The Book of the Law Found, Huldah's Prophecy, and Josiah's Covenant
2 Chronicles 34:14-33
2 C.34.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ובהוציאם: VERB,hiphil,ptc,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- הכסף: NOUN,m,sg,def
- המובא: VERB,nip,ptc,-,m,sg,def
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- מצא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- חלקיהו: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- הכהן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- את: PRT,acc
- ספר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תורת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ביד: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Kings 22:8 (quotation): Direct parallel account in the Deuteronomistic history: Hilkiah the priest finds the Book of the Law in the temple treasury—language and narrative correspond closely to 2 Chronicles 34:14.
- Deuteronomy 31:24-26 (structural): States that Moses finished writing the law and placed the book with the Levitical priests/near the ark—provides the canonical/motivational background for why a Mosaic 'book of the law' would be in the temple.
- Nehemiah 8:1-8 (thematic): Records discovery/reading of the law and a public renewal/reform after the text is read; thematically parallels the discovery in Josiah’s time and the subsequent public reading and covenant renewal.
- Joshua 24:26 (verbal): Says Joshua wrote a copy of the law in a book and laid it up before the LORD—another ancient attestation to the practice of committing the law to an official book kept in the sanctuary, akin to the book Hilkiah found.
Alternative generated candidates
- While they were bringing out the money that had been brought into the house of the LORD, Hilkiah the priest found the Book of the Law given by Moses.
- While they were bringing out the money that had been brought into the house of the LORD, Hilkiah the priest found the Book of the Law of the LORD, written by the hand of Moses.
2 C.34.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויען: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- חלקיהו: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- שפן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הסופר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ספר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- התורה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- מצאתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,sg
- בבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ויתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- חלקיהו: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- הספר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- שפן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Kings 22:8 (verbal): Direct parallel account: Hilkiah finds the Book of the Law in the temple and gives it to Shaphan — nearly identical wording to the Chronicles report.
- 2 Kings 22:10-11 (structural): Continues the same sequence: Shaphan brings the book to the king and reports what he read, paralleling the narrative structure surrounding the discovery in Chronicles.
- 2 Kings 23:1-3 (thematic): After the law is read, Josiah leads a covenant renewal and religious reforms — thematically linked to the consequences of finding the book in the temple.
- Deuteronomy 31:24-26 (thematic): Moses’ instruction to write and deposit the law with the priests for preservation parallels the idea of a sacred book being kept in the house of the LORD and authoritative for the community.
- Nehemiah 8:1-8 (thematic): Public reading and explanation of the book of the law triggers national repentance and reform in Ezra–Nehemiah, a later parallel to the reforming impact of the temple discovery in Josiah’s time.
Alternative generated candidates
- Hilkiah answered and said to Shaphan the scribe, "I have found the Book of the Law in the house of the LORD." And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan.
- Hilkiah replied and said to Shaphan the scribe, 'I have found the Book of the Law in the house of the LORD.' Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan.
2 C.34.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- שפן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- הספר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וישב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- עוד: ADV
- את: PRT,acc
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- כל: DET
- אשר: PRON,rel
- נתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ביד: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- עבדיך: NOUN,m,pl,abs,2ms
- הם: PRON,personal,3,m,pl
- עשים: VERB,qal,inf
Parallels
- 2 Kings 22:8-20 (quotation): Direct parallel account of Shaphan bringing the book to King Josiah, the reading of the discovered scroll, and the ensuing consultation with Huldah; the material is essentially the same narrative found in Chronicles.
- Nehemiah 8:1-8 (thematic): Public reading and proclamation of the Law before the people and the leaders, with explanation and a call to heed the words—parallels the discovery, public reading, and reforming response to the book in Josiah’s reign.
- Deuteronomy 17:18-20 (allusion): Law regulating a king’s conduct—where the king is to have a copy of the law and read it all his life—provides background for why discovery and reading of the book in Josiah’s time prompt royal repentance and reform.
