New International VersionTell the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the LORD, ‘This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says concerning the words you heard:
New Living Translation“But go to the king of Judah who sent you to seek the LORD and tell him: ‘This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says concerning the message you have just heard:
English Standard VersionBut to the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the LORD, thus shall you say to him, Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: Regarding the words that you have heard,
Berean Standard BibleBut as for the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the LORD, tell him that this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘As for the words that you heard,
King James BibleAnd as for the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the LORD, so shall ye say unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel concerning the words which thou hast heard;
New King James VersionBut as for the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the LORD, in this manner you shall speak to him, ‘Thus says the LORD God of Israel: “ Concerning the words which you have heard—
New American Standard BibleBut to the king of Judah who sent you to inquire of the LORD, this is what you shall say to him: ‘This is what the LORD, the God of Israel says: In regard to the words which you have heard,
NASB 1995“But to the king of Judah who sent you to inquire of the LORD, thus you will say to him, ‘Thus says the LORD God of Israel regarding the words which you have heard,
NASB 1977“But to the king of Judah who sent you to inquire of the LORD, thus you will say to him, ‘Thus says the LORD God of Israel regarding the words which you have heard,
Legacy Standard BibleBut to the king of Judah who sent you to inquire of Yahweh, thus you shall say to him, ‘Thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, “ Regarding the words which you have heard,
Amplified BibleBut you shall say the following to King Josiah of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the LORD: ‘Thus says the LORD God of Israel, concerning the words which you have heard,
Christian Standard BibleSay this to the king of Judah who sent you to inquire of the LORD: ‘This is what the LORD God of Israel says: As for the words that you heard,
Holman Christian Standard BibleSay this to the king of Judah who sent you to ask Yahweh, ‘This is what Yahweh, the God of Israel says: As for the words that you heard,
American Standard VersionBut unto the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of Jehovah, thus shall ye say to him, Thus saith Jehovah, the God of Israel: As touching the words which thou hast heard,
English Revised VersionBut unto the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the LORD, thus shall ye say to him, Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel: As touching the words which thou hast heard,
GOD'S WORD® Translation[Huldah added,] "Tell Judah's king who sent you to me to ask the LORD a question, 'This is what the LORD God of Israel says about the words you heard:
Good News TranslationAs for the king himself, this is what I, the LORD God of Israel, say: You listened to what is written in the book,
International Standard Version"Now tell the king of Judah who sent you to ask the LORD about this: 'This is what the LORD God of Israel says about what you've heard:
NET BibleSay this to the king of Judah, who sent you to seek an oracle from the LORD: "This is what the LORD God of Israel says concerning the words you have heard:
New Heart English BibleBut to the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the LORD, thus you shall tell him, 'Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: "As touching the words which you have heard,
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd as for the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the LORD, so shall ye say to him, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel concerning the words which thou hast heard; Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut as for the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the LORD, tell him that this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘As for the words that you heard,
World English BibleBut to the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of Yahweh, you shall tell him this, ‘Yahweh, the God of Israel says: “About the words which you have heard, Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd to the king of Judah who is sending you to inquire of YHWH, thus you say to him, Thus said YHWH God of Israel, whose words you have heard:
Young's Literal Translation 'And unto the king of Judah, who is sending you to inquire of Jehovah, thus do ye say unto him: Thus said Jehovah God of Israel, whose words thou hast heard:
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd to the king of Judah sending you to seek in Jehovah, thus shall ye say to him, Thus said Jehovah God of Israel the words which thou heardest; Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut as to the king of Juda that sent you to beseech the Lord, thus shall you say to him: Thus saith the Lord the God of Israel: Because thou hast heard the words of this book,
Catholic Public Domain VersionTo the king of Judah, who sent you to petition before the Lord, so shall you speak: Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Since you listened to the words of this volume,
New American Bible“But to the king of Judah who sent you to consult the LORD, give this response: Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: As for the words you have heard,
New Revised Standard VersionBut as to the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the LORD, thus shall you say to him: Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: Regarding the words that you have heard, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd as for the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the LORD, SO shall you say to him: Thus says the LORD God of Israel concerning the words which you have heard:
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd to the King of Yehuda who sent you to inquire of LORD JEHOVAH, thus you will say to him: ‘thus says LORD JEHOVAH God of Israel. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917But unto the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the LORD, thus shall ye say to him: Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel: As touching the words which thou hast heard,
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd concerning the king of Juda, who sent you to seek the Lord, - thus shall ye say to him, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, As for the words which thou has heard,
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Huldah's Prophecy… 25because they have forsaken Me and burned incense to other gods, that they might provoke Me to anger with all the works of their hands. My wrath will be poured out upon this place and will not be quenched.’ 26But as forthe kingof Judah,who sentyouto inquireof the LORD,tell himthatthis is whatthe LORD,the Godof Israel,says:‘As for the wordsthatyou heard,27because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before God when you heard His words against this place and against its people, and because you have humbled yourself before Me and you have torn your clothes and wept before Me, I have heard you,’ declares the LORD.…
Cross References 2 Kings 22:18-20But as for the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the LORD, tell him that this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘As for the words that you heard, / because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before the LORD when you heard what I spoke against this place and against its people, that they would become a desolation and a curse, and because you have torn your clothes and wept before Me, I have heard you,’ declares the LORD. / ‘Therefore I will indeed gather you to your fathers, and you will be gathered to your grave in peace. Your eyes will not see all the calamity that I will bring on this place.’” So they brought her answer back to the king.
