2 Kings 22:13
New International Version
“Go and inquire of the LORD for me and for the people and for all Judah about what is written in this book that has been found. Great is the LORD’s anger that burns against us because those who have gone before us have not obeyed the words of this book; they have not acted in accordance with all that is written there concerning us.”

New Living Translation
“Go to the Temple and speak to the LORD for me and for the people and for all Judah. Inquire about the words written in this scroll that has been found. For the LORD’s great anger is burning against us because our ancestors have not obeyed the words in this scroll. We have not been doing everything it says we must do.”

English Standard Version
“Go, inquire of the LORD for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that has been found. For great is the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book, to do according to all that is written concerning us.”

Berean Standard Bible
“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.”

Berean Literal Bible
“Go, inquire of YHWH for me and for the people and for all Judah concerning the words of this book that has been found, for great is the wrath of YHWH that is aroused against us, upon that our fathers have not listened to the words of this book, to do according to all that is written about us.”

King James Bible
Go ye, inquire 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.

New King James Version
“Go, inquire of the LORD for me, for the people and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that has been found; for great is the wrath of the LORD that is aroused against us, because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book, to do according to all that is written concerning us.”

New American Standard Bible
“Go, inquire of the LORD for me and for the people and all Judah concerning the words of this book that has been found, for the wrath of the LORD that burns against us is great, because our fathers did not listen to the words of this book, to act in accordance with everything that is written regarding us.”

NASB 1995
“Go, inquire of the LORD for me and the people and all Judah concerning the words of this book that has been found, for great is the wrath of the LORD that burns against us, because our fathers have not listened to the words of this book, to do according to all that is written concerning us.”

NASB 1977
“Go, inquire of the LORD for me and the people and all Judah concerning the words of this book that has been found, for great is the wrath of the LORD that burns against us, because our fathers have not listened to the words of this book, to do according to all that is written concerning us.”

Legacy Standard Bible
“Go, inquire of Yahweh for me and the people and all Judah, concerning the words of this book that has been found, for great is the wrath of Yahweh which is set aflame against us, because our fathers have not listened to the words of this book, to do according to all that is written concerning us.”

Amplified Bible
“Go, inquire of the LORD for my sake and for the sake of the people and for all Judah concerning the words of this book which has been found, for great is the wrath of the LORD which has been kindled against us, because our fathers have not listened to and obeyed the words of this book, so as to act in accordance with everything that is written concerning us.”

Berean Annotated Bible
“Go and inquire of the LORD {YHWH} for me, for the people, and for all Judah (praised) 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.

Christian Standard Bible
“Go and inquire of the LORD for me, for the people, and for all Judah about the words in this book that has been found. For great is the LORD’s wrath that is kindled against us because our ancestors have not obeyed the words of this book in order to do everything written about us.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Go and inquire of the LORD for me, the people, and all Judah about the instruction in this book that has been found. For great is the LORD’s wrath that is kindled against us because our ancestors have not obeyed the words of this book in order to do everything written about us.”

American Standard Version
Go ye, inquire of Jehovah 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 Jehovah 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.

Contemporary English Version
"The LORD must be furious with me and everyone else in Judah, because our ancestors did not obey the laws written in this book. Go find out what the LORD wants us to do."

English Revised Version
Go ye, inquire 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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"On behalf of the people, all of Judah, and me, ask the LORD about the words in this book that has been found. The LORD's fierce anger is directed towards us because our ancestors did not obey the things in this book or do everything written [in it]."

Good News Translation
"Go and consult the LORD for me and for all the people of Judah about the teachings of this book. The LORD is angry with us because our ancestors have not done what this book says must be done."

International Standard Version
"Go ask the LORD for me, for the people, and for all of Judah about what's written in this book that has been discovered, because the LORD's anger is burning against us, since our ancestors have not listened to the words written in this book and have not lived according to everything that is written concerning us."

NET Bible
"Go, seek an oracle from the LORD for me and the people--for all Judah. Find out about the words of this scroll that has been discovered. For the LORD's fury has been ignited against us, because our ancestors have not obeyed the words of this scroll by doing all that it instructs us to do."

