Josiah Reigns in Judah
(2 Chronicles 34:1–2)

1Josiah (whom YHWH heals) was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem (city of peace) thirty-one years. His mother’s name was Jedidah (beloved) daughter of Adaiah (YHWH has adorned Himself); she was from Bozkath (rocky height). 2And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD {YHWH} and walked in all the ways of his father David (beloved); he did not turn aside to the right or to the left.

Funding the Temple Repairs
(2 Chronicles 34:8–13)

3Now in the eighteenth year of his reign, King Josiah (whom YHWH heals) sent the scribe, Shaphan son of Azaliah (YHWH has set apart), the son of Meshullam (friend), to the house of the LORD {YHWH}, saying, 4“Go up to Hilkiah (my portion is YHWH) the high priest and have him count the money that has been brought into the house of the LORD {YHWH}, which the doorkeepers have collected from the people. 5And let them deliver it into the hands of the supervisors of those doing the work on the house of the LORD {YHWH}, who in turn are to give it to the workmen repairing the damages to the house of the LORD— 6to the carpenters, builders, and masons—to buy timber and dressed stone to repair the temple. 7But they need not account for the money put into their hands, since they work with integrity.”

Hilkiah Finds the Book of the Law
(2 Chronicles 34:14–21)

8Then Hilkiah (my portion is YHWH) the high priest said to Shaphan the scribe, “I have found the Book of the Law in the house of the LORD {YHWH}!” And he gave it to Shaphan, who read it.

9And Shaphan the scribe went to the king and reported, “Your servants have paid out the money that was found in the temple and have put it into the hands of the workers and supervisors of the house of the LORD {YHWH}.”

10Moreover, Shaphan the scribe told the king, “Hilkiah (my portion is YHWH) the priest has given me a book.” And Shaphan read it in the presence of the king.

11When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes 12and commanded Hilkiah (my portion is YHWH) the priest, Ahikam (my brother has arisen) son of Shaphan, Achbor (Abdon)a son of Micaiah (Micah),b Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah (made by YHWH) the servant of the king: 13“Go and inquire of the LORD {YHWH} for me, for the people, and for all Judah (praised) concerning the words in this book that has been found. For great is the wrath of the LORD that burns against us because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book by doing all that is written about us.”

Huldah’s Prophecy
(2 Chronicles 34:22–28)

14So Hilkiah (my portion is YHWH) the priest, Ahikam (my brother has arisen), Achbor (mouse), Shaphan, and Asaiah (made by YHWH) went and spoke to Huldah (weasel) the prophetess, the wife of Shallum (retribution) son of Tikvah (Tokhath),c the son of Harhas (Hasrah),d the keeper of the wardrobe. She lived in Jerusalem (city of peace), in the Second District (the Second Quarter).e

15And Huldah said to them, “This is what the LORD, the God {YHWH Elohe} of Israel (he wrestles with God), says: ‘Tell the man who sent you⁺ 16that this is what the LORD {YHWH} says: I am about to bring calamity on this place and on its people, according to all the words of the book that the king of Judah (praised) has read, 17because they have forsaken Me and burned incense to other gods, that they might provoke Me to anger with all the works of their hands. My wrath will be kindled against this place and will not be quenched.’

18But as for the king of Judah (praised), who sent you⁺ to inquire of the LORD {YHWH}, tell him that this is what the LORD, the God {Elohe} of Israel (he wrestles with God), says: ‘As for the words that you heard, 19because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before the LORD {YHWH} when you heard what I spoke against this place and against its people, that they would become a desolation and a curse, and because you have torn your clothes and wept before Me, I have heard you,’ declares the LORD.

20‘Therefore I will indeed gather you to your fathers, and you will be gathered to your grave in peace. Your eyes will not see all the calamity that I will bring on this place.’”

So they brought her answer back to the king.