New International VersionThe king stood by the pillar and renewed the covenant in the presence of the LORD—to follow the LORD and keep his commands, statutes and decrees with all his heart and all his soul, thus confirming the words of the covenant written in this book. Then all the people pledged themselves to the covenant.
New Living TranslationThe king took his place of authority beside the pillar and renewed the covenant in the LORD’s presence. He pledged to obey the LORD by keeping all his commands, laws, and decrees with all his heart and soul. In this way, he confirmed all the terms of the covenant that were written in the scroll, and all the people pledged themselves to the covenant.
English Standard VersionAnd the king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all his heart and all his soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people joined in the covenant.
Berean Standard BibleSo the king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the LORD to follow the LORD and to keep His commandments, decrees, and statutes with all his heart and all his soul, and to carry out the words of the covenant that were written in this book. And all the people entered into the covenant.
King James BibleAnd the king stood by a pillar, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all their heart and all their soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people stood to the covenant.
New King James VersionThen the king stood by a pillar and made a covenant before the LORD, to follow the LORD and to keep His commandments and His testimonies and His statutes, with all his heart and all his soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people took a stand for the covenant.
New American Standard BibleAnd the king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep His commandments, His provisions, and His statutes with all his heart and all his soul, to carry out the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people entered into the covenant.
NASB 1995The king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep His commandments and His testimonies and His statutes with all his heart and all his soul, to carry out the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people entered into the covenant.
NASB 1977And the king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep His commandments and His testimonies and His statutes with all his heart and all his soul, to carry out the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people entered into the covenant.
Legacy Standard BibleThen the king stood by the pillar and cut a covenant before Yahweh, to walk after Yahweh, and to keep His commandments and His testimonies and His statutes with all his heart and all his soul, to establish the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people entered into the covenant.
Amplified BibleThe king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD and to keep His commandments, His testimonies, and His statutes with all his heart and soul, to confirm the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people entered into the covenant.
Christian Standard BibleNext, the king stood by the pillar and made a covenant in the LORD’s presence to follow the LORD and to keep his commands, his decrees, and his statutes with all his heart and with all his soul in order to carry out the words of this covenant that were written in this book; all the people agreed to the covenant.
Holman Christian Standard BibleNext, the king stood by the pillar and made a covenant in the presence of the LORD to follow the LORD and to keep His commands, His decrees, and His statutes with all his mind and with all his heart, and to carry out the words of this covenant that were written in this book; all the people agreed to the covenant.
American Standard VersionAnd the king stood by the pillar, and made a covenant before Jehovah, to walk after Jehovah, and to keep his commandments, and his testimonies, and his statutes, with all his heart, and all his soul, to confirm the words of this covenant that were written in this book: and all the people stood to the covenant.
Contemporary English VersionAfter Josiah had finished reading, he stood by one of the columns. He asked the people to promise in the LORD's name to faithfully obey the LORD and to follow his commands. The people agreed to do everything written in the book.
English Revised VersionAnd the king stood by the pillar, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments, and his testimonies, and his statutes, with all his heart, and all his soul, to confirm the words of this covenant that were written in this book: and all the people stood to the covenant.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThe king stood beside the pillar and made a promise to the LORD that he would follow the LORD and obey his commands, instructions, and laws with all his heart and soul. He confirmed the terms of the promise written in this book. And all the people joined in the promise.
Good News TranslationHe stood by the royal column and made a covenant with the LORD to obey him, to keep his laws and commands with all his heart and soul, and to put into practice the demands attached to the covenant, as written in the book. And all the people promised to keep the covenant.
International Standard VersionThe king stood beside a pillar and made a covenant in the presence of the LORD: to follow after the LORD, to keep his commandments, his testimonies, and his statutes with all of his heart and soul, and to carry out what was written in the covenant contained in the book. All the people consented to enter into the covenant.
NET BibleThe king stood by the pillar and renewed the covenant before the LORD, agreeing to follow the LORD and to obey his commandments, laws, and rules with all his heart and being, by carrying out the terms of this covenant recorded on this scroll. All the people agreed to keep the covenant.
New Heart English BibleThe king stood by the pillar, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments, and his testimonies, and his statutes, with all his heart, and all his soul, to confirm the words of this covenant that were written in this scroll; and all the people stood to the covenant.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd the king stood by a pillar, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments, and his testimonies, and his statutes, with all their heart and all their soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people stood to the covenant. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo the king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the LORD to follow the LORD and to keep His commandments, decrees, and statutes with all his heart and all his soul, and to carry out the words of the covenant that were written in this book. And all the people entered into the covenant.
