and the impending divine judgment, a judgment that would ultimately culminate in the Babylonian exile just decades later ([2 Kings 25](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - The Fall of Jerusalem")). The promise of being "gathered unto thy fathers" was a common idiom for a peaceful death and burial with one's ancestors, a culturally significant marker of honor and a good end.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes within 2 Kings and the broader Deuteronomistic History. Firstly, it underscores the **Consequences of Covenant Disobedience**, as the "evil" promised upon "this place" is a direct result of Judah's persistent idolatry and rejection of God's commands, echoing the curses outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Secondly, it highlights **Divine Mercy and Individual Righteousness**, demonstrating that while corporate sin brings corporate judgment, God extends profound grace to those who genuinely humble themselves and repent, as seen in Josiah's case. His personal piety is honored, and he is spared from the full trauma of national destruction. Thirdly, the theme of **God's Faithfulness to His Word** is evident; despite the seeming paradox of Josiah's death in battle ([2 Kings 23:29-30](/2_kings/23-29 "2 Kings 23:29-30 - Josiah's Death")), the prophecy of "peace" in death is fulfilled in that he did not live to witness the ultimate "evil" of Jerusalem's siege and destruction. Finally, it touches on the **Nature of True Peace (Shalom)**, which is not merely the absence of conflict, but a holistic well-being and completeness, even in the context of death.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gather thee unto thy fathers (Hebrew, _'asap 'el 'aboteik_):** This is a well-established biblical idiom for death and burial, signifying that one will die and be laid to rest with their ancestors. It generally implies a peaceful or natural end, or at least one free from dishonor or utter destruction, and a joining of the deceased with their kin in the realm of the dead. In Josiah's case, it emphasizes that he will die and be buried before the great catastrophe, thus being "gathered" away from the impending "evil."
* **In peace (Hebrew, _b'shalom'_):** The Hebrew word _shalom_ is rich in meaning, extending beyond mere absence of conflict to encompass completeness, wholeness, well-being, prosperity, and harmony. Here, it specifically refers to Josiah's death occurring before the national calamity. While he died in battle, the _shalom_ promised was not a tranquil natural death, but a death that delivered him from the profound anguish and trauma of witnessing Jerusalem's ultimate destruction and the exile of his people. His "peace" was a peace from the coming "evil."
* **Evil (Hebrew, _ra'_):** This term, in this context, refers not to moral evil but to calamity, disaster, or affliction. It denotes the severe judgment God is bringing upon Judah and Jerusalem, encompassing the siege, famine, destruction of the city and Temple, and the exile of its inhabitants. It is the antithesis of _shalom_ and represents the full, devastating consequences of generations of covenant unfaithfulness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold therefore, I will gather thee unto thy fathers,"**: This opening phrase introduces God's solemn declaration to Josiah. The divine "I will gather" underscores God's sovereign control over life and death. The idiom "gather thee unto thy fathers" signifies that Josiah will die and be laid to rest with his ancestors, implying a divinely appointed end that is not one of dishonor or direct involvement in the coming national devastation.
* **"and thou shalt be gathered into thy grave in peace;"**: This clause elaborates on the nature of Josiah's death. The repetition of "gathered" reinforces the certainty of his passing. The crucial phrase "in peace" (b'shalom) clarifies the specific blessing: Josiah's death, though it would later occur in battle, would precede the ultimate "evil." His grave would be a place of rest, undisturbed by the horrors that would soon engulf the nation, effectively shielding him from the trauma of witnessing Jerusalem's destruction.
* **"and thine eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring upon this place."**: This is the core of the promise, explicitly stating the reason for Josiah's peaceful departure. God declares that Josiah will be spared the direct experience and visual horror of the "evil" – the devastating judgment, destruction, and exile that God will inflict upon Judah and Jerusalem. This highlights God's mercy to Josiah, recognizing his unique righteousness amidst a wicked generation.
* **"And they brought the king word again."**: This final, concise clause shifts from divine speech back to narrative. It confirms that Huldah's full prophecy, including both the national judgment and the personal reprieve for Josiah, was faithfully delivered back to the king by his officials. This immediately precedes Josiah's comprehensive reforms, demonstrating his earnest response to God's word.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. The phrase "I will gather thee unto thy fathers" is a prominent **Idiom**, a common biblical expression for death and burial that carries connotations of a peaceful or honorable end, even if the literal circumstances of death might be violent. This creates a subtle **Paradox** or **Divine Irony** when contrasted with Josiah's actual death in battle at Megiddo ([2 Kings 23:29](/2_kings/23-29 "2 Kings 23:29 - Josiah's Death")). The "peace" promised is not a tranquil passing, but a peace *from* the coming catastrophe, a divine shielding. The entire verse functions as a **Prophecy**, a direct divine declaration of future events, demonstrating God's foreknowledge and sovereign control over history. The explicit **Contrast** between Josiah's peaceful departure and the "evil" that will befall "this place" underscores God's justice and mercy, highlighting how individual righteousness can mitigate personal suffering even when corporate judgment is inevitable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Kings 22:20 profoundly illustrates God's nuanced justice and mercy, demonstrating that while corporate sin necessitates corporate judgment, God remains attentive to the heart of the individual. Josiah's sincere repentance and humility, a stark contrast to the persistent idolatry of his predecessors and the nation, moved God to grant him a unique reprieve. This divine act highlights that God's judgment is not indiscriminate; it is precise and takes into account the posture of the human heart. The promise of "peace" in death, even if the manner of death was violent, signifies God's ultimate protection of His faithful servants from the full trauma of His wrath against sin. This principle resonates throughout Scripture, affirming that God sees and responds to genuine contrition, offering solace and protection even amidst the direst circumstances.

