Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version He gave these orders to Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Akbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the secretary and Asaiah the king’s attendant: New Living Translation Then he gave these orders to Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Acbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the court secretary, and Asaiah the king’s personal adviser: English Standard Version And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Micaiah, and Shaphan the secretary, and Asaiah the king’s servant, saying, Berean Standard Bible and commanded Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Achbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah the servant of the king: Berean Literal Bible And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam son of Shaphan, and Achbor son of Micaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah servant of the king, saying: King James Bible 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, New King James Version Then the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam the son of Shaphan, Achbor the son of Michaiah, Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah a servant of the king, saying, New American Standard Bible Then the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam the son of Shaphan, Achbor the son of Micaiah, Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah the king’s servant, saying, NASB 1995 Then the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam the son of Shaphan, Achbor the son of Micaiah, Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah the king’s servant saying, NASB 1977 Then the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam the son of Shaphan, Achbor the son of Micaiah, Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah the king’s servant saying, Legacy Standard Bible Then the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam the son of Shaphan, Achbor the son of Micaiah, Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah the king’s servant, saying, Amplified Bible Then the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam the son of Shaphan, Achbor the son of Micaiah, Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah the servant of the king, saying, Berean Annotated Bible and commanded Hilkiah (my portion is YHWH) the priest, Ahikam (my brother has arisen) son of Shaphan, Achbor (Abdon) son of Micaiah (Micah), Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah (made by YHWH) the servant of the king: Christian Standard Bible Then he commanded the priest Hilkiah, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Achbor son of Micaiah, the court secretary Shaphan, and the king’s servant Asaiah, Holman Christian Standard Bible Then he commanded Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Achbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the court secretary, and the king’s servant Asaiah: “ American Standard Version And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Micaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah the king's servant, saying, Contemporary English Version At once he called together Hilkiah, Shaphan, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Achbor son of Micaiah, and his own servant Asaiah. He said, English Revised Version And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Micaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah the king's servant, saying, GOD'S WORD® Translation Then the king gave an order to the priest Hilkiah, to Ahikam (son of Shaphan), Achbor (son of Micaiah), the scribe Shaphan, and the royal official Asaiah. He said, Good News Translation and gave the following order to Hilkiah the priest, to Ahikam son of Shaphan, to Achbor son of Micaiah, to Shaphan, the court secretary, and to Asaiah, the king's attendant: International Standard Version and issued these orders to Hilkiah the priest, Shaphan's son Ahikam, Micaiah's son Achbor, Shaphan the scribe, and the king's servant Asaiah: NET Bible The king ordered Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Acbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah the king's servant, New Heart English Bible The king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Micaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah the king's servant, saying, Webster's Bible Translation 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, Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bibleand commanded Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Achbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah the servant of the king: World English Bible The king commanded Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam the son of Shaphan, Achbor the son of Micaiah, Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah the king’s servant, saying, Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand the king commands Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam son of Shaphan, and Achbor son of Michaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asahiah servant of the king, saying, Berean Literal Bible And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam son of Shaphan, and Achbor son of Micaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah servant of the king, saying: Young's Literal Translation and the king commandeth Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam son of Shaphan, and Achbor son of Michaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asahiah servant of the king, saying, Smith's Literal Translation And the king will command Hilkiah the priest and Ahikam son of Shaphan, and Achbor, son of Michaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asahiah