2 Kings 23:1

KJV

¶ And the king sent, and they gathered unto him all the elders of Judah and of Jerusalem.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the king {H4428} sent {H7971}, and they gathered {H622} unto him all the elders {H2205} of Judah {H3063} and of Jerusalem {H3389}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the king summoned all the leaders of Y'hudah and Yerushalayim, and they assembled with him.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the king summoned all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem.

American Standard Version

And the king sent, and they gathered unto him all the elders of Judah and of Jerusalem.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 23:1 initiates the profound religious reformation under King Josiah, depicting his immediate and decisive action to gather the kingdom's leaders following the rediscovery of the Book of the Law. This verse sets the stage for a national covenant renewal, demonstrating Josiah's unwavering commitment to restore Judah's allegiance to Yahweh and purge the land of idolatry, thereby marking a pivotal moment of spiritual awakening and governmental leadership in response to divine revelation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the immediate and direct consequence of the dramatic events detailed in [2 Kings chapter 22](/2_kings/22 "2 Kings 22 - The Discovery of the Law"). The discovery of the "Book of the Law" (widely believed to be Deuteronomy) during temple repairs profoundly impacted King Josiah. Upon hearing its words, read by Shaphan the scribe, Josiah's deep conviction and repentance were evident as he [tore his clothes](/2_kings/22-11 "2 Kings 22:11 - Josiah's Reaction to the Law"). He then sought divine counsel through the prophetess Huldah, who confirmed the impending judgment upon Judah for its persistent idolatry but assured Josiah that, due to his contrite heart, he would be gathered to his ancestors in peace before the full force of the calamity. Empowered by this divine confirmation and driven by genuine repentance, Josiah immediately takes the first, crucial step toward national repentance and reform by summoning the authoritative figures of the nation. This act directly precedes the public reading of the Law and the covenant renewal ceremony described in [2 Kings 23:2-3](/2_kings/23-2 "2 Kings 23:2-3 - Public Reading and Covenant Renewal").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Josiah's reign (640-609 BC) occurred during a period of significant geopolitical flux, particularly the decline of the mighty Assyrian Empire, which had long dominated Judah. This weakening of Assyrian power provided Josiah with a window of opportunity to assert Judah's independence, not only politically but, more importantly, religiously. For decades prior, under kings Manasseh and Amon, Judah had plunged into deep idolatry, adopting foreign cults, child sacrifice, and syncretistic practices, even within the Temple precincts in Jerusalem. The "elders" (Hebrew: *zĕqēnîm*) were the respected, experienced, and authoritative leaders of their communities, holding significant judicial, administrative, and religious influence in ancient Israelite society. Gathering "all the elders of Judah and of Jerusalem" was a culturally significant act, indicating a desire for widespread legitimacy and buy-in for the reforms, ensuring that the king's mandate would be communicated and implemented effectively throughout the entire kingdom and its capital.