- Ezra 7:10 (thematic): Statement that Ezra prepared his heart to seek the Law of the LORD and to do it and to teach—echoes the principle that reading the book of the Law leads to renewed commitment to obey and instruct the people.
Alternative generated candidates
- Shaphan brought the book to the king, and Shaphan reported to the king, "All that was entrusted into your servants' hands they are doing."
- Shaphan brought the book to the king, and Shaphan reported to the king, saying, 'All that was entrusted to your servants they have done.'
2 C.34.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויתיכו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- הכסף: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הנמצא: PART,nif,ptc,ms,sg,def
- בבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ויתנוהו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- על: PREP
- יד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המפקדים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- יד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עושי: PART,qal,ptcp,mp
- המלאכה: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- 2 Kings 22:7 (quotation): Direct parallel account of Josiah's reforms—almost identical wording about counting the silver found in the house of the LORD and handing it over to the overseers and workmen.
- Exodus 38:25-28 (verbal): Cultic precedent: silver taken in census/offering is counted and delivered to those who keep the charges of the tabernacle—similar language and procedure for handling sacred funds.
- 2 Chron.31:11-13 (thematic): Hezekiah's temple reforms: collection and organization of dedicated offerings and delivery into storehouses/overseers for temple service—parallel administrative care of temple resources.
- Ezra 6:8-9 (thematic): Royal provision and assignment of resources for temple service—state-authorized distribution and oversight of funds/supplies for cultic workers, echoing the theme of official management of temple monies.
Alternative generated candidates
- They weighed out the money that was in the house of the LORD and handed it over to the commanders and to the workers.
- They weighed the money that had been found in the house of the LORD and delivered it into the hands of the overseers and the workmen.
2 C.34.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויגד: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- שפן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הסופר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- למלך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- ספר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- חלקיהו: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- הכהן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויקרא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- בו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- שפן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לפני: PREP
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 2 Kings 22:8-11 (verbal): Near-verbatim parallel account of Hilkiah giving the book of the law to Shaphan and Shaphan reading it before King Josiah; same narrative event presented in the Deuteronomistic history.
- Nehemiah 8:8 (thematic): Public reading and interpretation of the law by an official scribe/teacher (Ezra) so the people could understand it—parallels the discovery and public disclosure of the book of the law.
- Deuteronomy 31:9-13 (structural): Instruction that the law be written down and read publicly to all Israel at set times; provides the covenantal/legal background for the significance of finding and reading the book of the law in Josiah’s reform.
- Ezra 7:10 (thematic): Portrait of an official (Ezra) devoted to studying, practicing and teaching the law—echoes the role of priests/scribes (Hilkiah, Shaphan) who present and promulgate the discovered law.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then Shaphan the scribe told the king, "Hilkiah the priest has given me a book." And Shaphan read it before the king.
- Shaphan the scribe told the king, 'Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.' Shaphan read it before the king.
2 C.34.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- כשמע: CONJ
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- את: PRT,acc
- דברי: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,1,c,sg
- התורה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ויקרע: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- בגדיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Kings 22:11 (verbal): Direct parallel account of the same incident—when the king heard the words of the book of the law he tore his clothes (Chronicles' retelling of Kings).
- Ezra 9:3 (thematic): Ezra tears his garment and cloak when he hears of Israel's unfaithfulness—same mournful/repentant gesture on hearing bad news about covenantal disobedience.
- Job 1:20 (thematic): Job tears his robe and shaves his head on hearing the calamities—another instance of tearing garments as an expression of shock and mourning.
- Genesis 37:34 (thematic): Jacob tears his clothes and laments when told Joseph is dead—an earlier motif of tearing garments in response to grievous news.
Alternative generated candidates
- When the king heard the words of the Law, he tore his clothes.
- When the king heard the words of the Law, he tore his clothes.
2 C.34.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויצו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- את: PRT,acc
- חלקיהו: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- אחיקם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שפן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- עבדון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מיכה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- שפן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הסופר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ואת: CONJ
- עשיה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עבד: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
Parallels
- 2 Kings 22:12 (verbal): Nearly identical command and list of officials (Hilkiah, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Abdon/Abdón, Shaphan the scribe, and others) sent by the king to inquire of the LORD.