Jeremiah 26:18-19“Micah the Moreshite prophesied in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah and told all the people of Judah that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Zion will be plowed like a field, Jerusalem will become a heap of rubble, and the temple mount a wooded ridge.’ / Did Hezekiah king of Judah or anyone else in Judah put him to death? Did Hezekiah not fear the LORD and seek His favor, and did not the LORD relent of the disaster He had pronounced against them? But we are about to bring great harm on ourselves!”
Isaiah 57:15For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in a high and holy place, and with the oppressed and humble in spirit, to restore the spirit of the lowly and revive the heart of the contrite.
Psalm 51:17The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.
Isaiah 66:2Has 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.
1 Kings 21:27-29When Ahab heard these words, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and fasted. He lay down in sackcloth and walked around meekly. / Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying: / “Have you seen how Ahab has humbled himself before Me? Because he has humbled himself before Me, I will not bring the calamity during his days, but I will bring it upon his house in the days of his son.”
Jeremiah 36:24Yet in hearing all these words, the king and his servants did not become frightened or tear their garments.
Psalm 34:18The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit.
Isaiah 38:1-5In those days Hezekiah became mortally ill. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz came to him and said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Put your house in order, for you are about to die; you will not recover.’” / Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD, / saying, “Please, O LORD, remember how I have walked before You faithfully and with wholehearted devotion; I have done what is good in Your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly. ...
Joel 2:12-13“Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning.” / So rend your hearts and not your garments, and return to the LORD your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. And He relents from sending disaster.
Matthew 5:3“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
James 4:6But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
1 Peter 5:5-6Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” / Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you.
Matthew 11:28-29Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. / Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Luke 18:13-14But the tax collector stood at a distance, unwilling even to lift up his eyes to heaven. Instead, he beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner!’ / I tell you, this man, rather than the Pharisee, went home justified. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Treasury of Scripture And as for the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the LORD, so shall you say to him, Thus said the LORD God of Israel concerning the words which you have heard; as for 2 Chronicles 34:21,23 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 greatis 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… Jump to Previous DirectionsEarEnquireHeardInquireIsraelJudahRegardingSendingTouchingWordsJump to Next DirectionsEarEnquireHeardInquireIsraelJudahRegardingSendingTouchingWords2 Chronicles 34 1.Josiah's good reign3.He destroys idolatry8.He takes order for the repair of the temple14.Hilkiah, having found a book of the law,21.Josiah sends to Huldah to enquire of the Lord23.Huldah prophesies the destruction of Jerusalem, but respite thereof in Josiah's time29.Josiah, causing it to be read in a solemn assembly, renews the covenant with GodBut as for the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the LORDThis phrase refers to King Josiah, who reigned over Judah from approximately 640 to 609 BC. Josiah is noted for his religious reforms and his efforts to restore the worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel, after a period of idolatry under previous kings. His reign is significant in the biblical narrative as a time of spiritual renewal. The act of inquiring of the LORD indicates Josiah's desire to seek divine guidance, a practice common among the kings of Israel and Judah, as seen in 1 Samuel 23:2 and 1 Kings 22:5. This reflects a king's responsibility to lead the nation in accordance with God's will. tell him that this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says
This phrase underscores the role of prophets as messengers of God, delivering His words to the people and their leaders. The title "the God of Israel" emphasizes the covenant relationship between God and the nation of Israel, a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament. This covenant is foundational, as seen inGenesis 17:7, where God establishes His promise with Abraham and his descendants. The phrase also highlights the authority and authenticity of the message being delivered, as it comes directly from God. ‘As for the words that you heard’