* **Key Themes:** The immediate and broader narrative of Josiah's reform highlights several crucial themes. Firstly, it underscores **Righteous Leadership**, as Josiah exemplifies a king who responds to God's word with immediate, decisive, and humble action, prioritizing national spiritual health over personal comfort or political expediency. Secondly, the discovery and subsequent reading of the Law emphasize **The Authority and Transformative Power of God's Word**. The Scripture itself becomes the catalyst for repentance and reform, demonstrating its inherent power to convict, guide, and renew when truly heard and obeyed. Thirdly, the gathering of the elders signals a call for **National Repentance and Corporate Responsibility**, moving beyond individual conviction to a kingdom-wide turning back to God. This was not merely a personal spiritual awakening for Josiah but an intentional effort to bring the entire nation into alignment with God's covenant. Finally, this verse sets the stage for a profound **Covenant Renewal**, where the king and the people collectively recommit to obeying God's commands, reflecting the ongoing dynamic of God's relationship with His people as established in the Mosaic covenant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sent (Hebrew, _šālaḥ_):** This verb signifies a deliberate and authoritative dispatching. It highlights Josiah's active initiative and kingly authority. He doesn't wait for the elders to come to him; he takes the decisive step to summon them, demonstrating his earnestness and resolve in initiating the reform. This immediate "sending" underscores the urgency and importance he placed on the rediscovered Law.
* **Gathered (Hebrew, _ʾāsaƒ_):** This term implies a bringing together, an assembly. It points to the collective nature of the upcoming reform. Josiah understood that national repentance and covenant renewal required the participation and endorsement of the nation's leadership. The act of gathering signifies unity of purpose and the establishment of a broad base of support for the radical changes he intended to implement.
* **Elders (Hebrew, _zĕqēnîm_):** These were not merely old men but respected, experienced, and influential leaders within their communities, holding significant judicial, administrative, and religious authority. Their presence was crucial for legitimizing and implementing any widespread national change. By gathering "all" the elders, Josiah ensured that the message and subsequent reforms would filter down through all levels of society in both the capital, Jerusalem, and the broader territory of Judah, signifying a comprehensive and official convocation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the king sent":** This opening clause immediately establishes Josiah's agency and authority. It portrays him as a proactive leader, not passive, but one who takes decisive action in response to divine revelation. The "sending" implies a royal decree or summons, initiating a formal assembly.
* **"and they gathered unto him":** This indicates the successful execution of the king's command. The elders responded to the summons, signifying their recognition of Josiah's authority and perhaps the gravity of the situation (the discovery of the Law). The phrase "unto him" emphasizes Josiah's central role as the convener and the focal point of the impending national assembly.
* **"all the elders of Judah and of Jerusalem":** This specifies the scope and representation of the assembly. "All" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the summons, ensuring that no significant leader was omitted. "Judah and Jerusalem" functions as a merism, representing the entirety of the kingdom of Judah, including its capital. This broad representation was vital for ensuring that the subsequent reforms would have kingdom-wide legitimacy and implementation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary devices. The most prominent is **Action/Reaction**, where Josiah's immediate and decisive action of sending for the elders is a direct reaction to the profound spiritual conviction he experienced upon hearing the Book of the Law in [2 Kings 22](/2_kings/22 "2 Kings 22 - The Discovery of the Law"). This highlights his righteous character and unreserved obedience. The phrase "all the elders of Judah and of Jerusalem" functions as a **Merism**, a figure of speech where two contrasting or complementary parts represent the whole, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the gathering, encompassing the entire kingdom. The use of "all" further provides **Emphasis**, underscoring the universal scope of Josiah's summons and his intention for a kingdom-wide reform. This gathering also serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for the public reading of the Law and the national covenant renewal that immediately follows in [2 Kings 23:2-3](/2_kings/23-2 "2 Kings 23:2-3 - Public Reading and Covenant Renewal"), building anticipation for the significant spiritual changes to come.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates the principle that genuine spiritual revival often begins with a leader's humble and obedient response to God's Word, which then catalyzes a corporate movement. Josiah's immediate action, driven by conviction, underscores the transformative power of Scripture and the necessity of aligning national life with divine commands. The gathering of the elders signifies the importance of corporate responsibility and leadership in facilitating widespread spiritual renewal. It reflects a core Old Testament theme: the covenant relationship between God and His people, where obedience brings blessing and disobedience leads to judgment, and the need for periodic renewal of that covenant commitment.

* [Deuteronomy 31:9-13](/deuteronomy/31-9 "Deuteronomy 31:9-13 - The Reading of the Law")
* [Nehemiah 8:1-8](/nehemiah/8-1 "Nehemiah 8:1-8 - Ezra Reads the Law")
* [Ezra 10:16](/ezra/10-16 "Ezra 10:16 - Elders Appointed for Reform")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
King Josiah's immediate and decisive response to the rediscovered Word of God in 2 Kings 23:1 serves as a profound model for believers today. It challenges us to move beyond mere intellectual assent to Scripture and embrace a posture of humble obedience and active implementation. Just as Josiah understood that national reform required the collective engagement of its leaders, so too does spiritual renewal in our families, churches, and communities necessitate a corporate commitment to God's truth. This verse reminds us that true leadership, whether in public or private spheres, involves not only personal integrity but also the courage to initiate and guide others towards righteousness, even when it demands radical change. It calls us to consider our own "idols"—anything that competes for God's rightful place in our lives—and to respond with the same zeal and determination as Josiah, allowing God's Word to convict, transform, and direct our paths, individually and collectively.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How quickly and decisively do I respond when God's Word convicts me or reveals areas needing change in my life?**
* **In what ways can I, in my sphere of influence, act as a "leader" (like Josiah) to encourage others towards a deeper commitment to God's Word and His ways?**
* **What "elders" or authoritative voices in my community (e.g., church leaders, family elders) should I gather with to discuss and implement spiritual renewal?**
* **What are the "idols" or ungodly practices, either personal or societal, that God's Word is calling me to confront and remove, just as Josiah confronted the idolatry in Judah?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of gathering "all the elders of Judah and of Jerusalem"?**