New Heart English Bible
"Go inquire of the LORD for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this scroll that is found; for great is the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not listened to the words of this scroll, to do according to all that which is written concerning us."

Webster's Bible Translation
Go ye, inquire 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 to the words of this book, to do according to all that which is written concerning us.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
“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.”

World English Bible
“Go inquire of Yahweh for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that is found; for great is Yahweh’s wrath that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not listened to the words of this book, to do according to all that which is written concerning us.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
“Go, seek YHWH for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this scroll that is found, for great [is] the fury of YHWH that is kindled against us, because that our fathers have not listened to the words of this scroll, to do according to all that is written for us.”

Berean Literal Bible
“Go, inquire of YHWH for me and for the people and for all Judah concerning the words of this book that has been found, for great is the wrath of YHWH that is aroused against us, upon that our fathers have not listened to the words of this book, to do according to all that is written about us.”

Young's Literal Translation
Go, seek Jehovah for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that is found, for great is the fury of Jehovah that is kindled against us, because that our fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this book, to do according to all that is written for us.'

Smith's Literal Translation
Go ye, seek Jehovah for me, and for the people, and for all Judah concerning the words of this book being found: for great the anger of Jehovah burning upon us because that our fathers heard not to the words of this book to do according to all written concerning us.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Go and consult the Lord for me, and for the people, and for all Juda, concerning the words of this book which is found: for the great wrath of the Lord is kindled against us, because our fathers have not hearkened to the words of this book, to do all that is written for us.

Catholic Public Domain Version
“Go and consult the Lord concerning me, and the people, and all of Judah, about the words of this volume which has been found. For the great wrath of the Lord has been kindled against us because our fathers did not listen to the words of this book, so that they would do all that has been written for us.”

New American Bible
“Go, consult the LORD for me, for the people, and for all Judah, about the words of this book that has been found, for the rage of the LORD has been set furiously ablaze against us, because our ancestors did not obey the words of this book, nor do what is written for us.”

New Revised Standard Version
“Go, inquire of the LORD for me, for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that has been found; for great is the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us, because our ancestors did not obey the words of this book, to do according to all that is written concerning us.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Go, inquire of the LORD for me and for all the people and for all Judah concerning the words of this book that has been found; for great is the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not hearkened to the words of this book, to do according to all that which is written in it.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
“Go ask of LORD JEHOVAH for me and for all the people and for all Yehuda concerning the words of this scroll that was found, because the anger of LORD JEHOVAH is great with which he is angered against us, because our fathers have not listened to the words of this scroll to do according to what is written in it.”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Go ye, inquire 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.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Go, enquire of the Lord for me, and for all the people, and for all Juda, and concerning the words of this book that has been found: for the wrath of the Lord that has been kindled against us is great, because our fathers hearkened not to the words of this book, to do according to all the things written concerning us.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Hilkiah Finds the Book of the Law
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
Go and inquire of the LORD for me, for the people, and for all Judah

2 Chronicles 34:20-21
and commanded Hilkiah, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Abdon son of Micah, Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah the servant of the king: / “Go and inquire of the LORD for me and for those remaining in Israel and Judah concerning the words in the book that has been found. For great is the wrath of the LORD that has been poured out on us because our fathers have not kept the word of the LORD by doing all that is written in this book.”

Jeremiah 21:2
“Please inquire of the LORD on our behalf, since Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon is waging war against us. Perhaps the LORD will perform for us something like all His past wonders, so that Nebuchadnezzar will withdraw from us.”

2 Kings 3:11
But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there no prophet of the LORD here? Let us inquire of the LORD through him.” And one of the servants of the king of Israel answered, “Elisha son of Shaphat is here. He used to pour water on the hands of Elijah.”
concerning the words in this book that has been found.

2 Chronicles 34:14-19
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. / And Hilkiah said to Shaphan the scribe, “I have found the Book of the Law in the house of the LORD!” And he gave it to Shaphan. / Then Shaphan brought the book to the king and reported, “Your servants are doing all that has been placed in their hands. …

Deuteronomy 31:24-26
When Moses had finished writing in a book the words of this law from beginning to end, / he gave this command to the Levites who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD: / “Take this Book of the Law and place it beside the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, so that it may remain there as a witness against you.