* [Isaiah 57:1-2](/isaiah/57-1 "Isaiah 57:1-2 - The Righteous Taken Away")
* [Psalm 34:19](/psalms/34-19 "Psalm 34:19 - Many are the afflictions of the righteous")
* [2 Chronicles 34:26-28](/2_chronicles/34-26 "2 Chronicles 34:26-28 - Huldah's Prophecy to Josiah")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The message to Josiah in 2 Kings 22:20 offers profound encouragement and sobering warning for believers today. It reminds us that God deeply values a humble and repentant heart, responding with mercy even when the surrounding world is steeped in rebellion. Josiah's immediate and heartfelt response to God's Word, tearing his clothes and seeking divine counsel, stands as a timeless model for how we should react to the truth of Scripture, especially when it exposes our sin or the sin of our society. While we may not be spared from all earthly trials, this passage assures us that God can grant a profound "peace" that transcends circumstances, shielding our souls from the ultimate "evil" of His wrath. It prompts us to consider our own spiritual posture: are we genuinely contrite when confronted with God's standards? Do we trust in His sovereign protection and peace, even when the future seems uncertain or grim? Ultimately, this verse calls us to live lives of integrity and faithfulness, knowing that God sees our hearts and promises a peace that the world cannot give.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Josiah's response to the Book of the Law challenge my own reaction to God's Word, especially when it reveals uncomfortable truths?**
* **In what ways can I seek God's "peace" (shalom) in my life, even when facing difficult or chaotic circumstances?**
* **How does this passage encourage me about God's mercy toward individual righteousness, even amidst widespread societal sin?**
* **What "evil" might God be sparing me from, or what "peace" is He offering, that I might not fully recognize?**

### FAQ

**How was Josiah gathered "in peace" if he died in battle at Megiddo?**

Answer: The "peace" promised to Josiah in [2 Kings 22:20](/2_kings/22-20 "2 Kings 22:20 - Josiah's Peaceful End") does not refer to a tranquil, natural death, but rather to a death that would occur *before* the great national catastrophe of Jerusalem's destruction and the Babylonian exile. While Josiah did indeed die violently in battle against Pharaoh Neco at Megiddo ([2 Kings 23:29](/2_kings/23-29 "2 Kings 23:29 - Josiah's Death at Megiddo")), God's promise was fulfilled in that Josiah was spared the profound anguish and trauma of witnessing the siege, famine, destruction of the Temple, and the exile of his people. His "peace" was a peace *from* the ultimate "evil" that would befall "this place," allowing him to be gathered to his fathers without experiencing that horror.