- 2 Kings 22:14 (structural): Describes the same mission undertaken by those named in 2 Chronicles 34:20 — they go to Huldah the prophetess to inquire about the book found in the temple.
- 2 Kings 22:15 (thematic): Records the prophetic response delivered to the king’s envoys (the message from Huldah), which is the purpose and outcome of the commission in 2 Chronicles 34:20.
- 2 Chronicles 34:21 (structural): Immediate context in Chronicles: explains why the king sent these officials (the book of the law was found), providing the parallel narrative frame for the same delegation named in v.20.
Alternative generated candidates
- The king commanded Hilkiah and Ahikam son of Shaphan and Abdon son of Micah and Shaphan the scribe and Asaiah the king's servant, saying,
- The king commanded Hilkiah and Ahikam son of Shaphan and Abdon son of Micah and Shaphan the scribe and Asaiah the king's servant, saying,
2 C.34.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לכו: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,pl
- דרשו: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בעדי: PREP+1,sg
- ובעד: CONJ+PREP
- הנשאר: ADJ,ptcp,qal,m,sg,def
- בישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וביהודה: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- דברי: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,1,c,sg
- הספר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- נמצא: VERB,nip,perf,3,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- גדולה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- חמת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- נתכה: VERB,nif,perf,3,f,sg
- בנו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- על: PREP
- אשר: PRON,rel
- לא: PART_NEG
- שמרו: VERB,qal,imper,2,m,pl
- אבותינו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+1cp
- את: PRT,acc
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לעשות: VERB,qal,inf
- ככל: PREP
- הכתוב: ADJ,m,sg,def
- על: PREP
- הספר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Kings 22:13 (quotation): Near-verbatim parallel account of Josiah’s response when the book is found—sending to inquire of the LORD because great wrath has come upon them for their fathers’ failure to keep the law.
- Deuteronomy 4:25-31 (thematic): Predicts that Israel’s disobedience will bring punishment and exile, but that in distress they will ‘seek the LORD’—links ancestral disobedience, divine wrath, and later seeking of God.
- Nehemiah 1:4-7 (thematic): Nehemiah’s prayer confesses the sins of the people and their fathers, attributes suffering to God’s anger over disobedience, and petitions God for mercy—parallels confession and appeal after recognizing the law.
- Ezra 9:6-10 (thematic): Ezra’s confession emphasizes communal and ancestral guilt and the consequences of failing to keep God’s commands, echoing the motif of parental unfaithfulness bringing God’s wrath and prompting repentance.
Alternative generated candidates
- "Go, inquire of the LORD for me and for those who remain in Israel and Judah concerning the words of the book that has been found; for great is the wrath of the LORD that is poured out upon us, because our fathers did not keep the word of the LORD to do according to all that is written in this book."
- 'Go, inquire of the LORD for me and for those who remain in Israel and Judah about the words of the book that has been found; for great is the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us because our fathers did not keep the word of the LORD to do according to all that is written in this book.'
2 C.34.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- חלקיהו: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ואשר: CONJ+PRON,rel
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- חלדה: NOUN,prop,f,sg,abs
- הנביאה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אשת: NOUN,f,sg,cns
- שלם: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תקהת: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חסרה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- שומר: PART,qal,ptcp,3,m,sg
- הבגדים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- והיא: CONJ+PRON,3,f,sg
- יושבת: VERB,qal,ptc,.,f,sg
- בירושלם: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- במשנה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- וידברו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- אליה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- כזאת: DEM,f,sg
Parallels
- 2 Kings 22:14 (verbal): Direct parallel account of the same event; nearly identical report that Hilkiah and the king's officials went to Huldah the prophetess in Jerusalem.
- 2 Kings 22:15-20 (structural): Continuation of the parallel narrative that records Huldah’s prophetic message about the book found in the temple and its consequences for Judah and Josiah.
