2 Chronicles 34:23 – “She said to them, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: Tell the man who sent you to me,’”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, Huldah the prophetess begins delivering a message from God to the officials sent by King Josiah. The “man who sent you” refers to King Josiah, who had sent his officials to inquire of the Lord after the Book of the Law was discovered. Huldah’s response starts with a statement of authority: “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says.” She is making it clear that the message she is about to give comes directly from God, not from her own opinions or insights. The significance here is that Josiah was seeking to understand the consequences of Judah’s disobedience, and God was about to give him a direct answer through Huldah.
Historical Context
King Josiah reigned in a time of spiritual decline in Judah. His predecessors had led the people into idolatry and neglect of God’s commandments. When Josiah began to reform the nation, part of that process was repairing the temple, during which the Book of the Law was rediscovered. Josiah was deeply convicted when he heard the words of the Law because he realized how far the people had strayed from God. He sent his officials to seek guidance from the Lord, and they turned to Huldah, a respected prophetess living in Jerusalem.
Huldah’s role was significant in this context. As a prophetess, she was called to communicate God’s messages to the people. Her response to Josiah’s inquiry would shape the actions that followed, as she delivered a message of both judgment and mercy.
Theological Implications
This verse shows the importance of seeking God’s will and listening to His voice when facing spiritual challenges. Josiah, rather than relying on his own understanding, sought the Lord’s guidance. This teaches us that God is always willing to communicate His will to those who seek Him with a sincere heart.
The phrase “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says” emphasizes that God’s Word is authoritative and must be taken seriously. Huldah’s message was not her own; it was a direct revelation from God. This highlights the role of prophets in the Old Testament, who were tasked with delivering God’s truth to His people, often in times of crisis or when they had gone astray.
It also shows that God uses a variety of people, including women like Huldah, to convey His truth. This demonstrates that God’s calling and His message are not limited by social roles or positions.
Literary Analysis
The verse is a simple but powerful introduction to the message Huldah is about to deliver. The phrase “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says” serves as a formal declaration, typical of prophetic messages in the Old Testament. It sets the tone for the seriousness and authority of what is about to follow.
The phrase “Tell the man who sent you to me” shows that the message is personalized for Josiah. Even though he is the king, Huldah addresses him as “the man,” which may emphasize the equality of all people before God’s judgment and instruction. This suggests that no one, not even a king, is above God’s law.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- 2 Samuel 7:5: “Go and tell my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord says: Are you the one to build me a house to dwell in?’” Similar to Huldah’s message, this passage shows a direct command from God given to a king through a prophet.
- Jeremiah 1:9-10: Jeremiah’s calling as a prophet shows that God raises up individuals to speak His words at critical times in the history of His people, much like Huldah was raised up for Josiah’s time.
- Deuteronomy 18:18: “I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their fellow Israelites, and I will put my words in his mouth. He will tell them everything I command him.” This shows the role of prophets in delivering God’s Word to His people.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse reminds us of the importance of seeking God’s guidance through His Word and His messengers. When we face challenges or realize we’ve strayed from God’s will, our response should be to seek His wisdom, just as Josiah did. Huldah’s message shows that God is willing to communicate with those who earnestly seek Him, and we can trust that His Word will guide us in truth.
This verse also challenges us to recognize the authority of God’s Word. Huldah didn’t speak her own message; she delivered God’s Word faithfully. As Christians, we are called to trust in the authority of Scripture and to follow what God has revealed to us.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is evident in the fact that He responds to Josiah’s inquiry. Even though the nation of Judah had been disobedient for many years, God didn’t ignore them. Instead, He provided a clear message through Huldah. This shows that God’s love is patient, and He desires to guide His people back to the right path, even when they have strayed.
God’s love is also seen in His willingness to communicate clearly with His people. He doesn’t leave us guessing about His will; He provides His Word and raises up leaders and prophets to help us understand it.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Huldah’s role as a prophetess delivering God’s Word points forward to the ultimate fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus Christ. Jesus is the final and perfect revelation of God’s will. While Huldah brought a message from the Lord to Josiah, Jesus is the Word made flesh (John 1:14), delivering God’s truth to all of humanity. In Christ, we have direct access to God’s wisdom and guidance, and through Him, we are able to understand and live out God’s will in our lives.
Moreover, just as Josiah sought God’s guidance through Huldah, we are called to seek Jesus, who is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). Jesus not only delivers God’s message but also makes it possible for us to be reconciled with God through His life, death, and resurrection.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How do you seek God’s guidance when facing spiritual challenges or when you feel convicted by His Word?
- What does Huldah’s role as a prophetess teach you about the importance of listening to God’s messengers and being open to His truth?
- How can you apply the principle of taking God’s Word seriously in your own life, recognizing its authority and following it faithfully?
- In what ways does this verse show God’s patience and willingness to guide His people back to Him, even after a period of disobedience?
- How does Huldah’s role in delivering God’s message point you to Jesus as the ultimate revelation of God’s will and the source of our guidance today?
This verse teaches us the importance of seeking God’s guidance and recognizing the authority of His Word. It also points to the way God uses different people to deliver His truth and lead His people back to Him. Ultimately, Huldah’s role in delivering God’s message points us to Jesus, the final and perfect revelation of God’s will, who offers us the wisdom and grace we need to follow Him faithfully.