2 Kings 23:2
And he went up to the house of the LORD with all the people of Judah and Jerusalem, as well as the priests and the prophets—all the people small and great—and in their hearing he read all the words of the Book of the Covenant that had been found in the house of the LORD.
For great is the wrath of the LORD that burns against us

2 Kings 23:26
Nevertheless, the LORD did not turn away from the fury of His burning anger, which was kindled against Judah because of all that Manasseh had done to provoke Him to anger.

Deuteronomy 29:24-28
So all the nations will ask, ‘Why has the LORD done such a thing to this land? Why this great outburst of anger?’ / And the people will answer, ‘It is because they abandoned the covenant of the LORD, the God of their fathers, which He made with them when He brought them out of the land of Egypt. / They went and served other gods, and they worshiped gods they had not known—gods that the LORD had not given to them. …
because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book

2 Chronicles 36:15-16
Again and again the LORD, the God of their fathers, sent word to His people through His messengers because He had compassion on them and on His dwelling place. / But they mocked the messengers of God, despising His words and scoffing at His prophets, until the wrath of the LORD against His people was stirred up beyond remedy.

Nehemiah 9:29-30
You admonished them to turn back to Your law, but they were arrogant and disobeyed Your commandments. They sinned against Your ordinances, by which a man will live if he practices them. They turned a stubborn shoulder; they stiffened their necks and would not obey. / You were patient with them for many years, and Your Spirit admonished them through Your prophets. Yet they would not listen, so You gave them into the hands of the neighboring peoples.
by doing all that is written about us.

2 Kings 23:3
So the king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the LORD to follow the LORD and to keep His commandments, decrees, and statutes with all his heart and all his soul, and to carry out the words of the covenant that were written in this book. And all the people entered into the covenant.

Deuteronomy 31:12-13
Assemble the people—men, women, children, and the foreigners within your gates—so that they may listen and learn to fear the LORD your God and to follow carefully all the words of this law. / Then their children who do not know the law will listen and learn to fear the LORD your God, as long as you live in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess.”
2 Chronicles 34:21
“Go and inquire of the LORD for me and for those remaining in Israel and Judah concerning the words in the book that has been found. For great is the wrath of the LORD that has been poured out on us because our fathers have not kept the word of the LORD by doing all that is written in this book.”

Deuteronomy 31:26-29
“Take this Book of the Law and place it beside the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, so that it may remain there as a witness against you. / For I know how rebellious and stiff-necked you are. If you are already rebelling against the LORD while I am still alive, how much more will you rebel after my death! / Assemble before me all the elders of your tribes and all your officers so that I may speak these words in their hearing and call heaven and earth to witness against them. …

Jeremiah 36:24
Yet in hearing all these words, the king and his servants did not become frightened or tear their garments.

Isaiah 66:2
Has not My hand made all these things? And so they came into being,” declares the LORD. “This is the one I will esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word.


Treasury of Scripture

Go you, inquire 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 listened to the words of this book, to do according to all that which is written concerning us.

enquire.

2 Kings 3:11
But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD, that we may inquire of the LORD by him? And one of the king of Israel's servants answered and said, Here is Elisha the son of Shaphat, which poured water on the hands of Elijah.

1 Kings 22:7,8
And Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might inquire of him? …

1 Chronicles 10:13,14
So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, even against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to inquire of it; …

great.

Exodus 20:5
Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;

Deuteronomy 4:23-27
Take heed unto yourselves, lest ye forget the covenant of the LORD your God, which he made with you, and make you a graven image, or the likeness of any thing, which the LORD thy God hath forbidden thee…

Deuteronomy 29:23-28
And that the whole land thereof is brimstone, and salt, and burning, that it is not sown, nor beareth, nor any grass groweth therein, like the overthrow of Sodom, and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim, which the LORD overthrew in his anger, and in his wrath: …

because our fathers.

2 Chronicles 29:6
For our fathers have trespassed, and done that which was evil in the eyes of the LORD our God, and have forsaken him, and have turned away their faces from the habitation of the LORD, and turned their backs.