This refers to the words of the Book of the Law, which was found in the temple during Josiah's reign (2 Chronicles 34:14-15). The discovery of the book led to a renewed awareness of the nation's covenant obligations and the realization of their failure to uphold them. The words likely included the blessings and curses outlined inDeuteronomy 28, which would have been a sobering reminder of the consequences of disobedience. This moment is pivotal, as it sparks a national revival and reform led by Josiah, aligning with the prophetic tradition of calling the people back to faithfulness to God's commands. Persons / Places / Events 1. King JosiahThe king of Judah who initiated religious reforms and sought to restore the worship of Yahweh. He is known for his dedication to God and his efforts to rid Judah of idolatry. 2. Huldah the ProphetessA prophetess in Jerusalem who delivered God's message to King Josiah. Her role highlights the presence and influence of female prophets in Israel. 3. JerusalemThe capital city of Judah, where the temple was located and where Josiah's reforms were centered. 4. The Book of the LawDiscovered during temple renovations, this book prompted Josiah's reforms. It is believed to be a part of the Torah, possibly Deuteronomy. 5. The TempleThe central place of worship in Jerusalem, which Josiah sought to purify and restore as part of his reforms. Teaching Points The Importance of Seeking GodJosiah's decision to inquire of the LORD demonstrates the importance of seeking divine guidance in times of uncertainty and decision-making. The Role of God's WordThe discovery of the Book of the Law underscores the transformative power of Scripture. It serves as a reminder to prioritize reading and applying God's Word in our lives. God's Response to HumilityJosiah's humble response to God's Word led to a favorable message from the prophetess. Humility before God invites His grace and guidance. The Influence of Godly LeadershipJosiah's reforms show how one person's commitment to God can lead to widespread spiritual renewal. Leadership rooted in faith can inspire others to follow suit. The Value of Prophetic VoicesHuldah's role highlights the importance of listening to those who speak God's truth, regardless of their societal status or gender. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 34:26?
2.How does 2 Chronicles 34:26 demonstrate God's response to humility and repentance?
3.What can we learn about God's character from His words in this verse?
4.How does Josiah's response compare to other kings' reactions to God's warnings?
5.How can we apply Josiah's humility in our daily walk with God?
6.What New Testament teachings align with God's response in 2 Chronicles 34:26?
7.How does 2 Chronicles 34:26 reflect God's response to humility and repentance?
8.What historical context surrounds King Josiah's actions in 2 Chronicles 34:26?
9.How does 2 Chronicles 34:26 demonstrate God's communication through prophets?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Chronicles 34?
11.How do we square the accounts of 2 Chronicles 26 with 2 Kings 15, given the differing details about Uzziah (also called Azariah) and his reign?
12.2 Kings 15:5 states God struck Azariah with leprosy with little explanation--why is the cause, detailed in 2 Chronicles 26, absent here?
13.Why does 2 Chronicles 26:23 indicate an honorable burial for Uzziah despite his long period of isolation, and is there any extrabiblical support for this?
14.(2 Chronicles 34:33) Is the idea of an entire nation immediately renewing covenant commitments consistent with known historical and cultural practices?What Does 2 Chronicles 34:26 Mean But as for the king of JudahJosiah is singled out from the rest of the nation. Though God’s coming judgment on Judah is certain (2 Chron 34:24-25), the message pivots here to address the king personally. This highlights God’s ability to distinguish individuals within a wider sentence of national discipline, much as He did for Noah amid a corrupt world (Genesis 6:8-9) or for Lot in Sodom (2 Peter 2:7-9). The phrase reminds us that leadership matters; the king’s response to God’s Word has consequences that differ from the general populace (Luke 12:48).
who sent you to inquire of the LORDJosiah’s initiative in sending his officials to the prophetess Huldah (2 Chron 34:20-22) demonstrated humility and urgency. God now acknowledges that faithful step. Scripture consistently affirms that those who actively seek the Lord receive a tailored answer (Jeremiah 29:13;Hebrews 11:6). Josiah’s action echoes earlier kings who sought prophetic counsel—David with Nathan (2 Samuel 7:1-4) and Hezekiah with Isaiah (2 Kings 19:1-5)—and it shows that inquiry is not mere formality but an act God honors. Bullet points on genuine inquiry: • It recognizes God as the ultimate authority (Proverbs 3:5-6). • It invites God’s specific direction (James 1:5). • It positions the inquirer for blessing or mercy (Psalm 25:14).