World English BibleThe king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before Yahweh to walk after Yahweh and to keep his commandments, his testimonies, and his statutes with all his heart and all his soul, to confirm the words of this covenant that were written in this book; and all the people agreed to the covenant. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the king stands by the pillar, and makes the covenant before YHWH, to walk after YHWH, and to keep His commands, and His testimonies, and His statutes, with all the heart, and with all the soul, to establish the words of this covenant that are written on this scroll, and all the people stand in the covenant.
Young's Literal Translation And the king standeth by the pillar, and maketh the covenant before Jehovah, to walk after Jehovah, and to keep His commands, and His testimonies, and His statutes, with all the heart, and with all the soul, to establish the words of this covenant that are written on this book, and all the people stand in the covenant.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd the king will stand by the pillar, and he will cut out a covenant before Jehovah to go after Jehovah, and to watch his commands and his testimonies and his laws, with all the heart and with all the soul, and to raise up the words of this covenant written upon this book. And all the people will stand in the covenant. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the king stood upon the step: and made a covenant with the Lord, to walk after the Lord, and to keep his commandments, and his testimonies and his ceremonies, with all their heart, and with all their soul, and to perform the words of this covenant, which were written in that book: and the people agreed to the covenant.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd the king stood upon the step. And he struck a covenant before the Lord, so that they would walk after the Lord, and keep his precepts and testimonies and ceremonies, with all their heart and with all their soul, and so that they would carry out the words of this covenant, which had been written in that book. And the people agreed to the covenant.
New American BibleThe king stood by the column and made a covenant in the presence of the LORD to follow the LORD and to observe his commandments, statutes, and decrees with his whole heart and soul, and to re-establish the words of the covenant written in this book. And all the people stood by the covenant.
New Revised Standard VersionThe king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the LORD, to follow the LORD, keeping his commandments, his decrees, and his statutes, with all his heart and all his soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. All the people joined in the covenant. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the king stood by a pillar and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all their heart and all their soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people agreed to the covenant.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd the King stood by a pillar and he covenanted a covenant before LORD JEHOVAH to walk after LORD JEHOVAH to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his covenants with all their heart, and with all their soul, that they shall establish the words of this covenant that are written in this scroll. And all the people agreed to the covenant. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the king stood on the platform, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep His commandments, and His testimonies, and His statutes, with all his heart, and all his soul, to confirm the words of this covenant that were written in this book; and all the people stood to the covenant.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd the king stood by a pillar, and made a covenant before the Lord, to walk after the Lord, to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his ordinances with all the heart and with all the soul, to confirm the words of this covenant; even the things written in this book. And all the people stood to the covenant.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Josiah Renews the Covenant… 2And he went up to the house of the LORD with all the people of Judah and Jerusalem, as well as the priests and the prophets—all the people small and great—and in their hearing he read all the words of the Book of the Covenant that had been found in the house of the LORD. 3So the kingstoodbythe pillarand madea covenantbeforethe LORDto followthe LORDand to keepHis commandments,decrees,and statuteswith allhis heartand allhis soul,and to carry outthe wordsof thiscovenantthat were writteninthisbook.And allthe peopleenteredinto the covenant.
Cross References Deuteronomy 29:10-15All of you are standing today before the LORD your God—you leaders of tribes, elders, officials, and all the men of Israel, / your children and wives, and the foreigners in your camps who cut your wood and draw your water— / so that you may enter into the covenant of the LORD your God, which He is making with you today, and into His oath, ...
Joshua 24:25On that day Joshua made a covenant for the people, and there at Shechem he established for them a statute and ordinance.
2 Chronicles 34:31So the king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the LORD to follow the LORD and to keep His commandments, decrees, and statutes with all his heart and all his soul, and to carry out the words of the covenant that were written in this book.
Nehemiah 9:38In view of all this, we make a binding agreement, putting it in writing and sealing it with the names of our leaders, Levites, and priests.”
