2 chronicles 34:21 - “Go inquire of Yahweh for me, and for those who are left in Israel and in Judah, concerning the words of the book that is found; for great is Yahweh’s wrath that is poured out on us, because our fathers have not kept Yahweh’s word, to do according to all that is written in this book.”
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What does "2 chronicles 34:21" mean?
This verse from 2 Chronicles 34:21 is a pivotal moment in the story of King Josiah's religious reform. It reflects his profound concern and humility upon discovering a previously lost or neglected "book of the law" (likely Deuteronomy). Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
Context: King Josiah initiated a campaign to repair the temple in Jerusalem. During this process, the High Priest Hilkiah discovered a "book of the law." When Shaphan the scribe read the book to Josiah, the king was deeply distressed by its contents.
"Go inquire of Yahweh for me, and for those who are left in Israel and in Judah...": Josiah doesn't assume he understands the full implications of the book. He recognizes his need for divine guidance. He instructs a delegation (including Hilkiah, Shaphan, and others) to seek the Lord's counsel on behalf of himself, the remnant of Israel (the northern kingdom had already been exiled), and Judah. He is acting responsibly as a leader seeking to understand God's will.
"...concerning the words of the book that is found...": The inquiry is specifically about the newly discovered book of the law. This implies the book contained laws, commandments, and warnings that were unfamiliar or had been ignored. The implication is that the people had been living in violation of God's covenant.
"...for great is Yahweh’s wrath that is poured out on us...": Josiah understands the severity of the situation. Based on what he heard in the book, he fears God's judgment due to the nation's disobedience. He recognizes that the calamities they might have been facing (political instability, economic hardship) were potentially signs of God's displeasure.
"...because our fathers have not kept Yahweh’s word, to do according to all that is written in this book.": Josiah pinpoints the root cause: the failure of previous generations to obey God's laws as laid out in the discovered book. He understands that the current generation is suffering the consequences of past sins. The neglect of the law is seen as a direct cause of God's wrath.
In essence, this verse reveals:
Josiah's humility and fear of the Lord: He doesn't rely on his own understanding but seeks divine guidance.
Recognition of national sin: He acknowledges that the nation has strayed from God's commands and that this disobedience has consequences.
Desire for repentance: By seeking to understand God's will, Josiah is essentially taking the first step towards repentance and reform.
Importance of Scripture: The discovery and reading of the book of the law emphasizes the central role of Scripture in guiding the lives of individuals and the nation.
Consequences of disobedience: The verse highlights the idea that neglecting God's law leads to His judgment.
The verse sets the stage for the prophetic response that will follow (through the prophet Huldah) and for Josiah's subsequent reforms aimed at restoring proper worship and obedience to Yahweh. It's a testament to the importance of rediscovering and applying God's Word to one's life and to the life of a nation.
2 chronicles 34:21 - “Go inquire of Yahweh for me, and for those who are left in Israel and in Judah, concerning the words of the book that is found; for great is Yahweh’s wrath that is poured out on us, because our fathers have not kept Yahweh’s word, to do according to all that is written in this book.”
What does "2 chronicles 34:21" mean?
This verse from 2 Chronicles 34:21 is a pivotal moment in the story of King Josiah's religious reform. It reflects his profound concern and humility upon discovering a previously lost or neglected "book of the law" (likely Deuteronomy). Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
Context: King Josiah initiated a campaign to repair the temple in Jerusalem. During this process, the High Priest Hilkiah discovered a "book of the law." When Shaphan the scribe read the book to Josiah, the king was deeply distressed by its contents.
"Go inquire of Yahweh for me, and for those who are left in Israel and in Judah...": Josiah doesn't assume he understands the full implications of the book. He recognizes his need for divine guidance. He instructs a delegation (including Hilkiah, Shaphan, and others) to seek the Lord's counsel on behalf of himself, the remnant of Israel (the northern kingdom had already been exiled), and Judah. He is acting responsibly as a leader seeking to understand God's will.
"...concerning the words of the book that is found...": The inquiry is specifically about the newly discovered book of the law. This implies the book contained laws, commandments, and warnings that were unfamiliar or had been ignored. The implication is that the people had been living in violation of God's covenant.
"...for great is Yahweh’s wrath that is poured out on us...": Josiah understands the severity of the situation. Based on what he heard in the book, he fears God's judgment due to the nation's disobedience. He recognizes that the calamities they might have been facing (political instability, economic hardship) were potentially signs of God's displeasure.
"...because our fathers have not kept Yahweh’s word, to do according to all that is written in this book.": Josiah pinpoints the root cause: the failure of previous generations to obey God's laws as laid out in the discovered book. He understands that the current generation is suffering the consequences of past sins. The neglect of the law is seen as a direct cause of God's wrath.
In essence, this verse reveals:
Josiah's humility and fear of the Lord: He doesn't rely on his own understanding but seeks divine guidance.
Recognition of national sin: He acknowledges that the nation has strayed from God's commands and that this disobedience has consequences.
Desire for repentance: By seeking to understand God's will, Josiah is essentially taking the first step towards repentance and reform.
Importance of Scripture: The discovery and reading of the book of the law emphasizes the central role of Scripture in guiding the lives of individuals and the nation.
Consequences of disobedience: The verse highlights the idea that neglecting God's law leads to His judgment.
The verse sets the stage for the prophetic response that will follow (through the prophet Huldah) and for Josiah's subsequent reforms aimed at restoring proper worship and obedience to Yahweh. It's a testament to the importance of rediscovering and applying God's Word to one's life and to the life of a nation.