- Jeremiah 26:24 (thematic): Names one of the same officials, Ahikam son of Shaphan, who appears in both accounts; highlights the recurring role of Shaphan’s family in protecting and consulting prophets.
- Judges 4:4 (thematic): Deborah described as a ‘prophetess’ who sat to give judgment; parallels Huldah’s role as a female prophetic authority who sits in a public place to receive envoys.
Alternative generated candidates
- So Hilkiah and the king's officers went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum son of Tikvah son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe; she lived in Jerusalem in the Second Quarter. They spoke to her thus.
- Hilkiah and the king's men went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum son of Tokhath son of Hasrah, keeper of the wardrobe; she lived in Jerusalem in the Second Quarter. They spoke to her thus.
2 C.34.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- כה: ADV
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אמרו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- לאיש: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- שלח: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אתכם: PRT+PRON,2,m,pl
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
Parallels
- 2 Kings 22:15 (quotation): Parallel account of Huldah’s response; nearly identical wording ('Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel...') and the instruction to report back to the man who sent the messengers.
- 2 Kings 22:18-20 (structural): The fuller oracle delivered by Huldah in Kings matches the content summarized in Chronicles (judgment on the nation and the specific word concerning Josiah), forming a direct narrative parallel.
- 1 Kings 13:2 (verbal): Example of the prophetic speech-formula 'Thus says the LORD' addressed to royal officials/king; parallels the verbal style and authoritative role of a prophet delivering God’s message to representatives of the king.
- Jeremiah 26:16-19 (thematic): Narrative about prophets who speak hard words to the leadership and the official/communal response; thematically related to the role and reception of prophetic pronouncements sent back to rulers or their envoys.
Alternative generated candidates
- She said to them, "Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: Tell the man who sent you to me,
- She said to them, 'Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: Tell the man who sent you to me,'
2 C.34.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כה: ADV
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- הנני: PRT+PRON,1,sg
- מביא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- רעה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- המקום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- יושביו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+SUF:3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- האלות: NOUN,f,pl,def
- הכתובות: ADJ,f,pl,def
- על: PREP
- הספר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- קראו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- לפני: PREP
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
Parallels
- 2 Kings 22:16-20 (quotation): Record of Huldah’s prophecy in the Kings parallel; nearly identical wording—God declares He will bring disaster on the place and its inhabitants because of the words of the book read to the king.
- Deuteronomy 28:15 (verbal): Part of the covenant curses: 'But if you will not obey... all these curses shall come upon you'—parallels the theme and language of bringing calamity on land/people for failure to keep the law (the 'words of the book').
- Deuteronomy 31:20 (thematic): God warns Moses that when Israel turns to other gods He will 'hide his face' and bring disaster on the land—similar causation (disobedience to the written covenant leading to judgment on the place and inhabitants).
- Jeremiah 26:4-6 (allusion): Jeremiah is instructed to warn that if the people refuse to listen God will make 'this house like Shiloh'—a threat of destruction to the temple/place and its inhabitants for failing to heed prophetic/book instruction, paralleling the judgment announced in 2 Chr 34:24.
Alternative generated candidates
- ‘Thus says the LORD: Behold, I will bring disaster upon this place and upon its inhabitants, all the words that are written in the book which the king of Judah has read.
- 'Thus says the LORD, Behold, I will bring disaster upon this place and upon its inhabitants—all the words of the book that the king of Judah has read.'
2 C.34.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- תחת: PREP
- אשר: PRON,rel
- עזבוני: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl,suff_1cs
- ויקטרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- לאלהים: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחרים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- למען: PREP
- הכעיסני: VERB,hiphil,perf,3,m,sg+1,sg
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מעשי: NOUN,m,pl,const
- ידיהם: NOUN,f,pl,abs+3,m,pl
- ותתך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- חמתי: NOUN,f,sg,pronominal_1cs
- במקום: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- ולא: CONJ
- תכבה: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Kings 22:17 (quotation): Direct parallel/oracle (Huldah's prophecy) giving the same reason—Israel's forsaking God and burning incense to other gods—and the same consequence: God’s wrath kindled against the place and not quenched.