tell him that this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, saysThe prophetess speaks with full divine authority. She is not offering opinion but relaying the very words of “the LORD, the God of Israel,” underscoring covenant relationship (Exodus 19:5-6). The formula signals that the upcoming assurance to Josiah is as binding and reliable as any portion of God-given law (Numbers 23:19). God’s willingness to communicate personally with Josiah reflects the same covenant faithfulness He showed to Solomon at the temple’s dedication (2 Chron 7:12-16) and later to Jeremiah in the darkest days (Jeremiah 1:9). Key takeaways: • Divine authority guarantees fulfillment (Isaiah 55:10-11). • Covenant names (“LORD,” “God of Israel”) remind the hearer of God’s historic faithfulness (Deuteronomy 7:9).
As for the words that you heard“The words” refer to the discovered Book of the Law (likely Deuteronomy) that had just been read to Josiah (2 Chron 34:14-19). God validates the scroll’s content as His own revelation, affirming its accuracy and binding nature. Josiah’s reaction—tearing his robes in repentance (v.19)—showed he had truly “heard” in the biblical sense of believing and responding (Romans 10:17;Matthew 7:24). God now addresses those same words, assuring Josiah they will not fall on deaf ears in heaven. What those words had said: • Blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience (Deuteronomy 28). • Warnings of exile if the covenant were broken (Leviticus 26:27-33). • Promises of mercy to the repentant (Deuteronomy 30:1-3). God’s coming assurance to Josiah (vv.27-28) demonstrates that heartfelt repentance can delay judgment, paralleling Nineveh under Jonah (Jonah 3:5-10) and Ahab’s temporary reprieve (1 Kings 21:27-29).
summary2 Chronicles 34:26 marks the moment when God turns from a general sentence upon Judah to a personal message for King Josiah. Because Josiah humbly sought divine counsel and trembled at God’s written Word, the Lord singles him out for mercy. The verse underscores three truths: God notices individual hearts within national crises, He responds to earnest inquiry with authoritative revelation, and He honors those who take His Word seriously. (26) To enquire of the Lord.--Strictly, through the Lord. Kings has the accusative. Against this place.--Kings adds, "that it should become an astonishment and a curse." And humbledst thyself before me.--Not in Kings. A characteristic repetition. And weep.--Shorter form of the verb; a correction of Kings (watt?bk forwattebkeh). I.--Emphatic. (Kings has the longer form'anoki for our'ani.) Saith the Lord.--Is the utterance of Jehovah (ne'-m Iahweh). Grave.--Heb.,graves. (Comp.2Chronicles 16:14.) And upon the inhabitants of the same.--Added by the chronicler.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew But as forוְאֶל־(wə·’el-)Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, tothe kingמֶ֣לֶךְ(me·leḵ)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4428:A kingof Judahיְהוּדָ֗ה(yə·hū·ḏāh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3063:Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israeliteswho sentהַשֹּׁלֵ֤חַ(haš·šō·lê·aḥ)Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7971:To send away, for, outyouאֶתְכֶם֙(’eṯ·ḵem)Direct object marker | second person masculine plural
Strong's 853:Untranslatable mark of the accusative caseto inquireלִדְר֣וֹשׁ(liḏ·rō·wōš)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1875:To tread, frequent, to follow, to seek, ask, to worshipof the LORD,בַּֽיהוָ֔ה(Yah·weh)Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israeltell himתֹאמְר֖וּ(ṯō·mə·rū)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 559:To utter, saythatכֹּ֥ה(kōh)Adverb
Strong's 3541:Like this, thus, here, nowthis is whatכֹּֽה־(kōh-)Adverb
Strong's 3541:Like this, thus, here, nowthe LORD,יְהוָה֙(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelthe Godאֱלֹהֵ֣י(’ĕ·lō·hê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlativeof Israel,יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל(yiś·rā·’êl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478:Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his descsays:אָמַ֤ר(’ā·mar)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, say‘As for the wordsהַדְּבָרִ֖ים(had·də·ḇā·rîm)Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1697:A word, a matter, thing, a causethatאֲשֶׁ֥ר(’ă·šer)Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order thatyou heard,שָׁמָֽעְתָּ׃(šā·mā·‘ə·tā)Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 8085:To hear intelligently
Links 2 Chronicles 34:26 NIV2 Chronicles 34:26 NLT2 Chronicles 34:26 ESV2 Chronicles 34:26 NASB2 Chronicles 34:26 KJV
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OT History: 2 Chronicles 34:26 But to the king of Judah who (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr) |