Nehemiah 10:28-29“The rest of the people—the priests, Levites, gatekeepers, singers, temple servants, and all who had separated themselves from the people of the land to obey the Law of God—along with their wives and all their sons and daughters who are able to understand, / hereby join with their noble brothers and commit themselves with a sworn oath to follow the Law of God given through His servant Moses and to obey carefully all the commandments, ordinances, and statutes of the LORD our Lord.
Exodus 24:3-8When Moses came and told the people all the words and ordinances of the LORD, they all responded with one voice: “All the words that the LORD has spoken, we will do.” / And Moses wrote down all the words of the LORD. Early the next morning he got up and built an altar at the base of the mountain, along with twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel. / Then he sent out some young men of Israel, and they offered burnt offerings and sacrificed young bulls as peace offerings to the LORD. ...
Deuteronomy 5:1-3Then Moses summoned all Israel and said to them: Hear, O Israel, the statutes and ordinances that I declare in your hearing this day. Learn them and observe them carefully. / The LORD our God made a covenant with us at Horeb. / He did not make this covenant with our fathers, but with all of us who are alive here today.
Deuteronomy 6:17You are to diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God and the testimonies and statutes He has given you.
Deuteronomy 27:26‘Cursed is he who does not put the words of this law into practice.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’
2 Kings 11:17Then Jehoiada made a covenant between the LORD and the king and the people that they would be the LORD’s people. He also made a covenant between the king and the people.
2 Chronicles 15:12-15Then they entered into a covenant to seek the LORD, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and soul. / And whoever would not seek the LORD, the God of Israel, would be put to death, whether young or old, man or woman. / They took an oath to the LORD with a loud voice, with shouting, trumpets, and rams’ horns. ...
Jeremiah 11:3-5You must tell them that this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: Cursed is the man who does not obey the words of this covenant, / which I commanded your forefathers when I brought them out of the land of Egypt, out of the iron furnace, saying, ‘Obey Me, and do everything I command you, and you will be My people, and I will be your God.’ / This was in order to establish the oath I swore to your forefathers, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey, as it is to this day.” “Amen, LORD,” I answered.
Jeremiah 34:15Recently you repented and did what pleased Me; each of you proclaimed freedom for his neighbor. You made a covenant before Me in the house that bears My Name.
Romans 12:1-2Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. / Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
Hebrews 8:10For this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord. I will put My laws in their minds and inscribe them on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people.
Treasury of Scripture And the king stood by a pillar, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all their heart and all their soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people stood to the covenant. stood. 2 Kings 11:14,17 And when she looked, behold, the king stood by a pillar, as the mannerwas, and the princes and the trumpeters by the king, and all the people of the land rejoiced, and blew with trumpets: and Athaliah rent her clothes, and cried, Treason, Treason… 2 Chronicles 23:13 And she looked, and, behold, the king stood at his pillar at the entering in, and the princes and the trumpets by the king: and all the people of the land rejoiced, and sounded with trumpets, also the singers with instruments of musick, and such as taught to sing praise. Then Athaliah rent her clothes, and said, Treason, Treason. 2 Chronicles 34:31,32 And the king stood in his place, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments, and his testimonies, and his statutes, with all his heart, and with all his soul, to perform the words of the covenant which are written in this book… made a covenant. Exodus 24:7,8 And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the LORD hath said will we do, and be obedient… Deuteronomy 5:1-3 And Moses called all Israel, and said unto them, Hear, O Israel, the statutes and judgments which I speak in your ears this day, that ye may learn them, and keep, and do them… Deuteronomy 29:1,10-15 Theseare the words of the covenant, which the LORD commanded Moses to make with the children of Israel in the land of Moab, beside the covenant which he made with them in Horeb… to walk. Deuteronomy 8:19 And it shall be, if thou do at all forget the LORD thy God, and walk after other gods, and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that ye shall surely perish. his commandments. Deuteronomy 4:45 Theseare the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, which Moses spake unto the children of Israel, after they came forth out of Egypt, Deuteronomy 5:1 And Moses called all Israel, and said unto them, Hear, O Israel, the statutes and judgments which I speak in your ears this day, that ye may learn them, and keep, and do them. Deuteronomy 6:1 Now theseare the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD your God commanded to teach you, that ye might dothem