2 Kings 23:2

KJV

And the king went up into the house of the LORD, and all the men of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem with him, and the priests, and the prophets, and all the people, both small and great: and he read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant which was found in the house of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the king {H4428} went up {H5927} into the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}, and all the men {H376} of Judah {H3063} and all the inhabitants {H3427} of Jerusalem {H3389} with him, and the priests {H3548}, and the prophets {H5030}, and all the people {H5971}, both small {H6996} and great {H1419}: and he read {H7121} in their ears {H241} all the words {H1697} of the book {H5612} of the covenant {H1285} which was found {H4672} in the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The king went up to the house of ADONAI with all the men of Y'hudah, all those living in Yerushalayim, the cohanim, the prophets and all the people, both small and great; and he read in their hearing everything written in the scroll of the covenant that had been found in the house of ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

And he went up to the house of the LORD with all the people of Judah and Jerusalem, as well as the priests and the prophets—all the people small and great—and in their hearing he read all the words of the Book of the Covenant that had been found in the house of the LORD.

American Standard Version

And the king went up to the house of Jehovah, and all the men of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem with him, and the priests, and the prophets, and all the people, both small and great: and he read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant which was found in the house of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 23:2 records a pivotal moment in Judah's history under King Josiah, detailing his decisive action following the rediscovery of the "book of the covenant." In a powerful act of spiritual leadership and national repentance, Josiah gathered the entire populace—from the highest religious and political leaders to the common people—at the Temple in Jerusalem. There, he personally read the entirety of the rediscovered covenant text, initiating a profound national revival aimed at restoring obedience to Yahweh and purging generations of idolatry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Josiah's initial response to the discovery of the "book of the covenant" (likely a portion of Deuteronomy) in [2 Kings 22:8](/2_kings/22-8 "2 Kings 22:8 - Discovery of the Book of the Law"). Overwhelmed by the realization of Judah's long-standing disobedience, Josiah tore his clothes in repentance ([2 Kings 22:11](/2_kings/22-11 "2 Kings 22:11 - Josiah's Repentance")). He then sent a delegation to consult the prophetess Huldah, who confirmed the authenticity of the book and prophesied impending judgment upon Judah for their apostasy, though deferring it during Josiah's lifetime due to his humility ([2 Kings 22:15-20](/2_kings/22-15 "2 Kings 22:15-20 - Huldah's Prophecy")). Josiah's public reading in 2 Kings 23:2 is his immediate and decisive response to this divine confirmation, serving as the foundational act for the extensive reforms that follow throughout [2 Kings 23](/2_kings/23 "2 Kings 23 - Josiah's Reforms"), including the purging of idolatry, the destruction of pagan altars, and the re-establishment of the Passover.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Josiah ascended the throne of Judah at the young age of eight, inheriting a kingdom steeped in idolatry and spiritual decline, largely due to the long and wicked reigns of his grandfather Manasseh and father Amon ([2 Kings 21](/2_kings/21 "2 Kings 21 - Manasseh's Idolatry")). For generations, the Law of God had been neglected, forgotten, and likely hidden away, leading to widespread syncretism and the abandonment of pure Yahwistic worship. The discovery of the "book of the covenant" during temple repairs around 622 BC was a monumental event, akin to finding the foundational charter of the nation. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, public readings of treaties, laws, and covenants were common practices to ensure communal understanding, reaffirm obligations, and secure national commitment. Josiah's act of personally reading the Law to the assembled nation was a powerful demonstration of his commitment to the covenant and a culturally understood method of re-establishing its authority over every aspect of Judahite life.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several major themes. Firstly, it highlights **The Primacy and Authority of God's Word**. The rediscovery and public reading of the "book of the covenant" elevate the divine Law as the ultimate standard for national and individual life, demanding attention from "all the people, both small and great." This act signifies a return to the foundational principles upon which Israel's identity and relationship with Yahweh were built, echoing the importance of the Law in passages like [Deuteronomy 6:6-9](/deuteronomy/6-6 "Deuteronomy 6:6-9 - Teaching the Law"). Secondly, it exemplifies **Godly and Repentant Leadership**. Josiah's personal engagement and public humility in reading the Law demonstrate a leader who not only commands but also models obedience and repentance, inspiring his people to follow. This contrasts sharply with his predecessors and sets a precedent for righteous rule. Thirdly, the event signifies **Covenant Renewal and National Repentance**. The "book of the covenant" explicitly references the solemn agreement between Yahweh and Israel. The public reading served as a national re-affirmation of this covenant, prompting a collective turning away from apostasy and a commitment to renewed obedience, a theme central to the Deuteronomic theology found throughout [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy "The Book of Deuteronomy").