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2 Kings 22:3

And it came to pass in the eighteenth year of king Josiah, that the king sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, the son of Meshullam, the scribe, to the house of the LORD, saying,

2 Kings 22:3 · King James Version

Meaning

This verse from the book of 2 Kings describes an important event during the reign of King Josiah, who was known for his efforts to reform the worship practices of the Israelites. In the eighteenth year of his reign, the king sent his trusted scribe, Shaphan, to the house of the Lord with a specific instruction. This action demonstrates the king's commitment to upholding the religious rituals and traditions prescribed in the scriptures. By sending Shaphan to the house of the Lord, King Josiah is showing his dedication to the worship of God and his desire to ensure that the proper ceremonies and offerings were being conducted according to the laws of the land. This verse marks a pivotal moment in the religious history of Israel, as it highlights the importance of maintaining a strong connection with God through adherence to the practices outlined in the scriptures.

Theological Overview

The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the significance of King Josiah's actions in sending Shaphan to the house of the LORD. Josiah's reign was marked by a renewed commitment to the worship of the Lord and the restoration of true worship practices. Sending Shaphan to the house of the LORD signifies the king's desire to seek God's guidance and follow His commandments. The act of sending the scribe, Shaphan, emphasizes the importance of documenting and preserving the Word of God. Word studies of the names mentioned, such as Shaphan, Azaliah, and Meshullam, can provide further insights into the historical context and the individuals involved in this account. The close attention to detail in recording the lineage of Shaphan underscores the meticulous nature of biblical accounts and the importance of accuracy in documenting God's work among His people.

2 Kings 22:3 in other translations

American Standard Version

And it came to pass in the eighteenth year of king Josiah, that the king sent Shaphan, the son of Azaliah the son of Meshullam, the scribe, to the house of Jehovah, saying,

World English Bible

In the eighteenth year of king Josiah, the king sent Shaphan, the son of Azaliah the son of Meshullam, the scribe, to Yahweh’s house, saying,

Douay-Rheims

And in the eighteenth year of king Josias, the king sent Saphan, the son of Assia, the son of Messulam, the scribe of the temple of the Lord, saying to him:

Geneva Bible (1599)

And in the eighteenth yeere of King Iosiah, the King sent Shaphan the sonne of Azaliah the sonne of Meshullam the chanceller to ye house of the Lord, saying,