This verse is part of the story of King Josiah's religious reforms in Judah, as recounted in 2 Chronicles 34. Let's break it down:
"She said to them...": This refers to Huldah, a prophetess in Jerusalem.
"Yahweh, the God of Israel says...": This is a standard prophetic formula. It emphasizes that the message is not Huldah's own, but comes directly from God. Using the name "Yahweh" (often translated as LORD) also emphasizes the covenant relationship between God and Israel.
"'Tell the man who sent you to me...'": This refers to King Josiah. A delegation, likely including the high priest Hilkiah, Shaphan the scribe, and others (as mentioned in the preceding verses), was sent to inquire of the Lord after the Book of the Law was discovered in the Temple. Huldah is instructing them to return to Josiah with the message.
Meaning & Significance
Divine Authority: Huldah's pronouncement demonstrates that God's word is authoritative and accessible, even during a time of religious decline. Josiah, despite being king, seeks divine guidance and submits to the message delivered through a prophetess.
Acknowledgement of Josiah's Role: The phrase "the man who sent you to me" acknowledges Josiah's initiative in seeking God's will. He is recognized as the driving force behind the inquiry.
Context of Discovery of the Law: The discovery of the Book of the Law (likely Deuteronomy, or at least parts of it) shocked Josiah and his officials because it revealed how far Judah had strayed from God's commands. They were deeply concerned about the consequences of their disobedience.
Huldah as a Prophetess: Huldah's role is significant because it shows that God could speak through women as well as men. She was respected for her wisdom and prophetic abilities.
In essence, this verse sets the stage for Huldah's prophecy, which will include both a warning of impending judgment on Judah due to their idolatry and a promise that Josiah himself will be spared from witnessing the full force of that judgment due to his humility and repentance. It underscores the importance of seeking God's will and the potential consequences of ignoring His commands.
This verse is part of the story of King Josiah's religious reforms in Judah, as recounted in 2 Chronicles 34. Let's break it down:
"She said to them...": This refers to Huldah, a prophetess in Jerusalem.
"Yahweh, the God of Israel says...": This is a standard prophetic formula. It emphasizes that the message is not Huldah's own, but comes directly from God. Using the name "Yahweh" (often translated as LORD) also emphasizes the covenant relationship between God and Israel.
"'Tell the man who sent you to me...'": This refers to King Josiah. A delegation, likely including the high priest Hilkiah, Shaphan the scribe, and others (as mentioned in the preceding verses), was sent to inquire of the Lord after the Book of the Law was discovered in the Temple. Huldah is instructing them to return to Josiah with the message.
Meaning & Significance
Divine Authority: Huldah's pronouncement demonstrates that God's word is authoritative and accessible, even during a time of religious decline. Josiah, despite being king, seeks divine guidance and submits to the message delivered through a prophetess.
Acknowledgement of Josiah's Role: The phrase "the man who sent you to me" acknowledges Josiah's initiative in seeking God's will. He is recognized as the driving force behind the inquiry.
Context of Discovery of the Law: The discovery of the Book of the Law (likely Deuteronomy, or at least parts of it) shocked Josiah and his officials because it revealed how far Judah had strayed from God's commands. They were deeply concerned about the consequences of their disobedience.
Huldah as a Prophetess: Huldah's role is significant because it shows that God could speak through women as well as men. She was respected for her wisdom and prophetic abilities.
In essence, this verse sets the stage for Huldah's prophecy, which will include both a warning of impending judgment on Judah due to their idolatry and a promise that Josiah himself will be spared from witnessing the full force of that judgment due to his humility and repentance. It underscores the importance of seeking God's will and the potential consequences of ignoring His commands.