- Leviticus 26:28–31 (thematic): Part of the covenant curses: persistent idolatry leads to divine punishment and desolation of the land—structurally parallel in cause (sin/idolatry) and irrevocable punishment.
- Deuteronomy 29:20 (verbal): Speaks of one who turns to other gods so that the LORD’s anger and jealousy 'will smoke' and the LORD will not be pacified—language and theme of wrath not being turned away echo 2 Chr 34:25.
- Jeremiah 17:27 (verbal): Warning that if people disobey (provoke God) he will kindle a fire in the gates that 'shall not be quenched'—uses the same image of unquenchable divine judgment.
- Psalm 78:59–61 (thematic): Retells how Israel's making of high places and idols provoked God's wrath; God 'was wroth' and struck them—thematic parallel of idolatry provoking unrelenting divine anger.
Alternative generated candidates
- For they have forsaken me and have burned incense to other gods, that they might provoke me by all the work of their hands; therefore my wrath will be poured out on this place and will not be quenched.’"
- 'Because they have forsaken me and have burned incense to other gods, to provoke me with all the works of their hands, my wrath will be poured out upon this place and will not be quenched.'
2 C.34.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- השלח: NOUN,prop,m,sg,def
- אתכם: PRT+PRON,2,m,pl
- לדרוש: VERB,qal,inf
- ביהוה: PREP+PN,sg
- כה: ADV
- תאמרו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- כה: ADV
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הדברים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- שמעת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Kings 22:16 (quotation): Direct parallel account of Huldah's reply to Josiah's messengers; nearly identical wording addressing what they were sent to inquire of the LORD.
- 2 Chronicles 34:27 (structural): Immediate continuation within Chronicles of Huldah's prophetic message to the king's envoys; develops the same oracle and its consequences.
- Deuteronomy 18:18 (thematic): Speaks of God raising a prophet and putting His words in the prophet's mouth—parallels the authority and divine origin of Huldah's pronouncement to the king.
- Amos 3:7 (thematic): Asserts that God reveals His plans to prophets first; thematically parallels the pattern of seeking and receiving divine direction through a prophet (as Josiah did).
Alternative generated candidates
- And to the king of Judah who sent you to inquire of the LORD you shall say, ‘Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, concerning the words that you heard.’
- And to the king of Judah who sent you to inquire of the LORD you shall say, 'Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, concerning the words you have heard:'
2 C.34.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- יען: CONJ
- רך: ADJ,m,sg
- לבבך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- ותכנע: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- מלפני: PREP
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בשמעך: PREP
- את: PRT,acc
- דבריו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3m
- על: PREP
- המקום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- ישביו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss,3,m
- ותכנע: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- לפני: PREP
- ותקרע: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- בגדיך: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- ותבך: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- לפני: PREP
- וגם: CONJ
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- שמעתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,sg
- נאם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Kings 22:19 (quotation): Parallel account of Josiah's response to hearing God's words; very similar wording describing his humility, tearing garments, weeping, and the LORD's response.
- 2 Chronicles 33:12-13 (thematic): Manasseh's repentance: he humbled himself, sought the LORD, and God listened and restored him—another example in Chronicles linking genuine contrition with divine hearing.
- Joel 2:12-13 (allusion): Calls for inward repentance — 'return to me with all your heart' and 'rend your heart and not your garments'—echoing the theme of true humility behind outward signs like tearing clothes.
- 2 Chronicles 7:14 (structural): Promises that if God's people humble themselves, pray, and seek His face, God will hear and heal them; provides the broader theological framework for why humble response elicits God's hearing in 2 Chr 34:27.
- Psalm 51:17 (thematic): Affirms that a contrite and broken heart is the acceptable sacrifice to God; parallels the emphasis on inner humility and contrition expressed in Josiah's mourning.
Alternative generated candidates
- ‘Because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before God when you heard his words concerning this place and its inhabitants, and you humbled yourself and tore your clothes and wept before me, I also have heard,’ says the LORD.
