And it came to pass in the eighteenth year of king Josiah, that the king sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, the son of Meshullam, the scribe, to the house of the LORD, saying,

2 KINGS 22:3KJV
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2 Kings 22:3 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 22:3 mean?

2 Kings 22:3 describes King Josiah, in his eighteenth year as king, sending Shaphan the scribe to the temple of the LORD with a specific task. This verse sets the stage for an important event involving the temple and the king’s officials.

King Josiah is the ruler of Judah at this time, and Shaphan is one of his trusted scribes, coming from a notable family line. The verse marks a turning point in Josiah’s reign, as he takes an active role in temple affairs. This action leads directly into the discovery of the Book of the Law, which will have major consequences for the nation.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 22:3

  • "Eighteenth" (שְׁמוֹנֶה עֶשְׂרֵה, shemoneh esreh) and "year" (שָׁנָה, shanah): These words together emphasize the specific timing—Josiah’s eighteenth year—showing that this was a deliberate and significant moment in his reign.
  • "Scribe" (סֹפֵר, sofer): This word refers to an official record-keeper or secretary, someone skilled in reading and writing. Shaphan’s role as scribe means he is trusted with important royal business, not just copying texts.
  • "House" (בַּיִת, bayit) and "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): Together, these words refer to the temple in Jerusalem, the central place of worship for Israel, highlighting the religious importance of Josiah’s action.

Why 2 Kings 22:3 matters

  • This verse introduces the key figures and sets the timeline for the major religious reforms that Josiah will soon undertake, helping readers see the careful planning behind these changes.
  • By naming Shaphan and his lineage, the verse shows the importance of trustworthy officials in carrying out royal and religious duties, hinting at the seriousness of Josiah’s intentions.
  • The mention of the temple ("house of the LORD") connects this moment to the larger biblical theme of covenant faithfulness and the central role of worship in Israel’s life.

Where else these words appear

“Azaliah” Hebrew H683 · used in 2 verses

  • 2 Chronicles 34:8 Now in the eighteenth year of his reign, when he had purged the land, and the house, he sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, and Maaseiah the governor of the city, and Joah the son of Joahaz the recorder, to repair the house of the LORD his God.

“Meshullam” Hebrew H4918 · used in 25 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 3:19 And the sons of Pedaiah were, Zerubbabel, and Shimei: and the sons of Zerubbabel; Meshullam, and Hananiah, and Shelomith their sister:
  • Ezra 8:16 Then sent I for Eliezer, for Ariel, for Shemaiah, and for Elnathan, and for Jarib, and for Elnathan, and for Nathan, and for Zechariah, and for Meshullam, chief men; also for Joiarib, and for Elnathan, men of understanding.
  • Nehemiah 10:7 Meshullam, Abijah, Mijamin,

“Shaphan” Hebrew H8227 · used in 28 verses

  • Leviticus 11:5 And the coney, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you.
  • 2 Chronicles 34:15 And Hilkiah answered and said to Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD. And Hilkiah delivered the book to Shaphan.
  • Jeremiah 36:11 When Michaiah the son of Gemariah, the son of Shaphan, had heard out of the book all the words of the LORD,

“Josiah” Hebrew H2977 · used in 48 verses

  • 1 Kings 13:2 And he cried against the altar in the word of the LORD, and said, O altar, altar, thus saith the LORD; Behold, a child shall be born unto the house of David, Josiah by name; and upon thee shall he offer the priests of the high places that burn incense upon thee, and men's bones shall be burnt upon thee.
  • 2 Chronicles 34:1 Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem one and thirty years.
  • Jeremiah 3:6 The LORD said also unto me in the days of Josiah the king, Hast thou seen that which backsliding Israel hath done? she is gone up upon every high mountain and under every green tree, and there hath played the harlot.