in the land whither ye go to possess it: with all their heart. Deuteronomy 6:5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. Deuteronomy 10:12 And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, Deuteronomy 11:13 And it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto my commandments which I command you this day, to love the LORD your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul, And all. Exodus 24:3 And Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD, and all the judgments: and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the LORD hath said will we do. Jump to Previous BookCommandmentsConfirmCovenantHeartPerformPillarPlatformSoulStatutesStoodTestimoniesWalkWordsWrittenJump to Next BookCommandmentsConfirmCovenantHeartPerformPillarPlatformSoulStatutesStoodTestimoniesWalkWordsWritten2 Kings 23 1.Josiah causes the book to be read in a solemn assembly.3.He renews the covenant of the Lord.4.He destroys idolatry.15.He burns dead men's bones upon the altar of Bethel, as was prophesied.21.He keeps a most solemn Passover.24.He puts away witches and all abomination.26.God's final wrath against Judah.29.Josiah, provoking Pharaoh Neco, is slain at Megiddo.31.Jehoahaz, succeeding him,33.is imprisoned by Pharaoh Neco, who makes Jehoiakim king.36.Jehoiakim's wicked reign.So the king stood by the pillarThe king referred to here is Josiah, who reigned in Judah from approximately 640 to 609 BC. The pillar mentioned is likely a significant structure in the temple, possibly the same as the "pillar" or "standing place" mentioned in 2 Kings 11:14, where King Joash was crowned. This location signifies a place of authority and public declaration, emphasizing the solemnity and importance of the covenant being made. and made a covenant before the LORD
A covenant in biblical terms is a solemn agreement or promise, often involving commitments and obligations. This covenant is made "before the LORD," indicating that it is not merely a human agreement but one that is sacred and binding in the presence of God. This reflects the biblical theme of covenants, such as those with Noah, Abraham, and Moses, which are foundational to Israel's relationship with God. to follow the LORD
Following the LORD implies a commitment to obedience and faithfulness. This phrase echoes the Shema inDeuteronomy 6:4-5, which calls for love and devotion to God. It underscores the personal and communal responsibility to live according to God's will, a central theme in the Deuteronomic history. and to keep His commandments, decrees, and statutes
This triad of terms—commandments, decrees, and statutes—encompasses the full scope of God's law as given to Israel. It highlights the comprehensive nature of the covenant obligations, covering moral, ceremonial, and civil aspects of the law. This reflects the covenant at Sinai, where the Israelites agreed to obey God's law as part of their identity as His chosen people. with all his heart and all his soul
This phrase emphasizes total commitment and sincerity. It is reminiscent ofDeuteronomy 6:5, which calls for loving God with all one's heart, soul, and strength. This wholehearted devotion is a recurring biblical theme, indicating that true obedience to God involves not just external actions but also internal dedication. and to carry out the words of the covenant that were written in this book
The "book" refers to the Book of the Law, likely a portion of Deuteronomy, discovered during temple repairs (2 Kings 22:8). This discovery sparked Josiah's reforms. The emphasis on "carrying out" the words underscores the importance of not just hearing or reading the law but actively living it out, a principle echoed inJames 1:22. And all the people entered into the covenant
The inclusion of "all the people" signifies a communal commitment, not just a royal decree. This collective agreement reflects the covenantal nature of Israel as a people set apart for God. It parallels the covenant renewal ceremonies inJoshua 24 andNehemiah 8-10, where the community reaffirmed their dedication to God's law. Persons / Places / Events 1. King JosiahThe king of Judah who initiated religious reforms and renewed the covenant with God. He is known for his dedication to restoring true worship in Judah. 2. The PillarA significant place in the temple where King Josiah stood to make the covenant. It symbolizes a place of commitment and public declaration. 3. The CovenantA solemn agreement made before the LORD, emphasizing obedience to God's commandments, decrees, and statutes. 4. The LORDThe covenant is made before God, highlighting His central role in the life and faith of Israel. 5. The People of JudahThey collectively entered into the covenant, showing a communal commitment to follow God's laws. Teaching Points Commitment to God's WordJosiah's actions remind us of the importance of committing to God's Word and living it out in our daily lives. Leadership in FaithJosiah's leadership demonstrates the impact a godly leader can have on a community, encouraging us to lead by example in our faith. Community InvolvementThe collective response of the people highlights the importance of community in spiritual renewal and accountability. Wholehearted DevotionThe call to follow God with all our heart and soul challenges us to examine our own level of devotion and commitment. Renewal and ReformJosiah's reforms show the necessity of continual renewal and reform in our spiritual lives to align with God's will. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of 2 Kings 23:3?