- 'Because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before God when you heard my words against this place and its inhabitants, and you humbled yourself and tore your clothes and wept before me, I also have heard you, declares the LORD.'
2 C.34.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- הנני: PRT+PRON,1,sg
- אספך: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- אל: NEG
- אבתיך: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:2,m
- ונאספת: VERB,niphal,perf,2,ms
- אל: NEG
- קברתיך: NOUN,m,pl,abs+2ms
- בשלום: PREP
- ולא: CONJ
- תראינה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,pl
- עיניך: NOUN,f,pl,abs+2ms
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הרעה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- מביא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- המקום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- ישביו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3ms
- וישיבו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Kings 22:20 (quotation): Near-verbatim parallel in the Deuteronomistic history: the oracle to Josiah that he will be 'gathered to his fathers' in peace and will not see the calamity; the people will carry out the king's word.
- Genesis 15:15 (verbal): Shares the stock phrase and motif 'go to your fathers in peace / be gathered to your fathers,' linking the promise of a peaceful death and burial with patriarchal language of destiny.
- 2 Kings 23:30 (structural): Narrative fulfillment in Kings: report of Josiah’s death and burial ('slept with his fathers'), which functions as the outcome of the promise made in 2 Chr 34:28.
- 2 Chronicles 35:24 (structural): Internal Chronicles parallel/continuation that recounts Josiah’s death and burial in Jerusalem, relating the earlier promise that he would be gathered to his fathers.
Alternative generated candidates
- ‘Therefore I will gather you to your fathers, and you shall be gathered to your grave in peace; your eyes shall not see all the disaster that I will bring upon this place and upon its inhabitants.’" So they brought back the king's word.
- 'Behold, I will gather you to your fathers, and you shall be gathered to your grave in peace; your eyes shall not see all the disaster that I will bring upon this place and upon its inhabitants.' So they brought the king word.
2 C.34.29 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויאסף: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- זקני: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- וירושלם: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Kings 22:12 (verbal): Direct parallel account in Kings: the king sends and gathers all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem—very similar wording and same action.
- 2 Kings 23:1 (verbal): Another closely related verse in Kings where Josiah commands and the elders of Judah and Jerusalem are gathered—repetition of the same assembly motif.
- Nehemiah 8:1 (thematic): The people assemble 'as one man' to hear the book of the Law read aloud; thematically parallels Josiah's gathering to hear the discovered book.
- Deuteronomy 31:11 (structural): Moses instructs that the law be read before all Israel and the elders at appointed gatherings—provides the legal/ritual precedent for assembling leaders to hear the law.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then the king sent and assembled all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem.
- The king sent and gathered all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem.
2 C.34.30 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- וישבי: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ירושלם: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- והכהנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- והלוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מגדול: PREP+ADJ,m,sg
- ועד: CONJ+PREP
- קטן: ADJ,m,sg
- ויקרא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- באזניהם: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs+3mp
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- דברי: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,1,c,sg
- ספר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הברית: NOUN,f,sg,def
- הנמצא: PART,nif,ptc,ms,sg,def
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Deut.31.10-13 (thematic): Moses commands a public, periodic reading of the law 'in their hearing' to all Israel (men, women, children) so the people may learn and fear the LORD—background for Josiah’s public reading of the covenant.
- 2 Kings 23.1-3 (quotation): Parallel account of Josiah’s reform: he gathers Judah and Jerusalem, reads the book of the covenant aloud, and leads the people in covenant renewal—the same event narrated in Kings.
- Neh.8.1-8 (structural): Ezra publicly reads the law to all the assembled people, with Levites explaining the sense so the people understand—same communal reading/hearing pattern and function as in 2 Chr 34:30.
- Josh.8.34-35 (verbal): Joshua reads 'all the words of the law' before all Israel (including women, children, and strangers) and the people respond—another instance of public reading of the covenantal law for the whole community.