**What was the "evil" that God promised to bring upon "this place"?**

Answer: The "evil" (Hebrew: _ra'_) refers to the severe divine judgment and calamity that God was determined to bring upon Judah and Jerusalem due to their persistent idolatry, covenant unfaithfulness, and rejection of His commands. This "evil" would culminate in the Babylonian invasion, the siege and destruction of Jerusalem, the burning of the Temple, and the exile of the Jewish people to Babylon. Prophecies in books like [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/1 "Jeremiah - Prophecies of Judah's Destruction") and [Lamentations](/lamentations/1 "Lamentations - Lament over Jerusalem's Destruction") vividly describe the horrors of this "evil," which Josiah was mercifully spared from witnessing.

**Why did God spare Josiah but not the nation of Judah?**

Answer: God spared Josiah because of his unique and profound humility, repentance, and genuine devotion to God. When he heard the words of the Law, he tore his clothes and humbled himself before the Lord, acknowledging the nation's sin and seeking God's will ([2 Kings 22:11-13](/2_kings/22-11 "2 Kings 22:11-13 - Josiah's Humility")). Huldah's prophecy explicitly states that because Josiah's heart was tender and he humbled himself, God heard him ([2 Kings 22:19](/2_kings/22-19 "2 Kings 22:19 - God's Response to Josiah's Humility")). In contrast, the nation of Judah, despite Josiah's reforms, had largely returned to its idolatrous ways after his death, demonstrating a lack of genuine, widespread repentance. God's judgment on the nation was a just consequence of generations of corporate unfaithfulness, while His mercy to Josiah was a recognition of individual righteousness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The promise to Josiah in [2 Kings 22:20](/2_kings/22-20 "2 Kings 22:20 - Josiah's Peaceful End") foreshadows the ultimate peace and deliverance found in Jesus Christ. Josiah was spared from witnessing the "evil" of national destruction because of his personal righteousness and humility, a temporary reprieve from a physical calamity. In Christ, however, humanity is offered a far greater deliverance: salvation from the ultimate "evil" of sin's eternal consequences and God's righteous wrath. Jesus, the perfect and righteous King, did not escape the "evil" but willingly entered into it, bearing the full weight of humanity's sin and God's judgment on the cross ([Isaiah 53:4-6](/isaiah/53-4 "Isaiah 53:4-6 - The Suffering Servant Bears Our Sins")). Through His sacrifice, He secures true and lasting "peace" (shalom) for all who believe, a peace with God that transcends all understanding ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God Through Christ Jesus"); [Philippians 4:7](/ philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")). While Josiah was gathered to his fathers in a grave, believers in Christ are gathered into an eternal inheritance, experiencing a peace that conquers death itself, assured of resurrection and a future free from all evil ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus' Gift of Peace"); [1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death")). Josiah's story is a testament to God's mercy on the righteous, but Christ's story is the ultimate demonstration of God's mercy on the unrighteous, making them righteous through His perfect sacrifice.

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

Psalms 37:37

Mark the perfect [man], and behold the upright: for the end of [that] man [is] peace.

Isaiah 57:1

¶ The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth [it] to heart: and merciful men [are] taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil [to come].

Isaiah 57:2

He shall enter into peace: they shall rest in their beds, [each one] walking [in] his uprightness.

1 Chronicles 17:11

And it shall come to pass, when thy days be expired that thou must go [to be] with thy fathers, that I will raise up thy seed after thee, which shall be of thy sons; and I will establish his kingdom.

Genesis 25:8

Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full [of years]; and was gathered to his people.

Jeremiah 22:15

Shalt thou reign, because thou closest [thyself] in cedar? did not thy father eat and drink, and do judgment and justice, [and] then [it was] well with him?

Jeremiah 22:16

He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then [it was] well [with him: was] not this to know me? saith the LORD.