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Book of the Covenant (Hebrew, _sēpher habbərît'_):** This phrase is highly significant. It refers to a scroll containing the terms of the solemn agreement (covenant) God had made with Israel, primarily at Mount Sinai. While the exact contents are debated, it is widely believed to be a substantial portion of the Book of Deuteronomy, which frequently uses the term "covenant" and outlines the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. The emphasis on "covenant" highlights that this was not merely a collection of laws, but the foundational charter of Israel's relationship with Yahweh, binding the nation to specific obligations and promising specific outcomes based on their faithfulness. Its rediscovery and public reading underscored the binding nature of this agreement and the severe consequences of its violation.
* **House of the LORD (Hebrew, _bêth YHWH'_):** This refers to the Temple in Jerusalem, the central place of worship for the Israelites. The choice of location for the public reading was highly symbolic. It was the sacred space where God's presence was believed to dwell, making it the most appropriate venue for the re-establishment of the covenant. Gathering "all the people" within the Temple precincts emphasized the sacred and communal nature of the event, signifying a national commitment to worship and obedience centered on God's dwelling place.
* **Read (Hebrew, _wayyiqrā'_):** The verb "read" here implies a public, audible proclamation. It was not a private study session but a formal declaration intended for all to hear and understand. In an era before widespread literacy, public readings were the primary means of disseminating important information and laws. Josiah's act of personally reading, rather than delegating, underscored his personal commitment and leadership in the spiritual revival, ensuring that the message was delivered with the highest authority and earnestness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the king went up into the house of the LORD":** This signifies Josiah's purposeful and reverent ascent to the central sanctuary, indicating the solemnity and importance of the occasion. His presence in the Temple underscores his role as the spiritual leader of the nation, not just a political ruler.
* **"and all the men of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem with him":** This phrase emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the assembly. It includes the entire adult male population of Judah and all residents of the capital, signifying a truly national gathering and a collective participation in the covenant renewal.
* **"and the priests, and the prophets, and all the people, both small and great":** This further details the inclusivity of the assembly, ensuring that no segment of society was excluded. The presence of priests and prophets signifies the involvement of religious authorities, while "all the people, both small and great" highlights that the covenant applied to everyone, regardless of social status or age, underscoring its universal demand for obedience within the community.
* **"and he read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant which was found in the house of the LORD":** This is the climax of the verse. Josiah's personal act of reading "in their ears" indicates an audible, public proclamation, ensuring that the Law was heard and understood by all present. The phrase "all the words" stresses the comprehensive nature of the reading, leaving no part of the rediscovered covenant unheard. The final clause reiterates the miraculous discovery of the book, reminding the audience of the divine providence behind this momentous event.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Inclusivity** is prominent, demonstrated by the repeated use of "all" ("all the men of Judah," "all the inhabitants of Jerusalem," "all the people, both small and great," "all the words"). This emphasizes the comprehensive scope of the event, signifying a truly national, collective engagement with the rediscovered Law. The phrase "small and great" is a common **merism**, a figure of speech where two contrasting parts represent the whole, effectively encompassing everyone from the lowest to the highest social standing. This underscores the universal applicability and binding nature of the covenant for every individual in Judah. The setting in the **House of the LORD** serves as potent **symbolism**, highlighting the sacred nature of the covenant and the divine authority behind the Law. Josiah's personal act of reading also functions as a powerful **exemplum** of righteous leadership, setting a standard for future kings and leaders.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The public reading of the "book of the covenant" in 2 Kings 23:2 is a profound theological statement about the enduring authority and transformative power of God's Word. It demonstrates that true national and individual flourishing is predicated upon hearing, understanding, and obeying the divine Law. The event serves as a powerful reminder that covenant faithfulness is not merely an intellectual assent but a communal commitment that demands active participation from every member of society, from the king to the common person. It underscores the concept of corporate responsibility and the necessity of national repentance when a people have strayed from God's commands. This act of re-engagement with the Law was the catalyst for a sweeping spiritual reformation, showing that genuine revival begins with a renewed encounter with God's revealed truth.