Alternative generated candidates
- The king went up to the house of the LORD, and all the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the priests and the Levites and all the people, great and small; and he read in their hearing all the words of the Book of the Covenant that had been found in the house of the LORD.
- The king went up to the house of the LORD, and all the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and the priests and the Levites and all the people, great and small; and he read before them all the words of the book of the covenant that had been found in the house of the LORD.
2 C.34.31 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעמד: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- על: PREP
- עמדו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- ויכרת: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- הברית: NOUN,f,sg,def
- לפני: PREP
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ללכת: VERB,qal,inf
- אחרי: PREP
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ולשמור: VERB,qal,inf
- את: PRT,acc
- מצותיו: NOUN,f,pl,abs,poss:3,m,sg
- ועדותיו: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- וחקיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,suff:3ms
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לבבו: NOUN,m,sg,abs,poss:3,m,sg
- ובכל: CONJ+PREP
- נפשו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- לעשות: VERB,qal,inf
- את: PRT,acc
- דברי: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,1,c,sg
- הברית: NOUN,f,sg,def
- הכתובים: ADJ,m,pl,def
- על: PREP
- הספר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Kings 23:3 (verbal): Almost identical account of Josiah standing by a pillar and making a covenant before the LORD to walk after him and keep his commandments with all his heart and soul (parallel wording and event).
- Exodus 24:7 (thematic): Moses reads the book of the covenant and the people respond, 'All that the LORD has said we will do,' linking the public reading of a covenant-text and the people's pledge to obey God's commands.
- Joshua 24:25 (structural): Joshua makes a covenant with the people and sets statutes and ordinances—same structural act of covenanting before the assembly to serve and obey the LORD.
- Nehemiah 10:29 (thematic): Leaders and people enter into a binding agreement to follow the LORD and keep his commandments and statutes, echoing the communal covenantal commitment found in 2 Chronicles 34:31.
- Deuteronomy 29:12-13 (allusion): Instruction for the assembly to enter into the covenant with the LORD and to keep his commandments, providing the documentary/ covenantal background for later royal and communal covenant renewals.
Alternative generated candidates
- The king stood in his place and made a covenant before the LORD to walk after the LORD and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his laws with all his heart and with all his soul, to perform the words of the covenant written in this book.
- Standing by his pillar, the king made a covenant before the LORD to walk after the LORD and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all his heart and all his soul, to perform the words of the covenant written in this book.
2 C.34.32 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעמד: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- הנמצא: PART,nif,ptc,ms,sg,def
- בירושלם: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ובנימן: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויעשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- ישבי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- ירושלם: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- כברית: PREP,NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אבותיהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs,3,m,pl
Parallels
- 2 Kings 23:3 (verbal): Direct parallel account of Josiah’s covenant renewal in Jerusalem; similar wording about the people standing by a pillar and making a covenant with the LORD.
- Joshua 24:24-25 (thematic): Covenant renewal scene where the people and leaders formally pledge to serve the LORD and Joshua records a covenant—same communal vow and covenant-making pattern.
- 2 Chronicles 15:12-13 (verbal): Asa and the people ‘entered into a covenant to seek the LORD, the God of their fathers’—language and theme closely parallel the Jerusalem inhabitants’ covenant in Josiah’s reform.
- Nehemiah 9:38 (thematic): Post‑exilic communal covenant-making (‘we make a firm covenant’) echoing the theme of the community formally recommitting itself to God and the law.
Alternative generated candidates
- He required all who were present in Jerusalem and Benjamin to stand; and the inhabitants of Jerusalem entered into the covenant of the God of their fathers.
- He confirmed the covenant for all who were in Jerusalem and Benjamin; and the inhabitants of Jerusalem entered into the covenant of the God of their fathers.
