But to the king of Judah which sent you to enquire of the LORD, thus shall ye say to him, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, As touching the words which thou hast heard;
2 KINGS 22:18KJVWhat does 2 Kings 22:18 mean?
2 Kings 22:18 records God’s message specifically for the king of Judah, who had sent messengers to ask about God’s will. God instructs the messengers to tell the king that He, the LORD God of Israel, has heard the king’s concerns about the words spoken.
The verse takes place during King Josiah’s reign, after the discovery of the Book of the Law in the temple. The prophetess Huldah is speaking God’s words to Josiah’s officials, who were sent to seek God’s guidance. This verse sets up a personal response from God to Josiah, showing that God is aware of the king’s actions and questions.
The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 22:18
- "king" (מֶלֶךְ, melekh): This word refers to Josiah, the ruler of Judah, emphasizing his authority and responsibility in seeking God’s direction for the nation.
- "enquire" (דָּרַשׁ, darash): This word means to seek, investigate, or ask diligently. It highlights that Josiah was not passive but actively sought out God’s will in a time of crisis.
- "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God, used here to stress that the message comes directly from Israel’s covenant God, not a generic deity.
- "words" (דָּבָר, davar): This refers to the specific words or message from God that Josiah had heard, underlining the seriousness and weight of the revelation.
Why 2 Kings 22:18 matters
- The verse shows that God responds personally to those who genuinely seek Him, as Josiah did, rather than treating everyone the same.
- It highlights the importance of leadership that turns to God for guidance, especially in times of uncertainty or crisis.
- This verse sets the stage for the rest of God’s message to Josiah, which includes both warning and reassurance, and connects to the larger story of Judah’s spiritual renewal under Josiah.