* [Deuteronomy 31:10-13](/deuteronomy/31-10 "Deuteronomy 31:10-13 - Public Reading of the Law")
* [Nehemiah 8:1-8](/nehemiah/8-1 "Nehemiah 8:1-8 - Ezra Reads the Law")
* [Joshua 8:34-35](/joshua/8-34 "Joshua 8:34-35 - Joshua Reads the Law")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene of King Josiah reading the "book of the covenant" to his assembled people offers profound lessons for contemporary believers and communities. It calls us to consider the centrality of God's Word in our lives: Is it a dusty, forgotten scroll, or is it actively read, proclaimed, and obeyed? Just as the rediscovered Law ignited a national revival in Judah, consistent and earnest engagement with the Scriptures is the wellspring of personal transformation and corporate spiritual vitality. Josiah’s leadership reminds us that those in positions of influence, whether in families, churches, or workplaces, are called to model devotion to God’s truth, not just preach it. Furthermore, the gathering of "all the people, both small and great," underscores the communal nature of faith and the importance of corporate worship and learning. We are reminded that the Word of God is meant to be heard, discussed, and applied collectively, fostering a shared commitment to righteousness. Ultimately, this narrative challenges us to move beyond mere hearing to active, repentant, and obedient response, allowing God's truth to shape every aspect of our lives and communities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How central is the public and private reading of God's Word in my life and in my community of faith?**
* **In what ways can I, like Josiah, actively lead or encourage others to engage more deeply with Scripture?**
* **What "forgotten" truths or commands from God's Word might need to be "rediscovered" and re-applied in my life or in the church today?**
* **How does the collective response of "all the people" in this verse challenge my understanding of individual versus corporate responsibility in faith?**

### FAQ
**What was the "book of the covenant" and why was its discovery so significant?**

Answer: The "book of the covenant" (Hebrew: *sēpher habbərît'*) is widely believed by scholars to be a substantial portion of the Book of Deuteronomy, or at least a significant part of the Pentateuch, particularly the sections outlining the covenant stipulations, blessings, and curses. Its discovery during repairs of the Temple ([2 Kings 22:8](/2_kings/22-8 "2 Kings 22:8 - Discovery of the Book of the Law")) was profoundly significant because it represented the rediscovery of God's foundational Law and the terms of His covenant with Israel, which had been neglected and forgotten for generations. This neglect had led to widespread idolatry and moral decay. The book's rediscovery served as a divine wake-up call, directly leading to King Josiah's immediate repentance and the sweeping religious reforms detailed in [2 Kings 23](/2_kings/23 "2 Kings 23 - Josiah's Reforms"), aiming to restore Judah to covenant faithfulness. It underscored the belief that national well-being was directly tied to obedience to God's revealed will.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The public reading of the "book of the covenant" by King Josiah foreshadows the ultimate and perfect revelation of God's will in Jesus Christ. Just as the physical book brought light and conviction to a darkened Judah, Jesus is the living Word of God, the full embodiment of God's truth and covenant. While Josiah read the terms of the Old Covenant, which revealed sin and the need for a mediator, Christ Himself is the mediator of a "new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit" ([2 Corinthians 3:6](/2_corinthians/3-6 "2 Corinthians 3:6 - New Covenant of the Spirit")). The Law, though holy and good, could not ultimately give life ([Galatians 3:21](/galatians/3-21 "Galatians 3:21 - The Law Cannot Give Life")), but pointed to the need for a saving righteousness that comes through faith in Christ ([Romans 3:21-22](/romans/3-21 "Romans 3:21-22 - Righteousness Through Faith")). Josiah's act of gathering "all the people" to hear the Law finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ's gathering of His Church, the new covenant community, who are called not merely to hear a written code, but to know and follow the living Lord. Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus inaugurated a covenant written not on tablets of stone, but on the hearts of believers by the Holy Spirit ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - New Covenant Written on Hearts"); [Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - New Covenant in Hearts and Minds")). Thus, Josiah's reading points beyond itself to the One who perfectly fulfilled the Law and established an everlasting covenant of grace, inviting all "small and great" to enter into a saving relationship with God through Him ([John 1:17](/john/1-17 "John 1:17 - Grace and Truth Through Jesus Christ")).

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 Kings 22:8

And Hilkiah the high priest said unto Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD. And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he read it.

Deuteronomy 31:10

And Moses commanded them, saying, At the end of [every] seven years, in the solemnity of the year of release, in the feast of tabernacles,

Deuteronomy 31:13

And [that] their children, which have not known [any thing], may hear, and learn to fear the LORD your God, as long as ye live in the land whither ye go over Jordan to possess it.

Revelation 20:12

And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is [the book] of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

Acts 26:22

Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:

Nehemiah 8:1

¶ And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that [was] before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel.

Nehemiah 8:8

So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused [them] to understand the reading.