2 C.34.33 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויסר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יאשיהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- התועבות: NOUN,f,pl,def
- מכל: PREP
- הארצות: NOUN,f,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- לבני: PREP
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויעבד: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- הנמצא: PART,nif,ptc,ms,sg,def
- בישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לעבוד: PART+VERB,qal,inf
- את: PRT,acc
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהיהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3mp
- כל: DET
- ימיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- סרו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- מאחרי: PREP
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אבותיהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs,3,m,pl
Parallels
- 2 Kings 23:25 (quotation): Parallel account of Josiah’s reign; uses similar language commending his reforms and wholehearted turning to the LORD, affirming he removed idolatry and did not turn aside.
- 2 Chronicles 34:2 (verbal): Earlier statement in the same chapter summarizing Josiah’s conduct—he did right before the LORD and did not turn to the right or left—reiterating lifelong fidelity.
- Deuteronomy 12:2-3 (thematic): Mosaic command to destroy foreign altars, pillars, and high places; provides the law-background for Josiah’s nationwide removal of ‘abominations.’
- 2 Chronicles 31:20-21 (thematic): Evaluation of Hezekiah’s reign using the same royal-commendation formula (faithful service to the LORD, divine presence/prosperity), reflecting the chronicler’s pattern for praising kings who eradicate idolatry.
Alternative generated candidates
- Josiah removed all the detestable things from all the lands belonging to the people of Israel, and he restored the service of all who remained in Israel to the LORD their God; all his days they did not turn aside from following the LORD, the God of their fathers.
- Josiah removed all the abominations from all the lands belonging to the people of Israel, and he reestablished all who remained in Israel to serve the LORD their God. All his days they did not depart from following the LORD the God of their fathers.
While they were bringing out the money that had been brought into the house of the LORD, Hilkiah the priest found the book of the law of the LORD.
Hilkiah answered and said to Shaphan the scribe, "I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD." And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan.
Shaphan brought the book to the king; and Shaphan reported to the king, "All that was entrusted to your servants they are doing."
They delivered the money that was found in the house of the LORD into the hands of the overseers and to the hands of the workmen.
Shaphan the scribe told the king, "Hilkiah the priest has given me a book." And Shaphan read it aloud before the king.
When the king heard the words of the law he tore his clothes.
The king commanded Hilkiah and Ahikam son of Shaphan and Abdon son of Micah and Shaphan the scribe and Asaiah the king's servant, saying,
"Go, inquire of the LORD for me, and for those who remain in Israel and Judah, concerning the words of the book that has been found; for great is the wrath of the LORD that is poured out upon us because our fathers did not keep the words of this book to do according to all that is written concerning us." So Hilkiah and those the king had sent went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum son of Tikvah son of Hasrah, keeper of the wardrobe; and she lived in Jerusalem, in the Second Quarter. They spoke with her.
She said to them, "Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: Tell the man who sent you to me,
'Thus says the LORD: Behold, I will bring disaster upon this place and upon its inhabitants—all the phrases written in the book that the king of Judah has read.
Because they have forsaken me and burned incense to other gods to provoke me by all the works of their hands, my wrath will be poured out on this place and will not be quenched.'" But to the king of Judah who sent you to inquire of the LORD you shall say thus to him: 'Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, concerning the words which you have heard:
Because your heart was penitent and you humbled yourself before God when you heard his words against this place and its inhabitants, and you humbled yourself and tore your clothes and wept before me, I have heard you, declares the LORD.
Therefore 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 disaster that I will bring upon this place and upon its inhabitants.' They brought back word to the king.
Then the king sent and gathered all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem.
The king went up to the house of the LORD, with all the people of Judah and all who lived in Jerusalem; and the priests and the Levites and all the people, from the greatest to the least. He read in their hearing all the words of the book of the covenant that had been found in the house of the LORD.
The king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the LORD to walk after the LORD and to keep his commandments, his statutes, and his testimonies with all his heart and all his soul, to perform the words of the covenant written in this book.
He established all who were found in Jerusalem and Benjamin to be under the covenant; and the inhabitants of Jerusalem made the covenant with the God of their ancestors.
Josiah removed all the abominations from all the lands that belonged to the people of Israel, and he made all who were present in Israel serve the LORD their God. All his days they did not turn away from following the LORD, the God of their ancestors.