2 Chronicles 34:14-21

New International Reader's Version

Hilkiah Finds the Book of the Law

¹⁴ The money that had been taken into the Lord’s temple was being brought out. At that time Hilkiah the priest found the Book of the Law of the Lord. It had been given through Moses. ¹⁵ Hilkiah spoke to Shaphan the secretary. Hilkiah said, “I’ve found the Book of the Law in the Lord’s temple.” Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan.

¹⁶ Then Shaphan took the book to King Josiah. He told him, “Your officials are doing everything they’ve been asked to do. ¹⁷ They have paid out the money that was in the Lord’s temple. They’ve put it in the care of the directors and workers.” ¹⁸ Shaphan continued, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.” Shaphan read some of it to the king.

¹⁹ The king heard the words of the Law. When he did, he tore his royal robes. ²⁰ He gave orders to Hilkiah, Ahikam, Abdon, Shaphan the secretary and Asaiah. Ahikam was the son of Shaphan. Abdon was the son of Micah. And Asaiah was the king’s attendant. Josiah commanded them, ²¹ “Go. Ask the Lord for advice. Ask him about what is written in this book that has been found. Do it for me. Also do it for the people who remain in Israel and Judah. The Lord has been very angry with us. That’s because our people before us didn’t obey what the Lord had said. They didn’t do everything written in this book.”