2.How does 2 Kings 23:3 inspire us to renew our commitment to God?
3.What does "walk after the LORD" mean in our daily lives today?
4.How can we uphold "the words of this covenant" in modern society?
5.In what ways does 2 Kings 23:3 connect to Deuteronomy 6:5-6?
6.How can leaders today encourage others to "stand by the covenant"?
7.What is the significance of King Josiah's covenant in 2 Kings 23:3 for modern believers?
8.How does 2 Kings 23:3 reflect the importance of communal commitment to God's commandments?
9.Why did King Josiah renew the covenant in 2 Kings 23:3, and what does it symbolize?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 23?
11.2 Chronicles 13 - Are there any archaeological or extra-biblical sources that verify the details of this battle's scale and outcome?
12.What was the purpose of Solomon's Temple?
13.What does rededicating your life to Christ mean?
14.2 Chronicles 13 compared with 1 Kings 15:3 - Why does Abijah appear more faithful in Chronicles than in Kings, and what might explain this seeming discrepancy?What Does 2 Kings 23:3 Mean So the king stood by the pillarThe scene is the temple court. In ancient Israel, the pillar beside the entrance (2 Kings 11:14) was a recognized place for royal proclamations. Josiah’s public position tells everyone that what follows is official, solemn, and done under God’s gaze. •2 Chronicles 34:29 – 30 shows the same gathering; both accounts stress visibility and accountability. • Like Moses at Sinai (Exodus 19:17), the king leads the nation to meet the LORD.
And made a covenant before the LORDA covenant is a binding agreement. Josiah is not inventing something new; he is renewing what God already established with Israel (Exodus 24:7–8). •2 Chronicles 15:12 records a similar renewal under Asa, confirming that such moments punctuate Israel’s history whenever the nation drifts. • The formula “before the LORD” underscores that God Himself is witness (Deuteronomy 29:12–13).
To follow the LORDThe first pledge is loyalty. “Follow” means to walk behind, letting the LORD set direction and pace. • Hezekiah “clung to the LORD” (2 Kings 18:6), a practical picture of the same resolve. • Jesus calls disciples to “follow Me” (Mark 8:34), showing continuity in God’s call across both covenants.
And to keep His commandments, decrees, and statutes with all his heart and all his soulJosiah commits to comprehensive obedience energized by wholehearted love. •Deuteronomy 6:5 commands Israel, “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength” (quoted by Jesus inMatthew 22:37). • The triplet “commandments, decrees, statutes” (Deuteronomy 4:40) covers moral, civil, and ceremonial instructions—nothing is left out. • Genuine reform begins in the heart;Proverbs 4:23 warns, “Guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
And to carry out the words of the covenant that were written in this bookThe “book” is the freshly found Book of the Law (2 Kings 22:8–13). Scripture, not sentiment, shapes the covenant. •Deuteronomy 31:24–26 placed the Law beside the ark as a perpetual witness; now it resurfaces to judge and guide the nation. •Joshua 1:8 links prosperity and courage to meditating on and obeying the written word, the same principle Josiah revives. •Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” sets the pattern for walking in newly rediscovered truth.
And all the people entered into the covenantNational revival requires corporate buy-in. The people freely align with their king and, more importantly, with God. • At Sinai, “All the people answered together, ‘All that the LORD has spoken we will do’ ” (Exodus 19:8). •Joshua 24:24 records Israel saying, “We will serve the LORD our God and obey His voice.” Josiah’s day echoes that moment. • InActs 2:41, those who “accepted his message were baptized,” showing that covenant renewal carries forward into the New Testament community.