the king's servant, saying, Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd he commanded Helcias the priest, and Ahicam the son of Saphan, and Achobor the son of Micha, and Saphan the scribe, and Asaia the king's servant, saying: Catholic Public Domain Version And he instructed Hilkiah, the priest, and Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, and Achbor, the son of Micaiah, and Shaphan, the scribe, and Asaiah, the servant of the king, saying: New American Bible The king then issued this command to Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, son of Shaphan, Achbor, son of Micaiah, Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah the king’s servant: New Revised Standard Version Then the king commanded the priest Hilkiah, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Achbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the secretary, and the king’s servant Asaiah, saying, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the king commanded Hilkiah the priest and Ahikam the son of Shaphan and Achbor the son of Micah and Shaphan the scribe and Ashaiah a servant of the king, saying, Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the King commanded Khelqia and Akhiqam, son of Shaphan, and Abakur, son of Mikah, and Shaphan the Scribe, and Ashia the Servant of the King, and said: OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Micaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah the king's servant, saying: Brenton Septuagint Translation And the king commanded Chelcias the priest, and Achikam the son of Sapphan, and Achobor the son of Michaias, and Sapphan the scribe, and Asaias the king's servant, saying, Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Hilkiah Finds the Book of the Law…11When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes 12and commanded Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Achbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah the servant of the king: 13“Go and inquire of the LORD for me, for the people, and for all Judah concerning the words in this book that has been found. For great is the wrath of the LORD that burns against us because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book by doing all that is written about us.”… Cross References and commanded Hilkiah the priest, 2 Chronicles 34:14 While they were bringing out the money that had been taken into the house of the LORD, Hilkiah the priest found the Book of the Law of the LORD given by Moses. 2 Kings 23:24 Furthermore, Josiah removed the mediums and spiritists, the household gods and idols, and all the abominations that were seen in the land of Judah and in Jerusalem. He did this to carry out the words of the law written in the book that Hilkiah the priest had found in the house of the LORD. 2 Kings 23:4 Then the king commanded Hilkiah the high priest, the priests second in rank, and the doorkeepers to remove from the temple of the LORD all the articles made for Baal, Asherah, and all the host of heaven. And he burned them outside Jerusalem in the fields of Kidron and carried their ashes to Bethel. Ahikam son of Shaphan, Jeremiah 26:24 Nevertheless, Ahikam son of Shaphan supported Jeremiah, so he was not handed over to the people to be put to death. 2 Kings 25:22 Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon appointed Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, over the people he had left behind in the land of Judah. Jeremiah 39:14 had Jeremiah brought from the courtyard of the guard, and they turned him over to Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, to take him home. So Jeremiah remained among his own people. Achbor son of Micaiah, Jeremiah 26:22 Then King Jehoiakim sent men to Egypt: Elnathan son of Achbor along with some other men. Jeremiah 36:12 he went down to the scribe’s chamber in the king’s palace, where all the officials were sitting: Elishama the scribe, Delaiah son of Shemaiah, Elnathan son of Achbor, Gemariah son of Shaphan, Zedekiah son of Hananiah, and all the other officials. Jeremiah 36:25 Even though Elnathan, Delaiah, and Gemariah urged the king not to burn the scroll, he would not listen to them. Shaphan the scribe, 2 Chronicles 34:16 Then Shaphan brought the book to the king and reported, “Your servants are doing all that has been placed in their hands. 2 Chronicles 34:18 Moreover, Shaphan the scribe told the king, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.” And Shaphan read it in the presence of the king. Jeremiah 36:10 From the chamber of Gemariah son of Shaphan the scribe, which was in the upper courtyard at the opening of the New Gate of the house of the LORD, Baruch read from the scroll the words of Jeremiah in the hearing of all the people. and Asaiah the servant of the king: 2 Chronicles 34:20 and commanded Hilkiah, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Abdon son of Micah, Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah the servant of the king: 1 Chronicles 15:6 from the Merarites, Asaiah the chief and 220 of his relatives; 1 Chronicles 9:5 From the Shilonites: Asaiah the firstborn and his sons. Jeremiah 26:17-19 Some of the elders of the land stood up and said to the whole assembly of the people, / “Micah the Moreshite prophesied in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah and told all the people of Judah that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Zion will be plowed like a field, Jerusalem will become a heap of rubble, and the temple mount a wooded ridge.’ / Did Hezekiah king of Judah or anyone else in Judah put him to death? Did Hezekiah not fear the LORD and seek His favor, and did not the LORD relent of the disaster He had pronounced against them? But we are about to bring great harm on ourselves!” Treasury of Scripture 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 king. 2 Kings 19:2,3 And he sent Eliakim, which was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests, covered with sackcloth, to Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz… 2 Chronicles 34:19-21 And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the law, that he rent his clothes… Isaiah 37:1-4 And it came to pass, when king Hezekiah heard it, that he rent his clothes, and covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the LORD… Ahikam. 2 Kings 22:9 And Shaphan the scribe came to the king, and brought the king word again, and said, Thy servants have gathered the money that was found in the house, and have delivered it into the hand of them that do the work, that have the oversight of the house of the LORD. Jeremiah 26:22,24 And Jehoiakim the king sent men into Egypt, namely, Elnathan the son of Achbor, and certain men with him into Egypt… Achbor. 2 Chronicles 34:20 And the king commanded Hilkiah, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Abdon the son of Micah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah a servant of the king's, saying, Abdon. Jump to Previous Acbor Achbor Ahikam Ahi'kam Asahiah Asaiah Asai'ah Attendant Commanded Commandeth Hilkiah Hilki'ah Hilkijah King's Micaiah Micai'ah Michaiah Orders Priest Scribe Secretary Servant ShaphanJump to Next Acbor Achbor Ahikam Ahi'kam Asahiah Asaiah Asai'ah Attendant Commanded Commandeth Hilkiah Hilki'ah Hilkijah King's Micaiah Micai'ah Michaiah Orders Priest Scribe Secretary Servant Shaphan2 Kings 22 1. Josiah's good reign.3. He takes care for the repair of the temple. 8. Hilkiah having found a book of the law, 12. Josiah sends to Huldah to enquire of the Lord. 15. Huldah prophesies the destruction of Jerusalem, but respite thereof in Josiah's time. and commanded Hilkiah the priest Hilkiah was the high priest during the reign of King Josiah. His role was crucial in the religious reforms that Josiah implemented. The discovery of the Book of the Law in the temple, which Hilkiah found, was a pivotal moment in Judah's history, leading to a national revival. The priesthood was central to Israel's worship and religious life, and Hilkiah's actions demonstrate the importance of spiritual leadership in guiding the nation back to covenant faithfulness. Ahikam son of Shaphan Achbor son of Micaiah Shaphan the scribe and Asaiah the servant of the king Persons / Places / Events 1. King JosiahThe king of Judah who initiated religious reforms after the discovery of the Book of the Law in the temple. His reign is marked by a return to the worship of Yahweh and the eradication of idolatry. 2. Hilkiah the Priest The high priest who discovered the Book of the Law in the temple. His role was crucial in bringing the word of God back to the people of Judah. 3. Ahikam son of Shaphan A royal official and son of Shaphan, who was involved in the religious reforms. He later played a role in protecting the prophet Jeremiah. 4. Achbor son of Micaiah Another official in King Josiah's court, involved in the consultation process after the discovery of the Book of the Law. 5. Shaphan the Scribe The royal secretary who read the Book of the Law to King Josiah, prompting the king's reforms. 6. Asaiah the Servant of the King A servant of King Josiah, involved in the king's response to the discovery of the Book of the Law. Teaching Points The Importance of God's WordThe rediscovery of the Book of the Law emphasizes the necessity of Scripture in guiding personal and communal life. We should prioritize reading and understanding the Bible in our daily lives. Leadership and Reform Josiah's response to the Book of the Law demonstrates the impact of godly leadership. Leaders today should seek to align their actions with biblical principles. Community Involvement The involvement of various officials in the reform process shows the importance of community in spiritual renewal. We should work together as a church to uphold and spread God's teachings. Repentance and Obedience Josiah's immediate response to the reading of the Law was repentance and action. We should be quick to repent and obey when confronted with God's truth. Role of the Priesthood Hilkiah's role highlights the importance of spiritual leaders in guiding and teaching the community. We should support and pray for our spiritual leaders as they lead us in truth. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Kings 22:12?2. How does King Josiah's response in 2 Kings 22:12 demonstrate godly leadership? 3. What role does seeking wise counsel play in understanding God's will today? 4. How can we apply Josiah's urgency in seeking God's guidance in our lives? 5. What scriptural connections exist between Josiah's actions and Proverbs 11:14 on counsel? 6. How does 2 Kings 22:12 encourage us to prioritize God's word in decision-making? 7. Why did King Josiah send officials to inquire of the LORD in 2 Kings 22:12? 8. How does 2 Kings 22:12 reflect the importance of seeking divine guidance? 9. What historical context led to the events in 2 Kings 22:12? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 22? 11. Who was Huldah the Prophetess in the Bible? 12. Why is Huldah consulted instead of more prominent prophets in 2 Kings 22:14–20, and what does this imply about the narrative’s historical credibility? 13. Jeremiah 40:5–6 – How historically plausible is it that Jeremiah traveled freely to live with Gedaliah despite the chaos of the Babylonian occupation? 