And she answered them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Tell ye the man that sent you to me,

2 CHRONICLES 34:23KJV
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2 Chronicles 34:23 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 34:23 mean?

2 Chronicles 34:23 records the prophetess Huldah responding to the men sent by King Josiah, declaring that the LORD, the God of Israel, has a message for the king. The verse introduces Huldah’s prophetic answer, making it clear that her words carry divine authority and are meant specifically for Josiah, who sought guidance.

In this scene, Huldah is speaking to the king’s messengers after they came to her for insight about the Book of the Law just found in the temple. The verse sets up her prophetic message by emphasizing that what she is about to say comes directly from the LORD (Yahweh), the God worshiped by Israel. This moment is important because it shows the seriousness with which Josiah seeks God’s will and the respect given to Huldah as a true prophetess.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 34:23

  • LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name of Israel’s God, highlighting that the message is not general advice but a direct word from Israel’s covenant God.
  • God (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim): This word emphasizes God’s power and authority, reinforcing that Huldah’s message is not her own but comes from the supreme God.
  • man (אִישׁ, ish): Huldah refers to Josiah simply as “the man that sent you,” which can be seen as a humble way to address the king, focusing on his role as a seeker of God’s word rather than his royal status.
  • sent (שָׁלַח, shalach): This word underlines that the messengers are acting on Josiah’s behalf, showing the king’s initiative in seeking out God’s guidance.

Why 2 Chronicles 34:23 matters

  • This verse highlights the seriousness with which King Josiah approaches God, showing that even a king humbles himself to seek divine direction.
  • The verse sets up the authority of Huldah’s message, making it clear that her words are not personal opinion but a direct revelation from God.
  • By referring to Josiah as “the man that sent you,” the verse subtly shifts focus from his royal status to his responsibility before God, emphasizing humility and obedience.