2 Chronicles 34:21
Go, inquire of the LORD for me, and for them that are left in Israel and in Judah, concerning the words of the book that is found: for great is the wrath of the LORD that is poured out upon us, because our fathers have not kept the word of the LORD, to do after all that is written in this book.

Psalm 106:6
We have sinned with our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly.

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2 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.












Go and inquire of the LORD for me, for the people, and for all Judah
This phrase reflects King Josiah's immediate response upon hearing the words of the Book of the Law, which had been found in the temple. It demonstrates his humility and recognition of the need for divine guidance. The act of inquiring of the LORD was a common practice in ancient Israel, often involving prophets or priests who would seek God's will. This reflects a theocratic society where decisions were made with divine consultation. Josiah's concern for both himself and his people highlights his role as a leader who prioritizes spiritual reformation and collective responsibility.

concerning the words in this book that has been found
The "book" refers to a scroll discovered during temple repairs, likely a portion of Deuteronomy or the entire Pentateuch. This discovery is significant as it suggests a period of neglect of the Law, possibly during the reigns of previous kings who led Judah into idolatry. The rediscovery signifies a pivotal moment of religious revival and reform. The emphasis on "found" indicates the loss and subsequent recovery of God's word, symbolizing spiritual renewal and the importance of scripture in guiding the nation.

For great is the wrath of the LORD that burns against us
This acknowledges the seriousness of Judah's situation due to their disobedience. The "wrath of the LORD" is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, representing God's righteous anger against sin and covenant unfaithfulness. It serves as a warning and a call to repentance. The imagery of burning suggests intensity and urgency, emphasizing the need for immediate action to avert divine judgment. This reflects the covenantal relationship where blessings and curses were contingent on obedience to God's commands.

because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book
This phrase highlights the generational aspect of sin and disobedience. The reference to "our fathers" indicates a historical pattern of neglecting God's commandments, leading to accumulated guilt and consequences. It underscores the importance of faithfulness across generations and the impact of ancestral actions on current circumstances. This acknowledgment of past failures is a step towards repentance and reform, as it involves recognizing the root causes of divine displeasure.

by doing all that is written about us
The emphasis on "doing" underscores the necessity of action in response to God's word. It is not enough to hear or know the law; obedience is required. This reflects the biblical principle that faith is demonstrated through works. The phrase "all that is written" suggests comprehensive adherence to the covenant, not selective obedience. It calls for a holistic approach to living according to God's statutes, which is essential for restoring the relationship between God and His people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Josiah
The king of Judah who initiated religious reforms and sought to restore the worship of Yahweh. He is known for his dedication to following God's law.

2. Hilkiah
The high priest who discovered the Book of the Law in the temple, which led to the reforms initiated by Josiah.

3. Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah, where the temple was located and where the Book of the Law was found.

4. The Book of the Law
Likely a portion of Deuteronomy, this book was discovered during temple repairs and prompted a national religious reform.

5. The Wrath of the LORD
Refers to God's anger towards Judah for their disobedience and neglect of His commandments, as revealed in the Book of the Law.
Teaching Points
The Importance of God's Word
Josiah's response to the Book of the Law highlights the critical role of Scripture in guiding personal and national life. We should prioritize reading and understanding the Bible to align our lives with God's will.

Repentance and Reform
Josiah's immediate action upon hearing the words of the Book demonstrates the importance of repentance and reform when confronted with sin. We should be quick to turn back to God and make necessary changes in our lives.

Leadership and Responsibility
As a leader, Josiah took responsibility for the spiritual state of his nation. This teaches us the importance of godly leadership and the impact it can have on others.

Intercession for Others
Josiah's inquiry of the LORD for himself and his people shows the power and necessity of intercessory prayer. We should regularly pray for our communities and nations.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 2 Kings 22:13?

2. How does 2 Kings 22:13 emphasize the importance of seeking God's guidance?

3. What role does humility play in Josiah's response to God's word in 2 Kings 22:13?

4. How can we apply Josiah's urgency in seeking God to our daily lives?

5. What scriptural connections can be made between 2 Kings 22:13 and Proverbs 3:5-6?

6. How does 2 Kings 22:13 inspire us to prioritize God's word in decision-making?

7. What does 2 Kings 22:13 reveal about God's response to disobedience?

8. How does 2 Kings 22:13 emphasize the importance of seeking God's guidance?

9. Why was King Josiah's reaction in 2 Kings 22:13 significant for Israel's history?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 22?

11. Are there any contradictions between 2 Chronicles 19 and parallel accounts in Kings regarding Jehoshaphat's reign and reforms?

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. 2 Chronicles 13 compared with 1 Kings 15:3 - Why does Abijah appear more faithful in Chronicles than in Kings, and what might explain this seeming discrepancy?

14. How do skeptics reconcile Jeremiah 22:24-27's prophecy against Coniah with his later release and royal favor in Babylon (2 Kings 25:27-30)?
What Does 2 Kings 22:13 Mean
Go and inquire of the LORD for me

Josiah’s first instinct is to run to God, not away from Him.

• The king dispatches Hilkiah and the court officials to the prophetess Huldah, showing he values a fresh word from the LORD above royal pride (2 Chronicles 34:21).

• Scripture commends leaders who seek divine counsel before acting (1 Kings 22:5; Psalm 25:9).

• His humility echoes James 1:5, where believers are urged to “ask God, who gives generously to all.”

Application: Whenever God’s Word confronts us, the safest response is immediate, prayerful inquiry.


for the people, and for all Judah

Josiah refuses to treat Scripture as a private matter.

• The entire covenant community is implicated (Nehemiah 8:1-3; Joel 2:15-17).

• Leadership in Israel was always meant to be representative (Deuteronomy 17:18-20); the king’s heart set the tone for the nation.

• Corporate responsibility remains a biblical principle (Acts 2:37-41), urging believers today to heed the impact of personal obedience on the wider body of Christ.


concerning the words in this book that has been found

The rediscovered scroll—very likely Deuteronomy—carries absolute authority.

• Moses had ordered that this Law be kept beside the ark as a witness (Deuteronomy 31:24-26).

• Its sudden reappearance after decades of neglect exposes how far Judah drifted (2 Kings 21:9-16).

• God’s Word still searches and judges “the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

• The event underscores Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path”.


For great is the wrath of the LORD that burns against us

The covenant curses are not empty threats.

Deuteronomy 28:15-68 had warned of exile, famine, and sword if Israel turned away.

• God’s wrath is righteous, not capricious (Nahum 1:2; Romans 1:18).

• Awareness of wrath propels genuine repentance; Josiah’s reforms follow quickly (2 Kings 23:1-25).

• Even under the new covenant, believers are urged to “flee from the coming wrath” through faith in Christ (1 Thessalonians 1:10).


because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book by doing all that is written about us

Sin’s legacy spans generations, yet repentance can break the cycle.

• Earlier kings disregarded prophetic calls (2 Kings 17:13-18), culminating in national guilt.

Exodus 20:5-6 speaks of iniquity visited “to the third and fourth generation” but also of steadfast love “to a thousand generations” for those who love God.

• Josiah accepts responsibility rather than blaming predecessors, a model echoed in Daniel 9:4-19 where confession includes ancestral sin.

• True obedience involves both hearing and doing (James 1:22).


summary

Josiah’s plea in 2 Kings 22:13 shows a heart pierced by God’s rediscovered Word. He urgently seeks divine guidance, recognizes corporate accountability, submits to the absolute authority of Scripture, trembles before promised wrath, and owns the inherited guilt of prior generations. His response calls every believer to humble inquiry, communal concern, reverence for Scripture, sober awareness of judgment, and wholehearted obedience.

(13) Enquire of the Lord.--Or, seek ye Jehovah. Josiah wished to know whether any hope remained for himself and his people, or whether the vengeance must fall speedily.

For the people.--Of Jerusalem.

Written concerning us.--Thenius conjectures written therein, a slight change in the Hebrew. But Josiah identifies the people and their fathers as one nation. (Comp. also Exodus 20:5.) However Chronicles has "in this book," and the Arabic here "in it."

