2 Kings 22:3

KJV

And it came to pass in the eighteenth year of king Josiah, [that] the king sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, the son of Meshullam, the scribe, to the house of the LORD, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass in the eighteenth {H8083}{H6240} year {H8141} of king {H4428} Josiah {H2977}, that the king {H4428} sent {H7971} Shaphan {H8227} the son {H1121} of Azaliah {H683}, the son {H1121} of Meshullam {H4918}, the scribe {H5608}, to the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

In the eighteenth year of King Yoshiyahu, the king sent Shafan the son of Atzalyahu, the son of Meshulam, the secretary, to the house of ADONAI after instructing him,

Berean Standard Bible

Now in the eighteenth year of his reign, King Josiah sent the scribe, Shaphan son of Azaliah, the son of Meshullam, to the house of the LORD, saying,

American Standard Version

And it came to pass in the eighteenth year of king Josiah, that the king sent Shaphan, the son of Azaliah the son of Meshullam, the scribe, to the house of Jehovah, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In the eighteenth year of King Josiah's reign, a pivotal moment in Judah's spiritual history unfolds as the righteous monarch dispatches Shaphan, his trusted royal scribe, to the Temple, also known as "the house of the LORD." This seemingly administrative directive to initiate repairs on the long-neglected sacred edifice sets in motion a chain of events that would lead to the rediscovery of the Book of the Law and ignite one of the most significant spiritual revivals in the Southern Kingdom, marking a decisive turning point in the nation's relationship with Yahweh.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the introduction of King Josiah, establishing his unique righteousness among the kings of Judah. [2 Kings 22:1-2](/2_kings/22-1-2 "2 Kings 22:1-2 - Josiah's Righteous Reign") sets the stage by affirming that he "did what was right in the eyes of the LORD and walked in all the ways of David his father, and did not turn aside to the right or to the left." Verse 3 then transitions from his character to his decisive actions, specifically detailing the first major initiative of his eighteenth year. This act of sending Shaphan to the Temple is the direct precursor to the monumental discovery of the Book of the Law by Hilkiah the high priest, as narrated in [2 Kings 22:8](/2_kings/22-8 "2 Kings 22:8 - Discovery of the Book of the Law"), which subsequently triggers the profound national repentance, covenant renewal, and extensive reforms described in the remainder of the chapter and throughout [2 Kings 23](/2_kings/23 "2 Kings 23 - Josiah's Reforms and Covenant Renewal"). The initial command to repair the Temple, therefore, serves as the narrative catalyst for the entire reformation, demonstrating how a seemingly administrative task can open the door to divine revelation and national transformation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Josiah's reign (640-609 BC) occurred during a period of significant geopolitical flux, as the dominant Assyrian Empire was in decline, providing smaller nations like Judah a window of opportunity for greater autonomy and internal reform. Judah had suffered under decades of intense idolatry and spiritual apostasy, particularly during the lengthy reign of Josiah's grandfather, Manasseh ([2 Kings 21:1-18](/2_kings/21-1-18 "2 Kings 21:1-18 - Manasseh's Wicked Reign")), and the brief, wicked reign of his father, Amon ([2 Kings 21:19-26](/2_kings/21-19-26 "2 Kings 21:19-26 - Amon's Short Reign")). The Temple, once the glorious center of Israelite worship, had fallen into severe disrepair and likely desecration, reflecting the nation's profound spiritual decay. Josiah, who began his reign at age eight, had already initiated religious reforms earlier (at age 12 and 20, as detailed in [2 Chronicles 34:3-7](/2_chronicles/34-3-7 "2 Chronicles 34:3-7 - Josiah's Early Reforms")), but the actions in his eighteenth year represent a more comprehensive, official, and state-sponsored effort to purify and restore the national worship. The role of the "scribe" (Hebrew _sopher_) like Shaphan was crucial in ancient Near Eastern courts, serving as a high-ranking royal official responsible for administration, record-keeping, and communication, underscoring the official and serious nature of the king's command.

* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces and reinforces several key themes prevalent in the Books of Kings and the broader Deuteronomistic History. Firstly, it powerfully highlights **Righteous Leadership**, showcasing Josiah as a king who actively seeks to honor God and reverse generations of spiritual decline, setting a stark contrast to many of his predecessors. His proactive decision to repair the Temple demonstrates a profound commitment to restoring proper worship and the physical dwelling place of God, underscoring the theme of **Care for God's House**. The dilapidated state of the Temple itself functions as a potent **Symbol of Spiritual Neglect**, while Josiah's initiative to repair it symbolizes a renewed commitment to the covenant and a desire for national spiritual restoration. Most significantly, this seemingly mundane administrative act serves as a **Preparation for Revival**. The sending of Shaphan to the Temple for repairs directly leads to the discovery of the Book of the Law ([2 Kings 22:8](/2_kings/22-8 "2 Kings 22:8 - Discovery of the Book of the Law")), which becomes the catalytic event for a profound national repentance and covenant renewal, demonstrating God's sovereign hand in using ordinary actions to bring about extraordinary spiritual transformation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Year (Hebrew, _shâneh'_):** (H8141) This word signifies a revolution of time, a complete cycle of seasons. Its use here, in conjunction with "eighteenth," precisely dates the commencement of Josiah's most significant reforms. The specific mention of the "eighteenth year" is not merely chronological but highlights a mature and decisive phase of Josiah's reign, indicating a deliberate, comprehensive, and state-sponsored effort at religious renewal, distinct from earlier, more personal reforms.
* **Shaphan (Hebrew, _shâphân'_):** (H8227) While the name literally means "rock badger" or "hyrax," in this context, Shaphan is identified as "the son of Azaliah, the son of Meshullam," establishing his prominent lineage and position within the royal court. As a trusted and high-ranking official, King Josiah's choice of Shaphan for this sensitive mission to the Temple underscores his reliability, administrative competence, and the official nature of the king's command. His integrity would prove crucial in the subsequent events.
* **Scribe (Hebrew, _çâphar'_):** (H5608) In ancient Israel, a "scribe" (_sopher_) was far more than a mere copyist. This was a highly educated and influential official, often serving as a royal secretary, treasurer, or even a legal expert and advisor to the king. Shaphan's designation as "the scribe" emphasizes the authoritative, administrative, and formal nature of Josiah's decree concerning the Temple repairs. His role was central to the king's administration, making him the ideal person to oversee such a vital national initiative.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass in the eighteenth year of king Josiah,"**: This introductory phrase meticulously sets the precise chronological context for the monumental events that are about to unfold. The "eighteenth year" is not an arbitrary detail; it signifies a mature phase of Josiah's reign, when he was approximately 26 years old, old enough to take decisive action after years of personal spiritual growth and earlier, more localized reforms. It marks the commencement of the most significant and comprehensive phase of his national reformation efforts.
* **"that the king sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, the son of Meshullam, the scribe,"**: This clause identifies the specific agent of the king's will and highlights the official nature of the mission. King Josiah, exercising his royal authority, dispatches a named individual—Shaphan—who is further identified by his distinguished lineage and, crucially, by his esteemed office as "the scribe." This detail underscores the formality and deliberate intent behind the mission, emphasizing that it was a formal royal directive carried out by a trusted and high-ranking administrator.
* **"to the house of the LORD, saying,"**: This final clause specifies both the destination and the immediate purpose of Shaphan's mission. "The house of the LORD" refers to the Temple in Jerusalem, the central sanctuary for the worship of Yahweh, which had fallen into great disrepair. The concluding phrase "saying" indicates that Shaphan was sent with a specific message or detailed instructions, which are then elaborated upon in the subsequent verses ([2 Kings 22:4-7](/2_kings/22-4-7 "2 Kings 22:4-7 - Instructions for Temple Repair")), detailing the collection of funds and the commencement of repair work. This seemingly simple act of sending a messenger to the Temple is the initial, divinely orchestrated step in a sequence of events that would lead to profound national spiritual renewal.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Narrative Pacing** and **Foreshadowing**. The deliberate and somewhat formal introduction of Josiah's "eighteenth year" and the detailed identification of Shaphan and his lineage contribute to a slow, measured narrative pacing, building anticipation for the significant events that are about to unfold. This measured pace emphasizes the weight and importance of the king's command, signaling that this is no ordinary administrative task. More importantly, the verse functions as a powerful instance of **Foreshadowing**. While it merely describes the dispatch of a scribe for Temple repairs, the reader familiar with the subsequent narrative knows that this seemingly administrative act is the direct catalyst for the discovery of the Book of the Law ([2 Kings 22:8](/2_kings/22-8 "2 Kings 22:8 - Discovery of the Book of the Law")), leading to the great national revival. The mundane act of sending a messenger subtly hints at the monumental spiritual transformation that will follow, demonstrating God's ability to work through ordinary means to achieve extraordinary ends. Additionally, the implied dilapidated state of the Temple functions as **Symbolism**, representing the spiritual decay of Judah, and Josiah's initiative to repair it symbolizes his righteous desire for national spiritual restoration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, though brief, is pregnant with theological significance, underscoring the importance of righteous leadership in fostering national spiritual health and the divine orchestration of events. Josiah's initiative to repair the Temple demonstrates a profound understanding of the sacredness of God's dwelling place and the necessity of maintaining proper worship. It highlights that true spiritual revival often begins with practical acts of obedience and a renewed focus on God's presence and commands. The subsequent discovery of the Book of the Law during these repairs is not a mere coincidence but a testament to God's providence, revealing His word to a people who had long neglected it. This narrative reminds us that God often works through the faithfulness of His servants, even in seemingly administrative tasks, to bring about His greater purposes of restoration and covenant renewal.

