What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 34:23? And Huldah said to them Huldah, a prophetess living in Jerusalem, receives the delegation sent by King Josiah (2 Chron 34:20–22). • God’s choice of Huldah shows that He raises up faithful servants regardless of gender, as seen with Deborah (Judges 4:4) and Philip’s daughters (Acts 21:8-9). • The officials approach her because her reputation for hearing from God is trustworthy, echoing the pattern of seeking divine counsel through proven voices (1 Samuel 9:6-9). • Huldah immediately speaks; there is no hesitation. This quick response reminds us of Isaiah’s readiness in Isaiah 6:8 and Samuel’s in 1 Samuel 3:10. This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says With the familiar prophetic formula “Thus says the LORD,” Huldah anchors her words in the absolute authority of God. • The phrase underscores that Scripture’s message is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16) and carries covenantal weight, the same Lord who spoke at Sinai (Exodus 20:1-2). • Calling Him “the God of Israel” ties Josiah and the nation back to their identity as God’s chosen people (Deuteronomy 7:6), confronting them with covenant responsibilities (Leviticus 26:9-13). • Every genuine prophetic word points beyond the messenger to the Lord Himself, paralleling Jeremiah’s commission: “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth” (Jeremiah 1:9). Tell the man who sent you God singles out Josiah not by his royal title but simply as “the man,” stressing personal accountability before the Almighty. • Titles and positions fade in God’s presence (Job 34:19); obedience matters more than rank. • The wording anticipates Nathan’s confrontation of David—“You are the man!” (2 Samuel 12:7)—showing how God addresses leaders directly when national destiny is at stake. • Though Josiah sought guidance humbly (2 Chron 34:21), God’s message will still be firm and searching, similar to the word Jeremiah delivered to King Zedekiah (Jeremiah 38:17-18). • The instruction “tell” emphasizes faithful transmission. Like Paul reminding the elders to declare “the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27), messengers must not dilute or edit divine revelation. summary 2 Chronicles 34:23 begins Huldah’s prophecy by highlighting three truths: God chooses reliable servants to speak, His word carries supreme and covenantal authority, and even the highest earthly leaders stand as mere individuals under that word. The verse calls every reader to listen with the same humility Josiah showed and to respond promptly and obediently when God’s unchanging voice breaks into our lives. |
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