Verse 13. - Go ye, inquire of the Lord for me. Inquiry of the Lord, which from the time of Moses to that of David was ordinarily "by Urim and Thummim," was after David's time always made by the consultation of a prophet (see 1 Kings 22:5-8; 2 Kings 3:11; 2 Kings 8:8; Jeremiah 21:2; Jeremiah 37:7; Ezekiel 14:7; Ezekiel 20:1, etc.). The officers, therefore, understood the king to mean that they were to seek out a prophet (see ver. 14), and so make the inquiry. And for the people, and for all Judah - the threats read in the king's ears were probably those of Deuteronomy 28:15-68 or Leviticus 26:16-39, which extended to the whole people - concerning the words of this book that is found. Not "whether they are authentic, whether they are really the words of Moses" (Duneker), for of that Josiah appears to have had no doubt; but whether they are words that are to have an immediate fulfillment, "whether," as Yon Gerlach says, "the measure of sin is already full, or whether there is yet hope of grace?" (compare Huldah's answer in vers. 16-20, which shows what she understood the king's inquiry to be). For great is the wrath of the Lord that is kindled against us. Josiah recognized that Judah had done, and was still doing, exactly those things against which the threatenings of the Law were directed - bad forsaken Jehovah and gone after other gods, and made to themselves high places, and set up images, and done after the customs of the nations whom the Lord had cast out before them. He could not, therefore, doubt but that the wrath of the Lord "was kindled;" but would it blaze forth at once? Because our fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this book, to do according unto all that which is written concerning us. Josiah assumes that their fathers have had the book, and might have known its words, either because he conceives that it had not been very long lost, or because he regards them as having possessed other copies.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
“Go
לְכוּ֩ (lə·ḵū)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

and inquire
דִרְשׁ֨וּ (ḏir·šū)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 1875: To tread, frequent, to follow, to seek, ask, to worship

of the LORD
יְהוָ֜ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

for me,
בַּעֲדִ֣י (ba·‘ă·ḏî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 1157: In up to, over against, at, beside, among, behind, for

for
וּבְעַד־ (ū·ḇə·‘aḏ-)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 1157: In up to, over against, at, beside, among, behind, for

the people,
הָעָ֗ם (hā·‘ām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

and for
וּבְעַד֙ (ū·ḇə·‘aḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 1157: In up to, over against, at, beside, among, behind, for

all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

Judah
יְהוּדָ֔ה (yə·hū·ḏāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites

concerning
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the words
דִּבְרֵ֛י (diḇ·rê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

in this
הַזֶּ֑ה (haz·zeh)
Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

book
הַסֵּ֥פֶר (has·sê·p̄er)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5612: A missive, document, writing, book

that has been found.
הַנִּמְצָ֖א (han·nim·ṣā)
Article | Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 4672: To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present

For
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

great
גְדוֹלָ֞ה (ḡə·ḏō·w·lāh)
Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 1419: Great, older, insolent

[is] the wrath
חֲמַ֣ת (ḥă·maṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 2534: Heat, anger, poison

of the LORD
יְהוָ֗ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

that
אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

burns
נִצְּתָ֣ה (niṣ·ṣə·ṯāh)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 3341: To burn, set on fire, to desolate

against us
בָ֔נוּ (ḇā·nū)
Preposition | first person common plural
Strong's 0: 0

because
אֲשֶׁ֨ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

our fathers
אֲבֹתֵ֗ינוּ (’ă·ḇō·ṯê·nū)
Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural
Strong's 1: Father

have not
לֹֽא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

obeyed
שָׁמְע֜וּ (šā·mə·‘ū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

the words
דִּבְרֵי֙ (diḇ·rê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

of this
הַזֶּ֔ה (haz·zeh)
Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

book
הַסֵּ֣פֶר (has·sê·p̄er)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5612: A missive, document, writing, book

by doing
לַעֲשׂ֖וֹת (la·‘ă·śō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 6213: To do, make

all
כְּכָל־ (kə·ḵāl-)
Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

that is written
הַכָּת֥וּב (hak·kā·ṯūḇ)
Article | Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular
Strong's 3789: To grave, to write

about us.”
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against


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OT History: 2 Kings 22:13 Go you inquire of Yahweh for me (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg)
2 Kings 22:12
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