Answer: Gathering "all the elders" was crucial for several reasons. First, it ensured that the king's mandate for reform had widespread legitimacy and support across the entire kingdom. Elders were the respected, authoritative leaders in their local communities, possessing significant judicial, administrative, and religious influence. Their presence at this assembly meant that the message of the rediscovered Law and the call for national repentance would be effectively communicated and implemented from the capital, Jerusalem, out to every town and village in Judah. It transformed Josiah's personal conviction into a corporate, national movement, essential for such a sweeping religious reformation. This act underscored the principle of corporate responsibility in the covenant relationship between God and His people, as seen in other covenant renewal ceremonies like the one led by [Ezra in Nehemiah 8](/nehemiah/8 "Nehemiah 8 - Ezra Reads the Law to the People").

**What was the "Book of the Law" that prompted Josiah's actions?**

Answer: While the text simply calls it "the Book of the Law," most scholars agree that it was primarily the book of Deuteronomy, or at least a significant portion of it. The content of Deuteronomy, with its emphasis on covenant blessings and curses, its warnings against idolatry, and its detailed instructions for worship and national life, perfectly aligns with the reforms Josiah subsequently initiated. The discovery of this book, which had likely been lost or neglected for generations, served as a powerful reminder of God's covenant requirements and the severe consequences of Judah's long-standing idolatry, as described in [2 Kings 22:8-13](/2_kings/22-8 "2 Kings 22:8-13 - The Discovery and Reading of the Law").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
King Josiah's righteous reign, initiated by his humble and immediate response to the rediscovered Book of the Law, serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the ultimate King, Jesus Christ. While Josiah gathered the elders to renew an old covenant and cleanse a physical temple, Christ, as the [true and greater King](/john/18-37 "John 18:37 - Jesus' Kingship"), gathers His people from every tribe and nation, not to a physical temple, but into His spiritual body, the Church, through the New Covenant established by His blood. Josiah's zeal for God's Word and his efforts to purge idolatry point to Christ, who perfectly embodies and fulfills the Law, and whose very presence purifies hearts and lives from sin and spiritual idolatry. The transformative power of the Law, which convicted Josiah, finds its ultimate and enduring power in the living Word, Jesus Christ, who not only reveals God's will but also empowers believers by His Spirit to obey it (cf. [Hebrews 8:10-12](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10-12 - The New Covenant")). Just as Josiah brought the nation back into alignment with God's commands, Christ, through His atoning work and ongoing intercession, continually draws His people into a right relationship with God, establishing a kingdom that is not of this world but is eternal and righteous (cf. [John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - My Kingdom is Not of This World")). He is the ultimate leader who gathers His flock, not by royal decree, but by His sacrificial love and the irresistible call of His gospel, leading them into everlasting covenant communion with God.

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 34:29

¶ Then the king sent and gathered together all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem.

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.

2 Chronicles 29:20

¶ Then Hezekiah the king rose early, and gathered the rulers of the city, and went up to the house of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 30:2

For the king had taken counsel, and his princes, and all the congregation in Jerusalem, to keep the passover in the second month.

Deuteronomy 31:28

Gather unto me all the elders of your tribes, and your officers, that I may speak these words in their ears, and call heaven and earth to record against them.

2 Samuel 6:1

¶ Again, David gathered together all [the] chosen [men] of Israel, thirty thousand.