King James Version
What Does 2 Kings 22:18 Mean?
“But to the king of Judah which sent you to enquire of the LORD, thus shall ye say to him, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, As touching the words which thou hast heard;”
2 Kings 22:18 · KJV
Context
16
Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, and upon the inhabitants thereof, even all the words of the book which the king of Judah hath read:
17
Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be kindled against this place, and shall not be quenched.
18
But to the king of Judah which sent you to enquire of the LORD, thus shall ye say to him, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, As touching the words which thou hast heard;
19
Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the LORD, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before me; I also have heard thee, saith the LORD.
20
Behold therefore, I will gather thee unto thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered into thy grave in peace; and thine eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring upon this place. And they brought the king word again.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryBut to the king of Judah which sent you to enquire of the LORD, thus shall ye say to him, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, As touching the words which thou hast heard;
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 22: Rediscovery of God's word brings renewal. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. In Judah's later history, we see both genuine reforms and deep-rooted corruption, revealing that external religious activity cannot substitute for heart transformation.
The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 22: Rediscovery of God's word brings renewal. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. In Judah's later history, we see both genuine reforms and deep-rooted corruption, revealing that external religious activity cannot substitute for heart transformation.
The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 22 takes place during the final century of Judah's existence, 7th century BCE, including Manasseh and Josiah's reigns. The chapter's theme (Josiah's Reform Begins) reflects the historical reality of the worst apostasy under Manasseh followed by the most thorough reforms under Josiah, demonstrating that external righteousness cannot reverse God's determined judgment. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.
Reflection Questions
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 22 regarding rediscovery of god's word brings renewal?
- What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
- In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 19 wordsיְהוּדָ֗ה3 of 19
“of Judah”
H3063jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
אֶתְכֶם֙5 of 19
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לִדְרֹ֣שׁ6 of 19
“you to enquire”
H1875properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship
אֶת7 of 19
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָה֙8 of 19
“of the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
כֹּ֥ה9 of 19
H3541properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
כֹּֽה12 of 19
H3541properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יְהוָה֙14 of 19
“of the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֵ֣י15 of 19
“God”
H430gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל16 of 19
“of Israel”
H3478he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
הַדְּבָרִ֖ים17 of 19
“As touching the words”
H1697a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
אֲשֶׁ֥ר18 of 19
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
שָׁמָֽעְתָּ׃19 of 19
“which thou hast heard”
H8085to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of 2 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
2 Kings 22:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to 2 Kings 22:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge