What does 2 Kings 22:13 mean?
"Go ye, enquire of the LORD for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that is found: for great is the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this book, to do according unto all that which is written concerning us." - 2 Kings 22:13
The verse 2 Kings 22:13 is a part of the Old Testament and is a part of the narrative of King Josiah's reforms. In this verse, the high priest Hilkiah relays to the scribe Shaphan the words of the book of the law that had been found in the temple. The verse reads:
"Go ye, enquire of the Lord for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that is found: for great is the wrath of the Lord that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this book, to do according unto all that which is written concerning us."
The context of this verse is important to understand its significance. At the time of this verse, King Josiah had just begun his reign, and he was motivated to bring about a spiritual revival in the kingdom of Judah. It was during the renovation of the temple that the high priest Hilkiah found the Book of the Law, which had been lost and forgotten for many years. When the words of the book were read to King Josiah, he tore his clothes in repentance and sought to inquire of the Lord about the words of the book.
The themes present in this verse are repentance, obedience to God's word, and seeking the will of God. The verse reveals the deep concern that King Josiah and the people of Judah felt upon hearing the words of the book. They recognized that they had strayed from God's commands and were now facing the wrath of the Lord. The discovery of the Book of the Law and the subsequent reaction of King Josiah and the people highlights the importance of knowing and obeying God's word. It also emphasizes the significance of seeking the will of God and understanding the consequences of disobedience.
The symbolism in this verse is also profound. The Book of the Law itself symbolizes the word of God and the covenant between God and His people. Its discovery after being lost and forgotten for so long can be seen as a symbol of spiritual renewal and rediscovery of God's truth. King Josiah's tearing of his clothes represents a heartfelt repentance and willingness to humble himself before God. The act of seeking the Lord's will through inquiring signifies a desire for guidance and restoration.
The verse 2 Kings 22:13 is a powerful reminder of the importance of God's word and the significance of obedience to His commands. It serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of straying from God's will and the need for repentance and seeking the Lord's guidance. The narrative of King Josiah's reforms following the discovery of the Book of the Law serves as an inspiration for believers to seek spiritual renewal and a deeper understanding of God's truth. This verse continues to be relevant today, urging people to turn to God and His word, and to seek His will in all aspects of their lives.
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2 Kings 22:13 - "Go ye, enquire of the LORD for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that is found: for great is the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this book, to do according unto all that which is written concerning us."
"Go ye, enquire of the LORD for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that is found: for great is the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this book, to do according unto all that which is written concerning us." - 2 Kings 22:13
2 Kings 13:22 - "¶ But Hazael king of Syria oppressed Israel all the days of Jehoahaz."
"¶ But Hazael king of Syria oppressed Israel all the days of Jehoahaz." - 2 Kings 13:22
2 Kings 13:13 - "And Joash slept with his fathers; and Jeroboam sat upon his throne: and Joash was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel."
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 2:22 - "So the waters were healed unto this day, according to the saying of Elisha which he spake."
2 Kings 14:22 - "He built Elath, and restored it to Judah, after that the king slept with his fathers."
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 21:22 - "And he forsook the LORD God of his fathers, and walked not in the way of the LORD."
2 Kings 13:8 - "¶ Now the rest of the acts of Jehoahaz, and all that he did, and his might, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"
2 Samuel 22:13 - "Through the brightness before him were coals of fire kindled."
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 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 19:13 - "Where is the king of Hamath, and the king of Arpad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, of Hena, and Ivah?"
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 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 2:13 - "He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan;"
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,"
2 Kings 13:12 - "And the rest of the acts of Joash, and all that he did, and his might wherewith he fought against Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"
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 Chronicles 13:22 - "And the rest of the acts of Abijah, and his ways, and his sayings, are written in the story of the prophet Iddo."
2 Kings 22:10 - "And Shaphan the scribe shewed the king, saying, Hilkiah the priest hath delivered me a book. And Shaphan read it before the king."
2 Kings 8:22 - "Yet Edom revolted from under the hand of Judah unto this day. Then Libnah revolted at the same time."
2 Kings 13:20 - "¶ And Elisha died, and they buried him. And the bands of the Moabites invaded the land at the coming in of the year."
"And Joash slept with his fathers; and Jeroboam sat upon his throne: and Joash was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel." - 2 Kings 13:13
2 Kings 13:24 - "So Hazael king of Syria died; and Ben-hadad his son reigned in his stead."
2 Kings 22:15 - "¶ And she said unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Tell the man that sent you to me,"