¹⁶ Those from every tribe of Israel^(A) who set their hearts on seeking the Lord, the God of Israel, followed the Levites to Jerusalem to offer sacrifices to the Lord, the God of their ancestors.

¹² They entered into a covenant^(A) to seek the Lord,^(B) the God of their ancestors, with all their heart and soul. ¹³ All who would not seek the Lord, the God of Israel, were to be put to death,^(C) whether small or great, man or woman.

¹⁵ All Judah rejoiced about the oath because they had sworn it wholeheartedly. They sought God^(A) eagerly, and he was found by them. So the Lord gave them rest^(B) on every side.

¹⁵ Hilkiah said to Shaphan the secretary, “I have found the Book of the Law^(A) in the temple of the Lord.” He gave it to Shaphan.

¹⁶ Then Shaphan took the book to the king and reported to him: “Your officials are doing everything that has been committed to them. ¹⁷ They have paid out the money that was in the temple of the Lord and have entrusted it to the supervisors and workers.” ¹⁸ Then Shaphan the secretary informed the king, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.” And Shaphan read from it in the presence of the king.

¹⁹ When the king heard the words of the Law,^(B) he tore^(C) his robes.