Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary2 Kings 22

Josiah's Pious Reign; the Book of the Law ReadThis section tells about Josiah, who became king at a very young age. Even though his father and grandfather were wicked, Josiah chose to follow God. He began important reforms, repaired the temple, and, during those repairs, the lost book of the law was discovered. This discovery brought new life to true worship in Judah and led to greater faithfulness to the Lord

v. 2: Josiah did what was right in the sight of the Lord

v. 3: In the eighteenth year of his reign, Josiah decided to repair the temple. He sent Shaphan the secretary to Hilkiah the high priest to organize the collection and use of money from the people for this project (2 Kings 22:3; 2 Chronicles 34:8 ).

v. 4: The priest was to collect the money brought by the people at the temple doors, just as had been done in earlier times (2 Kings 22:4; 2 Kings 12:9 ). This money was to be used to pay the workers who would repair the temple.

v. 5-6: The money was given to honest workers for the repair of the temple. The workmen were so trustworthy that there was no need to check on them—their honesty was well known (2 Kings 22:5-6 ).

v. 7: Because the workers were so honest, there was no need for detailed accounts. This trust was a rare and positive example, showing the importance of integrity in God’s work .

v. 8: While repairing the temple, Hilkiah the high priest found the book of the law. This was likely the original or an ancient copy of Moses’ writings. He gave it to Shaphan the secretary to read to the king (2 Kings 22:8 ).

v. 10: Shaphan read the book to Josiah. When Josiah heard the words, he realized how far the people had turned from God’s commands. This brought a new seriousness and commitment to follow God’s law.

The Ruin of Judah Foretold; the Favour Shown to JosiahAfter the book of the law was found and read to King Josiah, his attention shifted from repairing the temple to seeking God’s will for himself and his people. Josiah realized how serious the nation’s sins were and wanted to know if there was still hope. His humble response and desire to do what pleased God set him apart as a true servant of the Lord

v. 12: Josiah immediately sent some of his most important officials to ask the Lord

v. 13: Josiah was deeply moved by what he heard. He tore his clothes in sorrow and sent messengers to ask God what they should do, knowing that they had not kept the commands and fearing God’s anger . Josiah asked them to inquire of the Lord

v. 14: The officials went to Huldah the prophetess, who lived in Jerusalem. She was well known and respected, and God sometimes chose women as prophets to speak His word. Huldah’s husband worked at the palace, so the officials knew they could trust her message.

v. 15-17: Huldah sent a message from God, saying that disaster would surely come to Judah and Jerusalem because the people had turned away from Him and provoked His anger. The judgment would be so certain and severe that it could not be stopped. God’s word would come true, just as it was written in the book of the law (2 Kings 22:16-17 ).

v. 18-19: But Huldah also gave a special message for Josiah. God saw that Josiah’s heart was tender and humble. He was sorry for the sin around him and truly wanted to honor God. Because of this, God promised to show him mercy. Josiah would not see the coming disaster. God said, Your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before the Lord

v. 20: God promised Josiah that he would die in peace and would not witness the great trouble that would soon come to Judah. Even though Josiah died in battle, he was spared from seeing the destruction of Jerusalem. God’s promise reminded him—and us—that those who fear Him and repent will find mercy, even when judgment is coming (Isaiah 57:1-2 ).