MPV Commentary

Hilkiah Finds the Book of the Law.

When Hilkiah said he had found the book of the law in the house of the Lord, it was likely the temple copy that had been laid beside the ark in the most holy place (Deuteronomy 31:25-26). This copy had probably gone missing during the ungodly reigns of Manasseh and Amon, or possibly under Ahaz when the temple itself was profaned by idols. The book was now rediscovered during the repair of the temple.

Hilkiah delivered the book to Shaphan the scribe, who read it to King Josiah. It is thought that the passage read to the king was from Deuteronomy 28-30, which contains a renewal of the national covenant and an enumeration of the severe threats and curses against those who violated the law. The reading had a profound impact on Josiah's mind, producing feelings of grief and terror.

However, it is possible that Josiah already knew the contents of the book in some degree, given its widespread circulation among the people. Alternatively, he may have been unfamiliar with this particular passage or its reading may have struck him in a way he had never felt before. His strong faith in God's word and his awareness of the nation's long-standing apostasies must have weighed heavily on his heart.

The king was deeply troubled by the realization that the curses denounced in the law were about to be inflicted upon his kingdom. He immediately sent a delegation of his principal officers, including Ahikam and Achbor, to inquire of the Lord for guidance on how to avert these calamities.

They were sent to Huldah, who was known for her prophetic gifts and lived in the Misnah, a suburb of Jerusalem. She was held in high esteem by the people, and Jewish writers record that she and Jehoiada the priest were the only non-Davidic individuals buried in Jerusalem.

Huldah delivered an oracle in response to their inquiry, announcing impending calamities for the city and its inhabitants. However, she also offered a message of hope, assuring Josiah that this season of punishment would not occur during his lifetime due to his faith, repentance, and zeal for God's glory and worship.