14. How credible is the sudden discovery of the 'Book of the Law' in 2 Kings 23:2 given the lack of external historical records? What Does 2 Kings 22:12 Mean and commanded“Then the king commanded…” (2 Kings 22:12) • The king is Josiah, freshly convicted after hearing “the Book of the Law” (22:11). • His immediate command shows humble, urgent submission to God’s revealed word (22:13; cf. James 1:22-25). • Josiah does not rely on personal intuition; he seeks authoritative guidance, just as earlier godly kings consulted prophets (1 Kings 22:7-8). • The verse sets up a formal delegation, highlighting that genuine repentance leads to concrete action (2 Chronicles 34:19-21). Hilkiah the priest • High priest who discovered the scroll in the temple (22:8). • As spiritual leader, Hilkiah embodies the responsibility to teach and apply God’s law (Leviticus 10:11; Malachi 2:7). • His inclusion signals that reform must start with those entrusted with worship. • Later his son Jeremiah will prophesy (Jeremiah 1:1), suggesting a family committed to truth. Ahikam son of Shaphan • A royal official noted for protecting Jeremiah decades later (Jeremiah 26:24), showing long-term faithfulness. • His presence indicates that civil servants can—and should—stand with God’s Word, not merely with political expediency. • Together with Hilkiah he will report back truthfully, modeling integrity in leadership (Proverbs 14:34). Achbor son of Micaiah • Called Abdon in 2 Chronicles 34:20, another court official. • By including multiple witnesses, Josiah ensures shared accountability (Deuteronomy 19:15). • Achbor’s willingness to join the mission underscores that revival spreads when individuals step forward, not only the “well-known” leaders. Shaphan the scribe • Court secretary who read the Book of the Law to Josiah (22:10). • Scribes preserved and transmitted Scripture; Shaphan now lives out what he has read (Ezra 7:10 illustrates the same pattern centuries later). • His role reminds us that exposure to Scripture demands a response, both personal and communal. Asaiah the servant of the king • Likely Josiah’s personal aide, representing the palace staff (2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 34:20). • Even support personnel are enlisted, showing reform is not limited to clergy or officials of high rank (Acts 6:3-5 demonstrates similar inclusiveness in ministry). • Including Asaiah underlines that every vocation can serve God’s purposes when the heart is surrendered. summary 2 Kings 22:12 records Josiah’s immediate and deliberate choice to mobilize a trustworthy team—spiritual leader, court officials, scribe, and personal aide—to seek God’s will after the rediscovery of His Law. The verse teaches that genuine repentance produces decisive, collective action; that leaders at every level must align with Scripture; and that national renewal begins when God’s Word is taken literally, believed wholeheartedly, and acted upon without delay. (12) And the king commanded . . .--Comp. the similar embassy to Isaiah (2Kings 19:2).As to Ahikam see Jeremiah 26:24; Jeremiah 40:5; and for Achbor, Jeremiah 26:22; Jeremiah 36:12. . . . Verse 12. - And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan. "Ahikam the son of Shaphan" is almost certainly Jeremiah's protector at the court of Jehoiakim (Jeremiah 26:24), the father of the Godaliah who wan made governor of Judaea on Nebuchadnezzar's final conquest (Jeremiah 39:14; Jeremiah 40:7). "Shaphan;' his father, is no doubt "Shaphan the scribe." And Achbor the son of Michaiah. The parallel passage of Chronicles (2 Chronicles 34:20) has "Abdon the son of Micah," which is probably a corrupt reading. Achbor was the father of El-nathan, one of the "princes of Judah" (Jeremiah 36:12) in Jehoiakim's reign. And Shaphan the scribe, and Asa-hiah a servant of the king's - or Asaiah, as the name is given in Chronicles, l.s.c. - saying,Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew [and]הַמֶּ֡לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king commanded וַיְצַ֣ו (way·ṣaw) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6680: To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order Hilkiah חִלְקִיָּ֣ה (ḥil·qî·yāh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 2518: Hilkiah -- 'my portion is Yah', the name of several Israelites the priest, הַכֹּהֵ֡ן (hak·kō·hên) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3548: Priest Ahikam אֲחִיקָ֣ם (’ă·ḥî·qām) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 296: Ahikam -- 'my brother has arisen', an Israelite son בֶּן־ (be·nō·šā-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1121: A son of Shaphan, שָׁ֠פָן (p̄ān) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 8227: A species of rockrabbit, the hyrax Achbor עַכְבּ֨וֹר (‘aḵ·bō·wr) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 5907: Achbor -- 'mouse', an Israelite, also an Edomite son בֶּן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1121: A son of Micaiah, מִיכָיָ֜ה (mî·ḵā·yāh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 4320: Micaiah -- 'Who is like Yah?' the name of several Israelites Shaphan שָׁפָ֣ן (šā·p̄ān) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 8227: A species of rockrabbit, the hyrax the scribe, הַסֹּפֵ֗ר (has·sō·p̄êr) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5608: To count, recount, relate and Asaiah עֲשָׂיָ֥ה (‘ă·śā·yāh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 6222: Asaiah -- four Israelites the servant עֶֽבֶד־ (‘e·ḇeḏ-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 5650: Slave, servant of the king: הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king Links 2 Kings 22:12 NIV2 Kings 22:12 NLT 2 Kings 22:12 ESV 2 Kings 22:12 NASB 2 Kings 22:12 KJV 2 Kings 22:12 BibleApps.com 2 Kings 22:12 Biblia Paralela 2 Kings 22:12 Chinese Bible 2 Kings 22:12 French Bible 2 Kings 22:12 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Kings 22:12 The king commanded Hilkiah the priest (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) |
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