And as for the king of Judah, who sent you to enquire of the LORD, so shall ye say unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel concerning the words which thou hast heard;

2 CHRONICLES 34:26KJV
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2 Chronicles 34:26 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 34:26 mean?

2 Chronicles 34:26 records God’s message to King Josiah of Judah, delivered through messengers who had been sent to ask the LORD about the meaning of a discovered book of the law. God tells Josiah, through the prophetess Huldah, that He has heard the king’s concerns and is responding directly to him.

The verse is part of a scene where King Josiah, troubled by what was found in the book of the law, sends officials to seek God’s guidance. The prophetess Huldah is speaking to Josiah’s messengers, relaying God’s answer. This verse sets up God’s personal response to Josiah, showing that the king’s inquiry is being taken seriously and that God is addressing him specifically about the words he has heard.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 34:26

  • אֲשֶׁר־שָׁלַחְךָ (shalakhkha, “who sent you”): This word emphasizes that Josiah himself initiated the search for God’s will, highlighting his personal responsibility and concern.
  • לִדְרֹשׁ (lidrosh, “to enquire”): This verb means to seek or investigate, showing Josiah’s active desire to understand and respond to God’s word, not just a passive curiosity.
  • דִּבְרֵי (divrei, “words”): Refers specifically to the words Josiah heard from the book of the law, underlining that God is responding to what Josiah has just learned and is troubled about.
  • שָׁמַעְתָּ (sham’ata, “you have heard”): This word highlights that Josiah has already received the message from the law, and God is now responding to his reaction to that message.

Why 2 Chronicles 34:26 matters

  • This verse makes clear that God’s response is directed personally to Josiah, not just to the messengers or the people in general, showing the importance of individual leadership and responsibility.
  • The verse connects Josiah’s actions—his sending to enquire of the LORD—with God’s willingness to answer, emphasizing the value of seeking God sincerely.
  • It sets the stage for the following verses, where God’s specific message to Josiah is revealed, helping readers understand the flow of the narrative and the seriousness with which God treats Josiah’s inquiry.