* [2 Chronicles 34:8-13](/2_chronicles/34-8-13 "2 Chronicles 34:8-13 - Temple Repair in Chronicles")
* [Nehemiah 2:17-18](/nehemiah/2-17-18 "Nehemiah 2:17-18 - Rebuilding Jerusalem's Walls")
* [Haggai 1:2-9](/haggai/1-2-9 "Haggai 1:2-9 - Rebuilding the Temple")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Josiah sending Shaphan to the Temple serves as a powerful reminder that genuine spiritual renewal often begins with a proactive, intentional commitment to God's priorities, even in seemingly mundane tasks. Josiah's action was not a spontaneous whim but a deliberate step rooted in his righteous character and profound desire to honor God. For us today, this translates into a call to examine our "temples" – our local church communities, our homes, and our individual lives as temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19-20 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Our Bodies as Temples")). Are there areas of neglect, disrepair, or spiritual apathy that need attention and proactive care? Just as Josiah initiated physical repairs, we are called to address spiritual and relational "repairs" through sincere repentance, genuine reconciliation, and a renewed dedication to God's word and His purposes. Furthermore, Shaphan's faithful service, though not the central figure of the revival, was instrumental in facilitating its commencement. This reminds us that every act of obedience, no matter how small or administrative, can be a vital link in God's grand plan, contributing significantly to a larger work of spiritual awakening and transformation in our communities and beyond.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "temples" in your life (personal, communal, spiritual) might be in need of repair or renewed attention, and what practical steps can you take to address them?**
* **How does Josiah's proactive, righteous leadership inspire you to take initiative in your own sphere of influence for God's glory and the good of others?**
* **In what ways might your seemingly ordinary acts of faithfulness or diligent service be part of God's larger, extraordinary plan for spiritual renewal in your context?**

### FAQ
**Why is the "eighteenth year" of Josiah's reign specifically mentioned?**

Answer: The mention of the "eighteenth year" is significant for several reasons. Chronologically, it indicates Josiah was approximately 26 years old, having begun his reign at age eight ([2 Kings 22:1](/2_kings/22-1 "2 Kings 22:1 - Josiah's Age at Accession")). While he had initiated some reforms earlier in his reign (at age 12 and 20, according to [2 Chronicles 34:3-7](/2_chronicles/34-3-7 "2 Chronicles 34:3-7 - Josiah's Early Reforms")), the eighteenth year marks a more mature, comprehensive, and official state-sponsored effort at religious renewal. It signifies a decisive turning point where the king, now a seasoned ruler, commits the full weight of his royal authority to a national reformation, setting the stage for the rediscovery of 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 the subsequent widespread covenant renewal.

**Who was Shaphan, and why was he chosen for this mission?**

Answer: Shaphan was a highly trusted and influential royal scribe, a high-ranking official in King Josiah's administration. His full title, "Shaphan the son of Azaliah, the son of Meshullam," indicates his prominent lineage and established position. As a scribe (_sopher_), he was not merely a copyist but a key administrator, likely involved in royal correspondence, records, and even advising the king. He was chosen for this mission to the Temple due to his position of trust, his administrative competence, and his ability to accurately convey the king's instructions to Hilkiah the high priest. His involvement underscores the official and serious nature of Josiah's command to initiate Temple repairs, which would ultimately lead to the momentous discovery of the Book of the Law ([2 Kings 22:8](/2_kings/22-8 "2 Kings 22:8 - Discovery of the Book of the Law")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The seemingly administrative act of King Josiah sending Shaphan to repair the dilapidated Temple in [2 Kings 22:3](/2_kings/22-3 "2 Kings 22:3 - Josiah Sends Shaphan to the Temple") finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. The physical Temple in Jerusalem was the dwelling place of God among His people, a type and shadow of God's desire to dwell with humanity. Yet, like the Temple in Josiah's day, humanity had become dilapidated and defiled by sin, unable to truly host the divine presence. Jesus Christ is the true and ultimate Temple, the very embodiment of God dwelling among us, as declared in [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") ("the Word became flesh and dwelt among us"). He is the one who came not merely to repair a physical structure but to restore the broken relationship between God and humanity, cleansing the true "house of the LORD" through His perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection. Just as the Temple repair led to the rediscovery of the Law and a national revival, Christ's work leads to the full revelation of God's truth and the spiritual renewal of all who believe, making them living temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")). He is the greater Josiah, the righteous King who initiates the ultimate restoration, not just of a building, but of the very hearts and lives of His people, ushering in an eternal covenant of grace and establishing a spiritual kingdom where God truly dwells among His redeemed.

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

2 Chronicles 34:3

For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet young, he began to seek after the God of David his father: and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem from the high places, and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images.

2 Chronicles 34:33

And Josiah took away all the abominations out of all the countries that [pertained] to the children of Israel, and made all that were present in Israel to serve, [even] to serve the LORD their God. [And] all his days they departed not from following the LORD, the God of their fathers.