What does 2 Kings 22:12 mean?
"And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Michaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asahiah a servant of the king's, saying," - 2 Kings 22:12
2 Kings 22:12 - "And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Michaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asahiah a servant of the king's, saying,"
The verse 2 Kings 22:12 in the King James Version of the Bible reads:
"And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Michaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asahiah a servant of the king's, saying,"
To fully understand the depth and significance of this verse, we must first explore the historical and literary context of the book of 2 Kings. This book is part of the Old Testament and is a continuation of the narrative presented in 1 Kings. It covers the period from the reign of King Solomon's son, Rehoboam, to the fall of the southern kingdom of Judah and the subsequent exile of the people of Israel.
The specific passage in question takes place during the reign of King Josiah, who is often noted as one of the most righteous kings in the history of Judah. At this point in the narrative, King Josiah has ordered the repair of the temple in Jerusalem. During the renovations, a long-lost book of the Law (presumably the book of Deuteronomy) is discovered. This discovery has a profound impact on the king and the people of Judah, leading to a spiritual reawakening and renewal of the covenant between God and the people.
In 2 Kings 22:12, we see King Josiah taking action in response to the discovery of the book of the Law. He commands Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam the son of Shaphan, Achbor the son of Michaiah, Shaphan the scribe, and Asahiah a servant of the king's to inquire of the Lord on behalf of the people. This passage serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative, as it marks the beginning of a period of revival and reform in Judah under the leadership of King Josiah.
From a thematic perspective, this verse highlights the importance of rediscovering and adhering to the teachings and commandments of God. The fact that the book of the Law had been lost and forgotten for so long reveals the spiritual decline and neglect of the people of Judah. However, its unexpected discovery serves as a catalyst for renewal and restoration. This theme of spiritual renewal and obedience to God's word is a recurring motif throughout the Bible, and it is particularly emphasized in the narrative of King Josiah.
Symbolically, the discovery of the book of the Law can be seen as a metaphor for the rediscovery of God's truth and the rekindling of faith. It represents the restoration of spiritual foundations and the reaffirmation of the covenant between God and His people. The individuals mentioned in the verse, including Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, Achbor, Shaphan, and Asahiah, can be seen as instruments through which God works to bring about His purposes.
In conclusion, 2 Kings 22:12 holds significant meaning within the broader narrative of the book of 2 Kings. It marks a turning point in the spiritual journey of the people of Judah and serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking and obeying God's word. The verse conveys themes of spiritual renewal, obedience to God, and the rediscovery of foundational truths. Its symbolism reflects the restoration of faith and the reaffirmation of the covenant between God and His people. This passage serves as a timeless reminder of the enduring relevance and power of God's word in the lives of believers.
2 Kings 22:12 Artwork
2 Kings 22:12 - "And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Michaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asahiah a servant of the king's, saying,"
1 Kings 12:22 - "But the word of God came unto Shemaiah the man of God, saying,"
2 Kings 23:22 - "Surely there was not holden such a passover from the days of the judges that judged Israel, nor in all the days of the kings of Israel, nor of the kings of Judah;"
2 Chronicles 9:22 - "And king Solomon passed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom."
2 Kings 13:22 - "¶ But Hazael king of Syria oppressed Israel all the days of Jehoahaz."
1 Kings 22:12 - "And all the prophets prophesied so, saying, Go up to Ramoth-gilead, and prosper: for the LORD shall deliver it into the king's hand."
2 Kings 12:14 - "But they gave that to the workmen, and repaired therewith the house of the LORD."
2 Kings 12:19 - "¶ And the rest of the acts of Joash, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
2 Kings 14:22 - "He built Elath, and restored it to Judah, after that the king slept with his fathers."
2 Kings 2:22 - "So the waters were healed unto this day, according to the saying of Elisha which he spake."
2 Kings 25:12 - "But the captain of the guard left of the poor of the land to be vinedressers and husbandmen."
2 Kings 21:22 - "And he forsook the LORD God of his fathers, and walked not in the way of the LORD."
1 Kings 22:2 - "And it came to pass in the third year, that Jehoshaphat the king of Judah came down to the king of Israel."
2 Kings 22:6 - "Unto carpenters, and builders, and masons, and to buy timber and hewn stone to repair the house."
2 Kings 15:22 - "And Menahem slept with his fathers; and Pekahiah his son reigned in his stead."
2 Kings 12:16 - "The trespass money and sin money was not brought into the house of the LORD: it was the priests'."
2 Kings 22:7 - "Howbeit there was no reckoning made with them of the money that was delivered into their hand, because they dealt faithfully."
2 Kings 14:12 - "And Judah was put to the worse before Israel; and they fled every man to their tents."
2 Kings 10:12 - "¶ And he arose and departed, and came to Samaria. And as he was at the shearing house in the way,"
2 Kings 17:22 - "For the children of Israel walked in all the sins of Jeroboam which he did; they departed not from them;"
2 Kings 12:12 - "And to masons, and hewers of stone, and to buy timber and hewed stone to repair the breaches of the house of the LORD, and for all that was laid out for the house to repair it."
2 Kings 22:11 - "And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the book of the law, that he rent his clothes."
2 Kings 12:6 - "But it was so, that in the three and twentieth year of king Jehoash the priests had not repaired the breaches of the house."
2 Kings 12:2 - "And Jehoash did that which was right in the sight of the LORD all his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him."
Jeremiah 25:22 - "And all the kings of Tyrus, and all the kings of Zidon, and the kings of the isles which are beyond the sea,"
2 Kings 12:8 - "And the priests consented to receive no more money of the people, neither to repair the breaches of the house."
2 Chronicles 22:12 - "And he was with them hid in the house of God six years: and Athaliah reigned over the land."
2 Kings 22:2 - "And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in all the way of David his father, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left."
2 Kings 12:15 - "Moreover they reckoned not with the men, into whose hand they delivered the money to be bestowed on workmen: for they dealt faithfully."
2 Kings 8:22 - "Yet Edom revolted from under the hand of Judah unto this day. Then Libnah revolted at the same time."