This verse is part of the prophetess Huldah's response to King Josiah's messengers in 2 Kings 22. Let's break it down:
"But to the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of Yahweh...": This clearly identifies the intended recipient of the message: King Josiah. He is the one who initiated the inquiry of God. It emphasizes that the following message is specifically for him.
"...tell him, “Yahweh the God of Israel says...": This introduces the authority and source of the message: Yahweh (God's covenant name) himself, identified as the God of Israel, emphasizing the special relationship He has with the nation. This phrase is a standard prophetic formula asserting divine authority.
"...‘Concerning the words which you have heard,": This connects the message to something specific: the words of the Book of the Law that had just been discovered and read to Josiah. These are the words about which Josiah is deeply concerned.
In essence, the verse sets the stage for Huldah's prophecy. It's a formal introduction of a message from God delivered through a prophet, specifically addressed to King Josiah and directly related to the contents of the newly discovered scripture. It emphasizes the divine origin and importance of the message that follows. This is about to be a direct response to his heart and that God has already noted and taken action based upon his seeking the Lord's counsel.
Context and Significance:
The broader context is crucial. Josiah has just had the Book of the Law read to him and recognized the severity of Israel's disobedience to God's commands. He is deeply moved and sends messengers to inquire of Yahweh. Huldah's prophecy is a mixed message:
Judgment is coming: Because of Judah's past idolatry and wickedness, God will bring disaster upon the land, as described in the Book of the Law.
Josiah will be spared: Because of Josiah's humility, repentance, and willingness to listen to God's word, he will not witness the coming disaster. He will be gathered to his fathers in peace.
This verse is therefore a crucial turning point, setting the scene for the communication of both doom and conditional mercy from God.
This verse is part of the prophetess Huldah's response to King Josiah's messengers in 2 Kings 22. Let's break it down:
"But to the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of Yahweh...": This clearly identifies the intended recipient of the message: King Josiah. He is the one who initiated the inquiry of God. It emphasizes that the following message is specifically for him.
"...tell him, “Yahweh the God of Israel says...": This introduces the authority and source of the message: Yahweh (God's covenant name) himself, identified as the God of Israel, emphasizing the special relationship He has with the nation. This phrase is a standard prophetic formula asserting divine authority.
"...‘Concerning the words which you have heard,": This connects the message to something specific: the words of the Book of the Law that had just been discovered and read to Josiah. These are the words about which Josiah is deeply concerned.
In essence, the verse sets the stage for Huldah's prophecy. It's a formal introduction of a message from God delivered through a prophet, specifically addressed to King Josiah and directly related to the contents of the newly discovered scripture. It emphasizes the divine origin and importance of the message that follows. This is about to be a direct response to his heart and that God has already noted and taken action based upon his seeking the Lord's counsel.
Context and Significance:
The broader context is crucial. Josiah has just had the Book of the Law read to him and recognized the severity of Israel's disobedience to God's commands. He is deeply moved and sends messengers to inquire of Yahweh. Huldah's prophecy is a mixed message:
Judgment is coming: Because of Judah's past idolatry and wickedness, God will bring disaster upon the land, as described in the Book of the Law.
Josiah will be spared: Because of Josiah's humility, repentance, and willingness to listen to God's word, he will not witness the coming disaster. He will be gathered to his fathers in peace.
This verse is therefore a crucial turning point, setting the scene for the communication of both doom and conditional mercy from God.