summary2 Kings 23:3 portrays Josiah leading Judah in a wholehearted, Scripture-based renewal of their covenant with God. He stands publicly, acknowledges divine authority, vows total obedience grounded in love, submits to the written word, and draws the entire nation into the same commitment. The verse reminds every generation that true reform begins with God’s Word, proceeds from the heart, and spreads outward to impact the whole community. (3) By a pillar.-- On the stand or dais ( 2Kings 11:14). A covenant.--The covenant, which had so often been broken. Josiah pledged himself "to walk after the Lord," and imposed a similar pledge on the people. Stood to the covenant--i.e., entered it; took the same pledge as the king. (Comp.2Kings 18:28.) Verse 3. - And the king stood by a pillar - עַל חָעַמּוד is not "by the pillar," but (as in 2 Kings 11:14) "on the platform" (see the comment on that place) - and made a covenant before the Lord; literally, made the covenant (as in 2 Kings 11:17); i.e. made, or renewed, the old covenant with God ( Exodus 24:5-8), which had been broken by the complete neglect of the Law, and the manifold idolatries of Manasseh and Amon. He renewed this covenant "before the Lord," i.e. from his platform in the court, directly opposite the entrance to the temple, through which he could, perhaps, see the veil hanging in front of the holy of holies-at any rate being, and feeling himself to be, in the immediate presence of God. To walk after the Lord - i.e. to be his true follower and servant - and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes. (On the multiplication of such terms, see the comment upon 1 Kings 2:3.) They are intended to express "the totality of the Law," all its requirements without exception. With all their heart and all their soul - obedience was worthless, unless paid from the heart and soul (see Deuteronomy 4:29; Deuteronomy 30:2; Joel 2:12, 13) - to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people stood to the covenant. The representatives of the people, one and all, were parties to the premise made on their behalf by the king, and signified their consent, probably as they had done in Horeb, when "Moses took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people; and they said, All that the Lord has said will we do, and be obedient" (see Deuteronomy 24:7).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew So the kingהַ֠מֶּלֶךְ(ham·me·leḵ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428:A kingstoodוַיַּעֲמֹ֣ד(way·ya·‘ă·mōḏ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5975:To stand, in various relationsbyעַֽל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstthe pillarהָ֨עַמּ֜וּד(hā·‘am·mūḏ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5982:A column, a stand, platformand madeוַיִּכְרֹ֥ת(way·yiḵ·rōṯ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3772:To cut, to destroy, consume, to covenanta covenantהַבְּרִ֣ית ׀(hab·bə·rîṯ)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1285:A covenantbeforeלִפְנֵ֣י(lip̄·nê)Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440:The facethe LORDיְהוָ֗ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelto followלָלֶ֜כֶת(lā·le·ḵeṯ)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1980:To go, come, walkthe LORDיְהוָה֙(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israeland to keepוְלִשְׁמֹ֨ר(wə·liš·mōr)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 8104:To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend toHis commandments,מִצְוֺתָ֜יו(miṣ·wō·ṯāw)Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4687:Commandmentdecrees,עֵדְוֺתָ֤יו(‘ê·ḏə·wō·ṯāw)Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5715:Testimonyand statutesחֻקֹּתָיו֙(ḥuq·qō·ṯāw)Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 2708:Something prescribed, an enactment, statutewith allבְּכָל־(bə·ḵāl)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, every[his] heartלֵ֣ב(lêḇ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3820:The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centreand allוּבְכָל־(ū·ḇə·ḵāl)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, every[his] soul,נֶ֔פֶשׁ(ne·p̄eš)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5315:A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotionand to carry outלְהָקִ֗ים(lə·hā·qîm)Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 6965:To arise, stand up, standthe wordsדִּבְרֵי֙(diḇ·rê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1697:A word, a matter, thing, a causeof thisהַזֹּ֔את(haz·zōṯ)Article | Pronoun - feminine singular
Strong's 2063:Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that,covenantהַבְּרִ֣ית(hab·bə·rîṯ)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1285:A covenantthat were writtenהַכְּתֻבִ֖ים(hak·kə·ṯu·ḇîm)Article | Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine plural
Strong's 3789:To grave, to writeinעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstthisהַזֶּ֑ה(haz·zeh)Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088:This, thatbook.הַסֵּ֣פֶר(has·sê·p̄er)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5612:A missive, document, writing, bookAnd allכָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everythe peopleהָעָ֖ם(hā·‘ām)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971:A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flockenteredוַיַּעֲמֹ֥ד(way·ya·‘ă·mōḏ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5975:To stand, in various relationsinto the covenant.בַּבְּרִֽית׃(bab·bə·rîṯ)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1285:A covenant
Links 2 Kings 23:3 NIV2 Kings 23:3 NLT2 Kings 23:3 ESV2 Kings 23:3 NASB2 Kings 23:3 KJV
2 Kings 23:3 BibleApps.com2 Kings 23:3 Biblia Paralela2 Kings 23:3 Chinese Bible2 Kings 23:3 French Bible2 Kings 23:3 Catholic Bible
OT History: 2 Kings 23:3 The king stood by the pillar (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) |
